NT NETWORK
Panaji
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said the state’s borders will be opened from September 1 thus allowing people coming from other states to enter Goa without testing for COVID-19 at the entry points.
Sawant also said the government will allow operation of bars and restaurants in the state from September 1.
“The government has taken a decision to open the state’s borders and allow bars and restaurants to operate as per the new guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs,” he said.
The Chief Minister told the media after holding a review meeting with the department of health and other concerned officials at his official residence that people from outside the state will be allowed to enter Goa without any restriction and there will be no testing for COVID-19 at the entry points.
As per the new central guidelines, the government will permit reopening of bars and restaurants in the state from September 1, the Chief Minister said. “All activities allowed by the MHA in Unlock-4 guidelines have to follow
all the norms including maintaining social distancing and other precautions,” he said.
The Chief Minister said temples, churches, mosques and other religious institutions would also be allowed to open as per the new guidelines. “I appeal to the committees of these institutions to ensure that all safety measures and precautions are in place,” he said.
Sawant claimed that during the Ganesh festival, people did not follow safety norms as a result of which the number of COVID-19 cases has been rising in the state.
“During the festival, people have not maintained social distancing, not worn masks and not followed other safety measures. Thus, we could see difference in figures of COVID-19 positive cases before the festival and post festival,” he said.