MAPUSA
The government has decided to extend the curfew in the State by another week till the morning of June 7 in order to break the chain of Covid-19 infections in the State.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant skipped the routine media briefing and took to Twitter to announce the extension of the curfew.
“Government of Goa has decided to extend the curfew till 7 am of June 7. The orders regarding the same shall be issued by respective district collectors,” said Sawant in a tweet on Saturday noon.
Orders to this effect by both district collectors were made public later in the day.
Although the Covid positivity graph in Goa showed a decline, it was still on the higher side and a cause for concern when compared to other bigger States like Delhi and Maharashtra.
With this background in mind, the State government has decided to extend the lockdown-like restrictions (curfew) for another week.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant pointed out that the positivity rate in the State had declined to 21 percent and expected it to drop further in the weeks ahead.
The government is also gearing up to tackle the third wave of Covid and have taken a series of measures to put the necessary infrastructure in place.
The central government in a missive on Thursday had directed various State governments to continue with the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions till June end to bring down the number of active cases.
In his letter to chief secretaries of all States, Union Home Secretary, Ajay Bhalla said strict implementation of containment and other measures has led to a declining trend in the number of new and active cases, across States and Union Territories.
“In spite of the declining trend, the number of active cases presently is still very high. It is, therefore, important that containment measures may continue to be implemented strictly,” Bhalla said.
“Any relaxation by States may be considered at an appropriate time, in a graded manner, after assessing the local situation, requirements and resources,” he added.
Covid dampens Statehood Day; No celebrations, says CM
PANAJI: State government has decided not to hold any official celebrations on the occasion of Goa Statehood Day on Sunday due to the pandemic-induced curfew. The government is taking utmost care and precaution. Speaking on the eve, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said current situation was challenging and the revival of the economy has become the need of the hour.
