the goan I network
MAPUSA
Making a case for thermal scanners to be made available at key bus-stands in State, Ports Minister Michael Lobo on Monday said many tourists come to Goa by bus and therefore needed to be examined for COVID-19 at the bus-stands.
“I have asked the chief minister to procure more thermal scanners because a lot of tourists come by bus and get down at Mapusa, Panaji, Margao and Vasco bus-stands. Prevention is better than the disease making its way inside,” Lobo said.
The Ports Minister has also sought action against retail outlets selling gutka and paan in the State as a lot of tourists had the habit of consuming the banned stuff and spitting anywhere and everywhere.
“Calangute panchayat are carrying out raids to check sale of gutka and paan which is banned in the State. We do not want the tourists to spit in public places especially when the threat of COVID-19 looms large,” he said.
He further requested the Mapusa Municipal Council chief officer and Health Officer to take proactive action against sale of gutka and paan in the jurisdiction of Mapusa municipality.
He said the local self-governing bodies can confiscate the sachets of such banned products and dispose them off.
Lobo disclosed that pharmacists and retail outlets have started overcharging people procuring masks and sanitizers and called for action against such offenders.
He said he had received complaints that a pharmacist in Calangute was creating a scare among the public that only few pieces of masks and sanitizers were available with him and overcharging.
Health Officer Dr Roshan Nazareth informed that Candolim PHC organised two meetings with hoteliers and guest house owners in the coastal belt on measures to be taken.
He further disclosed that medical offices visited several schools and anganwadis falling in the area of the PHC to create awareness against prevention of spread of coronavirus.
He said besides adopting appropriate hand washing technique, people experiencing cough and cold should remain indoors.
