Test-track-treat and vaccinate: Centre asks states to follow golden rule to stop Covid spread in post-lockdown period

Therefore, the states must use their machineries in full force to step up vaccination against Covid-19, he said.

Due to a massive surge in coronavirus cases, the states and union territories had to impose restrictions during the second wave of the pandemic in the country.

"With a decline in the number of active cases, many states and UTs have started relaxing restrictions. I would like to highlight that the decision to impose or ease restrictions has to be taken, based on the assessment of the situation at the ground level," he said.

As the cases have now declined, states are removing restrictions to ease activities, which is essential, but they must ensure that the whole process is "carefully calibrated".

"While opening up, it would be extremely important to follow the five-fold strategy of Covid appropriate behaviour, test-track-treat and vaccination," he said.

Emphasizing that there was no room for complacency, the home secretary said regular monitoring of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour was required to prevent relapse.

Mandatory use of masks, hand hygiene, social distancing and also adequate ventilation of closed spaces was necessary, Bhalla added.

"However, easing of restrictions in some states, have led to resumption of crowding of people in markets etc., without adherence to the norms of Covid appropriate behaviour," he said.

It is, therefore essential to ensure that there is no laxity in adhering to Covid-appropriate behaviour while opening up activities, the home secretary said.