'Don't allow mass gatherings', Centre warns states ahead of festive season - In Pics

The Centre on Thursday warned states and Union Territories that mass gatherings should not be allowed in districts reporting over five per cent COVID-19 case positivity rate. With the upcoming festive season, the Centre wants to ensure all precautions are taken to avoid the much feared third wave of novel coronavirus in the country. See Pics

In a letter to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, Rajesh Bhushan Union Health Secretary said, "Restrictions and relaxations should be imposed and monitored based on weekly case positivity or a high bed occupancy and restrictions if any should be imposed without any delay and for a minimum period of 14 days."

Noting that it is a critical period, Bhushan said it is important to adhere to the prescribed COVID-19 guidelines to allow festivities in a cautious, safe and COVID-appropriate manner.

Further, the Union Health Secretary pointed that states can continue with night curfews, weekend curfews and other restrictions to highlight that COVID-19 is still not over and to influence adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour. He reiterated that these gatherings should also be monitored and it is necessary to enforce penal actions in case of violations.

On Thursday, India reported 31,923 new cases and 282 deaths in 24 hours. According to the health ministry, there was a drop of 349 active cases in the past day.