New Delhi: In view rising cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Centre on Monday issued an order to States and Union territories asking to impose “need-based” restrictions on public movement during the festive season and implement directions issued by the health ministry to contain the pandemic.
In its order, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the States and UTs to ensure that local or district administrations promptly take appropriate coronavirus disease containment measures based on the normative framework and their assessment of the situation.
The MHA said States may also consider imposing local curbs or restrictions, as needed, during the ongoing festive season in view of the threat posed by the new, highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
“With distinct presence of the Delta variant and detection of Omicron cases in many states, there is need for greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision-making, and strict and prompt containment actions at the local and distinct levels, based on the assessment of the situation,” according to a letter issued by home secretary Ajay Bhalla to the chief secretaries of all states.