Goa seeks permission to vaccinate hospitality sector workers

Speaking to reporters in the city, he said, "We have made a request to the Government of India for allowing vaccination of the tourism industry workforce across age groups. We have requested the Union Health Ministry."

The Chief Minister said he had a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who appreciated the state government's decision to not go for lockdown in the state which too had witnessed a resurgence in the number of Covid 19 cases.

The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister asked him to expand the vaccination programme.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi called to check on the situation in the state. Right now, we have started the vaccination drive in a big way and all economic activities are going on. If we go for lockdown again, economic activity will shut down and people will suffer. In a small touristy state like Goa, we can carry out vaccination in a big way. The PM said vaccination should be carried out in a big way and all facilities should be provided to the people," Sawant said.

The Chief Minister said the state government would have to create awareness and educate people about taking safeguards regarding Covid 19.

"We have to create awareness and educate people about taking safeguards. Even if tourists come in a big way to Goa, public should not get involved with them. Hotel industries are also taking precautions. If we take those precautions, we will be able to contain it in a big way," he said.

For the last few days, Goa is witnessing an average of around 500 cases of Covid 19 infections.

Till April 13, 2021, the state had registered 63,342 cases of Covid 19 of which 57,601 persons had recovered while 853 people had succumbed.

The state currently has 4888 active cases.