In Goa, Every Second Person Tested For COVID-19 Is Positive, Highest Positivity Rate In India

Goa on Thursday reported 3,869 new COVID-19 cases, the highest rise in daily infections so far. With this, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state has reached 1,08,267.

In the past 24 hours, Goa also saw 58 COVID-19 deaths, taking the toll to 1,501.

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Highest TPR in India

But what remains a huge concern for the state is the high test positivity rate.

The 3,869 were detected in the state from 7,518 swab samples tested during the day.

This means that every second sample tested in Goa is returning a positive result.

Goa's TPR has been a concern for the authorities for some time now and it is showing no signs of improving.

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Two government-appointed medical officials working at the state's COVID-19 data collection centre in the capital Panaji said the positivity rates in tests since April were between 40% to 51%, the highest in the country.

"The rate at which positive cases have increased represents the true picture of how fast the virus has spread," said one state official, adding that a complete lockdown and strict ban on entry of all tourists were the only way to slow down the surge.

Extending lockdown

With the infection rate not slowing down, Goa government is "positively thinking" about imposing a lockdown and a decision would be taken after consulting stakeholders and the state cabinet in "two to three days", Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said.

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He also said that making a COVID-19 negative certificate mandatory for entering Goa may not be a practical option, for an already overburdened administration.

Sawant also said that the move could also hamper movement of essential goods to the state.

"The High Court has asked for an affidavit. I feel that if we ask everyone (who comes to Goa) for a COVID-19 negative certificate, then daily we get milk, chicken, vegetables, we will ask their drivers for the certificates. I do not think the drivers will get those certificates," Sawant said.

On Thursday, the Bombay High Court had directed the Goa government to impose the restriction from May 10, while also seeking detailed responses from the state government about the Covid management efforts being undertaken in the state.

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"We will submit an affidavit, but we will have to think about these things. In case of tourists (by road), then it is a different thing. But those who come by train, if they do not have Covid negative certificates, what can be done? We will have to think about that too," Sawant said.

"The government will have to conduct their (train passengers) tests free of cost. They will also have to be given food. Already there is a stress on the administration, to take care of them and to test them (will be difficult)," the Chief Minister said.