CM Pramod Sawant endorses consensus, says Goa’s borders must remain shut

TNN | Updated: Apr 12, 2020, 13:03 IST

Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant

PANAJI: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said that the state government has suggested to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the total lockdown in the state be continued till April 30 and that borders too remain closed. However, government offices will start functioning in the state from Monday, he said.
“We suggested that the lockdown continue till April 30. We have also suggested that flights and railways services should not resume, and the state’s borders should be kept closed,” Sawant said.
It was the state’s recommendation that only interstate transport of essential commodities and goods be allowed, he said.
Sawant said that Modi will address the nation within two days and announce the national guidelines for the lockdown. He said that all chief ministers urged the PM to come out with one central guideline to avoid any confusion in the fight against Covid-19.
The national guidelines may have some relaxations to carry out economic activities, he said.
“We have to follow the guidelines strictly as they are in the interest of the health of the people of the state,” Sawant said.
“I didn’t get an opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister via video conference, but the state has sent its suggestions in writing,” the chief minister told reporters.
The state has been able to control the spread of Covid-19 due to cooperation from the public, medical staff and others, Sawant said.
The chief minister urged the people of the state to have patience till April-end. He also said that restaurants and public gatherings may not be allowed in state till end of April. He also said that cooperative societies are likely to start after April 14.
Sawant said that people should use masks when they step out of their houses. “Other states have started imposing fines if they find a person without mask. If people don’t wear masks then we will also have to take a decision to fine people going around without masks,” he said.
The chief minister said that the government will sell masks at a minimum price through its various departments.
Speaking about the three-day, house-to-house community survey, Sawant said once the survey is completed, the state will be able to declare Goa as a safe state.
On Wednesday, state cabinet ministers had said that the government should urge the central government to continue lockdown till April 30 and thereafter continue to impose Section 144 CrPC.