Panaji, Jun 13 (IANS): In a fresh headache for the state administration, the rising number of coronavirus cases at the staff quarters of the ESI hospital in South Goa's Margao town, the state's only designated COVID-19 hospital, has forced the Health department to conduct mass testing at the premise.

According to Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, slum clusters located in close proximity to the designated Covid-19 hospital, will also be subject to random testing in order to detect any possible infection spread.

"In view of rising cases at Employee State Insurance hospital quarters, I have given instructions to Secretary Health to conduct mass testing of all employees at ESI quarters. In addition, random testing will be conducted at Azad nagar and Moti Dongar, which is next to the Covid hospital," Rane told reporters on Saturday.

"Request in this regard has also come from the Leader of Opposition, we are taking all precautionary measures in the interest of the people of Goa," Rane also said.

Over the last few days five persons living in the COVID-19 hospital quarters have tested positive, even as the mass testing drive is expected to be launched over the weekend.

Earlier on Saturday, the North Goa district administration formally issued a containment order declaring Ghodemal village in the Sattari sub district in North Goa as a containment area, while two village wards alongside it have been designated as buffer zones.

"Health check-up of sick persons of the above area through mobile check-up vans is to be carried out. The list of persons found sick marked with red ink is to be prepared so that further necessary action is taken," the order issued by North Goa District Collector R. Menaka reads.

The state has nearly 400 active Covid-19 cases currently.