Goa extends 'Janata Curfew' by 3 more days

 The Goa government on Sunday extended the 'Janata Curfew' by three more days, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed.

"It has been extended by three days by the Chief Minister. A decision to extend it further will be taken by the CM at the end of the three-day period," Rane said here on Sunday.

Meanwhile, roads and public spaces in Goa wore a deserted look on Sunday, in view of the Janata Curfew announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The 'Janata Curfew' on request of PM Modi and the state government has been 100 per cent successful. We should not step out of our homes after 9 p.m. too. Everyone needs to co-operate to take on coronavirus. Please co-operate with the police. I thank all doctors and medical staff on behalf of the state government," Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in a video message.

Calling for Janata Curfew, Modi had said it was necessary to prevent spread of coronavirus.

At 5 p.m. people could be seen stepping in the open outside their homes or in balconies in residential colonies clapping and clanging utensils, as requested by Modi in order to thank the medical fraternity for their efforts to rein in the viral pandemic.

"Everyone in the colony coming out at 5 p.m. today and clapping. I appreciate all the work they (medical fraternity) have done, not only in India, but all across Goa," Rane said.

Goa's beaches, markets and towns wore a desolate look. On Saturday, the Goa government imposed Section 144 of CrPC under which it mandated business establishments, including restaurants, to remain shut on Sunday.

Leader of ppposition Digambar Kamat said that preventive measures like the Janata Curfew should continue. "As it is now clear that social distancing is the only effective step in controlling the spread of coronavirus, the need to extend the Janata Curfew is the right step. I appeal to all to follow the government directives and remain safe at all times," Kamat said.

He also urged the Chief Minister to take advice from experts and ensure that the supply of essential commodities for daily use continues, in view of the curfew being extended further. IANS