MARGAO: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said the government has set a target of October 31 for completing the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination.
Stating that almost the entire eligible population has been covered with the first dose, Sawant appealed to the people to join hands with the government in tackling the third wave. He cautioned the people against the third wave in view of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi.
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He was addressing at a function organised at the South Goa District Hospital to hand over the automatic oxygen generating plant set up by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) under the CSR activities in the presence of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik, GSL Chairman and Managing Director B B Nagpal, Director of Health Services Dr Jose D’Sa and Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Dr Deepa Afonso.
“We are fully prepared to tackle the third wave of COVID-19 with the infrastructure, besides human resources. The required training has been provided to the medical staff. However, now people should also prepare themselves for the third wave,” he said.
Sawant said the neighbouring States such as Kerala and Maharashtra are reporting a rise in the COVID cases, which can be a cause of alert for Goa.
“Almost 11.50 lakh persons have been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the State, which covers the entire eligible population, if we go by the election data. Besides 40,000 to 50,000 non-residents have also taken the first dose,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Directorate of Health Services, besides other sections appointed by the government, is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Twenty per cent of the population that has taken the first dose is yet to turn up for the second dose, despite the date gap between both the jabs is expiring.
“We want people to be safe during Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Before you shake hand with anyone, ask them whether they have taken the vaccine”, he said.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said the government is ready to handle the COVID-19 situation in the coming days.
“The government has taken precautions to ensure there is no shortage of facilities such as oxygen during the predicted third wave. The oxygen generating plant at South Goa District Hospital will further boost oxygen supply,” he said.
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