Centre asks states to implement containment framework to flatten Covid curve

The rules stated that restrictions would be imposed when the positivity rate is 10 per cent or more for a week and when more than 60 per cent of hospital beds are occupied.

The centre has asked states to direct district authorities to implement the containment framework in areas reporting high Covid cases.

The decision to impose complete lockdown or "large containment zone" has to be based on evidence and analysis of the population affected, the geographical spread, hospital infrastructure, manpower and the ease of enforcing boundaries, says the home ministry advisory said.

States have been given a broad framework for an "objective, transparent, and epidemiologically sound decision-making" on imposing a lockdown for 14 days.

The main criteria are when positivity is 10 per cent or more for a week, which means one in 10 samples are testing positive and if more than 60 per cent beds, either oxygen-supported or ICU, are occupied by Covid patients.

If a certain area is identified for containment, then the following rules have to be adopted as per the home ministry advisory:

• Night curfew - Movement banned at night except for essential activities. The local administration will decide the duration of curfew.
• Banning social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious, festival-related and other gatherings -- the guidelines say "the spread of the infection has to be controlled by restricting the mingling of people, the only known host for the COVID-19 virus".
• Weddings to be limited to up to 50 participants and funerals, 20 people.
• Shopping complexes, movie theatres, restaurants and bars, sports complexes, gym, spas, swimming pool and religious places will be closed.
• Only essential services should continue in both the public and private sector.
• Public transport like railways, metros, buses and cabs can operate at up to half their capacity.
• No restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement including the transport of essential goods.
• Offices can function with up to half their staff.
• Industrial and scientific establishments can be allowed subject to distancing rules. They will be tested through Rapid Antigen Tests from time to time.

This comes as India recorded 3,53,991 fresh covid cases between Sunday and Monday mornings.

During the same period, India registered 2812 deaths due to the virus taking the fatality toll to 1,95,123.

This has been the fifth straight day when the country recorded over 3 lakh daily cases.

Meanwhile, the cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 14.19 Cr on Monday.