Centre warns states on complacency, asks to ensure Covid norms as cases drop

• Centre warned states and UTs to not grow complacent in ensuring appropriate Covid protocols. It asked the respective administrations to monitor signs of a surge in Covid cases. Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla wrote to the chief secretaries of all states, UTs. Bhalla asked officials to ensure that there is no complacency in adhering to Covid norms. The warning from the home ministry comes as several states are relaxing their Covid curbs. “With decline in the number of active cases, many states & UTs have started relaxing restrictions. The decision to impose or ease restrictions has to be taken based on assessment of the situation at ground level. Opening up of activities after a decline in cases is essential but ensure that the process is carefully calibrated,” the letter said. It also highlighted the fivefold strategy of Covid appropriate behaviour which includes use of masks, hand hygiene, social distancing, proper ventilation. The letter also stressed on speeding up the vaccination process and issuing appropriate directions to districts & all other concerned authorities to ensure that the orders are followed.