Keeping the rising number of Covid-19 infections in mind, the Goa government has imposed a four-day lockdown. The lockdown will begin today (29 April) at 7 PM and will be lifted at 6 AM on 3 May.
On Tuesday, Goa reported as many as 2,110 COVID-19 positive cases and 31 deaths caused by the virus. This tallies to 81,908 total cases and the death toll has reached 1,086 in the state up till now.
The announcement was made by Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa who asked the locals to stay calm and not panic during these tough times. “People should not panic. All grocery stores and essential services will be allowed to operate, I also urge migrant labourers not to leave the state.”
This lockdown seeks to break the chain of the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Goa. “If people do not step out for the next four days, we will be successful in breaking the chain of this surge,” Sawant said.
Lockdown announced in state from 29th April 7 pm to the morning of 3rd May. Essential services & industrial activities allowed, public transport to remain shut. Casinos, hotels, pubs remain closed. Borders to remain open for essential service transportation: Goa CM Pramod Sawant pic.twitter.com/PXaUfT5tkG
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2021
Casinos To Remain Closed
The state government has been doing every possible thing to fight the ongoing Covid-19. Earlier, the state had announced a night curfew (10 PM to 6 AM) from 21 to 30 April, wherein the casinos were allowed to operate with 50% capacity. However, the casinos will remain closed as per the latest lockdown directives. Both casinos and bars have been ordered to remain shut during the lockdown period. Public transport will not operate. The weekly markets in various parts of Goa will not be held during the lockdown. Schools and colleges have already closed after the spike in Covid-19 cases.
Casinos have been the worst hit since the Coronavirus-induced lockdown last year. However, the last November when the government allowed casinos to reopen at a maximum of 50% occupancy brought in huge relief for the casino operators. Casino footfalls, however, declined by 25% during the 2nd wave of the pandemic and this four-day lockdown is another setback to the industry.
What Will Remain Open?
Sawant clarified that all essential services such as Grocery shops will remain open throughout the day and there is no need for panic buying or hoarding of groceries. The restaurants will only be allowed to operate their kitchens for home deliveries. Industries will be allowed to operate within their respective premises and will have to arrange for transport facilities for their staff. Government offices with limited staff will remain open. Healthcare and emergency services will also remain open.
What About Events & Tourists Entering The State?
Goa government has asked people not to host large events in the state, but the weddings and religious functions during the lockdown can be held with no more than 50 persons in attendance.
Tourists coming into Goa during the four-day lockdown will be allowed to stay in their hotels but not venture out. Entry of vehicles coming into the state from neighboring states has not been curbed.