Team Herald
PANJIM: A day after the orders from Collectors (North & South) kicked up a controversy, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant clarified that the Aarogya Setu app is not compulsory for people who do not have mobile phones.
“Arogya Setu is not compulsory. However, those who have smart phones need to compulsorily download the app,” the chief minister said at the post cabinet press briefing.
He said that people should not mistake that those who do not have a phone will not be allowed entry. “The Collector told me only those who have smart phones need to download compulsorily,” Sawant stated.
He, however, said that the people need to download Aarogya Setu for their safety.
Talking about the rising deaths, the Chief Minister said that persons with
co-morbidities need to take more precautions as their immunity is less.
On Cuncolim MLA Clafasio Dias’s condition, Sawant said, he is recuperating well. “He is doing well and now out of ICU. However, he still needs oxygen. But the condition is improving,” he said.
Asked whether further lockdowns were discussed, he replied in the negative. “The three-day lockdown got good response and people have realised their responsibilities. Besides, Janta curfew at night will continue till August 10,” he said.
Asked whether the State is contemplating home quarantine for asymptomatic patients, he said, though the issue was discussed no decision has been reached. “No decision on keeping asymptomatic patients at home quarantine taken, though it is followed throughout country as per Centre’s SOP,” he said.
He said home quarantine of asymptomatic patient will give the opposition more chance to criticise the government.