Goa becomes 1st state to become COVID-19 free

With the last 7 cases testing negative for COVID-19 on Sunday, Goa became the first state in the country to have successfully curtailed further spread of the virus. This makes Goa the first "green" state in the country with no virus cases reported since April 3.

The state had a total of 7 COVID-19 cases with 6 of them having a travel history and one being a brother of a patient. All 7 of them have tested negative for the virus. However, they will be quarantined at government facilities at home.

The state had tested over 800 people out of which 7 of them tested positive.

Chief Minsiter Pramod Sawant said that although it is a moment of happiness, especially for the frontline workers, this should not pave way for complacency. He mentioned that the government would scrutinize reports of the 3 days door-to-door citizens' survey done last week and decide on testing further people if necessary.

The Chief Minister also announced a slew of measures to be taken in light of this. He mentioned that the borders of the state with Karnataka and Maharashtra would remain closed. Government offices are set to resume work 100% from Monday. Social distancing would be maintained at all times and at all places. State buses would be plied with social distancing norms and two wheelers shall have no pillion riders. More than 1000 thermal guns will be placed at various places.