The measures that have been taken are unprecedented, but then the magnitude of the disease is also unimaginable, which makes it advisable to take precautions rather than repent later. In view of the spread of COVID-19, Goa has shut down schools, colleges, but exams, including of Class X and XII, will continue. Pubs, casinos, theatres, have been closed, but restaurants are open and the shigmo parades continue. Every passenger alighting at railway stations will undergo thermal scanning, but bus passengers will not be mandatorily scanned as they alight at various places. This is not to create panic but, despite the measures being taken, there are gaps that would need to be plugged if Goa resolutely intends to block the spread of COVID-19 in the State.
Goa has stepped into high gear to fight the spread of COVID-19 despite there not being even a single confirmed case of the virus in the State. There have been a few who were suspected to have been infected by the virus, but tests proved negative. On Friday, Goa had invoked the Epidemic Disease Act to fight the spread of COVID-19 and on Saturday it announced the slew of measures to contain the spread of the virus. This will result in temporary shutting of schools, postponing of events where there will be mass gatherings, which are all short term measures which will work to stem the spread of the virus, and which for the current are required.
While the State is currently geared up for the fight, it has to take the long-term view and improve public healthcare, besides the testing facilities available in the State. Goa does not have a virology centre and all samples that are being collected of suspected COVID-19 patients are currently being sent outside the State, which results in a delay in getting the report. The Health Minister has announced that a virology centre will be set up soon. This, even if expedited, will take time as it has to follow a long government process. But here, at least a start has been made. The fact is that though Goa is seldom prepared for the possibility of an outbreak, it has taken measures to protect itself from the virus.
As the State takes various measures to stop the virus from entering Goa, it is interesting to note that the number of new COVID-19 infections in China have dropped to single digits, and there is improvement. A month earlier on February 13, China had reported 15,000 new cases in a single day. On March 13 it was down to five in Wuhan, from where it had originated. More interesting, in the rest of China there were no locally transmitted infections, but of those who had entered the country from outside. As China recovers, the virus spreads in other countries that are now being forced to impose restrictions to control the spread. Europe has now turned out to be the new epicentre of the virus, and the traffic between that continent and India, makes it mandatory for our country to take all precautions possible.
With the restrictions on foreigners entering the country, there could be a reduction in cases, but there also exists the possibility of the virus then being locally spread by those who are already infected. It is therefore important to contain the spread of COVID-19 by all measures possible. The restrictions imposed by the government may appear to be drastic, especially since the virus has not yet afected the State, but Goa cannot allow the virus entry by not taking precautions. It is best that Goa remain COVID-19 free, and for that a few sacrifices may have to be made, but most important of all, is not to panic.
