New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday said that “blatant violations” of anti-Covid norms have been observed in many parts of the country, including hill tourist destinations, and action will be taken against officials involved in making states and union territories comply with the guidelines. Should do
In a letter sent to all the states and union territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has also said that COVID appropriate behavior is not being followed in public transport and huge crowds are being seen in the markets and to maintain physical distance. The rules are being violated.
Bhalla stressed that the second wave of COVID-19 is not over yet and one should not remain under ambiguity and follow COVID appropriate behavior. He said that states and union territories have gradually started reopening economic activities after the epidemic cases have come down, but the process of easing restrictions should be done very carefully.
Bhalla said that efforts should be made to check any possible increase in cases during the period of reduction in infection rate. The Home Secretary said, “But, there have been open violations of anti-Covid rules in many parts of the country, especially in public transport and hill tourism areas. There is also a huge crowd in the markets, the rules of physical distance are being violated. He said that action should be taken against the officials concerned for failing to comply with the rules.
Bhalla said the rise in the ‘R-factor’ in some states is worrying. The ‘R-factor’ tells how many people an infected person is spreading the infection on average. An ‘R-factor’ of less than one indicates that the infected person is spreading the disease to less than one person on average.
Bhalla said in the letter, “You will be aware that any increase in the ‘R-factor’ above 1.0 is an indication of the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, it is important that shops, malls, bazaars, weekly markets, restaurants, bars, mandis, bus stands, railway platforms, stations, festival halls, marriage halls, public parks and gardens, gyms, stadiums, sports complexes (if the state has It will be the responsibility of the concerned authorities to ensure proper COVID behavior in all congested areas such as places marked as hotspots for the spread of COVID-19.
The Home Secretary said that non-covid behavior in any establishment, premises, markets, and other places will result in the re-imposition of restrictions and violators may face action under relevant laws. He also said that COVID testing also needs to be done with the same enthusiasm, so that the cases of infection can be detected early and the spread of the virus can be stopped.
Bhalla said that for effective COVID-19 management, a five-pronged strategy ‘Test-Track-Treat (testing, contact tracing, and treatment of infected person), vaccination, and COVID appropriate behavior should be followed continuously.
In his letter to the states and union territories, he said, “Therefore, I would urge you to give strict instructions to all the district and other local authorities to take necessary steps for regulation of crowded places and COVID-19 management.” The authorities concerned will be held personally responsible for any laxity in ensuring strict adherence to the COVID Appropriate Practices.”
Bhalla said, “I would also say that the orders issued by the concerned State Governments and Union Territory Administrations and District officials in this regard should be given wide publicity among the public and the officials working in the area. , so that their proper implementation can be done.
