MHA extends COVID -19 guidelines till March 31

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday extended the coronavirus containment guidelines issued earlier to 31 March.

The statement said that even though the numbers are declining, it is important to maintan caution. Surveillance, containment, and caution are needed to fully overcome the pandemic. The states have also been told to speed up the vaccination drive as it will break the chain of transmission. Notably, vaccination for those above 60 years of age and those above 45 with comorbidities, will commence on March 1.

The Centre has also asked states to ensure that all containment rules are strictly followed by those residing in containment zones. It is also important that containment zones are marked carefully.

As per existing guidelines, all activities have been permitted outside containment zones, except a few which will be subject to strict adherence of SOPs.

Cinema halls and theatres have already been permitted up to 50% of seating capacity. Now they will be permitted to operate at higher seating capacity. A revised SOP will be issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in consultation with MHA.

SWimming pools were earlier opened only for sportspersons and now it is expected that the pools will be opened for all. A revised SOP will be issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in consultation with MHA.

Meanwhile, a total of 16,488 new coronavirus cases were reported, pushing the infection tally to 1,10,79,979. The death toll rose to 1,56,938 with 113 new fatalities.