PANAJI
Even as Goa has been witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals ahead of the Christmas, New Year festivities, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday urged tourism industry stakeholders as well as visiting tourists to maintain Covid protocol, so that Goa need not impose a night curfew like some other states already have in wake of the emergence of Omicron.
Sawant also told reporters that the state had managed to avoid any Omicron cases so far, adding that a high-level meeting would be held soon to work out newer protocols to ensure that both local residents as well as tourists are safe.
“Different parts of the country have started imposing night curfews. Tourists who are coming to Goa by air, by port and by rail, testing norms are followed strictly. If a person is found positive, the person is kept in isolation. Other passengers are also checked. We have to follow all norms,” the Chief Minister told reporters here.
“I have a request to all tourism industry stakeholders. We should work in such a manner that we do not have to impose the night curfew and co-operate with the government, while also ensuring that the tourist season is not disturbed,” he said, cautioning that other states had already taken steps and imposed a night curfew to halt the possible spread of the Omicron variant.
Goa’s tourist season peaks in the week from Christmas to New Year, during which hundreds of thousands of tourists end up visiting the coastal state, which is well known as a beach and nightlife destination.
“This is the festive season in Goa. From Christmas to January 1, there is an atmosphere of excitement. There is a lot of crowd on the occasion of Christmas in several parts of Goa as well as in Churches, coastal areas and beaches. We have to follow Covid protocol, wear masks and maintain social distancing,” the Chief Minister said.
Sawant also said that the only way to keep both Covid and Omicron infections at bay was by ensuring 100 per cent vaccination, adding that only “four to five” per cent of the eligible population had not opted for the second dose so far.
“We are promoting 100 per cent vaccination. Four to five per cent vaccination is left. Those who have not taken the second dose should take it as soon as possible. If we are fully vaccinated, any possible spread of Covid or Omicron virus will be limited,” the Chief Minister said.
