Centre extends Covid guidelines till Aug 31,calls for strictest measures in high positivity district

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jul 28, 2021: The Union Home Ministry has extended the validity of Covid-19 guidelines till August 31 and has asked states to ensure "strictest possible measures" in districts that have a high positivity rate.

 

Positivity rate is the percentage of samples that test positive for a disease out of the total number of samples tested. A high positivity rate indicates greater spread of a disease in a given population.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written a letter to all states and UTs saying there is "no room for complacency" in observing Covid-19 protocol despite declining number of Covid-19 cases.

The letter also directs states/UTs to ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour in all crowded places, especially in view of upcoming festivals.

"With the decline in the number of active cases, states and UTs are reopening activities in a gradual manner. While the decline in the number of cases is a matter of satisfaction, it may be noted that the absolute case numbers are still significantly high. Therefore, there no room for complacency and the process of relaxing restrictions should be carefully calibrated," Ajay Bhalla said in his letter to the chief secretaries of states.

Cautioning states about resurgence of Covid-19 cases, the letter says the reproduction number of the virus, commonly known as the ’R’ factor, is hovering just below 1 but is high in some states.

"All efforts should be made to ensure that there is no increase in the ’R’ factor. Further, strictest possible measures should be taken in the districts that are still showing high positivity rates," it said.

"In view of the upcoming festivals, there is need to ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour in all crowded places. 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 behaviour," the home secretary said.

He added that strict directions should be issued to the district and all other local authorities concerned, to take necessary measures for management of Covid-19.

"The officers concerned should be made personally responsible for any laxity in strict enforcement of Covid-appropriate behaviour."

Courtesy:India Today