Panaji, Mar 14 (IANS): Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday urged political parties against organising large gatherings during the run-up to the March 22 Zilla Panchayat polls, in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Addressing a press conference in Panaji on Saturday, following a meeting of the BJP-led coalition government's high-powered committee on Health attended by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Chief Secretary Parimal Rai and other top officials, Sawant also said, that hand sanitisers were being procured to be handed over to the State Election Commission to be placed in polling booths and counting stations.

"I urge all political parties not to hold large gatherings in wake of the coronavirus outbreak," Sawant said.

"We are taking all precautions for elections. Our Health Secretary and State Election Commissioner are in touch. We are purchasing hand sanitisers to be provided to polling booths and counting centres. During elections itself, sanitisers and masks will be provided to the polling staff," Sawant said.

Election to the 50 Zilla Panchayat constituencies is scheduled to be held on March 22.