PANJIM: The State appears to have had a close shave with Coronavirus as a lady who boarded a Dubai-Goa-Bangalore flight tested positive for the deadly disease which has killed over 7,000 across the world, prompting the State government to contemplate sealing the borders.
Following a spurt in COVID-19 cases in neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra, the Health Minister has suggested sealing the borders for tourists from the State except for essential supplies.
Speaking to Herald, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said essential supplies can continue with strict monitoring. “Suggesting the sealing of borders as a large number of tourists are coming from Karnataka and Maharashtra with their vehicles as schools have been closed till March 31. They think Goa is safe and also a holiday destination,” Rane told Herald.
Rane said the State has to seriously look at the issue of banning tourists from Karnataka and Maharashtra. “We have to look at this. Today a lady who flew from Dubai to Goa and Goa to Bangalore, has confirmed positive for Coronavirus,” he said.
Rane said the State machinery is in the process of identifying the people who alighted from same flight. “I am told that 26 people were in the same flight in business class. We need to isolate them and get them checked, it is very important and we need to look at it seriously before we are caught on the wrong foot,” he stated.
The lady tested positive in Bangalore on Tuesday and had flown from Dubai last week.
Asked what about the essential supplies, as the State imports all essential commodities from the neighbouring States, he said the government will have to take a decision.
“We have to decide now, before it is too late. The protocol has to be planned, maybe only supply vehicles be allowed through one or two entry points where they can be easily monitored,” he said adding, “I have already moved a note to the CM.”
Maharashtra and Karnataka have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases with Maharashtra being the highest with nearly 60 cases.
