Impose restrictions in high caseload areas: Ajay Kumar Bhalla

Out of 73 districts in the country with a case positivity rate above 10 per cent, 46 districts are in Northeastern states, according to Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

New Delhi:The Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday suggested all the Northeastern states impose restrictions in areas wherever there is a surge in Covid-19 cases. Taking cognisance of the upsurge in Covid cases across the region, Bhalla asked NE states and UTs to strictly monitor the situation at the district and city level and timely corrective measures.

"For those districts identified with high case positivity and higher bed occupancy, States and UTs may consider imposing restrictions in a calibrated manner. States and UTs should ensure strict enforcement of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour," Bhalla said. He has also suggested the authorities involve political leaders and civil society organisations in creating awareness. He said that the authorities should run Covid awareness campaigns.

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The Home Secretary was chairing a meeting to review the Covid-19 situations in all Northeast States and Union Territories (UTs). It was reiterated in the meeting that out of 73 districts in the country with a case positivity rate above 10 per cent, 46 districts are in Northeastern states.

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The meeting was attended by Chief Secretaries, Director-General of Police, Principal Secretaries (Health), Member (Health) Niti Aayog, Director NCDC and senior officials from MHA and Health Ministry. On Tuesday, the Health Ministry has also expressed concern over the spike in Covid-19 cases in Northeastern states.

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