PANJIM: In largest single-day spike, Goa registered 108 new cases of COVID-19 taking the tally of active cases to 855 in the State on Saturday. There were also 53 new recoveries reported. The total confirmed cases in Goa, as of now, stands at 1,684.
Health Secretary Nila Mohanan, addressing the media confirmed that two COVID-19 deaths occurred on Friday, which took the mortalities arising from COVID to six.
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A 75-year-old woman from Curtorim with co-morbid conditions died at the COVID hospital on Friday, while a 45-year-old man from Khariwada died hours later. His COVID-19 test result was received after his death, Mohanan said.
She denied there was a delay in shifting the man to the hospital. “When the person was brought to the hospital he did not have any symptoms and as such his swab was taken and he was sent home,” she said.
When questioned, she admitted there was need to enhance the number of ambulances. “There is a shortage of ambulances and the State Executive Committee too discussed the issue,” Mohanan said.
The Health Secretary ruled out any shortage of beds at the COVID hospital or COVID care centres. “We are comfortable with current number and definitely arrangements are on to accommodate more as the numbers increase,” she said.
Asked whether any decision was being taken with regards to de-sealing the Mangor Hill area, which is under complete lockdown for over a month, she replied the decision on the containment zone will be taken by the district administration by taking into account the situation.
About a Goa-based hospital being selected for clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine, she said, ICMR is directly dealing with Redkar Hospital on clinical trials of the vaccine. “State has no role to play. We can only assist if asked,” Mohanan said.
