PANJIM: Even though COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in Goa with daily infectivity rate breaching the 21 per cent mark on Friday, Dr Pramod Sawant-led government declined to impose night curfew in the State, as recommended by the Task Force. Government has also decided not to have any testing facility at the State borders for travellers.
The State government however invoked Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, which will remain in force till January 26. At the same time, the government has now imposed restrictions on larger gatherings, wherein only 100 people will be allowed to participate in private events or political rallies, in open air. Indoor too, the gathering will be restricted to 50 per cent of hall capacity.
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Addressing media persons, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that government has invoked Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, to curb the spread of the virus.
He said that no large gatherings will be allowed. Gathering with maximum of hundred people in the open air while for indoor, 50 per cent of seating capacity will be permitted.
He said restrictions are imposed on all sorts of gatherings including political rallies.
Ruling out night curfew, Sawant said, “For now we need to restrict larger gatherings to flatten the curve…larger gatherings are turning out to be spreaders of virus…no need of night curfew,” he said.
The Expert Committee as well as the Task Force on COVID-19 Management had recommended immediate imposition of night curfew in the State to break the chain of the virus.
The Chief Minister informed that the order issued on December 29, 2021, imposing initial restrictions, will continue to remain in force.
As per that order, casinos are allowed to operate with 50 per cent capacity with entry restricted to people who are fully vaccinated or those carrying a negative RT-PCR test report and put similar curbs and conditions at some other establishments, including cinema halls, spas, massage parlours and entertainment parks.
If not a vaccination certificate, people should furnish a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 24 hours from the time of entry.
“All the restrictions will remain in force till January 26. We will review the situation thereafter,” he said.
Authorities like district collectors and police are directed to take necessary action against the violators.
“We have to flatten the curve…reduce positivity rate..I appeal people to follow all COVID protocol and those who have not taken vaccine, to get vaccinated,” Sawant said.
