Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 1: Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that the state government is monitoring the Covid-19 situation but has no intention of imposing a complete lockdown as is being considered by the Maharashtra government. He further said that Section 144 imposed in the state does not apply for religious functions, the traditional Shigmo festival in particular.

“Cases are increasing day-by-day in the state and that is why Section 144 has been imposed. There is no proposal for a lockdown in Goa. Maharashtra is talking about a lockdown but in Goa, we are taking precautionary measures and monitoring the situation,” Sawant said.

Upon being questioned on why the government was not enforcing Section 144 at casinos, night clubs and other locations that attract crowds, Sawant said that the government was not concerned about what happened in people's homes or hotels.

"Section 144 applies for public spaces and not in private places such as someone's hotel or home. Ritual shigmo or traditional shigmo is going on in the state, they have not been stopped," Sawant said.