Centre directs states to review Covid curbs amid cases drop

In a letter sent to Chief Secretaries and Chief Administrators of all states and union territories on Wednesday, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the pandemic in India is showing a sustained declining trend since Jan 21.

"Presently, as the case trajectory across the nation is showing a sustained downward trend, it will be useful if states/UTs review and amend/do away with the additional restrictions so imposed after considering the trend of new cases, active cases and positivity within the state and UT," he said.

With the changing epidemiology of the pandemic globally and in India, existing guidelines aimed at minimising the transmission and circulation of the virus have been reviewed and updated.

The Union Ministry of Health accordingly revised its guidelines for international arrivals on Feb 10, he said.

Bhushan noted that states and union territories must also continue monitoring the trajectory of cases and spread of infection daily.

They may also follow the broad five-fold strategy of Test Track-Treat-Vaccination and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour, he said.

"I'm sure that under your continued leadership the state and UT will continue to address the challenge of COVID-19 while minimizing its impact on lives and livelihood of the people," Bhushan said in the letter.