MAPUSA
We need to be strict as Goa is a tourism state and therefore we need to take all the precautions as far as the new Covid variant is concerned, said the Health Minister and stressed that all central government protocols will be strictly followed and if required further strengthen them.
“We are not going to take things lightly. We are a very responsible government. Both the CM and myself are on the same page on this. In fact, we have taken one step ahead of insisting on testing people arriving from all the countries, even those which are not on the 'high risk' list,” the Health Minister said.
He said since Goa was a tourism State it was but natural that all protocols of the Government of India vis-Ã -vis the Omicron virus were followed very strictly.
“We have already insisted people who want to come to the State should be double vaccinated. Whatever protocols enforced by GoI will be strictly followed and if required we will further strengthen them. Both the CM and myself are in consultation with each other and will take whatever steps are required,” the Health Minister said.
So far, 21 cases of Omicron have been reported in the country and the government both at the Centre and the States have been put on alert on the new Covid variant.
In Goa, five persons who have been identified with suspected Omicron virus, on Monday, have been isolated and their samples sent to Pune for genome sequencing.
