It is seen that several shopping festivals, exhibition-cum-sale with games and entertainments are being held at various open spaces and Ravindra Bhavan in the state. These exhibitions are very popular attractions for the people during the summer season and draw huge crowds. However, times are different. It seems absolutely necessary to observe Covid-19 protocols at these exhibition centres. With thousands of people visiting these places, maintaining social distancing in a small area is next to impossible. People are seen jostling with each other while making the purchases. Many of them are seen not wearing the mask including several of those manning the stalls. We are still not out of the woods as far as the pandemic is concerned. There has been a rise in the number of fresh cases of infection reported in the state. Goa could well be witnessing a second wave of the infection. Hence following the Covid-19 SOPs becomes very important. Wearing a mask should be made mandatory for those who visit these exhibition centres. Sanitizers should be made available at the entrance of the exhibition halls. People should be advised to maintain social distancing. It is not only wedding halls which can spread the infection but also exhibition halls. Another outbreak of the infection could prove disastrous for the economy of Goa which has already suffered during the first phase.
