Ahead of festive season, Goa has reason to worry: State tops list of JN.1 Covid cases

State epidemiologist Dr Prashant Suryavanshi told The Indian Express, “Total 19 cases of the new variant have been reported in Goa. These cases were detected through genome sequencing, with most of them being sporadic, reported from North Goa area. All the patients showed mild symptoms of cough and cold, and were not hospitalised. They recovered after a seven-day home isolation. There were no clusters as such. We are tracking the travel history of these patients.”

The health department, meanwhile, said that it is all set to ramp up the surveillance and testing to tackle any fresh Covid-19 outbreak in the state, which is likely to record a heavy footfall of tourists this festive season.

Addressing the media, Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane said that Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday chaired a virtual meeting to discuss the latest upsurge in Covid-19 infections. Mandaviya has briefed all the state health ministers about guidelines on Covid-19 and took stock of preparedness to tackle any outbreak, Rane added.

“Considering the festive season, all the states have been advised to keep requisite public health measures in place to minimise the risk of an increase in transmission… All the precautionary measures are in place in the state. There is no need to panic. With regard to the new variant, 19 such cases have been detected so far, with all the patients showing mild symptoms. The situation is under control,” said Rane.

Goa Congress president Amit Patkar, meanwhile, calling for the cancellation of upcoming events like the ‘Sunburn Festival’ among others. “Goa is a tourist destination. People from across the world visit Goa to celebrate Christmas and New Year. The Health Minister (Mansukh Mandaviya) is yet to issue a statement or guidelines, mentioning restrictions or regulations that need to be in place. Even though Covid-19 cases are rising (in Kerala), the Goa government has not come up with any circular…,” said Patkar.

“No precautionary measures are in place yet. Local health centres are in a pathetic condition. We do not have proper or adequate health infrastructure… In such a situation, a prominent EDM fest (the Sunburn Festival) is scheduled to take place. I think the government has to intervene, and withdraw permission for the same. Amidst the surge in Covid-19 cases, the Goa government should call off such big events as these would pose risks to everyone. The government should come up with clear guidelines or cancel events which record mass gatherings,” Patkar added.