It’s been more than a year when the COVID19 pandemic has struck the State and the country. Goa since then seemed to have entered the green zone twice in June last year and March this year.
However, till date the it is sham that the State is still not ready with its infrastructure in place be it ventilators, HFNO machines, Medical Oxygen plants, hospitals, beds, testing machines and most importantly medicines like Remdesivir. You name anything and we are short of it.
The virus gave us enough time in-between and we decided to waste that time in winning elections.
Why even after spending crores on ventilators, PPEs, oxygen cylinders we are short on everything? The government of the day has to answer.
Indeed, politicians wait for such pandemic times so that they can milk the State treasury. First, they create artificial demand for something, then comes the shortage, create fear and then feast on it.
Yes, this is the modus operandi of the leaders across the political spectrum.
However, we have to understand that the COVID19 cases are just not the numbers of new infections or deaths. They are human being, someone is father, mother, daughter, son etc. Every life has emotions attached to it. Not to forget hundreds who died were sole bread earners. How are we going to overcome this loss, rather how would the families overcome these losses?
Yes, the economy has to run but at what cost? If there is no life what is the use of the economy?
In present condition, wherein more than 30 deaths and 2000-odd cases reported every day, a lockdown for atleast a fortnight is essential.
Even the ministers like Michael Lobo, who earlier advocated that “Tourism must continue” has had a change of heart and demanding a lockdown in his constituency. He has immediately announced containment Zone in his constituency for 10 days.
Heath Minister VIshwajit Rane too has been demanding lockdown for some time now.
The 80-hour token lockdown announced by the CM, may not serve the purpose at all. Even after four-days of lockdown, Goa will have to continue the strict curfews. At this time asking for COVID19-negative certificate is a must from tourists and people with second homes in Goa.
To break the chain, we need at least a fortnight, with strict implementation. Strict implementation means stringent punishment like the Tripura DM style, whose video went viral on internet when he raided a wedding ceremony during violating curfew.
Would any of the two District Magistrates in Goa dare to do the same here.
Take for example, the Chief Minister himself broke all the protocols of Section 144 while inaugurating a small bridge at Sanquelim, this morning.
Hundreds of people were present for the inauguration. Someone has to ask him what example is he trying to set? He is only blaming public for not wearing masks and not following SOPs. As a leader of the State he has to follow the SOP’s.
Can the North Goa Collector Ajit Roy dare to act against the CM for violating Section 144?
