COVID: Centre To Discontinue Containment Measures From March 31; Face Mask & Social Distancing To Continue

By OB Bureau On Mar 23, 2022

Bhubaneswar: In view of decline in daily COVID positive cases in the country, the Centre has decided to withdraw containment measures from March 31. But restrictions like wearing face masks and maintaining social distance will continue.

A letter of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to chief secretaries of the states stated that after the expiry of the existing order issued on February 25, no further Order may be issued by the MHA.

However, the letter stated that the advisories issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) on measures, including use of face masks and hand hygiene will continue.

The last order of the Ministry is set to expire on March 31. It had directed states to open up economic and social activities after assessing the risk of infection.

The Centre has been issuing monthly order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 on direction from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for containment of the virus since March 24, 2020, when the pandemic first hit the country.

“Given the nature of the disease, we still need to remain watchful of the situation. Wherever any surge in the number of cases is observed, the states/UTs may consider taking prompt and proactive action at a local level, as advised by MoHFW from time to time,” The Indian Express quoted Home Secretary of India Ajay Bhalla as saying in the letter.

The COVID caseload in the country stood at 23,913 on March 22 while the daily positivity rate has declined to 0.28 per cent. Total 181.56 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far.