Covid containment measures to remain in force till September 30: MHA

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 28

The Centre today issued an order extending the existing Covid-19 compliance of containment measures to remain enforced till September 30 and asked the state governments and Union Territory administrations to abide by the earlier directions issued by the Union Ministries of Home and Health & Family Welfare.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, in a separate communication to the states and UTs, said, “The overall pandemic situation at the national level now appears to be largely stable, except for the localised spread of the virus in few states.” He, however, stated that the total number of active cases and high case positivity in some districts continue to remain a matter of concern.

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Highlighting that the weekly enforcement data received from across the country with regard to wearing face masks in public, maintaining social distancing norms and imposition of fines indicate a downward trend, the Home Secretary asked the state governments and UT administrations to augment their efforts for effectively checking transmission of the disease.

“Enforcement of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour is essential for tackling the pandemic on a sustained basis,” he added.

Bhalla said, “The states and UTs are further advised to take suitable measures to avoid large gatherings during the coming festive seasons and if required impose local restrictions with a view to curb such large gatherings. We need to continue our focus on the five-fold strategy — test, track, treat, vaccination and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour.”

The country has made significant progress in vaccination. The states and the UTs should continue their vaccination programme so as to inoculate maximum number of eligible persons, he said, adding that it must be ensured that areas having no virus or low virus transmission are adequately protected by progressively ramping up testing and other surveillance measures.

46,759 fresh cases

509 deaths in 24 hours

TOTAL DEATHS 4,37,370

ACTIVE CASES 3,59,775