Crack down on all officials responsible: Centre to states

Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla says any establishment, premises, markets, etc, not adhering to COVID-appropriate behaviour will be liable for re-imposition of restrictions

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday said blatant violations of Covid-19 norms have been observed in several parts of the country, including hill stations, and asked states and union territories to take action against officials responsible for ensuring compliance to laid down guidelines. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla emphasised the second wave of Covid-19 is not yet over and there is no room for complacency.

In a letter to all states and UTs, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said Covid-appropriate behaviour is not being adhered to in public transport and massive crowds are thronging marketplaces, violating physical distancing norms. He said relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions should be carefully calibrated.

During the periods of low positivity, efforts must be stepped up to prevent any probable future surge, he said.

People crowd a market in Mumbai, on Wednesday

The consequent increase in the ‘R’-factor (reproduction number) in some of the states is a matter of concern, Bhalla said. An ‘R’-factor below 1 indicates that each infected individual is on average passing on the disease to less than one person.

“It is important that the authorities concerned shall be made responsible for ensuring Covid-appropriate behaviour in all crowded places,” he said in the letter.

Also read: Centre asks States to register FIRs against those involved in assault on doctors

Any establishment, premises, markets and other such places violation has been noted is liable for the re-imposition of restrictions and the defaulters may face action under the relevant laws, he said.

He also said Covid-19 testing needs to continue with the same vigour as it is extremely essential for an early identification of cases and checking the virus spread.

Crowded fishing harbour after ease in lockdown curbs, in Trivandrum, Kerala, on Wednesday

India recorded 38,792 new cases and 624 more fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry’s data updated on Wednesday morning.

3,09,46,074
Total no. of Coronavirus cases in india so far

4,11,408
Total no. of deaths due to the virus in India so far

4,29,946
Total no. of active cases in India

38,792
No. of new cases recorded in India on Wednesday morning

624
No. of fresh deaths recorded in the country on Wednesday

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