Amid rising coronavirus cases and fear of emerging fourth wave, the Centre in a letter to five states, including Maharashtra, advised to maintain a strict watch and take pre-emptive action, if required, in the areas of concern.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in the letter, urged states to allow the five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour, with a particular emphasis on wearing of masks in crowded areas.
Bhushan also mentioned that all the states and Union territories to follow a risk assessment-based approach on the opening of economic and social activities, without losing the gains made in the fight against the pandemic so far.
It is pertinent to note that the Maharashtra government on March 31 had announced to lift all COVID-19 restrictions, which includes voluntary use of facemasks. Additionally, non-vaccinated are allowed to travel in Mumbai local trains and buses. They are also permitted to theatres, malls and other public places as well.
This also comes at a time when the health experts have warned of the fourth wave of the novel virus in June.
For those unversed, Maharashtra also reported 137 fresh COVID-19 cases and three deaths on Tuesday, alarming the central government. Meanwhile, Mumbai also reported a spike in coronavirus cases at 85, which is highest in two months.
On the other hand, the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments have mandated wearing masks in public places.
The state government must ensure that facilities to detect early signs of disease, genomic sequencing for prescribed samples and vaccination for the eligible population are available, the letter concluded.
Also Read: Rising COVID Graph Could Be The Result Of Opening Up, says BMC Officials
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