Team Herald
PANJIM: With three COVID-19 positive cases being reported in Goa, the State government has identified around 2000-2500 people, with a recent travel history, who have evaded the screening for coronavirus, for home quarantine.
Also, there are 1500 people, who have been stamped for home quarantine, and were found moving out in violation of the health guidelines.
Addressing media persons on Thursday, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that since March 22, when the ‘Janata Curfew’ was imposed in the country, 2000-2500 Goans, who were either residing in other parts of the country or abroad for study or job purposes, have returned to Goa and have hidden their travel history.
“Government have identified those people and health officials, along with police, will now stamp them for home quarantine. They will have to strictly follow it, failing which we will be forced to send them to government quarantine centres,” he said.
“These people are located in various villages and towns of Goa. They are freely moving out and have come in contact with several people by now,” Sawant added.
“It is very unfortunate that people have still not taken the issue seriously and are hiding their travel history. Their family members, too, are risking life by not informing the government,” he added.
Also, the Chief Minister said that 1500 persons have been stamped for home quarantine, but none are following the rules. “They are moving out, risking the lives of their family member and also others,” he said.
“If the number of cases increase, these people will be held responsible. Government cannot be blamed for everything,” he said.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people not to hide their travel history and come forward get self quarantined. “It is not a stigma as such. It is for everyone’s safety,” he stated.
He also said that the government has more than the requisite quarantine centres in North and South Goa and is working on a COVID-19 hospital facility.
