Reginaldo for ramping up COVID-19 testing

Margao: Disturbed over the increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases in areas of Curtorim, local legislator Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco on Wednesday demanded that the government ramp up the testing facilities so as to allay the people’s fear.

Till date, there are in all 6 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases reported in Curtorim constituency areas.

Speaking to this daily, Lourenco said, “I will be meeting the Raia and the Curtorim panchayat members on Thursday to decide on adopting preventive measures. There has to be at least a partial lockdown in the two villages to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus,’’ he added.

The Congress legislator further opined that the government should ramp up the testing facilities.

“I will also meet the chief minister and the health minister in next two days pressing for ramp up of testing,’’ he  said adding, “People of Curtorim should also take preventive measures. There are a few  people who wanted to spread panic on COVID issue, but Curtorim people should not fall prey.’’

Meanwhile, Reginaldo alleged that there is absolutely no checking at the borders, forest areas, waterway, (rivers) since many people from COVID-19 hotspot areas of Maharashtra and Karnataka are entering the state.

“Bribing is done at the border areas to affect entry into Goa, the government should check this up as the officials on duty are not up to the mark. If this continues, I will be forced to complain to the authorities concerned,’’ Lourenco said.