The Centre has asked states and union territories to ensure that forthcoming festivals are celebrated in a safe and conservative manner with” utmost preventives” in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter to states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said standard operating procedures issued last month for curbing any rise in coronavirus cases must be followed.
“No mass gathering should be allowed in areas identified as containment zones and in districts reporting more than 5 per cent COVID-19 test confirmation rates,” Bhushan said in the letter.
He said necessary directions should be issued adequately in advance by state governments concerned for practising caution during the festivities.
” Gatherings that are allowed with advance authorization and a limited number of people (as per original environment) should be nearly covered and in case of violations of COVID-applicable geste, necessary enforcement and correctional conduct should be taken.”There should be strict adherence to limits on public gatherings taking into account vacuity of space to insure effective physical distancing,”the Centre said.
The Centre also asked states and UTs to explore and promote colorful modalities for online modes of fests, online shopping and discourage gratuitous trip.
The Centre said it’s pivotal that quarter health authorities keep a strict watch over original line of cases and institute timely and rigorous interventions grounded on the advisories issued by the health ministry and Home ministry from time to time.
“States/UTs are further requested to ensure that non-adherence to COVID Appropriate behavior in public places is dealt with strongly. Inter-sectoral collaboration between health departments, law enforcement agencies, market and trade associations, civil society organizations, and community will be essential to curb any risk of a spike in COVID-19 trajectory,” Bhushan said in the letter.
