As Covid case counts show fluctuating trends in the past few days, the Centre has asked States and Union Territories to ensure that people taking part in mass gatherings and undertaking pilgrimage are asymptomatic and preferably fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as such congregation may facilitate transmission of the infectious disease
In a letter to States and UTs on Tuesday, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said mass gatherings in context of various festivities as well as yatras are likely to be held in different parts of the country in the coming months, and that such congregations may potentially facilitate transmission of infectious diseases, including Covid-19. While trajectory of Covid-19 cases has declined significantly from levels that were observed in earlier part of this year, a few States and UTs across country are witnessing a sustained upswing in the cases currently. On Tuesday, till 8 A.M. India recorded 11,793 new coronavirus infections, pushing country's tally to 4,34,18,839, while the active cases rose to 96,700.
The death toll climbed to 5,25,047 with 27 new fatalities. India on Monday had logged 17,073 new coronavirus infections, a 45% jump from Sunday when 11,739 people tested positive for Covid. The Ministry fears that upcoming religious events may spike Covid cases as usually people do not follow Covid norms during such gatherings. "During many such events/yatras lakhs of individuals undertake intra- and inter-state journeys spanning hundreds of kilometres with halting points arranged by volunteers and community-based social/religious organisations.
Such congregations may potentially facilitate transmission of infectious diseases, including Covid-19," Bhushan said. "All states and UTs where such mass gatherings are proposed to be held should widely publicise that all individuals planning to participate in such gatherings/events are asymptomatic and preferably fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
If need be a special drive for primary vaccination and precaution dose administration to all eligible
People may be taken by the administration at least a fortnight in advance for those planning to join," he said in the letter.