Goemkarponn desk
CALANGUTE: While the State government continues to maintain that the curfew has been extended in the State following the COVID19 pandemic, the rule seems to be an exception to the high and mighty.
With the decrease in COVID19 cases in the State, the tourists have once again begun to flock to the coastal State. But despite this, the government has maintained the restaurants and pubs and nightclubs should be closed by 9 p.m.
However, there seem to be some exceptions to this rule as the establishments of the high and mighty were open way beyond 9 pm.
The restaurant cum pub of Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo – The Baga Deck and Candolim sarpanch Blaise Fernandes restaurant were open way beyond 11 pm.
“This is the situation here. The police come and trouble us even if we are open one minute beyond 9 pm. Still, the people in power seem to be an exception,” said a restauranteur, refusing to be named.
Another businessman said that the restaurants of non-Goans are allowed to be kept open, and police turn a blind eye to these as they are paying haftas to them.
“Why differentiate? Allow all to operate. The curfew is an eyewash,” the Goans businessman said.
Curfew EXTENDED…
The state government has extended the ongoing Covid-induced curfew till August 2, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Sunday. The curfew was first imposed on May 9 this year and has been extended several times since then.
“The State Level Curfew Order will be extended up to 7 AM, 2nd August 2021,” CM Pramod Sawant tweeted.
During previous relaxations, shops and malls were allowed to remain open from 7 am to 6 pm. Saloon and outdoor sports complex/stadium were also permitted to stay open.
Gyms were allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity. Religious places were also allowed to open; not more than 15 people can gather.
According to the health department, Goa recorded 75 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths today, while 149 patients recovered.
