Coronavirus: Goa BJP MLA tests positive for COVID-19

Locals in a Salcete village are a worried lot after their MLA belonging to the BJP tested COVID positive

Panaji: A BJP MLA from Goa has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19), a senior state health official said on Wednesday (July 1).

The legislator was admitted to Margao-based ESI Hospital, a specially designated facility for COVID-19 patients, after his test came out positive on Tuesday, the official said.

According to a report in Hindustan Times, the MLA’s aide was quoted as saying, “Necessary precautions are already underway to ensure the health of the MLAs as well as his associates.”

Last month, a former state health minister tested positive for the virus and has been undergoing treatment at the ESI Hospital. His condition is said to be improving.

Till Tuesday, Goa reported 64 new cases taking the tally to 1,315 and three deaths due to the disease, as per official data.

Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant asked residents to strictly follow the preventive measures while ruling out a lockdown in the state.

“Maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask, not coming in close contact with other persons, using a sanitiser are the right precautions. A lockdown cannot be a precaution. Lockdown cannot be a solution,” said Sawant, in a departure from his advocacy for enforcing a strict lockdown in March this year. He had then imposed restrictions even on the sale of essential items.

“We will (need to) be stricter. I have just instructed the police. If need be, for those not wearing masks, the fine amount will be increased and those who do not follow these instructions will also be put in prison,” Sawant said.