Covid-19: Centre warns states on masss gatherings
Deccan ChronicleNEW DELHI: Ahead of festive season, the Centre has asked states and Union Territories to ensure that people taking part in mass gatherings and undertaking pilgrimage are asymptomatic and preferably fully vaccinated against Covid-19. In a letter to states and UTs on Tuesday, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said mass gatherings in context of various festivities as well as yatras are likely to be held in different parts of the country in the coming months, and that such congregations may potentially facilitate transmission of infectious diseases, including Covid-19. “They need to consult their treating doctor and continue taking their medications throughout the period while closely monitoring their health.” Mr Bhushan said that in events like religious yatras, where en-route congregation points are expected, the state governments concerned should identify major routes expected to be taken by individuals and organise requisite health facilities on these routes. State and district health administrations have been also asked to maintain a close watch over occurrence of isolated/cluster of new Covid-19 cases and take prompt public health measures accordingly.