After several weeks of distress and turmoil resulting from the 2nd wave of Covid-19 cases in the state, the State seems to be breathing easy. However, the mortality rate continues to be a worry.
The ongoing curfew in the State has definitely helped to lower the caseload. If the State Administration had taken an early call on the curfew/ lockdown in April when the caseload started increasing steeply, probably scores of lives could have been saved. Notwithstanding the reduced positivity rate, it is too early to rejoice and we should not lower our guard so soon. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes made earlier this year by keeping our borders open for unrestricted tourism, casinos and other mass celebrations. Considering the current health situation in the State, the High Court has rightly rejected the Government’s plea to waive off negative RT-PCR tests for visitors to Goa. Goa cannot afford another recurring health crisis so soon, because our already fragile healthcare system will collapse. It is a prudent decision to extend the present curfew restrictions for some more time while allowing the caseload to fall further and allowing a breather to our exhausted healthcare workers. We must admit a terrible mistake happened in the recent past and we can’t afford to make it again.
