MARGAO
The district authorities have announced a host of Covid-19 measures on the day of the Carnival float parade in the commercial capital on February 27, fixing responsibility on the organisers to ensure thermal screening of participants, physical distancing and sanitisation of floats, sanitisation of seating area, as well as sanitisation at the entry and exit points.
The 3-day Carnival festivities began on Friday with a depiction of Carnival of yesteryears at the Margao Municipal square.
While wearing mask to be compulsory for all, the SOP has called for the setting up of a Control Room along with isolation facility for person detected with Covid-19 symptoms. It has called for arrangement of ambulance along with setup protocol should be ready to shift such persons.
The SOP issued by Deputy Collector, Roshell Fernandes ahead of the Carnival parade, states the visitors at the venue shall follow all the guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs from time to time, warning that any violation of these National directives will be punishable.
The Deputy Collector further cautioned that the organisers shall ensure that there is no violation of Model Code of Conduct, which is in force in the State of Goa due to Goa State General Legislative Assembly Elections, 2022.
The SOP states that face cover mask to be worn by all at all times while in public places, adding that adequate physical distance when queuing for entry and inside the venue as far as feasible. Specific marking for same purpose may be done.
She has called for proper crowd management inside and outside the premises like parking lots, waiting
areas, stalls and eateries, etc, duly following physical distancing norms.
The SOP has called for contactless drinking water facility at the venue and other prime places, besides provision for sufficient number of mobile toilets for the general public. It has further called for adequate number of dustbins must be provided at key points, with specially marked dustbin for proper disposal of mask, gloves other equipment especially those used by cleaning staff.
Other measures include installation of CCTV cameras to monitor compliance of physical distance norms and wearing of masks at each venue.
Spitting has been prohibited in any place even as the authorities has called for sanitisation of frequently utilised places should be done at regular intervals.
Sufficient number of volunteers to be deployed to regulate the traffic and to maintain social distancing during float parade. Organisers should cap the numbers of participations and floats for event.
Medical team should be deployed by Health department along with health workers to monitor the situation.
