PANAJI
In a bid to shore up its defences against a potential fourth wave, Goa will launch 'Tikka Utsav 2.0' from 9 am on Sunday to administer the booster (precautionary) dose to all frontline and health workers, besides senior citizens at all government primary and community health centres across the State.
On Saturday, Goa reported 36 new Covid-19 cases from 679 samples tested a tad lower than the 50 reported on Friday.
The positivity rate also dropped by one percentage point to 5.3 % and so did the State's caseload to 233 after 20 persons were declared fully recovered.
A steady rise in daily new Covid-19 infections over the last week had prompted health authorities to advise Goans to be cautious and adhere to Covid appropriate behaviour besides advocating precautionary vaccination.
In a video message released on Saturday, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said he expects the cases to rise in the coming days.
“We have seen the trend in five States where the number of cases is on rise. Goa may also witness a similar situation in days to come,” Rane said, appealing to people to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour and wear masks in public.
As Goa is a tourist State, it is imperative to ensure that the infections don't rise, the minister said.
Citizens should immediately get themselves tested, if they experience even a slight symptom of the infection, he said.
“Government-run primary health centres, community health centres and Goa Medical College are always there for help, he said, in a three minute video clip that he uploaded on social media.
