In light of the continual rise of coronavirus cases in Goa, the state government on Sunday, decided to extend the scope of the 4-day lockdown until May 10. Reportedly, all casinos, bars, sports complexes, river cruises, gyms, schools, colleges and weekly markets have been directed to remain fully closed from 6 AM on May 3 to 7 AM on May 10. Officials have informed that strict precautionary curbs will also extend at all tourist hotspots, including Calangute and Candolim among others.
Lockdown extends in Goa: Restrictions & Relaxations
Goa will continue to follow COVID-related restrictions for eight more days, even after the four-day lockdown imposed by the state government ends on Monday morning, the Chief Minister said. “There will be no lockdown henceforth. In view of the increase in the mortality rate, Covid-19 restrictions will be strictly followed from this Monday to the coming Monday”, he commented. The decision has been passed in view of the relentless threat of the pandemic here.
The new set of restrictions are fairly similar to the ones imposed in the erstwhile four-day lockdown, however, certain relaxations have been offered as well. All stores selling essential goods and restaurants can now operate from 7 AM to 7 PM while restaurant kitchens can open till late and 50% of occupancy have been now permitted in their seating areas. Similarly, government offices can work at 50% capacity, the CM added.
All social, political, sports, entertainment, academic and cultural events have been banned and only 50 people can attend a wedding ceremony. Casinos, bars, sports complexes, cinema halls, spa, massage centre and malls would be closed as part of the restrictions.
Tourist belt lockdown
Meanwhile, the Port Minister on Monday stated that the tourism belt of North Goa will further be locked to subdue the force of the infection spread. The minister informed that the panchayats of Calangute, Candolim and Arpora-Nagoa villages in Goa, have passed orders to observe a strict lockdown here. These regions are very popular among tourists and may develop as epicentres of virus growth in the state
“COVID restrictions should be followed by all. Life is important. If COVID norms are not followed, strict action will follow. We want to reduce COVID deaths and cases in the state”, the CM stated. Goa has entered a war zone with the coronavirus that claimed the lives of 52 people and added 2,030 new infections on Sunday, to the aggregate tally. Recovery is churning at 72.9% here and about 1,255 discharges were noted here in the last 24 hours.
