Night curfew imposed in Goa from 10 PM to 6 AM till April 30 along with other COVID-19 norms

Goa is witnessing a sharp spike in coronavirus cases and on Wednesday, the daily rise surged beyond the 1000-mark for the second consecutive day. Amid this alarming uptick of the infection, the Chief Minister, on April 21, enforced a night curfew across the state from 10 PM to 6 AM. As per the statement, the restriction will be observed till April 30. after which the COVID scenario will be reviewed. The cabinet has also imposed other curbs to break the chain of increased transmission in Goa.

Corona curfew in Goa: Restrictions & Relaxations

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The state has ordered all bars and restaurants, river cruises, water parks, entertainment parks, gyms, massage parlours, cinema halls, multiplexes and public transport systems, to operate at 50% of their capacity. Although the regulations blanket all, casinos and hotels will be allowed to function post curfew hours at half their potential, the CM clarified. He further highlighted, "The night curfew will be in place from 10 PM to 6 AM. People should not loiter in public places needlessly. Industrial and goods transport have been excluded from the curfew,"

"We will not impose a lockdown. Not now, not later. So people should not indulge in panic buying. The measures have been taken to ensure that people, especially the youngsters, do not loiter needlessly on public roads," the CM mentioned at a press conference on Wednesday, adding that the second wave is impacting the youngsters more. As a result, the Class X and XII board exams have also been postponed and new dates will only be decided after April 30.

"Public swimming pools, schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutes will be shut. Social, political, sports, entertainment religious and cultural congregations will not be allowed," the Chief Minister said. "Mass gatherings at religious places have been banned. Regular rituals, however, can be carried out on a minimal scale."

Elections to five municipal councils scheduled on April 23 will, however, be held with strict implementation of the COVID-19 SOPs, he said.

COVID-19 graph shoots up to 1,502 fresh cases in Goa

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On Wednesday, 1,502 people tested positive for COVID-19, while 17 victims succumbed to the infection. Goa currently has 9,300 active cases. The CM, however, has pointed out that the increase in detections is linked to the corresponding rise in the testing capacities of the government agencies. The state is in the process of increasing healthcare infrastructure and availability of resources to boost COVID treatment to handle the increased load here, lodged in the last few weeks.

At the same time, the cabinet has ruled out mandatory testing of people entering the state. "We have crossed 4,000 tests and our target is to reach 5000 tests," the Chief Minister announced, adding that there is no shortage of oxygen or the critical drug, Remdesivir, in the state.