Goa’s casinos will remain closed

Last week, Goa announced that casinos would remain closed due to the worst second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic observed in India.

The lockdown was to last only for four days because Goa had seen the sharpest single-day increase in cases. However, given the seriousness of the situation, the state has imposed additional restrictions.

Goa has decided to close all venues until the 10th of May. Gaming places, bars, gyms, schools, and colleges are all on the list. The state will allow only essential services to continue operating. The border will remain open only for the transportation of essential services.

The three-day lockdown in Goa will be extended by a week, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in order to “control the virus’s spread.”

Casinos had permission to operate at 50% capacity during opening hours a week before. On Sunday, the state reported several new cases and more deaths, bringing the total to an alarming number.

“There is a surge in Covid-19 cases in Goa and other parts of the country. The situation may further aggravate due to public gatherings and active interactions among high positivity rate,” said North Goa district magistrate Ajit Roy.