PANJIM: In view of rising COVID-19 cases in the neighbouring States, the State government has decided to strengthen checking of travellers, entering into coastal State, at the borders.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Sunday attended the virtual meeting chaired by Union Minister for Health Mansukh Mandaviya to review COVID-19 situation, response of the State and vaccination plan.
Speaking to the media persons after attending the meeting, Rane said that there is a need to flatten the COVID-19 curve in the State, to stop further spread.
“As one of the measures, we have decided to strengthen checking at the State borders. Cases are increasing in the neighbouring States. We have got enough experience from last two COVID-19 waves and this time we are not going to allow any confusion,” said Rane.
The Minister said that he has suggested the Union Ministry for a outline guidelines so that the State can tweak it as required and impose strict restrictions.
“Our task force will be meeting on Monday to decide on the guidelines to be imposed, as recommended by the Expert Committee,” he said.
The Expert Committee on COVID management has recommended imposing night curfew and to close schools, till higher secondary level, for a period of 15 days.
Rane informed that a cruise ship operating from Mumbai to Goa, having on board around 2,000 passengers, has not been allowed to dock at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), as some travellers are found positive for COVID-19.
“We have asked the ship management not to release any passenger on land, unless testing of all is completed,” he said.
The Minister further informed that Goa will get its first genome sequencing machine in next 15 days.
On children’s vaccination, Rane said that around 72,000 teens in the age group of 15-18 years, would be administered with the first dose of vaccine within four days.
