COVID-19 update: Goa to test all incoming international tourists

In a recent travel update, the government of Goa has announced to test all incoming international passengers for COVID-19. Travellers from "non-high risk" nations will also be tested upon arrival at the Goa international airport. The state government has also capped the cost of the rapid RT-PCR test at INR 1500.

The news was announced by the state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. The minister took to Twitter and said that given the increase in Coronavirus cases in the country, the state government has issued a circular to this effect.
"In view of the rising cases and as per the circular issued by Govt of Goa, we shall be testing all international passengers on arrival, travelling from high-risk countries as well as non-high risk countries”.

His following tweet stated, "Earlier, we tested only 2 per cent of passengers travelling from non-high-risk countries. However, the Govt of Goa has now taken a decision in public interest to test all international passengers".

Given the current situation, the government has introduced new rules for new year parties and celebrations in the state. New Year being an important celebration in Goa, the government is doing everything to keep people safe. Full vaccination certificate or negative PCR report has been mandatory for entry at public events. All the casinos, pubs and restaurants in the state are allowed to function with only 50 percent capacity.
Till now, Goa has reported one case of the new Omicron variant. However, the numbers of COVID-19 cases are increasing. There were 170 new cases reported in the state on Wednesday.
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