Panaji, Jun 12 (IANS): The Goa government on Friday said Ghodemal area in North Goa's Sattari sub-district had been declared the state's second containment zone after Mangor hill after a surge in coronavirus cases there over the last few days. On Friday, the state's active corona cases reached 394 as 46 new cases were reported.

According to health authorities, more than 14 corona cases have been reported in the village, most of whom are either Health Department workers posted at an urban health centre in Vasco town, or their families.

"After a thorough discussion with Secretary Health, we have instructed the (North Goa) Collector to declare Ghodemal as a containment zone along with Kasarwada and Deulwada as buffer zones," Health Minister Vishwajit Rane told reporters here.

The infected health workers were posted at the state government''s Vasco urban health centre, which is in close proximity to Mangor hill.

"We have take all necessary precautions to ensure daily supplies aren't disrupted and all the health protocols are followed so that cases in these areas are under control," the Minister said.

Chimbel, a slum cluster near Panaji, has also witnessed a spurt in corona positive cases, which according to Health Secretary Nila Mohanan have originated from the home of a security guard posted at the Vasco urban health centre.

In all, 463 corona cases have been reported in Goa so far, of which 69 persons have recovered, official statistics said. Currently, there are 394 active cases in the state.