PANAJI
Amid a surge in Covid cases, the United Goans Foundation (UGF) has petitioned the government to impose strict SOPs and postpone the upcoming assembly elections.UGF petitioned the governor, chief secretary and both district collectors to take urgent stock of the third Covid wave and implement immediate steps to prevent loss of lives. The petition has also been sent to the Chief Election Commissioner of India and Chief Electoral Officer of the State.
UGF President Dr Ashish Kamat also sought immediate SOPs to restrict political gatherings and meetings, canvassing with more than five persons and/or any such gathering of people for entertainment.
UGF claimed that on January 5, 1,002 positive cases were detected only from those who came forward for testing and the positivity rate was at 17.72%, while neighbouring states had already begun imposing restrictions on travel and movement.
“Night curfew has been imposed in certain states,” stated the petition.
Dr Kamat accused the State government of playing with the lives of Goans by allowing massive gatherings during New Year and before, alleging that all data regarding Covid was suppressed or manipulated.
Recollecting that the horrors of the second wave have still not been forgotten in the State, Dr Kamat has stated that allowing big parties, congregations and meetings would lead to another disaster.
