Keeping in view the rising cases of Covid-19, the Goa government, on Saturday, promulgated a ban on the export of oxygen cylinders. It also issued an order that the stock of this life-saving gas should be implied to health services.
#Goa govt announces ban on export of oxygen cylinders amid surging #coronavirus cases in the state
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2021
State Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane said, “In view of the rising Coronavirus cases, the requirement for oxygen has gone up. The export of oxygen cylinders has therefore been banned with immediate effect,” as quoted by LiveMint.
Rane further declared that all industrial oxygen requirements will be diverted towards health services. In addition to this, Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) as well as other designated Covid-19 hospitals will also be diverted towards health services.
Vishwajit Rane added that the Goa government has sought assistance from private firms in order to ensure a proper supply of food to Covid-19 hospitals and treatment centers.
State Health Minister has also assured that the government is also trying to rope in all agencies such as facility management, patient handling, Sodexo for dietary and nutritional requirements including some specialized services for patients.
The total number of cases in Goa stands at 65,499 including 6,321 currently active cases. Even, the state has reported 927 Covid-19 cases on Friday which is the highest spike in active Covid-19 cases since the outbreak of the Pandemic.
Furthermore, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, on Tuesday, has apparently said that lockdown is not a solution to the issue as it will hinder economic activities. Additionally, he has appealed to the people of Goa including the tourists and locals to take proper precautions against Covid-19.