The Union Home Secretary, Government of India (“MHA”), has written to the Chief Secretaries of all States and the Administrators of all Union Territories, in pursuance of MHA Order dated 25th November, 2020 which provides Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution. The present Order will gain effect from 1st December, 2020 and remain effective till 31st December, 2020.
The letter highlights that while the active cases are decreasing, some States and Union territories are facing a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases which may aggravate in view of the ongoing festival season and the onset of winter which are favourable for the spread of the virus. Further, there is a laxity in following the guidelines issued by the MHA and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW);
It will be the responsibility of local district, police and municipal authorities to ensure that the prescribed containment measures are strictly followed. State/ UT Governments shall ensure accountability of the officers concerned in this regard;
Covid-19 appropriate behaviour is also not being fully adhered to by the people. States/ UTs have been urged to take all necessary measures to promote Covid-19 appropriate behaviour. For implementing the basic requirement of wearing face mask, States/ UTs should take appropriate administrative measures, including imposition of suitable penalties;
It is also necessary to regulate crowds in markets, public transport and various gatherings. MoHFW will be issuing SOPs to regulate crowds in market places and public transport, which needs to be strictly enforced by States and UTs;
Furthermore, various gatherings are allowed upto a maximum of 50% of the hall capacity subject to a ceiling of 200 persons. Based on the assessment of the situation, State / UT Governments may reduce this ceiling to 100 persons or less in closed places. Moreover, in States/ UTs where the weekly case positivity rate is more than 10%, States / UTs may consider implementing staggered office timings and other suitable measures in order to reduce the number of employees attending offices;
It has been emphasized that the essence behind the graded re-opening and progressive resumption of activities is to move ahead. However, there is a concomitant need to exercise due care. States and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may impose local restrictions such as night curfew (with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19);
However, States/ UTs shall not impose local lockdowns outside the Containment Zones without prior consultation with the Central Government and there shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods including those for cross land-border trade under Treaties with neighbouring countries.
Source:
MHA Letter dated 25.11.2020 to Chief Secretaries of all States
MHA Letter dated 25.11.2020 to the Administrators of all Union Territories
