PANJIM: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Wednesday appealed to the citizens to follow all the SOPs (standard operating procedures) of wearing a face mask and following strict social distancing as per government directions In view of rising COVID-19 cases in the State,
”We shall be interacting with the expert committee on further steps to be taken to keep the coronavirus under control,” Rane told reporters.
Stating that it is difficult for the government to crack the whip on violators, Rane said it is for the individuals to understand the gravity of the situation and strictly follow SOPs and wear a face mask.
Rane pointed out that prominent people lost their lives due to COVID-19 infection. The Minister also cautioned that Kerala, Karnataka and Maharashtra are at a higher level reporting spike in daily COVID infections at the moment and as a result of this, Goa cannot be insulated.
“We are watching the situation. We are not shying away and when the time comes we will crack the whip. We have not lifted the Epidemic Act”, he said.
The minister said, “The South Goa District Hospital, Margao will continue to be COVID hospital and that there will be no change in the decision of the government. The government will have a dedicated COVID as all loads cannot be put on GMC. There will be change in methodology of functioning of the South Goa District Hospital.”
According to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar, currently there are 160 COVID infected patients admitted at both — GMC, Bambolim and the South Goa District Hospital, Margao. Of these 11 were critical patients, he informed.
