“Isn’t this an open invitation for the virus to come and infect us?” health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal asked, while showing the visuals.
Days after visuals of tourists flouting Covid-19 protocols at hill stations like Manali, Nainital and Mussoorie surfaced on the internet, the government gave a stern warning and reminders that the virus is still looming large and any laxity in taking precautions may pave way for a third wave.
On Friday, during the press conference on Covid-19 situation, health ministry joint secretary played videos of people forgetting Covid-19 protocol at tourist areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, saying that this is nothing but an “open invitation” for the virus to come and infect.
With several states and UTs loosening the pandemic-induced restrictions, people are traveling to tourists spots in Himachal and Uttarakhand to beat the heat of the plains. Many visuals from these tourist spots surfaced on social media sites where people could be seen not following the Covid norms- maintaining social distancing and wearing masks.
Niti Aayog member, health, Dr VK Paul, speaking on the issue, said: “We cannot lower our guard. A new risk is being seen at tourist spots where a gathering of crowds being seen, social distancing and mask protocol is not being followed. This is a serious cause of concern”.
“Isn’t this an open invitation for the virus to come and infect us?” health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal asked, while showing the visuals.
“We are still dealing with the second wave of Covid-19. We need to continue the display of Covid-appropriate behaviour,” he further added.
We are still dealing with the second wave of COVID19. We need to continue the display of COVID19 appropriate behaviour: Ministry of Health pic.twitter.com/eZdOZeHcJZ
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2021
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