The ministry of health and family welfare has issued advisory to states and union territories across India citing the “blatant violation” of covid norms. The ministry urged the authorities to “guard ourselves against complacency and laxity, which has crept in as positivity has declined”.
Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla said in the advisory, “If the norms of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour are not maintained at any establishment/premises/markets etc, such places shall be liable for the re-imposition of restrictions, for containing the spread of Covid-19 and the defaulters shall also be liable for action under the relevant laws.”
Earlier, the Indian Medical Association issued a press statement and said that the third wave is imminent, given the way covid-appropriate norms are being violated. “With the global evidence available and the history of any pandemics, the third wave is inevitable and imminent…However, it is painful to note…in many parts of the country both the government and public are complacent and engaged in mass gatherings without following Covid protocols. Tourist bonanza, pilgrimage travel, religious fervour are all needed but can wait for a few more months. Opening up these rituals and enabling people without vaccination to go scot-free in these mass gatherings are potential super spreaders for the Covid third wave,” the statement said.