Curb mass getherings during festivals-Centre to states

Centre has advised States to actively consider imposition of local restrictions in public observation during the upcoming festivals and curb mass gatherings. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written a letter to Chief Secretary of all the states in this regard. He said, the trajectory of daily new cases has shown a steady decline over the last month but there are a few States which still reflect signs of upsurge in their daily cases and positivity. Bhushan said, in view of upcoming festivals, such as Muharram, Onam, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Puja, where large public gatherings are expected, States are advised imposition of local restrictions .

The Secretary said, Indian Council of Medical Research and National Centre for Disease Control have expressed concern regarding the potential of mass gathering events during festivals turning into super spreader events, thereby leading to a spike in Covid cases.Bhushan reiterated that any laxity in ensuring strict adherence to the five-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and Ensuring COVID Appropriate Behaviour, may result in losing the impetus that the country has gained so far in managing the pandemic.