Panaji, Mar 22 (IANS): There was no palpable panic reported in Goa, unlike several other parts of the country, with provision stores and super-markets witnessing routine activity on Saturday -- a day ahead of the 'janata curfew' -- even as the prices of hand sanitisers and face masks continued to soar.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also made a public plea that the government would be facilitating necessary essential goods and supplies in the state, despite a ban imposed on passenger and tourist inflow into the state on Saturday.

"The borders are sealed for the entry of all types of passenger vehicles coming through the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka from midnight today. This will not affect the movement and entry of essential goods and other cargo and bonafide residents of Goa," Sawant told reporters at the State Secretariat on Saturday after chairing an all-party meeting to discuss precautionary measures being taken by his government in view of COVID-19.

"Public are requested no to indulge in panic buying and stay away from rumours," Sawant also said.

A Civil Supplies department official also said, that the Goa government was in touch with wholesalers in the markets in the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka over additional purchase of essential goods, especially food grains, if need arises.

In the states markets too, there were no complaints vis-a-vis inflated costs or shortage of essential items, in view of the pandemic.

However, hand sanitisers and masks continue to be sold at steep prices in several pharmacies.

According to Sawant, the state government had roped in alcohol distillers to manufacture hand sanitisers in order to tide over the shortage. The Chief Minister also warned of action, if pharmacists and storekeepers sold the two articles are sold at exorbitant rates.