Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: As the State witness surge in Covid cases, the State government has decided to strengthen the enforcement of COVID19 norms, wherein those without masks, including locals would be fined from tomorrow.
The government, however has ruled out imposing any lockdown or night curfew in the State at this moment.
The Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant today chaired emergency meeting of the State Disaster management. The meeting was also attended by the Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.
Speaking to media persons post meeting, Sawant said that fresh set of guidelines, making stringent enforcement through District Collectors and police would be issued by tomorrow.
He said that wearing of mask in public places including market, bus stand, beaches, etc would be mandatory failing which, tourists as well as locals would be fined.
Ruling out lockdown or night curfew in account of revival of State economy, the Chief Minister appealed
people to avoid public gatherings, functions, crowding to curb spread of Covid-19.
He has also asked political parties to restrict their meetings and campaigns to limited people.
He said that people should restrict public gatherings or meetings to 100-150 people.
He said that police will ensure that social distancing and wearing of masks is maintained.
Sawant said that except Maharashtra and Karnataka no other States have made COVID negative certificate mandatory and also no States have imposed any inter- State travel restrictions.
Appealing people to get themselves tested if any symptoms are found, Sawant appealed all those above 45 years to get themselves vaccinated.
He said that special Advisory will be issued to the Government departments and the Industrial units to get their eligible employees vaccinated.
As the bed capacity in GMC and South District hospital being full, the Government has re-notified
Fatorda Football Stadium, ESI hospital Margao & Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium, Bambolim as COVID care centers.
He also said that the Section 144 of CrPC stands withdrawn in the State.