Take necessary steps to regulate crowd in view of upcoming festivals, MHA tells states | India News

NEW DELHI: In the wake of the recent spike in Covid-19 cases in some parts of the country, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Friday wrote to all states and Union Territories to take necessary measures to regulate the crowd in upcoming festivals.
“In view of upcoming festivals like Holi, Shab-e-Barat, harvesting festivals, Eid-ul-Fitr etc, state/UT governments should take measures to regulate crowds by ensuring strict observance of Covid appropriate behaviour such as wearing of mask and social distancing,” MHA said in a statement.
It has been observed that there is a general laxity in the observance of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour, MHA added.
“It is again reiterated that state/UTs should take all necessary measures to promote Covid-19 appropriate behaviour in work places and in public, especially in crowded places. For strict enforcement of wearing of masks, hand hygiene and social distancing, States/UTs may consider administrative actions, including imposition of appropriate fine,” the ministry said.

The Centre further said that states and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may impose local restrictions, at district/sub-district and city/ward level, to contain the spread of coronavirus.
“However, there shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods including those for cross land-border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries,” MHA added.

While talking about vaccination, the MHA said, “The world’s largest vaccination drive, against Covid-19, is proceeding smoothly in the country. However, the pace is uneven across different States and UTs, which is a matter of concern. Vaccination against Covid-19, in the present scenario, is critical to break the chain of transmission. Therefore, all state/UT Governments should rapidly step up the pace of vaccination, to cover all priority groups in an expeditious manner.”