- Genome sequencing machine to be set up at GMC in next one month says CM
Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the state government will not impose any restrictions during the festive season while urging all people to follow the COVID-19 appropriate norms.
CM also informed that the state government will install a genome sequencing machine at Goa Medical College (GMC) within one month.
CM Sawant this evening chaired a task force meeting in view of the rising Omicron Covid variant cases in the country and the increasing positivity rate in the state.
“We had the task force meeting, and we have decided that a genome sequecing machine will be installed at Goa Medical College (GMC) within the next one month. With this, we do not have to send the samples to NIV Pune for testing,” said CM Sawant, speaking to the media after the task force meeting.
He further said that no restrictions will be imposed in the state during this festive season.
“We have not imposed any restrictions in the state and also no night curfew during this festive season, but I urge people to follow all COVID protocols set up by the state government,” he added.
CM Sawant also informed that an expert committee meeting will be held on Monday, following which a detailed advisory shall be issued to the public.
“As of now, we do not have any Omicron cases detected in the state, but we have to take precautions as there are 3500 foreign tourists in the state, including those from risk countries,” he said.
The Prime Minister also has directed officials to ensure that the health systems in the States, from the district level upward, were strengthened to meet any challenge posed by the new variant. It was important for States to ensure that the oxygen supply equipment was installed and fully functional, he instructed the officials.