Goa Chief Minsiter Pramod Sawant has introduced new lockdown restictions in the state to curb Covid-19 spread. The lockdown will start Thursday at 8 pm and will be applicable until Monday 6 am.
In addition to this, a fresh daily night curfew from 8 pm to 6 pm, starting Wednesday until August 10, will also come in force in the state.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Sawant expressed his concern over the rapid increase in Covid-19 tally in the state. He further added that monsoon season will require added precautions, making it necessary to enforce hygiene amid the heavy rainfall.
“We are in mid-July, when the state receives the highest rainfall. On Tuesday, the state reported 170 Covid-19 positive cases, which is the highest single-day spike so far. The figure could rise in the coming days. There is a lack of seriousness to contain the viral outbreak. The need of the hour is to create more awareness among the public and stricter compliance with all standard operating procedures (SOPs). A section of the public has started holding parties while flouting all social distancing norms with impunity,” he was quoted as saying.
“The public only understands the language of the law. The state has reported over 1,000 active Covid-19 positive cases and 18 deaths,” Sawant further added.
The Chief Minister also asked citizens to take the night curfew seriously, adding that strict actions would be taken against the violators. However, people associated with essential services or facing any medical emergencies would be allowed movement during the curfew hours, he added.
“The ‘Janata Curfew’ will last from 8 pm to 6 am daily, with exceptions for essential services or those working night shifts in industries or medical emergencies. The curfew will be in place till August 10… violators will be imprisoned,” Sawant said.
Meanwhile, Goa saw the biggest spike in covid-19 cases on Tuesday with 170 fresh cases. The state has so far recorded 18 deaths with half of them reported in the past three days.
