PANAJI
Acting on the recommendations of the expert committee and the State Task Force, the Health Department on Saturday issued an order imposing several restrictions on educational institutions and public gatherings across the state in view of the ongoing third wave of Covid pandemic.
Accordingly, schools will now remain closed for students till January 26. However, teachers are required to attend school for conducting online classes.
Colleges and other institutions of higher education have been ordered to remain closed for students till January 26 for the conduct of examinations while teachers have been asked to attend colleges for conducting online classes.
The Health Department as well as the Education Department have prioritized the completion of vaccination of children between the age group of 15 to 18 years as soon as possible.
Public gatherings in case of indoor halls, auditoriums, mandaps and so on have been restricted to a maximum of 50 persons or 50 per cent of the seating capacity whichever is less and public gatherings in case of open spaces have been restricted to a maximum of 100 persons.
Both the district collectors have been ordered to ensure strict compliance to these directions and to take necessary action in case of violations.
“The number of Covid-29 cases being reported in Goa are increasing and the situation might further aggravate if public gatherings and active interactions are permitted unrestricted,” the order states. It has been noted that the number of hospitalization vis-avis positive cases is low but additional restrictions have been imposed to prevent the further spread of the disease.
