By PTI
NEW DELHI: In view of the continual dip in coronavirus circumstances, the house ministry has determined to finish its all COVID-19 containment measures from March 31, two years after their implementation following the outbreak of the pandemic.
However, carrying of face masks and sustaining social distancing norms will proceed as earlier.
The Central authorities had on March 24, 2020 issued for the primary time orders and tips underneath the Disaster Management Act, (DM Act) 2005 for the containment of COVID-19 within the nation and these have been modified on varied events.
In a communication to the chief secretaries of all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla mentioned that during the last 24 months, important capacities have been developed for varied elements of administration of the pandemic, corresponding to diagnostics, surveillance, contact tracing, therapy, vaccination, hospital infrastructure.
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Also, most people now has a lot increased stage of consciousness on the COVID-appropriate habits, he mentioned.
The states and Union Territories have additionally developed their very own capacities and techniques and carried out their detailed particular plans for managing the pandemic, he mentioned, including during the last seven weeks or so there was a steep decline within the variety of circumstances.
The complete caseload within the nation stands at 23,913 solely (on March 22) and the day by day positivity fee has declined to 0.28 per cent, he mentioned. It can also be price mentioning that with the mixed efforts, a complete of 181.56 crore vaccine doses have been administered, he mentioned.
“After taking into consideration the overall improvement in the situation and preparedness of the Government to deal with the pandemic, National Disaster Management Authority has taken a decision that there may not be any further need to invoke the provisions of the DM Act for COVID containment measures,” the communication mentioned.
Accordingly, Bhalla mentioned, after the expiry of the prevailing order on March 31, no additional order might be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
However, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare advisories on COVID containment measures, together with on the usage of face masks and hand hygiene, will proceed to information the general nationwide response to the pandemic, he mentioned.
However, the Home Secretary mentioned that in view of the character of the illness, folks nonetheless want to stay watchful of the scenario.
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He mentioned that each time any surge within the variety of circumstances is noticed, states and UTs could contemplate taking immediate and proactive motion at native stage, as suggested by the Ministry of Health on occasion. “I would, therefore, advise all the States and UTs to consider appropriately discontinuing issue of orders and guidelines under the DM Act, 2005 for COVID containment measures,” Bhalla mentioned.
The states and UTs could proceed to comply with the Standard Operating Measures and advisories which have been or are being issued by the Ministry of Health on occasion for containment measures, vaccination and different associated elements, he mentioned.
