Center asks states to increase strictness in districts with more than 10 percent infection rate

The Center has asked the states and union territories to be extremely careful amid the improving situation in the second wave of the corona pandemic. In a letter to 14 states including Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, Kerala and Bengal, the Center has said that in districts where the rate of corona infection was more than 10 percent between June 21-27, preventive measures should be strictly implemented.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has said in a letter to the states and union territories that with the decrease in cases, it has become imperative to increase surveillance. He has emphasized the need to increase surveillance at the district and tehsil level. The District Nodal Officer should work closely with the District Magistrate/Municipal Commissioner to identify areas with new cases. Also, ensure the implementation of necessary preventive measures as per the need.

Bhushan, in a letter dated June 29, said restrictions are being lifted and relaxed as the situation improves, but the decision should be taken after careful consideration and after studying the circumstances. Apart from the above states, Bhushan has also written to Manipur, Sikkim, Puducherry, Odisha, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

In his letter, Bhushan has also referred to the order of the Ministry of Home Affairs of 29 April, in which all the states were asked to take strict measures to prevent the spread of corona infection. Bhushan has said that strict measures are necessary to improve the situation in districts with high infection rate. He has also mentioned the districts with more than 10 percent infection rate in the respective states.

Strictly enforce restrictions for 14 days

Bhushan said that the district administration which decides to impose restrictions in view of the infection rate, should be kept effective for 14 days. In areas of the district that are not in the Containment Zone, restrictions can be relaxed or restrictions can be removed.