Easing of restrictions in some states has led to crowding, Covid norms violated: Centre

June 20: The Union Government has said that easing of Covid-19 restrictions in some states has led to resumption of crowding of people in streets and markets without adherence to the norms of Covid appropriate behaviour. In a communication to all states and Union Territories (UTs), Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that vaccination against COVID-19 , in the present scenario, is critical to break the chain of transmission.

The home secretary said that during the second Covid wave, a significant surge in cases was witnessed in several states and UTs, and many of them imposed restrictions in order to contain the spread of the infection. “With a decline in the number of active cases, many states and UTs have started relaxing restrictions. I would like to highlight that the decision to impose or ease restrictions has to be taken, based on the assessment of the situation at the ground level,” he said. Bhalla said while the opening up of activities, after decline in cases is essential, states and UTs must ensure that the whole process is “carefully calibrated”.

He also said that vaccination against COVID-19, in the present scenario, is critical to break the chain of transmission. The letter comes a day after the Delhi High Court took note of violations of Covid norms in Delhi markets and said breach of protocol will only hasten the third wave of infections. The court also asked authorities to take strict measures against violators, sensitise shopkeepers and hold meetings with markets and vendors associations in this regard.

“While opening up, it would be extremely important to follow the five-fold strategy of Covid appropriate behaviour, test-track-treat and vaccination,” Bhalla said. It is, therefore essential to ensure that complacency does not set in, and there is no let-up in adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour, while opening up activities, the home secretary said.