Citing the continuous dip in coronavirus cases for the past seven weeks, the Union Home Ministry on Wednesday decided to end all Covid-19 containment measures across the country from March 31.
However, as a precautionary measure in keeping with the WHO warning due to the consistent rise in cases in pockets of European and Asian nations, the Government has decided to continue with Covid appropriate behaviour such as wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing norms as earlier.
On Wednesday, though, the Covid cases were around 11 per cent higher (1,778) compared to Tuesday’s figures.
The overall tally of Covid-19 cases stands at 4,30,12,749. According to the data, 62 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, taking the toll to 5,16,605. The active cases further declined to 23,087.
In a communication to Chief Secretaries of States, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said, “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 Central Government had on March 24, 2020 issued for the first time orders and guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, (DM Act) 2005 for the containment of Covid-19 in the country and these were modified on various occasions.
The States and Union Territories have also developed their own capacities and systems and implemented their detailed specific plans for managing the pandemic, said the Home Secretary, adding over the last seven weeks or so there has been a steep decline in the number of cases.
Accordingly, Bhalla said, after the expiry of the existing order on March 31, no further order will be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare advisories on Covid containment measures, including on the use of face mask and hand hygiene, will continue to guide the overall national response to the pandemic, he said.
The Home Secretary, however, said that in view of the nature of the disease, people still need to remain watchful of the situation. He said whenever any surge in the number of cases is observed, States and UTs may consider taking prompt and proactive action at local level, as advised by the Ministry of Health from time to time.
“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 said.
The States and UTs may continue to follow the Standard Operating Measures and advisories that have been or are being issued by the Ministry of Health from time to time for containment measures, vaccination and other related aspects, he said.