Panaji: Goa’s tourism industry can gradually resume with strict health protocols only after COVID-19 situation in India is under control, a senior state minister said.
State Port Minister Michael Lobo, who represents Calangute Assembly constituency, said that the tourism industry can think of resuming only after lockdown period is over and COVID-19 situation in the country is totally under control.
He said that at least for few more months, the state should discourage mass gathering in the state.
Lobo, a BJP MLA, said that he would be presenting his suggestions before Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on April 14, after PM announces his decision on the lockdown.
“May be after a month or later when lockdown is lifted, we cannot think of opening our borders. We have to make sure that the tourism industry resumes only after health protocols are adhered to,” he said.
Once state government allows the tourism industry to open up, all the people entering the state will have to be thoroughly checked at airport, railway station and all the entry points. “Only when they are certified as negative, they will be allowed to enter the state,” he said.
Lobo said that the private labs can be roped in to conduct testing at these points.
He said that the traditional domestic markets for tourism industry including states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karanataka, Kerala and other are reeling under COVID-19 impact.
