Centre asks states to implement local containment SOPs

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Monday directed all states and Union Territories to implement an intensive, local and focused containment framework, stressing on specific districts and areas identified based on prescribed criteria, to break the chain of transmission and control the unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases.
In a letter to state chief secretaries and UT administrators, home secretary Ajay Bhalla drew their attention to the health ministry’s April 25 advisory on containment strategy and said district authorities should be sensitised on the strategy for imposing restrictions. He also said the orders issued by state/UT governments and district authorities on imposing restrictions should be widely disseminated to the public and field functionaries for effective implementation.
Bhalla said in the recent past, a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases was observed along with a high positivity rate. Considering this unprecedented spike, he said there was an urgent need for states and UTs to consider strict Covid management and control measures in the surge areas to bring the situation under control.
He said the health ministry had advised state/UT governments to implement an intensive, local and focused containment framework, focused on specific districts, cities and areas identified based on prescribed criteria.
All states/UTs have been advised to consider a further graded response in accordance with the local situation, requirements and resources. “I would, therefore, urge you to issue directions to district authorities in your state/UT to take all necessary measures, as advised by MoHFW in their letter,” Bhalla said.