NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday asked states and union territories to consider imposing local restrictions in view of upcoming festivals such as Holi amid a surge in Covid-19 cases in some parts of the
country
.
In a letter to state chief secretaries and union territory administrators, additional secretary in the
health ministry
Arti Ahuja stated that the battle against Covid-19 is at a critical juncture with rising number of cases and deaths being reported from many parts in the recent past.
"...in view of upcoming festivals such as Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Bihu, Easter and Eid-ul-Fitr, etc., it is strongly advised that states may consider imposing local restrictions in public observance of these festivals and limit/do away with mass gatherings in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 22 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005," the letter stated.
Ahuja asked states to refer to the order issued by the
ministry of home affairs
on March 23 for effective control of Covid-19, and also attached the order issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority for reference.
Coronavirus live updates"Any laxity at this point in ensuring strict adherence to various SOPs issued by the
Ministry of Health
to contain the spread of Covid-19 may result in losing the impetus and benefits that our country has gained so far in managing the virus. Strict adherence to Covid-19-appropriate behaviour in public places and gathering is the key to break the chain of transmission and reduce the incidence of cases in the country," the letter stated.
(With agency inputs)