Shimla, May 28
It is highly likely that the State Government may not be able to lift up strict containment measures like lockdown, immediately, as the Union Home and Family and health Ministry has asked the state to continue with them for combating Covid pandemic keeping in view the very number of high active cases so far.
A letter addressed to all chief secretaries of states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said that Ministry of home affairs has extended the containment measures for Covid -19 upto Jun 30. The letter of MHA, said that since Apr 29 strict containment measures led to decline trend in number of new and active cases across states and Union territories, baring some areas in the south and North Eastern regions of the country.
” In Spite of the declining trend the number of active cases presently is still very high and it is important that containment measures may continue to be implemented strictly. Any relaxation by the state and UTs may be considered at an appropriate time in a graded manner after addressing the local situation, requirements and resources. ” the letter mentioned.
The letter by Central government ministry indicates that complete relaxation may not be feasible yet, as efforts to contain the crowd and imposing of 144 are likely to be continued, to fully overcome the pandemic.
State has to pass instructions or new guidelines to respective district administrations and other authorities including departments to implement containment measures that should be disseminated to public and field functionaries for effective implementations.
The letter of the Union Government seemed to warn the local state govt that currently there are above 20,000 active cases and virus load in the state and compared to the relaxation in the lock down last year this number is much higher. Any relaxation could prove disastrous if markets schools and public gatherings would be allowed till this number did not come down.
The state council of ministers is likely to meet on May 31 here to take further call on the ongoing Corona Curfew.
