the goan I networkPANAJIThe State government is readying a 10-bedded ‘isolation ward’ at two of its health facilities ” the Sanquelim Health Centre and the TB Hospital at Margao ” to quarantine suspect patients with symptoms as also those who could possibly test positive for the coronavirus infection. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said the two isolation wards are almost ready and an advisory is being also issued to all the major private hospitals and clinics to maintain a spare isolation ward to deal with any eventuality. Rane held a meeting on Wednesday at which most authorities and private sector representatives particularly those from the tourism industry were present. Chief Secretary Parimal Rai, both the district collectors, officials of various government departments including health, captain of ports, education, Indian Medical Association (IMA) Goa chapter president among others were in attendance. Health workers and professionals, including hospital managements are being told to strictly follow the Central Government’s guidelines, an official who was privy to the discussions at the review meeting said. Rane told journalistis that all major private hospitals are being told identify isolation areas in their facilities to enable prompt quarantining suspect patients. “Also, we are asking them (private hospitals) to separate areas where out-patients are cared for from the area where foreign (tourist) patients are treated,” Rane said. Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Michael Lobo has claimed that tourist footfalls have soared, particularly the domestic visitors.Tourists, he said have increased in Goa as due to the Coronavirus crisis, several domestic tourists have cancelled their planed trips to foreign countries and coming to Goa. Lobo also claimed that Goa’s hot and humid weather conditions are not conducive to the deadly virus spreading here.THIS VIRUS A BOON FOR GOA TOURISM! Several domestic tourists have cancelled their planed trips to foreign countries and are coming to Goa, Port Minister Michael Lobo has claimed According to the minister, Goa’s hot and humid weather conditions are not conducive to the deadly virus spreading here IN ALL SERIOUSNESS Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said the two isolation wards are almost ready and an advisory is being issued to all major private hospitals and clinics to maintain a spare isolation ward Vishwajit held a meeting on Wednesday at which authorities, private sector reps especially those from tourism industry were present
