Not to risk people’s lives during the current pandemic, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant should step in and stop the Carnival festivities from being held this year. The prevailing situation is not at all conducive to hold Carnival which will lead to a very huge congregation of thousands with social distancing next to impossible. The government knows and is very well aware that it is not equipped to deal with the situation if there is a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases.
It was just over a month ago on 31 December that the Health Minister stated that following a letter received from the Union Health Secretary, it was imperative for Goa as a tourist state to have strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and strict protocols in place. The Union Health Secretary had called for a strict vigil in Goa to curb all "’super spreader events" and places where crowds may gather to celebrate the New Year. The Carnival is probably the biggest ’super spreader’ event of the year and should not be allowed to be held in this pandemic which spreads like wildfire through close contacts. One fails to understand why the Panaji Mayor Uday Madkaikar is so keen on holding the Carnival. He could not have decided on such a mega event without having a meeting of all the corporators. People are not allowed to attend ISL matches on account of Covid-19, but Carnival is on. Why this double standard?
