Goa will bounce back to zero cases status: health minister

Panaji, May 26 () Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane on Tuesday expressed confidence that the coronavirus situation in the state will soon improve and the number of active cases will be reduced to zero.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the state could not remain insulated from the rise in coronavirus cases in the rest of the country.

The coastal state has 46 active coronavirus patients who are recovering, Rane said.

"Goa will bounce back to its earlier stage. We have the best health infrastructure in place," the minister said.

Goa was declared a Green Zone on May 1 after all existing coronavirus patients recovered, but new patients have been detected since May 13.

"We are telling people that if you don't have home in Goa, do not come to Goa. We are not welcoming tourists," he said, adding that after air travel resumed, the footfall at the airport was less than expected.

When asked if Goa has been designated as a Red Zone territory, the minister said it was for the Centre to do this categorising.

"We are busy treating patients and ensuring that those who are admitted recover," he said.

He also accused opposition MLAs of "hitting the government below the belt".

Opposition MLAs were busy misguiding people despite the fact that the state government is taking all the necessary steps to control the spread of virus, he said.

All Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were in place, the minister said, adding that "SOPs are evolving constantly" and they will be strengthened further. RPS KRK KRK