People returning to Goa will have to download Arogya Setu app: CM

Stranded persons returning to Goa from different parts of the country, may have to download the Aroygya Setu app before entering the state, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday.

"More than two lakh people have downloaded the app in Goa. We will make efforts to communicate with those coming to Goa by trains and road to download the app before they arrive," Sawant said. The app promoted by the central government, helps to locate persons with a coronavirus history.

The Chief Minister also said, that nearly 3,000 Goans who had been stranded in different parts of the country had already reached Goa via road and said that they had been tested at the state's borders, before being sent to home quarantine.

The Chief Minister also said, that 3,000 expats of Goan origin who are currently stranded abroad had registered with the state government for facilitation of their return to India. The first flight repatriating a batch of these stranded persons could land at Goa's Dabolim international airport by next week, Sawant also said.

Sawant also said, that 800 Goan sailors onboard a cruiseliner were in touch with the state government, which is in the process of reaching the Mormugao Port Trust in the state for disembarking of its crew.

"Two more ships (carrying Goan sailors) are likely to arrive wither here (in Goa) or at the Mumbai port," Sawant said. Nearly 8,000 seafarers have registered with the Goa government, which is facilitating their return to the state.

( With inputs from IANS )