MHA says 'blatant violation' of Covid-19 norms in hill stations, markets

The Union Home Ministry Wednesday said blatant violations of Covid19 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 guidelinesIn a letter to all states and UTs Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said Covidappropriate behaviour is not being adhered to in public transport and massive crowds are thronging marketplaces violating social distancing normsNoting that though the reach of vaccination is increasing considerably Bhalla emphasised the second wave of Covid19 is not yet over and there is no room for complacency hence everyone must follow Covidappropriate behaviourHe said that with the decline in the number of active cases states and UTs have started reopening economic activities in a gradual manner but the process of relaxing restrictions should be carefully calibratedDuring the periods of low positivity efforts must be stepped up to prevent any probable future surge he saidHowever blatant violations of Covid19 norms have been observed in several parts of the country especially in public transport and at hill stations Massive crowds are also thronging the market places violating norms of social distancing he saidThe consequent increase in the Rfactor reproduction number in some of the states is a matter of concern Bhalla saidThe Rfactor indicates the speed at which the infection is spreading in the country An Rfactor below 1 indicates that each infected individual is on average passing on the disease to less than one personYou may be aware that any increase in R factor above 10 is an indicator of spread of Covid19 Therefore it is important that the authorities concerned shall be made responsible for ensuring Covid Appropriate Behaviour CAB in all crowded places such as shops malls markets market complexes weekly markets restaurants and bars mandis bus stations railway platforms stations public parks and gardens gymnasium banquet halls marriage halls stadia sports complexes if opened up by the State as well as at all areas identified as hotspots for transmission of Covid19 virus he said in the letterAny establishment premises markets and other such places where Covidappropriate behaviour is not being maintained is liable for the reimposition of restrictions and the defaulters may face action under the relevant laws the home secretary saidHe also said Covid19 testing needs to be continued with the same vigor as it is extremely essential for an early identification of cases and checking the virus spreadYou would appreciate that we must guard ourselves against complacency and laxity which creep in as positivity declines Instead during the periods of low positivity efforts must be stepped up to prevent any probable future surge he saidBhalla said there should be continuous focus on the fivefold strategy for effective management of Covid19 ie testtracktreatvaccinate and adhere to Covidappropriate behaviorI would therefore urge you to issue strict directions to the district and all other local authorities concerned to regulate the crowded places and take necessary measures for management of Covid19 The officers concerned should be made personally responsible for any laxity in strict enforcement of Covid appropriate behaviour he told the states and UTs in the letterI would also advise that orders issued by the respective state governments and UT administrations and district authorities in this regard should be widely disseminated to the public and to the field functionaries for their proper implementation he saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever