NT NETWORK

Panaji

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said the lockdown is not the solution for curbing the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state and as such restrictions will affect the state economy badly.

Talking to reporters at the Secretariat, he once again ruled out imposing additional restrictions in the state to arrest the spread of the coronavirus.

“We had seen the impact on the economy after last year’s lockdown. The economy was led zero down. Now slowly the state economy is being revived and if we go for another lockdown then it will be disturbed again. Therefore, the government will not resort to any such measures,” Sawant said.

He also ruled out any restrictions at the state borders, adding that the quantum of fines for violating standard operating procedures will not be increased.

“The vaccination, wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing in public places, sanitizing the hands by people is the solution to control the spread of the virus,” he opined.

The Chief Minister further said that the police have been already directed to enforce the norms from today and impose fines on those who violate the health norms.

“The District Collectorates and the police will impose fines if people are found not obeying the norms and violating standard operating procedures in public places,” he said.

Sawant also stated that if all people above 45-years of age get vaccinated that will cover nearly 50 % of the state’s population.

When asked whether the government has failed to take appropriate measures to control the spread of the virus, the Chief Minister asserted that the state government has not gone wrong anywhere in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID cases are not only increasing in Goa, it’s a nationwide phenomenon. Even if you see the data very few tourists are being infected with the virus in Goa. That means the virus is already there in the state. So therefore, I once again appeal to the people of Goa to take necessary precautions to keep the virus at bay. If necessary only then go out of the house,” he added.

The Chief Minister informed that the government has already issued advisory to all the departments, industrial units and tourism bodies to get their eligible employees vaccinated.