PANJIM: With the State ushering in Christmas and New Year festivities, the Goa government has decided not to impose any COVID-19 related restrictions in the State till January 2, 2023. Also, wearing of face masks is not been made mandatory but citizens are advised to opt for it for their own safety.
Three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7- the strain driving China’s current surge of Covid cases- been detected in India so far. In view of the prevailing situation globally, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday chaired a meeting to oversee the State’s preparedness to tackle emergency in case of surge in cases.
Speaking to media persons post meeting, Sawant said that with State entering the festive season, government has decided not to impose any COVID restrictions till January 2, 2023. “At present we don’t find it necessary to impose restrictions. The festive season is there till January 2. Post that, we will hold a meeting to review the situation and decide accordingly,” he said.
Sawant also said that wearing of masks is not mandatory but people should follow COVID behaviour. “Mask is not mandatory but will advise people to wear it for their own safety. People need to take necessary precautions in public or crowded places. Those having cold or fever should not move out,” he said.
The Chief Minister informed that as per directives from the Central government, two per cent of the passengers arriving on international flights will be randomly tested at the Dabolim airport. Their samples will be sent for genetic testing at genome sequencing facility at GMC, Bambolim and Asilo Hospital, Mapusa” he said.
Sawant said that authorities, with required infrastructure are fully geared up to tackle any emergency.
Meanwhile raising concern on the rising COVID-19 cases globally, State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has urged Central government to make available vaccine shots including the newly approved Nasal vaccine to roll out the immunization programme.
Rane on Friday attended the high-level virtual meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on the consistent rise in COVID cases noted globally. During the meeting, the Minister requested Centre to make available Covishield booster shots and Nasal vaccine.
Speaking to media persons post meeting, Rane said that there is absolutely no need to panic. “There is absolutely no reason to panic, but I request each one to take preventive measures. Also unnecessary panic should not be created,” he said.
HERALD had reported that in the absence of vaccine availability, States like Goa are currently in no position to immunize the eligible population. In Goa, the last vaccine shot was administered on November 26.
The government has proposed to conduct emergency response mock drill at all hospitals in Goa on December 27 to see the preparedness. “We are fully prepared to handle any sort of surge,” he said. The mock drill will take place at GMC, Asilio, Hospicio and other Covid recognanised hospitals.
