New guidelines issued in Goa ahead of Janmashtami & Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations

The Goa Disaster Management Authority has issued a set of mandatory guidelines to control and monitor the spread of coronavirus amid festival celebrations in the state. Deployment of Police personnel in markets for Janmashtami and travel protocols for Ganesh Chaturthi have been initiated as precautions against the infection transmission.

Monitored Celebrations

The events of Dahi Handi on Janamashtami and all such religious and social gatherings celebrating Krishna Janam have been banned in the district by the State Government. All markets and shops will be thoroughly monitored by local bodies and Goa Police to ensure that all social distancing norms, health and hygiene protocols are being followed. The shops have been advised to extend the sale timings in order to prevent crowding at any point.

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Expecting inter state travel for the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, the government has established certain movement protocols for the local people. All those who cross the border and leave the state within 24 hours, for the purpose of getting Lord Ganesh idols (either sale or personal use), will be exempted from getting the mandatory COVID-19 tests or quarantine upon arrival in the state. They, however, need to make an entry regarding the same with the on-duty official at the Goan border check posts.

All those who belong to the state but reside in other states, will be allowed entry in Goa after presenting a COVID-19 negative certificate from ICMR authorised labs. They'll also have to quarantine themselves for 14 days.

Also read: Entry and isolation guidelines for travellers in Goa

Those leaving Goa, do not require any exit permit. However, mandatory COVID-19 test and subsequent quarantine on arrival in Goa will be levied.