MHA issues fresh COVID-19 guidelines for surveillance, containment and caution

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued fresh COVID-19 guidelines for surveillance, containment and caution. The States and Union Territories have been mandated to strictly enforce containment measures, SOPs on various activities and COVID-appropriate behavior and exercise caution and regulate crowds. Also Read | India bans 43 more mobile apps for India’s sovereignty and security Only essential activities have been allowed in Containment Zones, as per the fresh COVID-19 guidelines issued by the MHA. Also Read | PM Modi discusses modalities of COVID-19 vaccine delivery and distribution The local district, police and municipal authorities would be responsible to ensure that prescribed Containment measures are strictly followed and State/UT Govts shall ensure accountability of concerned officers. There would 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. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements. States and UTs also need to enforce social distancing in offices, the MHA stated. In cities, where the weekly Case Positivity Rate is in more than 10 per cent, States and UTs concerned shall consider implementing staggered office timings and other suitable measures, with a view to reducing the number of employees attending office at the same time, thereby ensuring social distancing. -PTC News