Negative RT-PCR test mandatory for entry into Goa.

The High Court of Bombay at Goa recognised that the positivity rate in Goa is as high as 52% as a consequence of travellers testing positive on entry into the State. Therefore, the High Court held that no person would be permitted entry into the State without a negative test report issued within 72 hours from the time the traveller seeks entry into the state.

Relevant extracts of the said order have been reproduced below-

“Therefore, by way of an interim order, we direct the State Administration to ensure that no persons are permitted entry into the State unless they possess a negativity certificate obtained within 72 hours from the time they seek entry into the State. This will not prevent the State Government from formulating a protocol to deal with the issues of essential supplies and the procedure for entry of the persons involved in essential supplies. This Protocol should however provide necessary safeguards to ensure that such persons are not COVID positive at the time of entry into the State.”