Goa tweaks quarantine rules; COVID-19 tests no longer mandatory for arrivals

The Goa state government has tweaked its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for people coming to the state. Reportedly, the state would not be conducting the mandatory COVID-19 tests on people entering the state.
Following increased movement of people to and from the state, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that Goa is now doing away with the mandatory testing procedure, and that the updated SOP will come into effect from June 10.

Sawant, after a series of meetings with officials, stated it was becoming increasingly tough to test all people given the increasing numbers of cases, which have further created a backlog of test reports. Almost 2500 test results are pending, and around 2000 tests are being conducted every day, which will continue, he said. However, they are now in need of changing the SOPs for arrivals, the Chief Minister added.
Further revealing details about the updated SOP, Sawant added that people entering the state can, however, opt for 14-day home quarantine and their movements will be monitored via local representatives, so that their movement is restricted and they don’t get to mingle with other people during the said period. People can also opt for a paid quarantine if they do not wish to go home. Those, who are visiting the state only for a few days and do not wish to quarantine themselves, can take a swab test by paying INR 2000.
As per the revised protocols, all those entering the state will be scanned upon entry and will have to pass through thermal scanners, which will be set up at airports, railway stations and road checkpoints; if found symptomatic, they will be compulsorily tested, Sawant added.