PERNEM
Covid cases are on the rise in Pernem but there appears to be little urgency to adhere to Covid-related SOPs and protocols in the taluka, as people have been freely mingling in public spaces and parties are in full flow along the coast.
On Friday, four persons tested positive for Covid in Pernem and they were detected in Morjim (1), Korgao (1) and Tuem (2).
It has been a year since the first Covid-19 patient tested positive in Pernem taluka and even though cases have reduced dramatically, the second phase has seen the rise in Covid cases.
At present, there are 28 Covid active patients in Pernem.
Despite appeals by the government and various NGOs to people to follow safety protocols, most people have been flouting the rules in public places such as markets, beaches and workplaces.
The government had also empowered panchayat talathis, panchayat secretaries and police to take action against those found violating the protocols, but there has been little action to enforce the SOPs.
Beach parties in Pernem taluka are in full flow and crowds are expected to surge with the Holi festivities.
Pernem police led by Police Inspector Jivba Dalvi, however, continue to go around beach areas to create awareness on Covid prevention, but it has had little effect on tourists who have come on a holiday and to party in Goa.
