Panaji- Goa reported a positivity rate of 52%, the highest rate of the COVID-19 infection in the country with one in every two people testing positive, as per government data.
Goa also reported 3,496 fresh cases of the novel coronavirus and reported 71 COVID-induced fatalities, the highest single-day death spike reported in the country's smallest state since the advent of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more
The huge popular coastal state on the western coast of India was among the last Indian states to impose COVID-19 restrictions in view of the rampant surge in the cases of deadly infectious disease. Due to the grim COVID-19 situation in the state, the overburdened healthcare infrastructure is on the verge of collapse.
The BJP government which rules Goa, a state revered as a popular tourist destination, was blamed by the opposition and medical experts for not paying heed to the COVID-19 protocol and allowing tens of thousands of tourists to enter in a bid to generate revenue amid the pandemic.
"The rate at which positive cases have increased represents the true picture of how fast the virus has spread," said one state official while adding that a statewide complete lockdown would prove to be beneficial to curb the spread of the deadly infection.
"It's true that Goa's positivity rate is very high and we are now seeking fresh allocation for medical oxygen and life-saving devices," said state health minister Vishwajit Rane describing the situation as "grim." Read more
Goa currently has 27,964 active COVID-19 cases. 246 COVID-induced fatalities have been reported so far with less than one week into the month of May, with an average of 50 deaths on a daily basis.
The doctors have appealed to the people to not step outside their homes unnecessarily and to wear double masks in case they do. The doctors also urged the people who get tested as soon as they experience even the slightest of symptoms, get isolated and begin treatment without any delay.
The medical personnel in the state also highlighted the shortages of hospital beds, oxygen, and manpower. On Wednesday, the state commissioned about 150 beds that will aid in the hospital bed crisis which forced many COVID patients to lie on stretchers and even on the floor.
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