Elevating the burden on the state’s medical infrastructure, 2,110 new COVID cases were recorded in Goa on Tuesday, which is over three times more than the number of recoveries on the same day. With 38 and 31 deaths on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, the count of fatalities has increased considerably in the past week. Alarmed by the present circumstances, the authorities are contemplating the imposition of a partial lockdown in the Calangute-Candolim beach stretch of the coastal state.
Lockdown needed at frequently crowded locations to save lives
While the state managed a controlled tally of infections since the start of the pandemic, the second wave of contagion has destabilised Goa. Initially, the state government was reluctant towards the idea of a lockdown but the amplifying rate of infections has prompted the body to consider it as an alternative.
“We have informed the CM that the situation is going out of hand. Calangute, Candolim and some parts of Arpora-Nagoa are witnessing a steep increase in cases. Precious lives are being lost,” said Ports Minister and local MLA, Michael Lobo. He also informed that the Chief Minister has given his nod for the partial lockdown and a final decision would be taken after a meeting of top officials on Wednesday.
As per the current plans, all non-essential services shall be restricted between 1 AM and 6 PM in all three villages lying in the area. This first-of-its-kind lockdown in Goa, will attempt to arrest the uncontrolled spread of infections in areas where maximum cases are concentrated. As per records, the Candolim public health centre has the second-highest count of active COVID patients, standing at 1,392.
State government issues SOPs for home-isolated patients
Reportedly, the Goa administration has also laid out guidelines for COVID positive individuals or citizens with symptoms, who are in home isolation. Among many things entailed in the document, such people have been asked to record their temperature and SPO2 levels thrice a day and take 6-minute walks at least two times daily.
It has been told that immediate medical help should be sought, if the short walk lowers the SPO2 by four points or more. In addition to it, it also details the list of medicines to be used by the home-quarantined patients.
