The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the implementation of COVID-19 management guidelines till September 30.
The overall pandemic situation at the national level now appeared to be largely stable, except for the localised spread of virus in some States. The total number of active cases and high case positivity in some districts continued to remain a matter of concern, said the Ministry in an order.
Containment measures should be taken in the districts recording high positivity. “It is important to identify warning signs of potential surges early on and take appropriate measures to curb the spread. This will require a localised approach,” said the order.
Observing that there was slackening in enforcement measures of authorities in States and Union Territories to ensure adherence to COVID-19-appropriate behaviour, the Ministry said they were required to be implemented stringently to effectively check the virus transmission.
“The country has made significant progress in vaccination. The State governments/UT administrations should continue with their vaccination programme so as to inoculate maximum number of eligible persons,” it noted, advising that large gatherings during the coming festive season be avoided. If required, local restrictions could be imposed to curb such large gatherings.
The Ministry has reiterated the need to continue focus on the five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour.
