Goa: Casino industry offers help in fighting coronavirus

Panaji, Apr 15 () Casino industry is among manysectors that have come forward to help the Goa government intackling the situation arising out of the coronavirus crisisand helping the people stranded in the state due to thenational lockdown.

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) divisions ofthe casino operating companies have contributed in the stategovernment government relief funds and also helping inmanaging logistics.

The industry players also claimed that they have beenhelping the government in reaching out to the people strandedin the tourist state due to the lockdown.

"We have supported 25 Georgian nationals by offeringthem accommodation and food after their Embassy requested forthe same. They are safe in our accommodation. We will takecare of them till they are in a position to fly back," saidSrinivas Nayak, Director, Casino Pride Group which owns twooffshore vessels besides some onshore gaming places in thestate.

The group donated Rs 51 lakh to the Chief Minister'sRelief Fund after the first phase of the national lockdown wasannounced on March 24.

Nayak said they are also providing regular meals topolicemen on duty in North Goa which had reported sevencoronavirus positive cases.

"We opened our kitchens for policemen on duty. Thatwas the first thing that was required to do as our policeforce was on the street enforcing the lockdown," he said.

Similarly, Deltin Group last week contributed Rs 51lakh towards the CM's relief fund.

"These are challenging times for all, and many peopleremain vulnerable to the COVID-19. Deltin Group believes increating awareness amongst general public about the pandemicand providing humanitarian aid to the needy," said DeltinGroup chairman Jaydev Mody in a statement.

He stated that the group is also sourcing andprocuring essential items like medicines, medical devices,essential food products and other provisions for the people.

Out of the total seven COVID-19 cases detected in Goaearlier--all from North Goa district, five patients recoveredfrom the viral infection while two are undergoing treatment.

No new coronavirus positive case has been reported inGoa since April 4.

Out of the 19 casinos, six are offshore while the rest13 are onshore entities. RPSNSK NSK