Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SS)
Panaji, May 4: Starting from Monday, businesses in Goa will be open again after the state government lifted almost all the restrictions it had placed in the two weeks of lockdown. However, it has warned of strict action if violations are found.
After the state was classified as a ‘Green zone’ by the Centre, permission to open 90% of the services was given. However, borders remain closed and the ban is still imposed on air, rail and road travel.
The last Covid-19 positive patient in Goa was detected on April 3. Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that while the country goes on to the third base of lockdown on Monday, the state government will open up markets and government offices. However, there will be restricted movement of people and vehicles from 7 pm to 7 am. He added that section 144 will continue to be in place in the state till May 17, the end of the phase three lockdown.
Sawant added that bars will remain closed and that consumption of alcohol in public places is banned. Wine shops and wholesale liquor shops have been instructed to close before 6.30 pm in order to avoid movement on the streets. Sale of paan, tobacco and gutka will continue to be banned. Even small tea stalls, street food joints and eateries along roadsides will remain closed till May 17.
Hair-cutting saloons will be open, however, spas and massage parlours will be closed. Shopping malls, entertainment parks and religious places as well. Cinema halls, swimming pools, casinos, river cruises, nightclubs and multiplexes remain closed.
The CM added that people above the age of 65 years and children below the age of 10 years will not be allowed to leave the house till the end of the lockdown.
Shops should only operate between 7 am to 7 pm, except those selling essential commodities. All beach shacks and restaurants remain shut.
Public transport like taxis, buses, rickshaws and motorcycle pilots will be allowed to operate, while hospitality service will not, except hotels that have been converted into quarantine facilities.
He also said that all government offices will function normally. However, any government employee showing symptoms of Covid-19 will be asked to stay home. Private offices are allowed to function by maintaining social distancing norms.