"Entry Into Goa Amid COVID Allowed In Case Of Medical Emergency": Bombay HC Modifies Earlier Order, Seeks Details On Beds, Oxygen Availability
Live LawReiterating its earlier Order dated May 6, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the State Administration to ensure that no person who does not possess a Covid negativity certificate-based on a test done a maximum 72 hours before seeking entry into Goa, will be permitted to enter into Goa. However, a division bench comprising of Justice MS Jawalkar and Justice MS Sonak, modifying its earlier order, carved out an exception for persons entering in Goa for a medical emergency on the production of proof or those who are coming in an ambulance. On Tuesday, the Court noted that despite Court's clear and unambiguous Order the two District Magistrates either on their own or otherwise, proceeded to carve out exceptions in favor of residents of Goa entering into the State; persons entering Goa for work; and persons who have a vaccination certificate. However, the Court did note that an exception could be made in respect of persons entering in Goa for a medical emergency on the production of proof or those who are coming in an ambulance. Besides, the Court opined that the affidavits explaining the actual position at the hospitals would-be necessary in order to enable us to appreciate the issue and thus, the Advocate General stated that the Dean, Goa Medical College and the Director of Health Services will file such affidavits by tomorrow, explaining the position of supply of oxygen at the Goa Medical College Hospital and the South Goa and North Goa District Hospitals, as also at the ESI Hospital.