PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the Goa government has written to the Centre urging it to reduce the time gap between the first and second COVID vaccine doses for certain categories.
He recalled that they had already sought relaxations for seafarers and students studying overseas.
Speaking to media persons in Sanquelim on Wednesday, he said the State government had written to the Union Health Ministry asking that the time gap be reduced for teachers, from the standard 84 days to 30 days.
He added that the same relaxation has been sought for non-teaching staff, Bal Rath drivers and anyone from the education field who comes in contact with the students.
He said this will ensure the safety of the young students when the schools eventually resume in due course of time. When asked to provide a timeline, he said classes for Std X and XII in the first phase.
“Maximum teachers and school staff should get vaccinated on priority,” he added. He said medical experts have already predicted that if and when the third wave occurs, it may affect children below 18 years.
“The State government aims to complete the second dose of vaccination for all residents of Goa by September 30, 2021,” said Sawant.
He recalled that July 30 had been marked as the deadline for vaccinating all eligible Goa residents with the first vaccine dose. Earlier on Tuesday, the CM had said that 85% of the population in Goa has been vaccinated.
