Cases of COVID-19 are down and most activities are back to normal. Though Goa is still reporting cases, it too is beginning to reach a stage of normality as can be evidenced by the plans that are being made for the days ahead. Though we are four months away from the end of the year and still in the midst of a pandemic where curfew and restrictions continue, cinema theatres have just now been allowed to open at 50 per cent capacity and plans for the year end parties and to ring in the New Year have begun.
Though cases are low, should Goa be planning so far ahead, when a huge question mark hovers over the tourism industry and when there is uncertainty of how the pandemic will develop over the coming weeks? On the one hand, the government expert committee is preparing to meet a predicted third wave, and on the other private enterprise is planning mega events. One company has already sought permission to host an electronic dance music festival, another company is selling tickets online for a New Year Eve party. Goa’s experience with electronic dance music festivals is huge crowds from across the world. Should crowded events be permitted?
Organisers claim that all precautions will be taken, that only those doubly vaccinated will be allowed entry, that they will adhere to the current norms globally being followed for live and stadium events. Yet, even the recent Olympic Games in Tokyo were held to empty stands. Can Goa, therefore, ensure that all pandemic protocols will be followed at these mega events? Prior to the year-end parties, there are other events scheduled in the State. First there will be the International Film Festival of India slated for November and also the Indian Super League, that Goa will host for the second successive season. Both events during the first wave of the pandemic had been admirably hosted, with a limited number of registrations for the film festival and no fans allowed for the football matches.
Can Goa emulate the success of the IFFI and ISL in the coming weeks? The State, by hosting both events had showed that it can be responsible even in the face of pandemic uncertainty. It failed later, perhaps because of the confidence it had gained following that the success of the ISL and IFFI. It, therefore has to be extra cautious as it opens the gates to tourism in the State.
The government has to act very circumspectly on any opening up of the State for tourism purposes. Earlier this month, the Chief Minister had said that the State would seek permission from the Centre to allow landings of foreign charter aircraft, though he had qualified this by saying that it would depend on how the pandemic situation develops in the coming weeks. At the current time the situation is under control, it needs to remain so before a final decision is taken. There are instances of how, just a few months ago, late night parties at clubs had flouted social distancing norms and COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. Goa does not require a repetition of that, yet it also requires to keep the wheels of economy turning.
All decisions taken on opening for tourism and for mega events should be subject to review depending on the manner in which the situation develops in the coming weeks. The permissions for the year-end parties should also depend on what course the pandemic takes. A rise in cases should immediately call for a review of the decisions, as Goa’s experience with the second wave is still fresh in people’s minds.
