Scared to step out due to flagrant Covid-19 SOP violations: Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane

Rane said that Goa could afford to remain in isolation, especially when states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala were witnessing an increase in infection rate

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Wednesday said that he was scared of eating out in restaurants in the state because of flagrant violation of Covid-19 SOPs.

Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Rane also said that in wake of the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the state, restaurants should function at 50 per cent capacity.

"You go and check some restaurants, you will feel Covid was never around in Goa. I feel scared, which is why I do not step out," Rane said.

"I would suggest 50 per cent seating capacity in restaurants. People should come forward. We are not a police raj state. We have to see that there is sustainable tourism happening in Goa. We have to have that balance during Covid, where we are able to have our businessmen earn their livelihood (too)," the Health Minister said.

Read | Nearly 3,000 caught without masks on North Goa beaches in 2021

The daily count of Covid-19 cases in Goa have been fluctuating in the mid-to-late 100s over the last few weeks, whereas in the previous months, the state used to report between 30 to 50 Covid-19 cases on an average.

Rane said that Goa could afford to remain in isolation, especially when states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala were witnessing an increase in the rate of infection.

"You must understand that there are states around us like Kerala, Karnataka and Maharashtra. They are at a very high level at the moment. As a result Goa cannot remain isolated and we are getting people from the neighbouring states," he said.

On Wednesday, Goa recorded the highest daily tally of Covid-19 positive cases in months, with 200 persons testing positive for the deadly infection.