Team Herald

VALPOI: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Saturday claimed that the spike in COVID-19 cases in the State was a result of public not wearing mask and flouting social distancing norms during Ganesh Chaturthi, which was celebrated recently.

Addressing the people after flagging off Arogya Express vans in Sanquelim Constituency, Dr Sawant said, “The vans will provide healthcare at people’s doorsteps.”

“We have noticed that the number of COVID-19 cases have increased after Ganesh Chaturthi. The cases were around 150 before the festival, but now they are on the rise,” the Chief Minister said.

“We need to stay away from the virus. For that, we need to maintain social distancing,” Dr Sawant added.

The Chief Minister said he is trying to maintain distance with the people with whom he is meeting during day-to-day works.

“You will find that my guards are asking people to keep safe distance from me. Many people feel offended but we have to know that they are doing so to keep me safe,” he said.

“If someone comes near me and sneezes, he can transmit the virus. If I contract the virus, the affairs of the State will be affected,” he said.