PANJIM: One of Goa’s mass transit public place, Panjim’s KTC Bus Stand also remains vulnerable to the spread of infection. However, the health department has not issued any specific instructions to the bus drivers, conductors, passengers or sanitary staff even as cleanliness of the vast premises is being undertaken daily.
“KTC bus stand is being cleaned on a daily basis. At the same time, we have been creating awareness among KTC drivers, conductors and other staff on the do’s and don’ts. If anyone with flu-like symptoms is asked to immediately visit the doctor,” KTCL General Manager Sanjay Ghate told Herald. The staff has been advised to take utmost precaution while distributing tickets, one-to-one or group interaction, etc.
Ghate added that the staff has also been advised to develop strong immunity and take care of their health in a bid to stay away from any infection besides taking other precautionary measures. “We are stressing on all precautionary measures but ultimately, when it comes to spread of infections like novel coronavirus, it is more about individual’s personal hygiene,” he added.
In February, during the Assembly Budget session , Health Minister Vishwajit Rane admitted that proper tracking even at the railway stations is a must as Goa is connected to other states via rails besides air, road and waterways.
To strengthen the screening process at the airport,he had also requested the Centre to provide Goa with thermal scanner. Presently, the passengers are checked through thermal guns. There has been no feedback from the Centre as of now.
Leader of Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat and NCP MLA Churchill Alemao had tagged coronavirus as ‘dangerous’ while Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai had pointed out to news reports stating that Coronavirus is of a higher magnitude than SARS. Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte had also raised concerns over the epidemic while seeking measures to ensure Goa is safe.
