PANJIM: The State Executive Committee noting that Goa does not have any COVID-19 hotspot has recommended that from April 20, the State can start the additional economic activities listed in the Ministry of Home Affairs order.
The SEC highlighted that strict vigil be ensured at border entry points to negate the possibility of people entering Goa without due authority.
The SEC was informed by the Nodal Officer (Foreigners) that Goa still has about 4,500-5,000 foreigners as per information received from foreign embassies/missions. Till date 23 special relief flights have flown from Goa with 4,239 foreigners.
The Health Secretary informed the committee that as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines, Goa does not have any COVID-19 hotspot. Both districts fall under the category of non-hotspots districts. “Therefore, from April 20, the State can start additional economic activities listed in the MHA order.
The Health Secretary informed that no new COVID-19 case has been detected after April 3 2020. “All tests done during the 24 hours on SARI/ILI patients for COVID were negative,” the Secretary informed the committee.
The SEC asked the IT dept and DMA to work on a technological solution to monitor the movement of goods vehicles with their personnel.
It also directed the District Observers and Incident Commanders to regularly visit the border to supervise the exercise at the check posts.
The SEC discussed the new MHA order and guidelines issued, on 15 April, 2020, by the Chairperson, NEC and it was directed that there should be strict compliance of the same.
“It was brought to notice that there would be no relaxation beyond the guidelines, and if required the State could consider to not provide some of the relaxations in view of the local requirements and the situation existing in the neighboring districts of other States,” the release states.
The SEC noted that as per the new MHA guidelines, there was compulsory requirement for wearing a face cover when in public places and in work spaces. “Therefore, there was a requirement to ensure that there are sufficient quantities of cloth masks available in the market at an affordable rate. The requirement for the masks in respect for the govt depts has been made to Member Secretary, GSUDA by the HoDs/Secretaries. It was also decided that DMA would provide necessary support to Secretary WCD for ensuring sufficient availability of the reusable cloth masks,” the release says.
Secretary, Agriculture said agriculture activities are stable and the department is facilitating proper harvesting and sowing. SEC directed Secretary Agriculture to ensure that a mechanism is put in place for procurement of these agricultural products at the source.
Secretary Civil Supplies said there were sufficient supplies in the market including ‘Rawa’, which was earlier reported to be in short supply.
The Commissioner (Excise) informed that various liquor manufacturing units in Goa have produced about 1.93 lakh litres of sanitizers, of which 33500 litres of sanitizers was given to Goa govt and defence authorities in Goa.
The 42 buses of KTCL (which is subject to variation as per requirements) used for providing essential services and relief work will be without any charge to the user.
The members of the SEC tasted food to be provided to the labourers at the relief camps. The SEC was satisfied with the meal being provided and appreciated the efforts of the SHGs and the Director Education.
Committee also conveyed to all concerned that as per MHA orders, any person violating these containment measures or not complying with the above directions will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action u/s 188 of the IPC.
