Wary of India seeing an explosion of coronavirus cases during the festival season, which starts next month, if people do not follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday asked the States to strictly implement inventive containment strategies to keep the virus under check.

So far, India has recorded 61,45,291 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 96,318 deaths. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have reported the highest number of cases. However, infections are rising rapidly in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, as per the government data.

“In the light of the upcoming festivities, winter season and mass gathering, inventive containment strategies need to be implemented by the states,” said Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR at a press briefing here.

NITI Aayog member V K Paul urged people to keep following Covid-appropriate behaviour, saying there is no reason to get lax if stability in coronavirus cases is observed.

“We need to have Puja, Chhath, Diwali and Eid with masks, it is very important to keep that in mind. We have seen a second peak in Delhi, Kerala and Punjab so we should not get lax and keep following Covid-appropriate behaviour,” he said.

People are more prone to respiratory infections like pneumonia and influenza in the coming winter months and festive seasons and “we have to put in all efforts, stay vigilant and diligently follow Covid-appropriate behaviour”, Paul said.

The Navratri festival that involves temple visits and fasts for nine days will begin from October 17. It will culminate with Vijaya Dashmi or Dussehra on October 25 while Diwali will be celebrated on November 20. Chhath follows thereafter.

Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said India has 4,453 Covid-19 cases and 70 deaths per million population which is among the lowest in the world. He also said that India’s recovery rate continues to rise and now stands at 83 percent.