Team Herald
MARGAO: Despite a spurt in COVID-19 cases in the State, Salcete’s famous beaches witnessed a massive rush on Saturday to mark New Year celebrations, with the revellers violating all SOPs.
Tourist spots such as Colva, Benaulim, Majorda, Mobor, Cavelossim, Utorda, witnessed huge rush, which could lead to super spread of the coronavirus.
It was shocking to see the general public, besides tourists enjoying the beaches and restaurants with their family members, including children without masks.
When Herald tried to speak with few members of the public enjoying the New Year celebration without masks, they said, “We have come here to enjoy and celebrate the New Year. Yes, we are aware of the spreading of COVID-19 cases and mostly Omicron, but now it is part of our life.”
Yasim Shaikh, who visited Colva beach with his family of four including two children said,
“It is New Year and hence I thought of coming down to Colva Beach to spend some time with my family members.”
People like Yasim and hundreds of others were noticed enjoying beyond 2 am.
A policeman posted at the beach said it is really horrible to see the crowd on the beaches and it will surely result in more COVID-19 cases in coming days.
“It is beyond our control to manage such a massive crowd in mood for enjoyment. Arguing with them and urging them to follow the SOPs is impossible, as they are not in a mood to listen,” he said.
He said people will blame the police for not keeping a watch if cases rise.
There are reports from many quarters across Salcete and mostly coastal belt of New Year parties held violating COVID-19 norms.
