The Home Ministry today issued an advisory urging governments to ensure members of the public follow COVID-19 protocols.
The Home Ministry, amid concern over an increase in the ‘R’ factor, or reproduction rate, of the coronavirus in some states and Union Territories, today issued an advisory urging governments to ensure members of the public follow COVID-19 protocols.
“Blatant violations of Covid norms have been observed in several parts of the country, especially in public transport and at hill stations…” the letter said, “Consequently, increase in ‘R’ factor in some states is a matter of concern. ‘R’ factor above 1.0 is an indicator of (high) spread of COVID-19.”
“… authorities concerned be made responsible for ensuring Covid-appropriate behaviour in all crowded places, such as shops, malls, markets, restaurants and bars, bus stations, railway platforms/stations, banquet halls/marriage halls, stadia/sports complexes (if opened up) … as well as all other areas identified as hotspots for transmission of COVID-19,” the MHA noted.
“It is emphasised that the second wave of Covid is not over. We ought to remember that while the reach of vaccination is increasing considerably, there is no room for complacency…” the ministry added.
The letter comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said recent images from hill stations and city markets â of large crowds without face masks and zero social distancing â are a âcause for concernâ, as he underlined the need to follow Covid protocols to ward off a potential third wave of infections.
âIt is true that tourism, business and business have been greatly affected due to coronavirus⌠but today I will say very emphatically that it is not okay to have huge crowds in hill stations and markets without wearing masks,â PM Modi said.
âThe virus does not come and go on its own⌠we bring it with us when we disobey the rules. Experts are warning us repeatedly that careless behaviour â like overcrowding â will lead to an increase in Covid cases,â he added.
âSteps should be taken to prevent crowds⌠We all need to work together to stop the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic,â PM Modi stressed.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
