Panaji, Nov 5 (IANS): The Congress in Goa on Thursday urged the state government to delay reopening of schools for Class X and XII students, saying the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic is still prevalent in the coastal state.

Addressing a press conference in South Goa's Margao town, South Goa MP Fransciso Sardinha demanded that the government should also withdraw permission for the casino industry to start operations as Covid-19 cases could increase.

"The Congress party urges the Goa government to not be in a hurry to open schools just yet. The Covid-19 pandemic has not died down yet. Opening of schools may reignite the infection rate," Sardinha said.

"The decision to open casinos for business in Goa also needs to be rethought and cancelled. For now the Covid-19 cases seem to be dropping, but it would be wiser to wait till the end of November before opening this industry," Sardinha said.

Goa's cumulative tally of Covid-19 cases has reached 44,189, with active cases currently at 2,209.

Earlier this week, health authorities in Goa warned of a second wave of Covid-19 cases in the state, if preventive measures and social distancing norms are not maintained.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Education Ministry portfolio, on November 3 said that classes for Class X and XII would resume after the Diwali break from November 21.

A decision on full-fledged resumption of schools in the state has not been taken yet, the Chief Minister added.