the goan I network
PANAJI
To tighten its grip over the fight against the threat of COVID-19 outbreak in the State, the Pramod Sawant administration imposed Section 144, debarring the assembly of five or more persons in a public space.
Among a slew of other measures, the government also banned entry of all public transport and tourist buses from other States even as Sawant appealed for “100% participation” in the ‘janata curfew’ from 7 am to 9 pm on Sunday called for by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier Saturday morning, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane called upon every government department to be proactive saying, “There can be no question of any religious functions. The decision has been taken after the video conference with the Prime Minister on March 20.”
Rane has requested the public not to overcrowd OPDs for routine issues and to visit hospitals, especially Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim, only for matters which need urgent attention.
“Social distancing has to be followed,” he said.
Meanwhile, the collectors of both the districts -- North Goa and South Goa -- issued orders under Section 144 prohibiting the movement of passenger vehicles which include Maxicab (12+1), heavy passenger vehicles like contract carriage, stage carriage, all India tourist buses from Karnataka and M’rashtra with immediate effect until further orders.
Any person contravening this order will attract punishment under Section 188 of the India Penal Code, the orders issued by the Collectors said.
The movement of transport vehicles across Goa’s borders will be limited to essential goods carriers and private vehicles from March 22 onwards. While interstate buses will be stopped immediately, private cars will be checked thoroughly at the borders with thermal guns.
“No tourist vehicles should enter Goa. The police personnel posted at the border checkposts will have the power to deny entry to such vehicles,” Rane said,
Transport services will be reduced to the bare minimum level, and all destinations will be connected by public bus services through an arranged skeleton service.
The state government is set to review all the measures on March 28 or 29.
“We are of the opinion that we are at that curve where we need to take all precautions. Lesser movement of people is important. Travel only when absolutely required,” Rane appealed.
In addition to this, North Goa Collector R Menaka has issued orders prohibiting the transportation and entry of birds from Karnataka and Kerala into the North Goa District either directly or indirectly. Meneka issued the order in view of confirmation of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Chicken in Mysore, Devangere of Karnataka and West Kodyathur, Kozikode of Kerala.
Stage carriage as well as contract carriage buses have been prohibited from operating from Sunday. All licence holders under Rent-A-Car Scheme and Rent A-Bike have also been directed to stop operating their business of renting cars, scooters and bikes from Sunday till March 31. Apps galore! Govt unveils another
PANAJI: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday unveiled yet another technological solution as a preventive measure to the spread of COVID-19. The first was a chatbot which gives out basic answers to eight Frequently Asked Questions about the disease. Rane informed that both the solutions have been offered to Goa Government without any cost.
On Saturday, the Health Minister unveiled under the state government’s banner a website www.testyourselfgoa.com to assist the citizens to conduct a self assessment test. Using the interface, anyone can fill out a survey based on the symptoms and the solution will assist them to take the next step accordingly without having to physically visit a healthcare facility.
Call for restaurants, hotels lockdown
PANAJI: Goa Hotel and Restaurant Association calls upon its members to observe a lockdown till March 31. Hotel and Restaurant Association has called upon its members to observe a lockdown till March 31 in view of the safety of the staff members and customers in times of COVID-19 pandemic. “We need to be a part of solution and not the problem,” said Gaurish Dhond.
