OLD GOA
The Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa has been thrown open to tourists but with restrictions, after almost four months since it was closed on account of rising Covid cases.
When The Goan visited Old Goa on Saturday, it was seen that tourists were allowed entry inside the Church.
A guard posted outside the main gate of the Basilica informed that the church was thrown open to tourists from August 2.
It may be recalled that on April 15, all centrally protected monuments/sites and museums under ASI were ordered to be closed with immediate effect on account of rising Covid cases.
On an earlier occasion, the ASI had ordered all its monuments to be closed down in March 2020 with Covid cases rising in the country.
It was only eight months later in November 2020 that the Basilica was thrown open to the tourists, only to be closed again in April.
Speaking to The Goan, Basilica rector Fr Patricio Fernandes said since 15 people are allowed for church services, it was decided by the archdiocese and the vicar general to let limited number of tourists to enter at a time.
"Our ushers also suggested that five persons be allowed to enter so that SOPs are adhered to, otherwise it becomes a crowd inside and social distance is also not maintained," Fr Fernandes said.
Meanwhile, the other ASI monuments in Old Goa continue to be closed for tourists.
When contacted, an official of the ASI-Goa circle informed The Goan that the ASI monuments in Old Goa have yet to be thrown open for tourists.
