[IAC#RG] SHOULD A RIGOROUS LOCK-DOWN HAVE CONTINUED LONGER?

It is a matter of great concern that while the relaxations to the lock-down flow, there is an alarming continued spurt in the number of new COVID-19 cases across the country. Should the government have acted more cautiously and guardedly to contain the virus?

Goa is in the Green Zone having officially to date not a single COVID-19 death. But there can be no room for complacency as we are fighting an unknown vicious enemy that has devastated the entire mankind across the globe. The Government should take scientific and medical advice and study global trends and actions, not just pander to the whims of big business and rush into ill- judged decisions. Perhaps they could use a simple natural example of a watermelon that sums up our current situation. A watermelon has a green zone on the outside but once cut open it readily displays a red zone.    

In Goa its now all wide open with even the Mining trucks zooming through the borders and the State being now curfew less while that Section 144 is superfluous.  Except for the Casinos, Matka and Bullfights it's almost business as usual and once all this commences too, the Drug and flesh trade will also kick in. The lock down was implemented without a well thought out plan on its implications and the relaxation of the lockdown has even less of a plan. 

Over the last few weeks this unprecedented lock-down caused a lot of hardship and inconvenience to all which the brave people endured in the bigger battle against the raging virus. Let us only hope that all this effort does not go in vain while the looming global pandemic shows no signs of tapering down. There is even warning of a possible second wave of the pandemic occurring if the virus restrictions are lifted too soon.

Government has an obligation and duty to protect its people above all else. Yes, the economy is important, but peoples' lives matter more.  

Aires Rodrigues

Advocate High Court

C/G-2, Shopping Complex

Ribandar Retreat,

Ribandar – Goa – 403006

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