Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, asserting that the government is seized of the serious issue of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic situation which has seen an increase in cases, maintained that it is disheartening to see deaths of youth in the State.
Sawant, addressing the deputy collectors and mamlatdars of all talukas virtually, on management of surge of COVID situation in the State on Tuesday, underscored the urgent need of action by all stakeholders to control the rate of mortality and the surge of cases in the State.
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Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate, Chief Secretary Parimal Rai, Secretary (Revenue) Sanjay Kumar, South Goa Collector Ruchika Katyal and others attended the meeting.
The Chief Minister said, “We have witnessed record breaking deaths of 38 people in a day making it necessary to initiate strict measures to bring the situation under control.”
Owing to this situation the Chief Minister said he has also met with officials of the Home Department and directed them to initiate necessary measures and act strictly against violators of the guidelines and protocols.
Sawant maintained that the government doesn’t want to impose a lockdown but will enforce laws to arrest the spread of pandemic. “We are passing through a serious situation wherein we will have to help people and I have instructed the authorities to shoulder the responsibility and initiate steps as and when required,” he said.
The Chief Minister advised the public not to come out without any reason and instructed the deputy collectors and mamlatdars to initiate measures like making awareness at public places, markets, deploy flying squads, police constables at marriage halls, temples, places of entertainments, markets, bus stands, fish markets etc and strictly fine those who violate the rule.
Sawant expressed concern over people not coming to COVID Care Centres although they are asymptomatic leading to worsening of the situation.
The Chief Minister directed the authorities to stop programmes like dramas, allow them to perform religious functions like palkhi and other processions with a limited number of people. He advised officers to reach out to communities to perform their religious rites from their homes.
The Chief Minister urged the deputy collectors and mamlatdars of areas where the COVID-19 cases have crossed the mark of 1400 cases and below to hold meetings with representatives of local self bodies and work out plans or measures to control the situation. He also advised them to go through COVID bulletin published every day to keep updated.
“We have to control the situation and reduce rate of mortality at any cost for which officials of Revenue Department, Home Department, health workers at PHCs, CHCs, representatives of local self bodies and public at large will have to work together to overcome this situation to provide solace to the people,” Sawant said.
Monserrate expressed concern over the surge in the State. She appreciated the Revenue Department officials working beyond the time to arrest the COVID-19 situation in the State.
The Chief Secretary directed the stakeholders to be alert, vigilant and serious as it is a critical situation. “Our meeting from time to time is important,” he said.
