PANJIM: The local administration is in no mood to impose a lockdown though there is a rise in COVID cases in the State. It has however appealed to the people to show self-restraint by following COVID-19 protocols and to not ignore any symptoms of COVID-19.
“We will not go for a complete lockdown because we all have experienced the aftermath of lockdown. Everyone suffered. Instead each of us should follow COVID-19 protocols to keep ourselves and the society safe,” Deputy Collector (Tiswadi) Gurudas Dessai said in a joint press conference with the health officials and the police, on Friday.
The office has also directed the sub-division offices to create awareness across all their respective jurisdictions. Dessai also urged the commercial establishments, working premises and religious places among others to follow the SOPs strictly.
“As we begin to create awareness, we have started with us in the office. We have set an example by getting vaccinated (eligible individuals). Besides out office, the village panchayats and municipalities should also create awareness to fight COVID-19,” he said.
The officials at the press briefing have further urged the people to not shy away from getting themselves tested, on showing even slightest COVID-19 symptom. They have also urged all the eligible people to get vaccinated and informed that from April 1, 2021 all those aged 45 years and above, even without co-morbid condition, can get the jab.
Sub Divisional Police Officer Uttam Raut Desai also had the same appeal for the people to properly wear face masks, maintain hand hygiene and social distancing. Asked about blatant violations particularly by tourists, whose presence in Goa in the recent past has been in overwhelming, the police officer assured that violators are being issued challans. “We have our personnel deployed at prime tourist locations. We issue challans to all those violating the health safety protocols,” he said.
The authorities however didn’t seem committed over taking action against crowd outside casinos. The deputy Collector, to this question, said “Crowding will be there. Everyone has to follow the protocol.”
