Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 8: Considering the ongoing pandemic situation, minister for science and technology Michael Lobo said that nightlife in Goa should continue to remain out of bounds until the Covid-19 situation improves and if the state decides to reopen the tourism sector, it must be done with strict adherence to norms.

The statement contradicts his earlier statement a few months back where he said that enforcing health protocols for tourists would deter them from visiting the sunshine state. "If you make SOPs stricter and you harass tourists, which tourist will come to Goa? We have to take precautionary measures, but at the same time, you cannot stop business because Covid-19 cases are increasing," he had said in March.

A study conducted by the Goa Medical College in April showed that the popular Baga-Calangute party hub which Lobo represents as MLA subsequently emerged as the biggest hotspot of Covid-19 infections in the state.

Lobo has reversed his earlier decision and mandated Covid-negative certificates for people entering the state. "Covid-negative certificates are essential for people checking into hotels. In fact, once tourists arrive at a hotel, they should be tested for the virus all over again. The protocol must be followed if the government decides to open up the hotel industry after June 15," he said.

"We used to say that the economic condition would be bad (if economic activities were stopped). Exactly that has happened today, but life is more important," Lobo said, even as he called for a relaxation of the curfew in the phased manner from June 14 and predicted that it would take one year for the economy to get back on track once it reopened.

"We have to see what happens till June 14. The chief minister and committee will then decide in the interest of the state...once we see Covid-19 clearing in India, economic activities will start in the state and not before that," he said.