Day by the day the cases of Covid-19 are increasing in India in general and in particular in Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa. In other states there are SOPs in place but not in Goa! It is a free-for-all scene for tourists while residents of Goa are asked to take all precautionary measures and even Section 144 is applicable to us! The reasons for letting the tourists run amok (while we are to be cooped up in the house) is they bring in the much-needed business and perhaps even the virus! In Goa the Covid-19 positivity rate is more than 5% and this is of concern especially for the already hassled doctors, nurses and other front-line workers and a strain on the existing infrastructural facilities. The Centre after watching the unfolding scenario sends out advisories and requests to all the States but beyond this nothing is done. It is high time that the Centre takes the reins once the cases and positivity rate (if more than 2%) escalates in any State. When the Centre can step into a State for political reasons and compulsions, it has to now order any State to follow its diktats. The situation being a national medical emergency all the States need to toe the line of the Centre failing which grants to the State should be reduced and authorities taken to task. Impartial actions should be taken regardless of which political party is governing a State, only then would there be some control over the rising cases of Covid-19 in the country.
