Alarmed by the uncontrolled spike in COVID cases and increasing rate of fatalities, the Goa government has declared a state-wide curfew, from May 9 to May 23. During this period of 15 days, only essential services will be allowed, including the facilities providing medical supplies. While the CM delivered a long address to announce this decision on Friday, reports state that a detailed order about the specifics of the curfew will be released by 4 PM today.

COVID war rooms to come up across all constituencies

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As per the instructions given till now, grocery shops are allowed to operate from 7 AM to 1 PM. Further, the takeaway orders from hotels and restaurants will be permitted between 7 AM and 7 PM and the shops are completely barred from hosting customers. When the positivity rate and death percentage are together taking an upward trajectory, this intervention has become the need of the hour.

As per reports, MLAs have been asked to set up COVID war rooms in order to offer quick solutions for COVID-related issues in their electoral regions. These facilities will have to be supplemented with 24*7 call centre services to maintain regular contact with COVID patients and assure all such aid to them, as may be deemed essential.

Negative RT-PCR report or complete vaccination mandatory for tourists

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Reportedly, the Goa administration has declared that tourists will be permitted entry into the state only after they produce a negative RT-PCR report or complete vaccination certificate. While multiple states mandated similar provisions previously, authorities in Goa took this decision after being asked by the Bombay High Court. Reportedly, the Goa government has been reluctant to such restraints given the harm they can cause to the tourism industry.

On Friday, the highest-ever count of 4,195 COVID cases was recorded in Goa while fatalities surged up by 56. As of now, 1,12,462 individuals have tested positive for COVID in Goa.