Extending lockdown: Goa awaiting Centre’s guidelines

NT NETWORK

Panaji

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that the state government will announce a roadmap on continuing lockdown, which has been imposed in the wake of COVID-19, for next 15 days once the Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation on April 14 and central guidelines are issued.

Addressing media persons at his official residence, Sawant said that the state government will decide on what economic activities should start after PM Modi’s speech on April 14 at 10 am, and once central guidelines are issued.

“The government is studying different state models. We will announce our decision mostly after April 15,” Sawant said.

He further said that the government is also contemplating to set up rapid testing facility at all eight state borders for the safety of Goans.

“This rapid testing will give report within an hour. The government wants to ensure that no positive patient of COVID-19 enters the state from other states. However, the proposal is still in discussion stage,” he added.

Sawant appealed to the leaders of the religious institutions to adhere to lockdown, postpone all functions accordingly and pass on the message that will be delivered by the Prime Minister on Tuesday to their followers through social media and videos.

The Chief Minister informed that the government has begun identifying the private quarantine facilities which can be used to keep Goans who were working on different ships, once they are brought back into the state due to current COVID-19 outbreak.

He added that the tourism secretary has been asked to list out hotels and hostels, where these Goans who were working on the ships could be kept in paid quarantine, once they are brought back in the state by central government.

“Director of NRI, who is nodal officer for Goans who were working on ships, is in touch with the Centre. We are identifying paid quarantine centres. If they don’t want to stay in government quarantine centre, then they can be offered these paid centres. I have spoken to the Prime Minister on Sunday on seafarers’ issue. The Union Ministry of External Affairs is yet to take a decision on seafarers’ issue,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that he had spoken to all the five patients who have recovered.

“They have positive mindset. They are confident. We are also trying to convince to involve them in creating awareness against COVID-19. Our counsellors will also talk to them regularly,” he said and appealed the people not to discriminate against them as they have recovered.

Sawant said that the house-to-house community health survey has begun in the state from Monday and is getting good response from the people.

“On first day we have covered over two lakh households,” he added.

He further informed that major government offices will function from April 15 and 206 Kadamba transport corporation buses have been arranged for transporting the staff from taluka places to their offices.

“The head of the departments can call only structural staff. They will take call on staff and other working arrangements. We will also allow few private companies to start functioning,” he said.

Sawant also informed that Rs 6,000 each have been transferred to the bank accounts of 8641 building construction workers and Rs 4,000 to other labourers who are registered with the labour welfare boards.