Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 18: The state executive committee (SEC) has taken a decision that every traveler entering the state would be tested irrespective of their mode of transport after seeing a sudden increase in the number of cases in the past few days mostly with interstate travel history.

In a meeting chaired by SEC chief secretary, Parimal Rai, the SEC decided that the people arriving from sea and flights would be overseen by secretary for fisheries, P S Reddy while interstate travelers arriving by buses and trains would be looked after by the interstate movement cell. The arrival and departure of the people would be coordinated by the collectors and provide all required support to P S Reddy and the interstate movement cell.

The interstate movement cell was directed to send bulk messages with links to fill up self declaration forms as well as all travelers to compulsorily download the Arogya Setu App. The SEC in a statement said, "Arrangements may also be made, if required, to make available these forms in paper format at the railway stations or in the train."

All travelers arriving Goa including Goans would be charged Rs 2000 for a compulsory testing unless they are covered under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Yojana or any other exempted category which contradicts previous statement by the chief minister Pramod Sawant that Goan travelers would not be charged for the rapid test.

The test would be conducted for travelers arriving by all modes of transport.