Panaji : March 24, 2020 The Controller, Legal Metrology, Porvorim, has appealed to all the respective agencies to prevent overcharging in respect of masks, sanitizers etc, so that their availability and affordability is freely available to health services providers and consumers at large.

          The Legal Metrology Department has informed that Section 18(1) of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 provides that ‘no person will manufacture, pack, sell, import, distribute, deliver, offer, expose or possess for sale any pre-packaged commodity unless such packaged is in such standard quantities or number and bears thereon such declarations and particulars in such manner as may be prescribed.’

          Also, ‘no retails dealer or other person including manufacturer, packer, importer, and wholesale dealer will make any sale of any commodity in packed form at a price exceeding the retail sale price thereof.’

          The penal provision for violation of Section 18 is made under Section 36(1).

          ‘Whoever manufactures, packs, imports, sells, distributes, delivers or otherwise transfers, offers, exposes or possess for sale, or causes to be sold, distributed, delivered or otherwise transferred, offered, exposed for sale any pre-packaged commodity which does not conform to the declarations on the package as provided in this Act, will be punished with fine which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees, for the second offence, with fine which may extent to fifty thousand rupees and for the subsequent offence, with fine which will not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with both.

Panaji, March 22, 2020  … Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has appealed Goans to avoid mass gathering as a precautionary measure from spreading of the COVID-19, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has asked the people of Goa to avoid mass gatherings in public places. “All the educational institutes in the state will be closed from Monday till March 31, 2020, however all the exams including the SCC Board will be held as scheduled. Spots such as Public Swimming Pools, Gymnasium, Casino, Spa, Cinema Halls, Cruises, Pubs/Discotheques will be closed from the midnight of March 15, 2020 to March 31, 2020,” the Chief Minister informed.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a press conference held at the Official Residence of the Chief Minister at Altinho today. Minister for Health Shri. Vishwajit Rane was also present on the occasion.

To restrict the entry of persons infected with Corona virus in the state, the Government will place Thermal Scanners, initially one each at the Airport, Marmugao Port Trust (MPT) and railway stations, the Chief Minister told. “The scanners will be purchased by the Government on priority to screen every individual entering Goa. Also, a fully equipped Virology laboratory will be set up at the Goa Medical College (GMC) so the state will not have to seek help from neighbouring states for early detection and tests regarding COVID-19,” the Chief Minister said.

            Decision regarding Shigmo float parade which is yet to happen in few talukas in the state will be taken by the local Shigmotsav Committees, however, the Government appeals people to be safe, make use of sanitizers and avoid public meetings, the Chief Minister said.

            He directed the Office of the Collector of both districts to not to permit any public meetings or gatherings pertaining to the upcoming ZP elections. “To maintain the hygiene at the election booth, the voters will be provided with hand sanitizers and the staff on election duty will be provided face masks. Hence, people need not panic. Do come to cast your vote,” the Chief Minister informed.

            Dr. Sawant further urged the shop and pharmacy owners to stop stocking sanitizers or selling them at high price as malpractices like such will be viewed as a punishable offence as per the Advisory. He also urged the general public to adhere to all the Guidelines and Advisories issued by the Govt. from time to time for the safety of individual as well as the state. If any person suspects of infected with Coronavirus in the vicinity, they may call 104 helpline of the Government, the Chief Minister said.

Panaji : March 18, 2020 ….. Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa has issued an Office Memorandum on travel advisories dated March 10, 2020, issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, for information of general public.

It is informed that more than 100 countries across the world now have reported cases of COVID – 19. People travelling to these countries or people who have travelled abroad might come in contact with people affected with COVID-19 during their stay or even while in transit at the airports. Within these countries, few countries have reported very large number of cases and deaths putting passengers from these countries particularly at higher risk of infection.

     In view of the above, Indian citizens are advised to avoid non – essential travel abroad, they are further strongly advised to refrain from travelling to China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, Japan, France, Spain and Germany.

    All incoming international passengers returning to India should self-monitor their health and follow required Do’s and Dont’s as detailed by Government.

   Further, all passengers having travel history to China, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Japan, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Iran, Malaysia, France, Spain and Germany are advised to undergo self-imposed quarantine for a period of 14 days from the date of their arrival. If such passengers are working in some organizations/institutions, their respective employers are advised to facilitate work from home during this period.

  With respect to restrictions on visa, besides the already issued instructions, all regular Visas (including e Visas) which have been granted to nationals of France, Germany and Spain on or before March 11, 2020 and where these foreigners have not yet entered India stands suspended.

       Regular visas (including e Visas) granted to all foreign nationals who have travel history to these countries on or after February 1, 2020 and who have not yet entered India also stands suspended.

Panaji: March 16, 2020  …. In combating malnutrition in the Society, State level program “ Poshan Pakhwada “was launched by the Directorate of Women and Child Development (WCD)  in association with Collectorate North Goa. Program was launched by the Director, Education Department Smt. Vandana Rao IAS, in the presence of Collector North Shri. Gopal Parsekar, Director, Women  & Child Development Smt. Dipali Naik at a function held at Panjim recently.

During the function Chief Guest Smt. Vandana Rao spoke on the importance of nutrition for the child and women. She also urged women to give importance towards their own health while looking after the family and ensure their good nutritional status.

Speaking further Smt. Rao stressed upon need to eliminate gender discrimination in the society. She said that, women should not discriminate their child in the family and treat their girl and boy child equally in every aspect of life.

Shri. Gopal Parsekar mentioned about various aspects of  public health and sanitation. As Aganwadi workers play significant role in spreading awareness about nutritional importance, it is high time now that they also ensure public hygiene and sanitation among the society on account of spurt of  Corona virus, he added.

Smt. Dipali Naik in her welcome remarks elaborated on objectives of Poshan Pakhwada, which is being celebrated nationwide from March 8^th to 22, 2020.

It was informed that Poshan Pakhwada will be celebrated in State of Goa till March 20 , 2020 in view of Zilla Panchayat Election.

Poshan Pakhwada aims to bring improvement in the nutrition level of children, pregnant and nursing women and also focus on sensitizing  people regarding importance of nutritional food.

Swastha Bharat Prerak Shri. Sachin Sangle presented the scenario of  Poshan Abhiyan and Poshan Pakhwada in the country and its achievements so far.

Celebration of International Women’s Day was also held wherein Kumari. Ishita Raikar and Kumari Tanisha Raikar gave stunning dance performance.

Team leader, 181 women helpline Smt. Apoorva  informed regarding 181 helpline and its features. Child Development Project Officer, Tiswadi Smt. Chaya Melchior and other Officials were present on the occasion.

District Programme Officer of WCD Smt. Lynette Viegas proposed vote of thanks.