Goans
might have expected a major easing
up of restrictions and some still hope for fewer curbs post-April 20. But there
is a sense of acceptance that this is a long battle albeit with an economic fallout
I am absolutely for it. We have to do it. We have not had any new cases and I
feel after the 20th we should slightly ease up. However, I believe firmly that
the borders have to be sealed. The situation
in
Maharashtra is pretty bad and we have to be very careful and ensure that people
from Mumbai or any other parts of that state do not slip into Goa. We get our groceries
from Belgaum and there have been 17 cases recently detected there. We need to
check the drivers who bring in these groceries, test them at the facility in
Mapusa, keep them in isolation for a day and then allow them to distribute the
vegetables
in the state. They also cannot be allowed to loiter in Goa- Dr. Shekhar Salkar Consultant Oncology in Manipal Hospitals
The
lockdown was very necessary and the date of May 3 is fine but I think this will
go on for a long time. It is good we are working on a zone system. South Goa is
in a green zone which means ok but North Goa is in the red zone. A close watch
is important because the situation on the ground will change very fast. I was
looking at a chart which highlighted the fact that without a lockdown lakh of
people would have died, with a complete lockdown a few thousands and a semi
lockdown a little more. This move initiated in India was excellent. Here in
Goa, the availability of groceries has certainly helped matters. Like I said earlier,
the road ahead is very long.
Dr.
Lloyd De Souza Medical Professional I think it is very good to
think in terms of lives and livelihood. Borders have to be
sealed.
There has to be also random tests to ensure Goa stays Corona free. The speech
by the PM was welcome and I think, the road ahead will be long and we will have
to stay alert.
Dr
Hubert Gomes Medical Professional The
success behind India having one of the lowest ratios of COVID -19 cases is the
serious 21 day nationwide lockdown and timely measures of social distancing issued
by the government much earlier as compared to several powerful countries. Today’s
announcement by the PM Narendra Modi of extending the lockdown till May 3 after
consulting
CMs
of different states is most welcome as the cases in India have doubled to over
10000 in six days. Goa has done an excellent job of controlling the virus
spread as only 2 confirmed cases remains. Looking ahead, the lockdown should be
removed in a planned manner-
Vikram
Verlekar Entrepreneur At the end of the day, life is more important
than lifestyle. Tourism and other economic activities ought to come alive in
future and the flexible, adaptive, innovative models of businesses will survive-
Anand Chatterjee General Manager of
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort of Goa
Considering
that India has crossed 10k COVID positive patients, PM Modi has taken the right
decision by extending the lockdown until 3rd May. I’m sure this is based on
recommendations from his team of experts – doctors, scientists, economists,
etc. They may once again
revisit/
take a call closer to that date. While some areas or towns may have zero or
reduced number of positive cases, PM’s decision on conditional relaxation after
20th April is also a good decision. The next 1 week or so will be crucial on
whether that relaxation will be implemented or not. Even if/ when that
(relaxation) happens, people should still continue to be very cautious and
follow social distancing and other precautions that we are already doing. Also,
our borders/boundaries will need to be monitored even more strictly so that
there no inflow of people or viruses into the “relaxed” areas. My message to everyone
will be – please continue to be patient for a bit longer, help whoever you
possibly can trust the govt., follow guidelines very strictly and stop criticizing
the govt/CM/PM
Shobana
Chandawarkar Retired IT professional Let us not assume that form Gons the lockdown
is only till April 20. Though we are facing
hardships there is no option but to support the lockdown till May 3. Even of
certain curbs are eased, if the lifting of certain restrictions is misused they
will be put back in immediately- Dr.
Sameer Kuncolienkar Entrepreneur
