PANJIM: Fifteen tourists were slapped fines for not wearing face masks near Immaculate Conception Church on Sunday.
On finding the tourists for violating the safety guidelines, as prescribed by the government to stop the spread of COVIF-19, Mayor Uday Madkaikar instructed inspector of Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) to impose fine on the violators.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
“Many tourists have been coming to the State after restrictions on the movement of people and goods have been lifted. Today, while I was returning home, I saw that a group of 12 persons and another of three persons near the Church Square were not wearing face masks. I directed my inspector to fine them,” Madkaikar said in a video message to the media.
These tourists travelled to the capital from Karnataka. The Mayor said while tourists are welcome into the State, they should strictly adhere to the safety and hygiene norms.
“We welcome tourists but they should also know that without wearing of masks they are putting themselves as well as the people of Goa in danger,” he said maintaining that CCP’s drive on these violations will be ongoing to curb the virus spread.
The State has allowed unrestricted entry of people and goods in the State as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs. No self/facility quarantine or bringing COVID-19 negative certificate on arrival or undergoing the test is mandatory; however, the international and sea passengers will have to follow the norms.
Wearing of face masks, use of hand sanitisers or hand wash and social distancing continue to be in place. Several tourists, majorly comprising of drive-ins have already entered the State. Many hotels and bars have opened in view of relaxation by the State government.
