Shivangi Prakash-
The Bombay High Court on Monday allowed fully vaccinated workers and Goa residents to enter the state with COVID vaccine certificates until the first week of August 2021, even if they did not have a COVID-19 negative report.
More precisely, the Bench of Justices MS Sonak and MS Jawalkar permitted the entry of the following individuals (who were completely vaccinated but without COVID negative report):
- The workforce, i.e. those who come to Goa to work in industries, the labour force, construction, and so on;
- Those who come to Goa for business objectives;
- Residents of Goa who have been stuck outside the state due to the pandemic or other difficulties;
- Residents of Goa who are forced to travel beyond the state for job or medical reasons and return after a few days
The Court stated that completely vaccinated meant that the recipient had received the final dosage of the prescribed vaccine schedule and was asymptomatic, citing the minutes of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) meeting.
South Goa Advocates’ Association (SGAA) had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking numerous petitions related to COVID-19 administration in the state.
The order providing ad-interim relief was issued on Monday in response to a plea filed by the State of Goa seeking modification of a High Court order issued on May 6, 2021.
The Court has asked the Goa administration to guarantee that no one is permitted admission into the state unless they have secured a COVID-19 negative certificate within 72 hours of arriving.
The Court also asked the respondents for the following information:
- State government clarification on whether it is also seeking tourist access into the state without a COVID negative certificate.
- Information from the central government on any future protocol it may develop for issuing permissions to fully vaccinated tourists entering the state.
According to the State government’s application, Goa’s COVID-19 status has significantly improved, with only 195 active cases as of July 6, 2021.
After providing interim relief on Monday, the Bench adjourned the case until August 5, 2021 for further review.
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