Panaji, Apr 20 (IANS): The Congress, here on Monday, cautioned the state government against declaring Goa Covid-19 free in a hurry as the health agencies had only tested 0.4 per cent of the 15 lakh population.

"Testing is the only effective way to determine whether Goa is really in safe zone from Covid-19 pandemic. We urge the government to take steps to expedite community testing and set up facilities to quarantine likely suspects who may emerge from it," Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar said.

Terming such a little testing till April 19 as shocking, Chodankar said, of the 780 samples tested in Goa, seven turned out Covid-19 positive, which was 1 per cent of the total.

"This is alarming. The government needs to justify its claim before declaring Goa Covid-19 free. The government should not make unnecessary hurry," he said.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that Goa's seventh and last active Covid-19 patient had tested negative.