A three-day lockdown with sterner provisions will be imposed in Goa from Friday in the wake of the surging number of coronavirus cases in the state, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant declared on Wednesday. Also, there will also be a ‘Janata Curfew’ in Goa from 8 pm to 6 am every day with effect from Wednesday till August 10.

Only those associated with essential services and those having medical emergencies will be permitted to move out during the curfew and lockdown, he added. The CM stated coronavirus cases are inclining in the state and people are not following the guidelines of social distancing and neither wearing masks. He said more than 40,000 people in Goa have so far been fined for not wearing a mask.

The coastal state witnessed its highest jump in active COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, with 198 persons testing positive, taking the tally of active cases in the state to 1,259, according to state Health Ministry statistics.

A total of 67 persons were also cured of Covid-19 on Wednesday, a bulletin issued by the state Health Ministry said. A majority of the Covid-19 cases in Goa are linked to the state's first containment zone at Mangor hill in South Goa, which currently has 486 active cases.

In view of the spike over the last few days, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a night curfew from Thursday till August 10, while a complete lockdown -- barring essential and medical services -- has been imposed in the state from Thursday night to Monday morning.

The Chief Minister said, “Complete lockdown will be imposed on Friday, Saturday & Sunday this week. Janta Curfew’ to be observed in the state from 8 pm to 6 am till 10th August, in view of rising COVID19 cases. Only medical services to be allowed.” He also stated that COVID care facilities will be installed in all talukas of the coastal state.

(With inputs from IANS)