Usually bustling with hordes of tourists and locals, Goa’s nightlife scene has been severely affected by the pandemic. Clamped under the bans of the ongoing curfew, nightclubs and bars of the coastal state will only resume service once the COVID situation is brought under control. While the state’s tourism industry has been harshly hit by unprecedented circumstances for more than a year now, it cannot be said if the stability and normalcy of the past times can be restored anytime soon.
Lives of citizens more important than stalled economic activity
Reportedly, the state ports minister made a declaration stating that the clubs and bars will not be permitted to function till the pandemic situation improves. As per reports, the minister represents the Calangute assembly seat, which encapsulates a large number of clubs and bars. He stated the tourism sector in the state must be revived in a graded manner, making sure that nothing leads to heightened case tallies, as witnessed in the past months.
Currently, Goa is observing extended curfew restrictions till 14 June and most of the common dealings in the state are banned. Though the major chunk of economic activity stands stalled, it is important to make sure that the lives of the state citizens stand protected from the viral contagion.
Multiple strategies being reviewed to revive the industry
Reportedly, an official stated that the tourism sector is the first to close down while it is the last to revive. Reports have stated that Goa Tourism Development Corporation has been suffering huge losses during the past two years. Given that Goa’s economy is significantly dependent on the tourism industry, the state revenues have dipped down.
Now, reports state that the authorities are deliberating upon four different strategies to combat the contagion. Amongst all proposed provision, sufficient facilities for testing the commuters is very important.
Tourism to revive once the entire population is fully vaccinated
As per reports, the Tourism Minister stated on Tuesday that Goa will start welcoming tourists once the entire population of the state is completely inoculated. Additionally, it has also been reported that only individuals who have received both doses of the vaccine will be allowed in the sunshine state. Further, the government is working to implement an extensive media campaign to attract tourists from different parts of the country after the revival of activities.
418 new cases and 1,095 recoveries were marked in Goa on Monday while the virus snuffed 80 lives on the same day. A cumulative count of 1,59,811 individuals have been affected by the virus and the state currently has 6,397active cases.
