PANJIM: The State government on Friday announced that it has not taken any decision to extend the ongoing State-wide lockdown.
The statement comes amidst growing demands from MLAs and doctors associations to extend the lockdown, which will end on May 3 morning, by another 15 days.
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“Goa government has not taken any decision on extension of lockdown,” Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said in a statement. He appealed to the people not to believe in “fake news” which is being circulated on social media.
Goa has been experiencing an unprecedented rise in COVID-19 cases and related mortalities.
Ports Minister Michael Lobo has urged the Chief Minister to extend the lockdown by another 15 days, as the ongoing restrictions will not serve the purpose.
Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat said that the partial lockdown is a blessing in disguise in the current situation with rising COVID cases.
Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also appealed to the CM to extend the ongoing lockdown by 15 days or more to have the “break the chain” effect of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, government offices have been directed to work with 50 per cent staff, on rotation basis, till May 15.
Under Secretary (General Administration) Shripad Arlekar said the government has extended the circular, issued on April 21, with regard to validity of instructions and guidelines issued to government offices, till May 15, until further orders.
