Covid containment measures extended to November 30

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The home ministry on Thursday extended the nationwide Covid-19 containment measures till November 30, owing to the localised spread of the virus in a few states and the disease continues to be a public health challenge in the country. Last month, Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla had said that there was a possibility that Covid-appropriate behaviour might not be followed strictly during the festival season and hence it is a must to enforce guidelines that would people to celebrate festivities in a cautious, safe and Covid-appropriate manner.

Bhalla had said that the daily cases and overall number of patients in the country were gradually declining, however a localised spread of virus in a few states and Covid-19 continued to be a public health challenge in the country.

Vaccination programmes

The home secretary said states and union territories, on a regular basis, should closely monitor case positivity, hospital, ICU beds occupancy of every district falling under their jurisdiction.

He further said that states and union territories, should closely monitor case positivity, hospital, ICU beds occupancy of every district falling under their jurisdiction. There should be a continued focus on the five-fold strategy, that is Test-Track-Vaccination and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour, to safely navigate through the festive season and avoid the possibility of surge in Covid-19 cases, he said.

The state governments and union territory administrations should continue with their vaccination programmes with focus to accelerate vaccination of eligible age groups and at the same time prioritise second dose to eligible beneficiaries.

Also, he urged the chief secretaries to issue directions to the district and all other local authorities concerned to take necessary measures as advised by union health ministry advisory for prompt and effective management of Covid-19.