PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday convened an emergency meeting at the request of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to deliberate on the measures to be adopted in view of the rising number of Covid cases and mounting Covid death toll in the state.
However, following the meeting, CM Sawant once again brushed aside the possibility of a lockdown in Goa even as Health Minister Rane demanded for a 30-day lockdown to break the chain of Covid transmission in the state.
Speaking to the media, Sawant said, “Second wave is very dangerous. Anyone experiencing any symptoms should not stay back at home and should get hospitalised immediately. We have increased the beds at Goa Medical College and Hospital, South Goa District Hospital, ESI Covid Hospital and at Asilo Hospital. Oxygen has been made available and expert doctors are taking care of the patients. Therefore, we don’t feel there is a need for a lockdown just yet.”
However, the CM warned that the government will be forced to take some hard decisions imposing some very strict rules from Tuesday if the situation does not improve.
When asked if the state government has zeroed down on any new set of restrictions in favour of public health, CM stated, “There will be no lockdown. But before that, we will have to take one step. From tomorrow, police personnel and Collectorate officials will start implementing the rules strictly and large gatherings including weddings and religion feasts will be dispersed by the authorities. People will have to end their functions and marriage celebrations if they do not abide by the law.”
Meanwhile, the authorities informed that the present daily requirement of oxygen in Goa, 11 MT, was being met through the allotment made by the central government from Kolhapur as well as from the supplier agencies based in Goa.
It has also been learnt that CM Sawant will review the Covid-19 management and enforcement with the appropriate authorities tomorrow via video conferencing on Tuesday. CM will also discuss with the Directorate of Goa Police and Police Inspectors of all police stations the need for effective enforcement of the Covid-19 guidelines and protocols to arrest the spike in cases. A meeting has also been scheduled with Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate and all the revenue officials to review the management of Covid care centres, including vaccination drives and to sensitize the people.
