PANJIM: The State Government on Saturday recommended to the Centre that the lockdown be extended till April 30. The government has proposed that rail, air and road transport remain shut, along with sealing of the borders for another fortnight.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Saturday witnessed the video conference which Prime Minister Narendra Modi held with 15 States that are considered in the Red Zone. All the States have recommended an extension of the lockdown, which is under consideration of the Centre. The ongoing nationwide 21-day lockdown that began on March 25 will conclude on April 14.
Addressing media persons, Sawant said the Prime Minister will communicate with Goa and States, which were not part of Saturday’s video conference.
“In a written communication to Prime Minister, we have recommended lockdown extension till April 30. We have requested that railways, airport and road transport should continue to remain shut. The borders will also be sealed for another 15 days, except for movement of goods and in case of medical emergency,” Sawant said.
He added, “Centre will issue necessary guidelines on lockdown on Monday. Centre is likely to relax certain services. Also, the State may be granted powers to decide on further relaxation,” he said.
The Chief Minister has appealed to Goans to cooperate with the government. “There is no community transmission in the State so far. Despite that we need to take all required precautions,” he said, adding that the government may consider wearing of masks mandatory for people, while moving out.
The government on Saturday constituted the Economic Revival Committee and Expenditure Committee to plan the way forward in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Economic Revival Committee has been set up under the Chief Minister and includes representatives from various fields, who will work out measures to revive the struggling State economy.
The three-member Expenditure Committee is headed by the Chief Secretary, which will prioritise the expenditure of the State.
