MHA extends nationwide Covid-19 guidelines till 31 October

Sept. 28: The union government on Tuesday extended the countrywide coronavirus containment measures till October end in view of localised spreads of the virus in a few states and the disease continuing to be a public health challenge in India. In a communication to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also cautioned against the possibility of COVID-appropriate behaviour not being adhered to strictly during the upcoming festival which may lead to a surge in cases again.

The Union Home Secretary said the new cases of coronavirus and the overall number of Covid-19 patients in India are decreasing steadily but there are still localised spreads of virus in a few states and Covid-19 continues to be a public health challenge in the country. He said, “Utmost vigil has to be maintained in respect of mass gathering events, so as to avoid any possibility of a surge in COVID-19 cases.” Bhalla said it is important to identify warning signs of potential surges early on and to take appropriate measures to curb the spread.

The home secretary said there should be a continued focus on the five-fold strategy i.e. Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour, to safely navigate through the festive season and avoid the possibility of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

He said the state governments and UT administrations should continue with their vaccination programme with a focus to accelerate vaccination of eligible age groups and prioritisation of the second dose to eligible beneficiaries. The home secretary urged the chief secretaries to issue directions to the district and all other local authorities concerned to take necessary measures as advised in the union health ministry advisory for prompt and effective management of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the number of fresh coronavirus cases was recorded at below 20,000 (18,795) in India after 201 days on Tuesday, taking the country’s Covid-19 tally to 3,36,97,581, while the number of active cases declined to 2,92,206, the lowest in 192 days, according to the Union health ministry.