MHA Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution in view of COVID-19
No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
North Block, New Delhi-110001
Dated 25th November, 2020
ORDER
Whereas, an Order of even number dated 30.09.2020 was issued for containment of COVID-19 in the country, for a period upto 31.10.2020, which was further extended for a period upto 30.11.2020 vide an Order of even number dated 27.10.2020;
Whereas, in exercise of the powers under section 6(2)(i) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has directed the undersigned to issue an order with guidelines for containment of COVID-19 in the country;
Now therefore, in exercise of the powers, conferred under Section 10(2)(1) of the Disaster Management Act 2005, the undersigned hereby directs that guidelines for surveillance, containment and caution, as annexed, will be in force upto 31.12.2020.
Union Home Secretary
and, Chairman, National Executive Committee (NEC)
To:
- The Secretaries of Ministries/ Departments of Government of India
- The Chief Secretaries/Administrators of States/Union Territories
(As per list attached)
Copy to:
i. All Members of the National Executive Committee
ii. Member Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority
Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution
[As per Ministry of Home Affairs (WHA) Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I (A) dated 25th November, 2020]
The country is at a critical juncture in its fight against COVID-19. The number of active cases has declined steadily over the last two months, from over 10 lakhs, on September 18, 2020, to less than 4.5 lakhs now. However, over the last few weeks, the number of new cases has been rising in some States and UTs. The confluence of certain factors, viz., the recent festival season and the onset of winter, and the laxity in observance of the COVID-19 guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in certain parts of the country pose the risk of the situation becoming aggravated, thus putting a strain on the health infrastructure. In some States and UTs, the spike observed in the number of new cases has already led to re-imposition of restrictions such as Night Curfew, limitations on number of persons in gatherings, restricted timings of markets etc. In the above context, with a view to consolidating the substantial gains that have been achieved against the spread of COVID-19, and to fully overcome the pandemic, the need of the hour is to maintain caution and strictly follow the prescribed containment strategy, focussed on surveillance, containment and strict observance of the guidelines.
Over the last few months, economic and other activities have been opened up in a phased manner, with the stipulation that the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) be scrupulously followed. The essence behind graded re-opening and progressive resumption of activities is to move ahead. However, there is a concomitant need to exercise due care. Every citizen must adopt COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, so as to ensure that the resumption of activities is successful and gains made in the management of the pandemic are not negated. The following guidelines are issued to be effective from 1st December 2020.
COVID appropriate behavior
- State/ UT Governments shall take all necessary measures to promote COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. Strict enforcement of wearing of face masks, hand hygiene and social distancing must be ensured.
- Wearing of face masks is an essential preventive measure. In order to enforce this core requirement, States and UTs may consider administrative actions, including imposition of appropriate fines, on persons not wearing face masks in public and work spaces.
- Observance of social distancing in crowded places, especially in markets, weekly bazaars and public transport, is also critical for containing the spread of the infection. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) will issue a SOP to regulate crowds in market places, which shall be strictly enforced by States and UTs.
COMMENTS