Goa: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane Apologises For Covid-19 Deaths In State

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, however, said that the mortality rate in the state was still less than what is prevalent in India.

Photo: AFP (Representative Image)

Amid the rising number of Coronavirus cases in the state, Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday apologised for the death of 33 persons, including a 14-year-old girl, due to the contagious infection. Goa, that had earlier been declared coronavirus free for 23 days by April 20, is now witnessing a third-wave of the Covid-19 spread. The state government decided to reopen tourism on July 2 as part of Unlock 2.0 midst the spike in cases.

Rane, however, said that the mortality rate in the state was still less than what is prevalent in India.

"We are sorry for the 33 deaths which have taken place," Rane told the one-day monsoon session of the state legislative assembly.

"We have 4,686 positive cases recorded out of which 3,047 have recovered. So our recovery rate is as high as 65 per cent and Goa's mortality rate is 0.75 per cent which is lower than the national average," Rane said.

Rane also said Goa cannot insulate itself from the global COVID scenario.

"I agree that the number of cases have increased, but Goa cannot insulate itself from what is happening in the country and the world," Rane said, on a day when the Opposition staged a walkout accusing the state government of mismanaging the Covid-19 crisis.

Despite introducing several measures to contain the Covid-19 spread, Goa witnessed highest single-day spike (198) cases on July 15. On the same day, CM Sawant announced 3-day state lockdown and 'Janata Curfew' every day from 8 pm to 6 am every day until August 10.

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