After a hiatus of five months, night life in Goa could see a resumption as early as this week given that the Task Force on COVID-19 management has cleared the reopening of casinos, cruises, spas and nightclubs. The recommendation comes with conditions, but it was also made on a day on which Goa saw a spurt in COVID-19 cases, yet it comes as more good news for the tourism industry that has been struggling to survive amidst the pandemic restrictions. Earlier this month, the industry received a boost when the High Court of Bombay at Goa had accepted the decision of the State Expert Committee on COVID to allow fully vaccinated, asymptomatic individuals into Goa, without a COVID-19 negative test or a certificate.
The High Court nod had come in response to an application from the State seeking its directions to permit fully vaccinated persons to enter Goa without a COVID-19 negative certificate. This was essentially to make it easier for tourists to visit the State and paved the way for travellers by reducing the procedure for entry. It allows the tourism to recoup from the harrowing time it has had but also places the responsibility on the State and the tourism stakeholders to ensure that the entry of tourists does not lead to a spurt of cases. But is Goa ensuring this at the entry points to the State? That is the big question and on this will depend the immediate course of the pandemic.
With just days to go before Goa, as a normal practice, officially opens the tourist season on October 2, it cannot be over stressed that the entry of tourists is fully monitored. There were reports that at the road border one could enter the State without a test by paying a small bribe, and at the airport a Herald reporter experienced firsthand that there was no checking of COVID negative certificates or vaccination certificates. Can Goa take the risk of allowing entry of persons without any form of checking? Especially as it has just begun experiencing a spurt in cases again? All mandated standard operating procedures at entry points have to be strictly followed if Goa is to keep coronavirus infections in check. All possible points where the virus can be transmitted have to be monitored by the authorities.
In addition to the relaxations already permitted, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has said that the State has written to the Centre seeking special permission for landings of charter flights as the State is ready to welcome tourists, besides there are reports that the Cente is considering issuing tourist visas again. This brings the possibility of foreign tourists returning to the State, so precautions against the spread of the virus cannot be diluted. On the other hand they have to be augmented to keep Goa safe. The experience of the second wave should is still fresh and the lessons learnt at that time have to be utilised to contain the virus spread.
The Chief Minister has also said that Goa is ready for tourism. Of course, it needs the industry to get back into operational mode as it is the major revenue earner and employment generator. However, it needs to ensure that safety precautions are also in place. It is also the responsibility of the tourism stakeholders to support the government on this matter as if the pandemic situation takes a turn for the worse, the fingers will again be pointed at them. The dice has rolled in favour of casinos and also of the tourism industry. The next throw of the dice should not fritter away the advantage that has been gained. That would be a disaster that Goa cannot afford.
