Follow safety norms, testing increased, CM on rising covid-19 cases

The government has increased testing in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases in Goa. People and tourists visiting Goa should follow safety protocols, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said. Government will also rethink on Shigmo festival if cases rise, he said.

Covid-19 cases in Goa as well as in the country are steadily rising. According to authorities standard operating procedures are not being strictly followed. On Sunday, a building in Ponda was declared as a micro containment area. Also a city restaurant was sealed after its staff and patrons  tested positive for covid-19. Goa is reporting around 100-odd cases these days. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has urged Chief Minister to make RT-PCR test compulsory  for tourists. But Chief Minister said economic activities cannot be shut down. He appealed to people to get tested if they develop any symptoms and those eligible should get vaccinated.

 In view of the rising cases the condition of co-morbidity for above 45-years-of-age has been excluded for covid-19 vaccination. Any fit & healthy person above age of 45 can take covid-19 dose from 1st   April,  union Minister Prakash Javdekar had informed.

 It has been a year since the nationwide lockdown was implemented to curb cases of covid-19. However, after a dip in  covid-19 cases they are rising rapidly since the beginning of March. The cases have reached 1.16 crore after recording 40,715 cases in last 24 hours. Death toll has reached 1.60 lakh and more 1.11 crore have recovered. Active cases have surged past 3.45 lakh. Here we show the old memories of initial stage of lockdown to mark its anniversary.