Centre ask states to curb mass gatherings during upcoming festivals

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 4, 2021

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on Wednesday asked all the states to curb mass gatherings during the upcoming festivals across the country.

In a letter to the chief secretaries of all the states, Secretary of the Ministry Rajesh Bhushan said, “In light of the order and in view of upcoming festivals, such as Muharram (August 19), Onam (August 21), Janmashtami (August 30), Ganesh Chaturthi (Sep 10) and Durga Puja (October 5 – 15) etc, where large public gatherings are expected, it is advised that states may actively consider imposition of local restrictions in public observation of these festivals and curb mass gatherings.”

The letter said that Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have expressed concern regarding the potential of mass gathering events during festivals turning into super spreader events, thereby leading to a spike in COVID cases.

This was earlier communicated to the states vide letter dates July 20 of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

“I would like to reiterate that any laxity in ensuring strict adherence to the five-fold strategy of ‘Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and ensuring COVID Appropriate Behaviour, may result in losing the impetus that our country has gained so far in managing the pandemic,” Bhushan said while requesting the state to continue with their proactive measures and collective response to COVID-19.