Goa tourism to resume only when COVID-19 situation in control

Panaji, Apr 9 () The Goa tourism industry canresume only after the lockdown is lifted and the coronavirussituation is completely under control in the country, statePorts Minister Michael Lobo has said.

Mass gatherings should be discouraged in the state fornext few months to contain the spread of the deadly viralinfection, he told on Wednesday.

Tourism is one of the major source of revenue for thecoastal state, which is popular for its picturesque beachesamong both the domestic and foreign tourists.

"Even after the lockdown is lifted, we cannotimmediately think of opening our borders. We have to make surethe tourism industry resumes only after health protocols arefollowed," Lobo said.

Once the Goa government allows the tourism industry toresume, all those entering the state should be thoroughlychecked at the airport, railway stations and all other entrypoints, the minister suggested.

"When they are certified as negative for coronavirus,only then they should be allowed to enter the state, he said.

Lobo said private labs can be roped in to conducttests of people at these points.

The BJP MLA, who represents Calangute constituency inNorth Goa district, said he would present his suggestions toChief Minister Pramod Sawant on April 14.

Goa's key domestic markets for tourism include stateslike Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karanataka and Kerala, whichare also reeling under the impact of coronavirus, he noted. RPSGK GK