Coronavirus / Goa announces COVID curbs; cinema halls, casinos to operate at 50% capacity

New Delhi: The Goa government has made it mandatory for people to be fully vaccinated or carry a Covid-19 negative report for entry into the coastal state amid rising Omicron cases.

"Casinos, cinema halls, auditoriums, river cruises, water parks and entertainment parks will operate at maximum of 50 per cent capacity," an order issued by the Goa government said.

Even though several states have brought back night curfews to contain Covid-19 spread, the Goa government has decided against it for now so that the tourism business is not affected ahead of New Year festivities.

"100 per cent vaccination for parties and restaurants or possession of Covid negative certificate has been made mandatory. Else you will not be allowed to host an event," Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said earlier in the day.

Interstate movement will be permitted only for people who are fully vaccinated or for those entering Goa for medical emergencies or for people carrying Covid-19 negative certificate issued 72 hours before arrival, the order said.

"In case of inter-state goods vehicles, two drivers and a helper will be allowed to enter Goa in each vehicle after subjecting them to thermal screening," it further said.

Tourist footfalls to the coastal state have peaked in the past one week due to Christmas and New Year celebrations. Currently, there is about 90 per cent occupancy in hotels in the state, while beaches are already overcrowded with revellers, PTI reported.

On Wednesday, Goa reported a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases, with 170 people testing positive for the infection, the state health department said. On Tuesday, 112 cases were detected.