Panaji, Apr 24 (IANS): Seafarers returning to Goa will continue to remain on board the ships until the results of their Covid-19 tests are known. All these sailors will be tested within 24 hours of their arrival in Goa, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Friday.

"We want to complete testing of all seafarers within 24 hours of their arrival. They will remain in the ship till we get the results of their tests," he told reporters.

Nearly 180 Goan seafarers from three cruise ships, many of whom have disembarked at the Mumbai port, are expected to arrive in Goa soon.

According to the Goa government, those who test positive for Covid-19 would be sent to government-run Covid-19 hospitals, even as the government is in the process of upping its institutional quarantine infrastructure and considering home quarantine for other sailors who test negative.

"Secretary Health will monitor the situation to ensure tests are conducted seamlessly and our seafarers are sent home safely", said Rane.