Goa: 15 tourists fined for not wearing masks

PANAJI: A group of 12 tourists from Karnataka hanging out on the steps of the iconic Immaculate Conception church in Panaji on Sunday were fined Rs 100 each for not wearing masks. These, along with three others also near the church, were the first instance of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) penalising maskless tourists in its jurisdiction.
Mayor Uday Madkaikar said that the government should set out strict SOPs for tourists, and inform them about it at the border. “We welcome tourists, but they should keep in mind that they shouldn’t be roaming without masks,” he said. “It is dangerous for them and for the local people too.”
Madkaikar said that although central guidelines exist, tourists need to be reminded to follow them when visiting Goa. He said the three tourists were alighting from a cab, and were fined. The taxi driver had his mask on. “Police should warn taxi drivers against ferrying tourists who are not wearing masks,” he said. “Drivers should insist on them wearing masks for everyone’s safety.”
The CCP has fined a total of 150 persons since May for not wearing masks in the capital city, especially in the municipal market, but Sunday was the first time tourists have been fined by the corporation.
“Goa has opened up, and tourists have begun visiting,” Madkaikar said. “We will have to keep this drive going. The government has authorised us to impose fines within our jurisdiction. We will form a team to send out inspectors around the city on Monday.”
Covid cases in the capital city are on the rise, with an average of 25 new ones reported each day.