PANJIM: Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte on Sunday reiterated his demand for making COVID-negative certificates mandatory for tourists visiting Goa and added that it would be a ‘people-friendly move’.
“Other States are seeking COVID negative certification as it’s a people friendly move. Health and Welfare should always take priority over Economics in any Democratic Government. Can we expect Welfare of Goans from @BJP4Goa at least on this matter?” he tweeted.
It may be recalled that recently, Calangute MLA and Minister Michael Lobo had argued strongly against making such a decision and had stated that 90% of hotel bookings would be cancelled if the same would have to be implemented.
This was after Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant had also turned down the suggestion made by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane for asking visitors from the States of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala to bring COVID-negative certificates given that these three States were asking visitors from Goa to do so.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai had commented on how there are difference in opinions amongst the State cabinet at a time when the health of the locals is at stake.
Lobo had then said how people have learned to follow COVID guidelines such as social distancing and sanitising frequently.
“Now there are vaccines also available that will help boost your immunity,” he had said.
Lobo said it has been a year since the lockdown was introduced and the State has moved forward since then and has to be more pragmatic while taking major precautionary measures.
