Govt Extends COVID-19 Guidelines & Warns Of New Strain

New Delhi: The Central government on Monday extended COVID-19 guidelines till January 31, 2021. It also warned about the new highly infectious COVID-19 UK strain, and advised that strict surveillance be maintained and caution be exercised.

“While there has been a continuous decline in the active and new COVID-19 cases, there is need to maintain surveillance, containment and caution, keeping in view the surge in cases globally, and emergence of a new variant of the virus in the United Kingdom (UK),” the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated.

Containment zones will continue to be demarcated carefully and SOPs to be followed properly.

The government is planning to start a mass vaccination drive next month and has carried out dry runs in a few states.

As per the latest guidelines, cinema halls and theatres can continue to operate with up to 50 per cent capacity. Swimming pools are permitted for training of sportspersons, while exhibition halls are to be used for business to business (B2B) purposes only.

Social and religious gatherings can take place with a maximum of 50 per cent of hall capacity with a ceiling of 200 people. States are, however, allowed to reduce the ceiling to 100 persons or less.