Centre warns Goa on new year events

The Union Ministry of Health has asked all states to keep a strict vigil on New Year celebrations and also to curb crowding on the backdrop of tourists crowding in Goa and throwing safety precautions to winds. The MHA fear the new year events could be potential COVID-19 super-spreader events.

In a letter to all state, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said comprehensive precautions and strict surveillance, keeping in view the fresh surge of coronavirus cases in Europe and the Americas.

However, with states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi imposing night curfew, which restricts celebrations of new year, many tourists are visiting Goa to celebrate the new years eve.

However, the tourists are seen roaming without masks and no social distancing is being maintained in public places.

The Health secretary has said that many states may impose local restrictions, such as night curfew, with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19 .

Play shyam visuals from archive panaji church

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant requested party organisers, hotel owners and tourists to wear masks and follow other safety norms. Health department and police are keeping vigil, he said.