Covid-19 outbreak: Goa CM Pramod Sawant announces complete lockdown till March 31

PANAJI: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced total lockdown in the state till March 31 as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus in the state. Sawant said that even if there is no positive case of Covid-19 till date, it does not mean that there are no patients in the state.
The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting. Before taking decision Sawant held all-party meeting including with MLAs.“Lockdown is being ordered under Epidemic Disease Act,” he said
Speaking to mediapersons, Sawant said that no shops would be open from Wednesday onwards and only emergency services of the government will be operational. He also said that pharmacies will be kept open.
"I know that people will be inconvenienced and also face difficulties, but we have to bear it in the interest of our health,” Sawant said
He also said that state government has received more than 1,000 messages on the WhatsApp number circulated among the public to inform about Covid-19 suspects within their localities and over 500 people have already been home quarantined.
Sawant said that the police will act against those who do not adhere to the state government order on curfew. A high-level committee has been formed under the chairmanship of chief minister and cabinet has given all powers committee to take any decision with respect to Covid-19.
Sawant said in the next three days necessary arrangement would be made to supply essential commodities to the needy people.