'Second wave not yet over': Centre writes to states, says no room for complacency

NEW DELHI: Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla on Wednesday wrote to chief secretaries of all the states and asked them to ensure the strict compliance of Covid norms by the public.
"Blatant violations of Covid norms have been observed in several parts of the country, especially in public transport and at hill stations," Bhalla wrote.
The official asked the states to ensure those defaulting on the norms are booked under relevant provisions.
"It is emphasized that the second wave of Covid is not yet over. We ought to remember that while the reach of vaccination is increasing considerably, there is no room for complacency and hence Covid appropriate behaviour must continue," Bhalla said in his letter to all states and UTs.
The home secretary asked states to focus on the five-fold strategy of test, track, treat, vaccinate and follow Covid appropriate future to avert any future rise in cases.
India on Wednesday reported 38,792 cases and 624 deaths due to Covid-19 in the last 24 hours.
(With inputs from agencies)