Calls for Goa Casinos to Shut Down Amid Rise in Covid Cases

Reports of more than a dozen people testing positive for Covid-19 in Goa's offshore casinos have led to the Aam Aadmi Party demanding the closure of the industry once again.

At a press conference in Panaji on Monday, Goa Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Surel Tilve said the state was at risk of another wave of coronavirus.

Tilve said: "It is already difficult to control the flow of tourists to Goa's casinos. It is getting out of control. Covid-19 cases in casinos have also increased. The government is just trying to appease the lobby by allowing this trend to continue. We fear that if the chaos continues, Goa may witness a second Covid-19 wave sooner than later".

Goa has had over 46,000 positive cases, while at least 677 people have died in the state after testing positive for Covid-19.

Thousands of tourists were reported to have caused chaos in a rush to visit casinos over the weekend, ignoring social distancing measures and the use of face masks.

It even led to Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate stepping out onto the streets, with local municipality officials in tow, to try and manage the traffic congestion and fine casino visitors for not wearing masks.

Casino operations, which were shut down in Goa in March due to the pandemic, restarted operations from November 1.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said all casinos must follow state and Central government Covid protocols on resumption.

Another closure of the casinos would deal a huge blow to the industry which was starved of revenue since May, as well effect government revenue from them