A few months back, Goa had become the first Indian state to record zero COVID-19 patients. However, things have changed and the number of active corona cases has jumped significantly in the state. Recently, as part of ‘Unlock 4’, the state government of Goa opened its borders for tourists. In fact, people don’t even need a COVID-19 test certificate to visit the state, reports News18.
Travellers coming to Goa will not be subjected to mandatory testing – be it by road, rail or air.
We are delighted to welcome you back! 😀
Note that compulsory testing of international air/sea passengers will continue.
Travel safely, and see you soon! 🤗
#Goa #LetsGoa
 pic.twitter.com/c6W9LwtVDo— Goa Tourism (@TourismGoa) September 2, 2020
According to Mumbai Mirror, there will be no restriction on the inter-state movement of people or vehicles. However, the social distancing norms and the guidelines laid by the Ministry of Home Affairs will still be applicable everywhere in the state.
The Goa Airport also announced that it is no more mandatory for domestic travelers to carry COVID-19 negative certificates on arrival. In fact, many restrictions in place for the coronavirus outbreak have been eased in the state.
As per the announcements by the Govt of Goa restrictions on interstate travel have been removed in line with guidelines of Govt of India. No more requirements of covid19 -ve report and no more test requirements for Domestic traveller's @AAI_Official @MoCA_GoI @aairedwr @goacm pic.twitter.com/2hBnl9Tasi
— Goa Airport (@aaigoaairport) September 1, 2020
However, locals in Goa aren’t too pleased about the move. Many people raised safety concerns about the decision. They said it could lead to an increase in cases and the healthcare of the state might not be equipped for it.Â
Covid cases are already rising in Goa, and CM is implementing such non sense guidelines. Later on he will blame it on Dussehra, Diwali and Christmas.
— shy_pat (@shy_pat09) September 1, 2020
I dont know whether we are trying to restrict covid or encourage it!…. very stupid decision.. I guess this is our infamous 'chalta hai' attitude.. tsk tsk very sad!
— Karen Caeiro (@KarenCaeiro) September 1, 2020
opening Goa for tourism with zero safeguards will not 'support' the lives of our most vulnerable residents. who do you think will be prioritized when the healthcare system is overwhelmed? daily wage workers who rely on the tourism industry – or wealthy tourists?
— richa kaul padte (@hirishitalkies) September 3, 2020
please please do not come to Goa for a holiday. we have a largely rural healthcare system and a deeply indifferent government – we cannot cope, we are already barely coping.
if you have any respect or fondness for this state, PLEASE don't come here. please, just…don't. https://t.co/TMzA68uLRh
— richa kaul padte (@hirishitalkies) September 3, 2020
Even after the situation being out of control this is what our #GoaGovernment @DrPramodPSawant does! A humble request to all #tourists , please don't even think of coming to Goa rn.The situation is really bad.We are the smallest state,lesser population and more cases. #CoviD19 pic.twitter.com/nbVaVqL501
— Disha Nayak Sardesai (@dishhkyaau) September 2, 2020
Is it the job of Goans to plead to non Goans to not visit Goa??????
Can't the Goa Govt do something about it? Oh, I don't know maybe…ban tourism in Goa for a while? @DrPramodPSawant— India: secularism not found (@Meowchick) September 2, 2020
Lifting mandatory testing is literally like lifting last line of defence right now.
— BeingNita (@VinithaShetty) September 2, 2020
I ma just so worried at how f**ked up Goa is going to get in the coming months. We have the worst tourists in the country and now with no mandatory testing, it's going to be hell. If i was scared for my family before, I am terrified now.
— Joanna (@thatdoggonelady) September 2, 2020
All Goans when tourist's want to visit Goa during Covid. pic.twitter.com/gUWTvygdHt
— Saurabh Tubki (@saurabh_tubki) September 2, 2020
This is coronavirus, our government don't have proper medical facilities for goans, how tourism will start, how can your promote your state to tourist when you can't tell them that state is well prepared to take care of them in this pandemic @RohanKhaunte
— Vinod Nanodkar (@VinodNanodkar) September 1, 2020
Thinking about tourism..God help goans..There are many states in India where coronavirus is increasing & now inviting them as tourist you are making headlines that Goa is ready to surpass the count which Maharashtra is leading.
— pravin shet (@pravin_shet) July 3, 2020
While the tourism industry is one of the biggest sources of revenue for Goa, the safety of citizens is also a top priority. What do you think? Tell us.