Health Min warns of ‘uncontrollable’ COVID-19 spike this month

Team Herald

PANJIM: As tourists and party revellers violated SOPs laid down to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 infections, during the New Year, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday warned of a possible spike in coronavirus cases in Goa this month, which will be “uncontrollable”.

Addressing media persons after chairing the High Level Expert Committee meeting, Rane lambasted citizens, specifically tourists, who were or are in Goa to celebrate the New Year, for flaunting norms including non-wearing of masks and not maintaining social distancing. 

Following recommendation from the Expert Panel, Health Department has decided to move a file to the government to initiate strict action against hotels, pubs, night clubs and other places, where gatherings/events take place, if they are found violating the SOPs.

“Goa is not banana republic. We are not police State. We are known as a friendly-State. But that does not mean, tourists come down here and violate norms and put Goa and Goans at risk,” Rane said. 

The Health Minister noted how tourists as well as locals were seen without masks or not maintaining physical distancing at beaches, clubs, parties, etc. 

“People have been told several times to wear masks and have events where you can have social distancing. But this is not happening. Government may come up with number of stringent SOPs, but if citizens don’t follow them, they are of no use,” the Minister said.

“There is cross mixing between State of Goa and people from outside. There is a possibility of spike in the month of January. It is going to be uncontrollable,” he said.

“We want our tourism to thrive but not at the cost of lives of people of Goa. We don’t want people coming to Goa to put Goans to risk,” he added. 

“Leniency should be used judiciously. We are in the State where business should thrive. Some people feel that it is fashionable to wear the mask below the nose,” the Health Minister said, adding that the department would propose to increase the fine for not wearing the mask to Rs 500 from existing Rs 200. 

Rane said that those who are not abiding by the SOPs are putting the lives of others, including doctors and health workers at risk. “Why do you want to put the life of doctor, health workers at risk and load on health infrastructure?” he questioned. 

Rane said that curfew cannot help unless people abide by the SOPs. “Tourists should realise that though they are going to enjoy they should also have safety. I saw that 60 per cent of the people at the airport were not wearing masks. And of those 40 per cent wearing, 20 per cent masks were below the nose. What is the use?” the Minister said.

“We need to be cautious as a State. We want people of Goa to be safe. Business activity should continue but people should have caution,” Rane added.