India

Goa’s tourism minister accused of letting COVID-19 positive travellers into state

Goa tourism

The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has charged tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar for allowing COVID-19 positive tourists into Goa.

A press statement issued by GPCC general secretary Amarnath Panjikar said tourists have been allowed entry into the state illegally. 

“The tourism minister is solely responsible for COVID-19 positive tourists coming to Goa with bogus addresses,” Panjikar said.

“The irresponsible act of the tourism minister to open the doors of Goa has now resulted in additional pressure being put on the health workers as well as the police force in tracing these COVID-19 infected tourists,” he alleged.

He stated that many tourists without COVID-19 negative certificates are entering Goa and are provided shelter by the illegal hotels and homestay providers “who are having blessings of the tourism minister.” 

“The influx of such tourists who may be infected with COVID will cause further damage to the rising graph of COVID-19 patients in Goa,” he added. Panjikar has demanded that the minister be sacked.