On Saturday, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that soon the government might allow restaurants to function at 50 per cent capacity. He further mentioned that the plan is being drawn up and would be announced soon, it comes as a welcomed announcement for the state’s hospitality industry.
Sawant said, "We have announced that saloons may open (from July 5). We are also considering 50 per cent relief for (restaurants) too.” Earlier this week, bar and restaurant owners had petitioned Sawant demanding re-opening of their businesses, reports suggest. All the bars and restaurants have been closed since May when Covid-19 was at its peak.
Curfew extended till July 12, stadiums to open: CM
The relief measures are likely to be incorporated in the next stage of the state-level curfew. On Friday, Sawant also announced that outdoors sports complexes, stadiums and saloons will open in Goa, even as State level curfew extends till July 12.
The Chief Minister took to Twitter and wrote, "State level curfew will be extended till 7am, July 12, 2021. Shops can remain open from 7 am to 6 pm. Saloon and outdoor sports complex/stadiums may also open”.
State Level Curfew will be extended till 7AM, 12 July 2021. Shops can remain open from 7 am to 6 PM. Saloon and outdoor sports complex/stadiums may also open.
The curfew was first imposed on May 9, in wake of a surge of Covid-19 infections and deaths in the state, and extended periods on six occasions.
Special drive to vaccinate ID-less Indians, Nepalis in Goa
On Friday, the government also said that they would launch a special vaccination drive from Saturday. The drive is intended for those Indian citizens in the state who do not have approved government-issued photo Ids cards. The official added that Nepali citizens residing in the state would also be vaccinated as part of the special drive.
As per the directions of the Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare, the special vaccination drive will be organised in both North and South Goa.
State immunisation officer Dr Rajendra Borkar said, "We will be vaccinating Indian nationals, who for some reasons do not have any photo IDs or a valid phone number. Nepali citizens who are working in Goa, will also be vaccinated using the same SOP.”
"Those who wish to get vaccinated will have to come to designated vaccination centres with whatever documents they have which prove they are Indian citizens or Nepali citizens. Facilitating officers appointed by the District Collector will be certifying them. To organise one session, we need 100 people minimum," he added reported IANS.
(With Inputs from IANS)