PANJIM: With State witnessing sharp decline in new COVID-19 cases over last few weeks, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane raised concern about possible “second wave” during November-December, which are considered as tourism months as well as for festivities.
“As the economic activities are opening up slowly and more people, from different States, coming to Goa, there is a possibility of sudden spike in new cases and we should not be caught unaware,” Rane informed media persons.
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“As we go on opening up for November and December, we need to be more cautious. We have to be ready for the second wave. Tourism activities will increase and also festival season ahead,” the minister added.
Goa’s COVID-19 cases have witnessed decline from 500-600 per day to 200-250 per day in the last few weeks. The mortality count has also reduced to single digit daily.
“Many feel that second wave is not going to come. This is unpredictable because we have never gone through pandemic like COVID-19 earlier and in view of the same we need to be ready,” he said.
Further, with declining cases and majority opting for home isolation, over 900 beds are vacant in various COVID medical facilities across the State. He said the government is witnessing empty beds in facilities set up for COVID-19 treatment, as home isolation has been introduced and infections have reduced.
The minister, however, noted that just because beds are empty, it does not mean they will continue to remain so.
