PANAJI
Ports Minister Michael Lobo on Wednesday resorted to plain-speak when he stated that the government is “not in the mood of going back into a Covid-induced lockdown”.
When asked about the precautions the government is taking on the backdrop of cases being detected among the tourists entering the state from across the country, Lobo said that thermal scanners and guns will be installed at every entry point to scan passengers and travellers.
“We cannot do Covid test certificate. That is wrong because we will again go down, back to zero. We have to come out of this situation. Not go back to zero. We are not in the mood of going into a lockdown again. We don’t intend to go,” he stated.
The Ports Minister, who is known to be a staunch supporter of the taxi operators’ lobby in the state, also declared that the government has finally agreed not only to waive off the fine but also to provide relief for the last six months to all commercial transport vehicle owners.
“They don’t have to pay passenger tax, renewal of fees, registration fees and such other fees from April 1, 2020, to September 30, 2020. They will get a credit note for next year,” he informed.
