PANJIM: The Goa government has decided to extend what is still being called the “Janta Curfew” by three more days. This will continue till ‘gudipadwa”. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant arrived at this decision after discussion and consultation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda.
In identical orders issued by the North and Sought Goa Collectors under Sub Section (1) of Section 144 of CrPc closing all government departments, State government Industrial Departments, private establishments including factories and companies and any business trade, industrial undertakings, except essential services from midnight of 23/3/2020 to midnight of 26/3/2020 (intervening night of March 25 and March 26)
Chief Minister Sawant also discussed the Goa lockdown with the Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
In a video message posted by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant late on Sunday evening, he thanked Goans for making the Janta Curfew a success, even as he extended it by three more days till the midnight of March 25. Announcing a total lockdown, Chief Minister Sawant said that Goa would be on a complete lockdown no trains and buses allowed to enter from across the Maharashtra and Goa borders. There will be restricted entry of flights whose passengers will be thoroughly screened and if needed quarantined
CM has also requested print media companies to give news mainly through social and electronic media.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Panjim Uday Madkaikar has said that the Panjim market would remain open today (Monday) from 8 am to 11 am, Only vegetable, fruit and fish vendors will be allowed, Only one member of each family asked to visit the market to avoid overcrowding
Chief Minister Sawant also asked Goan students and workers from other states who have returned home due to the lockdown to get themselves screened and tested and observe self-quarantine
Meanwhile, Goa joined the rest of the country on observing the Janata Curfew from 7 am onwards and as requested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many Goans in the state came out to their balcaos and balconies to clap, beat vessels, ring bells as a show of solidarity of Corona Warriors i.e. doctors, nurses and health care workers, who are in the forefront of their fight against the Corona Virus.
Markets, beaches and streets wore a deserted look. Pharmacies and health centers were open though throughout the state.
Meanwhile the President of the Goa Forward Party Vijai Sardesai has said that Goa should be prepared for a lockdown but her government should think of income support for daily wagers, small and medium businesses for tax breaks and a loan repayment moratorium.
