The Union Home Ministry today asked states and union territories to consider relaxing Covid curbs for social, sports, entertainment, academic and religious events as well as night curfew hours in view of the substantial decline in the number of cases.
Issuing COVID-19 guidelines for March, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also suggested the implementation of a risk assessment based approach on the opening of economic activities as suggested by the Union Health Ministry recently.
"Accordingly, after a careful analysis of the local situation, relaxation in various activities may be considered, such as social, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious, festival related gatherings; night curfew; operations of public transport; shopping complexes, cinema halls, gyms, spas, restaurants and bars; opening of schools, colleges, offices, and other commercial activities," the communication said.
In the guidelines, sent to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, the home secretary also emphasised that the wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing, hand hygiene and ventilation in closed spaces, as mandated in the National Directives for COVID Management, should continue to be enforced.
He said states and UTs should continue with testing and surveillance, clinical management, vaccination and implementation of Covid appropriate behaviour for managing COVID-19.
"I would, therefore, urge you to take necessary action in line with the aforesaid Ministry of Health and Family Welfare advisory, dated 18th February, 2022 and for the enforcement of COVID Appropriate Behaviour," Mr Bhalla said.
India logged 13,166 new coronavirus infections, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,28,94,345 (42.8 million/4.28 crore), while active cases have declined to 1,34,235, according to the Union Health Ministry on Friday.
The daily positivity rate was recorded as 1.28 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded as 1.48 per cent, according to the ministry.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
'Disease X' In Congo Revealed To Be Malaria, Authorities Issue Urgent Warning Hospitals Have Only 2 Days Worth Of Fuel Left, Says Gaza Health Ministry Union Health Ministry Approves Menstrual Hygiene Policy For School Going Girls 2 Dead, Many Feared Trapped For 17 Hours After Mohali Building Collapse Germany Refused To Extradite Saudi Suspect? Suicidal Empathy, Says Elon Musk Speeding Creta SUV Kills Boy, 4, In Mumbai, Teen Driver Arrested PM Modi To Meet Kuwaiti Crown Prince, Sign MoUs On Day 2 Of Visit: Top Points These Street Dogs in Brazil Became A National Symbol. Here's Why National Mathematics Day: Why It Is Celebrated On December 22 Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.