PANJIM: To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the State Government has decided to sanitise public places, including markets and bus stops, across Goa.
Health workers, fire department personnel will be roped in to undertake sanitisation drive.
Goa is currently under nationwide lockdown till April 14 midnight.
Addressing media persons on Sunday, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said as part of precautionary measure, government has decided to sanitise all the public places from coming week.
“We have already sanitised primary health centres and community health centres,” he said.
Stating that nearly two-and-half lakh labour force, involved in industrial, construction and unorganised sector, wanted to migrate back due to lockdown, Sawant said the government has been able to stop them from travelling by providing them with all the required facilities like cooked food and shelter.
“For now we are providing cooked food. In days to come, we will provide them with groceries,” he said informing that the food bus service started by the government for needy, is getting good response.
The Chief Minister said the foreigners, who are in distress or need assistance can contact the nodal officer Amit Satija for all help.
As the grocery shops are allowed to remain operational 24×7, Sawant said in order to make food supply available, the suppliers and the retailers, can ferry the goods, without any transport permit.
“Also, if any wholesaler denies sale of goods to retailer, then directions have been issued to Civil Supplies Department to take necessary action,” he said.
Chief Minister has also urged shopkeepers and vegetable vendors not to hike the prices of the essential commodities and that government will take strict action, if complaints reported.
Responding to a question, Sawant said the COVID19 crisis is the biggest challenge before him but he is working in coordination with Prime Minister’s Office, Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Dr Harsha Vardhan and BJP National President J P Nadda.
“Here also, State Cabinet, MLAs, officers are working in coordination,” he said.
