MAPUSA
Ports Minister Michael Lobo said the panchayat imposed “lockdown” has clicked as it has brought down the coronavirus infection and reduced fatality rate in the coastal villages of Calangute and Candolim.
“We were witnessing almost 100 to 150 positive cases every day which have now come down to 20 to 30 cases per day along the Calangute-Candolim belt. The lockdown has definitely brought down the infection rate drastically,” Lobo said.
He also said that the fatality rate which was a cause of concern in the coastal villages has reduced considerably.
The Ports Minister admitted that the infection rate was high in Baga and especially along the Sauntavaddo area but the restrictions imposed by the panchayat has brought about a turnaround.
He said the local panchayats helped the affected locals by providing the needful facilities at the door step either by providing medications including oximeters or taking them to the nearest testing centres.
“We have to see this lockdown is followed strictly so that we win this war against Covid. I request the people with folded hands to stay home. People can buy their ration for a period of five to eight days at one time instead of frequenting to the grocery shops,” he appealed.
Lobo informed that the new vaccination centre was almost ready at St Joseph High School, Calangute.
He said all necessary provisions and arrangements were put in place and the vaccination drive would be started from May 15.
“We were expecting to start vaccination for the age group of 18 to 45. A lot of young Goans of the age group of 18 to 45 have lost their lives and they should be given vaccination first. But Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has informed us that for some reason the entire consignment of vaccines has not arrived and it will take another eight days,” he said.
However, he said all frontline workers which include panchayat workers, those working in Covid centres and those who supply medical kit and oximeters in the wards in the age group of 18 to 45 will be vaccinated.
Time to help, not indulge
in blame games: Lobo
MAPUSA: Stating that Goa was going through difficult times, Ports Minister Michael Lobo said there was no scope to indulge in blame games and called for a joint effort to help the people of Goa.
“In this difficult time, we have to work together. This is not the time to play blame games. I have told the State BJP president and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that the people of Goa expect us to remain united in difficult times and help them. This is the time to help the people who are affected due to the Covid onslaught,” Lobo said.
The Ports Minister was reacting to the recent differences that came into the open between Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over the oxygen supply in GMC.
