Section 144 restrictions imposed in Goa ahead of the festive season

Fearing an uncontrolled spike in the COVID numbers during Holi and other upcoming festivals like Shab-e-Baraat, Easter and Eid-ul-Fitr, the state administration has imposed restraints under Section 144 in both North and South Goa on Saturday. Executed with an objective to dampen the possibilities of an accelerated COVID contamination, this intervention has prohibited all gatherings and processions that are usually marked as a part of these festivals.

Orders to prevent all social gatherings and functions

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Implementing the restrictions, the top district authorities of North and South Goa issued relevant orders and directives preventing all such social gatherings. This decision becomes necessary at this point in time when multiple regions across the country are witnessing a revived surge in COVID infection rates. Given that the upcoming festivals of Holi, Shab-e-Baraat, Easter and Eid-ul-Fitr are observed with a social get-together and community functions, the fear of an accentuated viral spread stands amplified. Thus, the district officials have imposed Section 144 of CrPC, taking cognisance of the prevailing situation.

As per sources, the health department of the state administration has also executed local-level bans and restrictions. Notably, these orders are in alignment with the guidelines mentioned in the standard operating procedure of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Additionally, the celebrations of Goa's Shigmo Spring festival were also canceled.

1,379 active COVID cases in Goa on Sunday

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While there was a time that Goa almost became a COVID-free state with zero cases, the infections have seen a hike in recent times. With 1,379 active cases of coronavirus and a cumulative tally of 57,453 affected individuals on Sunday, the circumstances in Goa are far away from normal. Keeping this view, the aforesaid restraints were required to prevent a rampant COVID spread.