Goa is Covid free and on the guard

Goa on Sunday became the first state to be free of Covid-19 patients for the moment as the seventh patient recovered from the virus. The tiniest state has not reported a single case since April 3 and all seven patients—six had a travel history, while one was the brother of one of the patients—have now recovered.

However, the state will continue to be on a high alert as neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Karnataka both have a high number of cases. Worryingly, Belagavi has been listed as Covid-19 hotpot with 44 cases till Saturday. Belagavi is an important link for Goa as it is from here that the state procures most of its vegetable and fruit supply.

There are also fears that Goa could find itself on the back foot again with almost 8,000 seafarers now preparing to return to the state.