Tackling Coronavirus: Health Minister suggests using thermal scanners at airport

PORVORIM: In the wake of coronavirus outbreak originating from China with three cases detected in India, the State has insisted that the central government provides thermal scanners at Dabolim airport. Currently thermal guns are being used. 

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane admitted that since three cases are found in India, in Kerala, proper tracking even at the railway stations is a must considering that Goa and Kerala – both tourist states – are connected via rail besides road, air and waterways.  

“I agree on the movement of passengers between Kerala and Goa. We do not have the exact monitoring system… I have met the Health Secretary (Ministry of Health) for thermal scanners and she has assured that we will be soon be provided with the same. Presently we are using thermal guns, each at domestic and international points at the airport,” he said while responding to a Calling Attention motion jointly tabled by Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat and MLA Vijai Sardesai, Jayesh Salgaonkar, Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Vinod Palyekar and Sudin Dhavalikar. 

Kamat, during the discussion, brought to the notice of the House that there is immense movement of passengers between the two tourist states and as such, Goa is also at risk if proper mechanisms are not in place. “Kerala government is tackling the (epidemic)… We will have to take little more precautions as far as Goa is concerned,” he said. 

NCP legislator Churchill Alemao seconded Kamat’s views citing that coronavirus is ‘dangerous.’ “I am aware that CM has taken up the matter seriously and our Health Minister is intelligent to tackle the problem. The virus is dangerous. Proper awareness via media should be held. Also, since many people from Kerala travel to Goa via rail, screening of passengers at the railway stations should be strictly considered,” he suggested. 

The minister, while accepting that the virus is of grave concern, informed the House that Government of India as well as Goa government is taking all the measures as per WHO guidelines. “I agree more needs to be done… This (virus) is totally new and strange to us. We are nevertheless personally monitoring it,” Rane said.

Sardesai pointed out to news reports stating that Coronavirus is of a higher magnitude than SARS, which also originated from China. Khaunte too raised concern over the epidemic while seeking measures to ensure Goa is safe.

Rane, in his reply, reiterated that the State is capable for creating more isolation centres in addition to one created at GMC and Chicalim hospital. At the same time, the task force is closely monitoring the issue besides regularly briefing the Centre. In a bid to create awareness among the masses, the government has proposed to initiate a programme with the student’s community. Rane said that with the approval of the CM, he will issue directions to the Education Department to rope-in principals of the schools to educate students about the dangers of the virus and preventive measures. He has also proposed to reach out to the grassroot level through anganwadi workers.