Goa CM Pramod Sawant declares ‘lockdown’, but leaves most businesses open

PANAJI: The state government on Wednesday issued an order tightening the existing curbs to “help break the chain” and control the exponential spike in Covid-19 cases in the state.
Although chief minister Pramod Sawant had on Wednesday afternoon announced a four-day “lockdown” from April 29 to May 3, in the evening, the two district collectors issued a ‘lockdown’ order, which was contradictory to Sawant’s announcement that other than essential services, life in Goa would come to a standstill. He also stated that the weekend lockdown was to “help break the chain of the virus’ spread”.

“There is no need to panic. All essential services will be on. Life will normalise from Monday morning. The markets will be shut as crowding at weekly markets is being witnessed. All services classified by the government as essential services will be on. Casinos will be shut. Public transport will be shut. Pharmacies will be open,” Sawant said.
However, as per the orders issued by the North and South Goa collectors, from 9pm on April 29 to 6am on May 3, except for banning of public gatherings and shutting of casinos and bars, all other economic activity will continue.
With all shops and establishments also permitted to remain operational up to 9pm, the order has effectively only advanced the night curfew by an hour, which will now be extended up to May 3.
Except for a few additions, similar restrictions were already in place, and the ongoing night curfew, from 10pm onwards, was to be in force up to April 30.
The order allows restaurants to operate at 50% capacity from 6am to 9pm, and only provide food delivery services during the remaining hours.
“Fish market and municipal/panchayat market will be allowed to function only with proper arrangements for enforcement of Covid appropriate behaviour, like social distancing, use of masks, etc,” the North and South Goa collectors’ orders stated.
“If everyone remains indoors during these four days and do not come out in large numbers, then it will be a big favour to all of us. We will be able to break the chain,” chief minister Pramod Sawant said, while adding that there is no likelihood of the four-day restrictions being extended.
Sawant said that containment zones will be announced in areas such as Porvorim, Candolim and Margao where the number of Covid-19 cases are high.
“These orders may be for longer periods, as required. But even in these areas grocery stores will be open. This will be limited to specific areas. The collectors concerned will issue the orders. There is no need to panic. Labourers should not panic and leave the state,” said Sawant.
The announcement of a ‘lockdown’ nevertheless created panic among migrant workers, who were seen lining up to catch the first train out of Goa the same evening.
Marriages, which are already scheduled to take place during the four-day lockdown period, can take place with the earlier set guest limit of 50 persons, Sawant said.
“We have not kept any window for grocery and essential item shops to be on as this can lead to a rush during the specified time, so the stores will run as usual. Industrial activities can continue within their own premises,” Sawant said.
Those who have scheduled vaccination appointments will be able to go ahead with their jabs, as planned.
“Taking into consideration the various industries, we have taken the middle path,” said Sawant about the limited days of lockdown announced.
He said tourists, who have already booked hotel rooms, will be able to stay at the place booked by them.
“They will have to remain inside their booked room. They will not be able to roam outside,” said Sawant.