Centre tells states to step up vigil against Covid-19 to avoid festive season surge

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Although the number of coronavirus cases has come down to a 6-month low in the country, the government is worried over the possibility of the approaching festive season of Dusshehra and Diwali leading to a surge in cases as people tend to gather in large numbers and become careless about following Covid-appropriate behaviour. </p>
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Union Home Ministry extended the nationwide Covid-19 containment measures till October 31 considering the localised spreads of coronavirus in a few states and Covid-19 still continuing to be a public health challenge in the country.</p>
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Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to the chief secretaries of all states and union territories directing them to maintain utmost vigil ahead of the upcoming festivals.  The home secretary cautioned that large scale gatherings in fairs, festivals, religious events and functions may lead to a fresh surge in Covid-19 cases in the country. </p>
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“It is therefore critical to enforce adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines which allows regular festivities in a cautious, safe and appropriate manner. The daily Covid-19 cases and overall number of Covid-19 patients in the country are declining steadily," the letter states.</p>
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“However, there are still localised spreads of the virus in a few states and COVID-19 still continues to be a public health challenge in our country," he said.</p>
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The home secretary cautioned that with the decline in the Covid-19 cases, there is a possibility that Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) is not adhered to strictly. especially during the upcoming festivals.</p>
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In his letter, Bhalla directed the States/UTs concerned, having high positivity in their districts, should take proactive containment measures so as to effectively arrest the spike in cases and to contain the spread of transmission. It is important to identify warning signs of potential surges early on and to take appropriate measures to curb the spread.</p>
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Bhalla also said there should be a continued focus on the five-fold strategy i.e. Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour, to safely navigate through the festive season and avoid the possibility of a surge in Covid-19 cases.</p>
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Bhalla has urged the chief secretaries to issue directions to the district and all other local authorities concerned to take necessary measures as advised in the union health ministry advisory for prompt and effective management of Covid-19.</p>
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Meanwhile, 23,529 new coronavirus cases were reported nationwide in the last 24 hours. India's active caseload stands at 2,77,020 which is the lowest in 195 days. The daily positivity rate stands at 1.56% which has been less than the critical 3% for 97 days now.</p>
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The country is also continuing with its accelerated vaccination drive with a total of 88.34 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far.</p>