Just a few days before Goa's tourism season officially begins, the state government has given its nod to the recommendations of the Task Force, allowing operations of casinos, cruises, spas and entertainment venues with effect from Monday, September 20.
With Goa’s peak tourist season starting from October and Covid-19 pandemic situation largely under control, the Goa government latest guidelines will bring need relief to the tourism sector in the state,
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said that casinos in Goa will reopen to tourists again and people who are “either fully vaccinated or those with an RTPCR report should be allowed” into the casinos and other commercial operations.
On Sunday, Goa’s Revenue Secretary Sanjay Kumar had issued a detailed order.
According to the order, casinos may operate with up to 50 per cent of their capacity, subject to adherence to all Covid safety protocols. However, entry will be permitted for the asymptomatic guests or staff who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and 15 days have elapsed since administration of the second dose of vaccine. Also, entry will be permitted to all those who possess RT-PCR negative reports of tests conducted not before 72 hours from the time of entry.
Spas and massage parlours can also open with up to 50 per cent of their capacity adhering to all Covid-19 safety protocols.
These conditions are also applicable to the river cruises, water parks and entertainment parks with 50 per cent capacity restrictions imposed.
Cinema halls auditoriums and another such venus can also operate with 50 per cent capacity and adhering to the Covid-19 protocols.
The government has also permitted schools to open subject to the separate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which will be issued later by the education department.
A person coming from Kerala will be allowed to enter Goa with a negative RT-PCR report. But this will be subject to certain additional conditions such as – the students/employees coming from Kerala should undergo institutional quarantine of five days. Arrivals from Kerala other than students and employees should produce the RT- PCR negative Test report and should be in-home quarantine for five days.