Free vaccination policy for all adults to now expedite Goa's 'Tika Utsav'

The state of Goa has pledged to achieve 100% first dose vaccination coverage before reopening its tourism industry. The administration too, has resorted to several measures to expedite the overall inoculation process. In this light, the Union's free vaccination policy for beneficiaries over 18 years of age, has emerged as a catalyst to visualise the goal.

Goa's active vaccination drive

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The COVID inoculation drive in Goa, famed as Tika Utsav, is set to accelerate at a bolstered speed given the initiation of the Centre's free vaccination policy. As per reports, the state administration is set to receive free vaccine vials to broaden the scope of the first dose of the anti-COVID jab. Thus, from today onwards, all state vaccination centres will administer the vaccine dose for free to all adults, while provisioning the benefit of on-site registration.

The step will boost Goa's total vaccination target and hasten the revival of the tourism industry and consequently the economy here. As yet, the state has administered over 7.5 lakh COVID vaccines, covering at least the first dose jab for 42.8% of its population. Around 6.6% of the total local citizens have completed their vaccination course, with both doses.

The COVID-19 arrest in Goa

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Besides an active vaccination drive, Goa has simultaneously managed to scale down the threat of COVID spread. Around 207 people tested positive here on Sunday, extending the downward dip of the infection graph.

Recoveries surged over this tally, marking 406 cured patients- strengthening the healing trends here. The fatality toll clocked in 6 deaths in the last 24 hours, accumulating a total of 3,268 active cases now.