06 Jul 2020  |   05:34am IST

CM wonders why Goans not scared despite 7 deaths, spike in cases

CM takes solace in 50 per cent recovery rate, but cautions infections may rise during monsoon
CM wonders why Goans not scared despite 7 deaths, spike in cases

Team Herald

PANJIM: Even though the COVID-19 is at its peak with over hundred cases and seven deaths so far, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant continues to play down the threat stating the State has already achieved the recovery rate of 50 p.c. In the same vein the CM also cautioned that the infection could rise during the monsoons.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Sawant said that though the cases are high, the recoveries are good.

“On Sunday there are 73 new cases but more important there are 111 recoveries,” he said.

The Chief Minister lamented that the people are yet not adhering to the rules of social distancing and compulsory wearing of masks.

“If people avoid going to functions and moving around without reason only then State will be able to bring Corona under control,” he said.

The Chief Minister who always maintained that “Goenkarani bhivpachi garaz na” (Goans should not panic and fear Corona), today asked “I wonder why Goans do not fear of Corona despite seven deaths and spike in cases daily.”

He further said that infections may increase during the monsoon and hence 500-bedded COVID Care Centre is being arranged at Farmagudi with good facility.

He also said that preparations are on for a second COVID hospital in the State.

“More importantly, relatives who want to supply home food to their kin at COVID care centre can do so. They can drop the food at the gates and arrangements are being made for the same,” he said.

The CM also acknowledged there was a shortage of doctors and nurses and said, “We will shortly take doctors and nurses on contract basis for COVID.”

Sawant said the government will implement the rules strictly now on and hence has involved cabinet ministers to follow up in each taluka.

“The ministers will co-ordinate with police officers and implementing officials in each taluka. The ministers will also check essential supplies in hospitals and containment zones,” he said

Besides this, he said the government from tomorrow will distribute immunity booster Ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines.

Sawant also urged people to take Ayurveda and Homeopathic immunity boosters and do yoga for better immunity.

Interestingly, replying to a query, CM said that every tourist coming to Goa is following the SOP.

“Tourists are not moving around like Goans. They are self isolating themselves in hotel room,” he maintained.


IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar