Second wave of Covid 19 not yet over, Centre Warns States
Chandigarh, July 14: Asserting that second wave of the Covid is not yet over the Union government has asked the states to issue strict directions to the district and all other local authorities concerned, to regulate the crowded places and take necessary nieasures for management of COVID-19.
In a communique to the all the Chief Secretaries, Home Secretary Government of India Ajay Bhalla has said that With the decline in the number of active cases, States and UTs have started re-opening the activities in a gradual manner. However, blatant violations of COVID norms have been observed in several parts of the country, especially in public transport and at hill stations. Massive crowds are also thronging the market places, violating norms of social distancing. Consequently, increase in .R. factor (Reproduction number) in some of the States, is a matter of concern.
He has said that the states may be aware that any increase in ‘R’ factor above 1.0 is an indicator of spread of COVID 19. Therefore, it is important that the authorities concerned shall be made responsible for ensuring COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) in all crowded places, such as shops, malls, markets, market complexes, weekly markets, restaurants 86 bars, mandis, bus stations, railway platforms/stations, public parks 8s gardens, gymnasiums, banquet halls/marriage halls, stadia/sports complexes (if opened up by the State) as well as at all areas identified as hotspots for transmission of COVID-19 virus. It needs to be ensured that if the norms of COVID Appropriate Behaviour are not maintained at any establishment/premises/markets etc., such places shall be liable for the re-imposition of restrictions, for containing the spread of COVID-19 and the defaulter(s) shall also be liable for action under the relevant laws.
The Home Secretary emphasized that the second wave of COVID is not yet over. We ought to remember that while the reach of vaccination is increasing considerably, there is no room for complacency and hence COVID appropriate behaviour must ., continue. Testing needs to be continued with the same vigor, as adequate testing is extremely essential in terms of checking the virus and early identification of cases. You would appreciate that we must guard ourselves against complacency and laxity, which creep in as positivity declines. Instead, during the periods of low positivity, efforts must be stepped up to prevent any probable future surge. There should be continuous focus on the five-fold strategy for effective management of COVID-19 i.e. Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and adherence to COVID appropriate behavior. He asked the Chief Secretaries to issue strict directions to the district and all other local authorities concerned, to regulate the crowded places and take necessary nieasures for management of COVID-19. The officers concerned should be made personally responsible for any laxity in strict enforcement of appropriate behaviour.
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