The State Executive Committee (SEC) has issued an order to enforce strict preventive protocols across Goa after high-density urban areas reported a spike in COVID cases. On Friday, the daily surge of new infections clocked in 280 fresh cases raising health concerns among health and administrative officials alike. Consequently, district officials have been directed here to sternly impose coronavirus appropriate behaviour, including levying fines for violations, to effectively contain the infection threat.

Goa ramps up medical infrastructure to arrest COVID-19

The SEC in Goa has directed to fast-track its defence against the pandemic with the enforcement of tract-test-treat the coronavirus patients. This will include ramping up testing and treatment facilities in the state, timely declaration of RT-PCR tests and prompt containment of positively tested people. To further this initiative, the committee has decided that more hospitals and care centres should be prepared to deal with an increased patient load if need be.

Goa SEC has also notified to identify hotels and other establishments to turn into paid COVID care centres to create additional vacancies for people. More than half the beds at district hospitals are already occupied, informed Heath Secretary. Therefore, this step is the need of this hour. People seeking institutional isolation can benefit from these facilities.

New SOPs to ensure complete compliance with protocols

The SEC has tasked all district collectors to issue an advisory to all possible crowded places to enforce COVID preventive protocols as established by the state. All hotels, restaurants, gyms, marriage halls, industries, mall operation etc under the jurisdiction need to comply with the guidelines issued from time to time.

Authorities also need to conduct random checks to review the arrangement of COVID-19 prevention by these establishments. Additionally, the SEC has directed the health department, police and department of information and publicity to conduct awareness drives, with vigour, across the state to contain the virus spread.

Need to boost the COVID vaccination drive

The Committee has insisted on the need to carry out an expansive and detailed vaccination drive against the coronavirus. It has also encouraged all eligible beneficiaries and frontline worker who are involved in COVID management to get the inoculation. All people over the age of 45 years can get the vaccine jab.

COVID vaccination dirive is being conducted at all government hospitals, primary health centres, district hospitals and private hospitals, the CM informed. He further appealed to all people to follow safety norms amid high infection rise.