MAPUSA
Insisting that the tourism industry brings revenue for the State and should therefore get top priority, Ports Minister Michael Lobo said every stakeholder connected to tourism in some way or the other should be vaccinated for Covid-19.
“Everyone who comes in direct contact with tourists, whether it is someone at the reception, restaurant or kitchen, should be vaccinated first. From a taxi driver, motorcycle pilot, travel agent to those employed in hotels, shacks or clubs or even those involved in water sports activity, all should get the jabs,” Lobo said.
He disclosed that the government has discussed the issue and the vaccination drive is expected to be opened for the tourism industry very soon.
“We have already discussed the matter with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who is expected to broach the subject with the union health minister. The SOP for the vaccination of stakeholders in the tourism industry will follow very soon, probably next week. This is the only industry that is grossing revenue to the State. And therefore, all the frontline people who are working in the tourism sector have to be vaccinated on priority,” he stressed.
The sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in the State has sent the administration, particularly the health authorities, into a tizzy.
With the daily active cases showing a rapid and steady rise, the government was forced to open more quarantine centres across the State.
Aware of the crippling impact the first lockdown had on the state economy, the government is in no mood to impose another lockdown this time around.
The Ports Minister informed that due to the mini lockdown and night curfew imposed in Maharashtra and a similar situation in Karnataka, the number of tourists coming to Goa have declined.
“Tourists have begun cancelling hotel bookings. As of today, hotel occupancy is hardly around 35 percent. We cannot afford another lockdown. Lockdown does not stop coronavirus. It is not the solution to control the virus,” Lobo reiterated.
He was also against imposition of night curfew as any type of restrictions will deter tourists from visiting the State.
The Ports Minister admitted the rise in Covid cases was a matter of concern right now but hoped that things would improve in days to come.
He said vaccination of all those involved in the hospitality business will go a long way to beat the rising Covid curve if not immediately but in near future.
“There should be no age limit for vaccination of those in the tourism industry. Anybody, even at the age of 18 or 19 who are working in the hospitality industry should be given the vaccination,” he said.
Lobo said the only way to control the spread of the Covid infection was to strictly follow the protocols of wearing masks, sanitization, maintaining social distancing, etc.
