Hoteliers must ensure foreign tourists are tested: CM

Hoteliers should pay utmost attention to foreign tourists. They will have to compulsory undergo RTPCR test after 8 days. And if their test results come positive, the samples should be sent to GMC for genome sequencing,

 Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said, adding that there are 3500 foreign tourists from risk states. Positivity rate of the state has increased to 3.5% from 1.8%, a definite matter of concern, Sawant said.

 India reported 7189 covid-19 cases and 387 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of Omicron cases has reached 415 with Maharashtra topping the list.

The advisories will be issued by Monday the Chief Minister said even as he took a a review meeting after Omicron variant cases rose in India. Task force has taken some decisions and given some observations. Detailed guidelines would be issued by Monday, Chief Minister said, adding that special advisory has been issued to hoteliers. They have a responsibility to ensure tourists are tested.

Many foreign tourists have landed in Goa to celebrate Christmas and New Year. They are staying in local hotels. Hoteliers should make them undergo tests.

TTAG President Nilesh Shah spoke on the effect of Omicron on tourism industry. He hopes that Omicron won’t hamper tourism industry as much as it did during 1^st and 2^nd wave of covid.