New Delhi: Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to Chief Secretaries of all States, stressing the need for following “a risk assessment based approach on the opening of economic activities” in view of a substantial decline in the number of active Covid-19 cases in the country and the re-opening of economic and social activities in States and Union Territories.  

“In view of the overall improved situation, there is a need to follow a risk assessment based approach on the opening of economic activities. Accordingly, after a careful analysis of the local situation, relaxation in various activities may be considered such as social, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious and festival related gatherings; night curfew; operations of public transport; shopping complexes, cinema halls, gyms, spas, restaurants and bars; opening of schools, colleges, offices, and other commercial activities,” said Bhalla in the letter dated February 25, 2022.

“It is, however, emphasised that while allowing all such activities, the wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing, hand hygiene and ventilation in closed spaces, as mandated in the National Directives for COVID Management, should continue to be enforced. States/UTs should continue with the testing and surveillance, clinical management, vaccination and implementation of COVID Appropriate Behaviour, for managing COVID-19,” he stated further in the letter.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 13,166 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in the last 24 hours, while India’s active caseload currently stands at 1,34,235. The recovery rate has been pegged at 98.49 per cent. 176.86 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive. The Ministry said that 26,988 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours while total recoveries stand at 4,22,46,884. So far , 76.45 crore tests have been conducted. /BI/