Panaji: Goa government on Saturday announced slew of measures including shutting down of road side eateries, sealing of borders, stoppage of tourism related activities and others.
State chief minister Pramod Sawant held series of meetings during the day on Saturday including all-party meeting. The state will observe Janata Curfew on Sunday with all the political parties supporting the Prime Minister’s initiative to curb spread of Coronavirus.
“Even though there has not been a single positive case in Goa, considering the critical phase the country is going thru in the COVID-19. It is necessary to be more vigilant and take all preventive measures that are required to prevent the community transmission of the virus,” Sawant said addressing a press conference.
The chief minister announced several decisions which would be in force till March 31, 2020 based on the various instructions, advisories issued by Government of India.
Sawant said that the borders are sealed for the entry of all types of Passenger vehicles coming through the States of Maharashtra and Karnataka from midnight today.
“This will not affect the movement and entry of essential goods and other cargo and bonafide residents of Goa,” he clarified.
He also said that Sporting events, competitions and religious gathering need to be postponed till 31- March 2020.
The state also suspended the operation of Rent a Cab/car/bike till March, 31, 2020.
Sawant said that as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19, minimum Citizen Services will be available at Transport department offices.
The chief minister said that the transport department will reduce government and private bus service to minimum level.
The Head of Departments are empowered to decide upon permitting the government staff to work from home or stagger the office timings, he said.
“All street food joints will be shut down till 31. March 2020. All non essential facilities for public like libraries, museums etc will be shut down during that period,” he said.
In yet another decision, the distilleries will be permitted to use their facility for manufacture of sanitisers to overcome the shortfall of sanitisers
“The Department of Health Services has issued advisory to regulate working hours in all services except for essential services, and advised industrial establishments to adopt staggered timing and regulate crowds in local markets.”
Sawant said that the private sector has been requested to consider work from home wherever feasible.
The chief minister said that all senior citizens (except public representatives) remain indoor, except for medical reasons and need medical services.
“All children below 10 years of age to remain at home and should avoid going to public parks, picnics and other outdoor activities.”
The government has urged that all health establishments to avoid non urgent hospitalization and minimize elective surgeries.
Moreover, chief minister said that the public are requested no to indulge in panic buying and stay away from rumours.
Also, employers are requested not to cut wages/salaries.
“All those who plan to travel to Goa are requested to postpone their travel plans until normalcy returns,” Sawant said.
The chief minister said that instructions are being issued to all educational institutes by the department that all teaching and non teaching staff are exempted from attending schools, colleges etc.
The chief minister said that the State Registrar has been asked to direct the sub registrar to postpone registration of deeds, documents and marriages beyond March 31.
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