Panaji, March 24 (IANS): The Goa Police are on the lookout for a woman foreigner, who spat at lifeguards at the Calangute beach on Tuesday after she was prevented from swimming in the sea due to the curfew imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Beaches are off limits to the public due to the curfew, which will remain in place until March 31.

Drishti Marine, a private lifeguard agency manning Goan beaches, said in a statement the incident had been reported to the Calangute police station.

"Earlier this morning at Calangute beach, a foreign national argued with the lifeguards who tried to stop her from going into the waters and spat on their faces before walking away. The incident was reported to the local police," the Drishti Marine said.

The agency also said people were continuing to defy the curfew and were insisting on visiting beaches in several parts of the state.

"On the various beaches, there were stray incidents on Monday. Today (Tuesday) people are coming to the beaches despite requests by lifeguards to leave and return home," it said.

The lifeguard has been declared an essential service by the Goa government and continues to be deployed on beaches to prevent mishaps and ensure safety.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has urged tourists to put off their Goa visit plans at least until March 31.