States, UTs Directed To Strictly Follow National Directives For Covid 19 Management Throughout Country: Centre Tells Delhi High Court

The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that it has directed all the State and Union Territories to continue to strictly follow the 'National Directives for COVID-19 Management' throughout the Country. It has also stated that the Centre has also shared the framework for implementation of prompt and target action to be taken by the States.

The development came after the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India had submitted a status report in the suo moto case registered by the High Court after expressing concerns regarding mass violations of Covid-19 protocol in overcrowded Delhi markets since the unlocking of the city.

According to the MHA, the 'National Directives for COVID-19 Management' constitutes 8 subjects namely face coverings, social distancing, spitting in public places, work from home, staggering of work/business hours, screening and hygiene, frequent sanitization and social distancing.

A division bench comprising of Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Asha Menon had taken cognizance of the images received via WhatsApp showing people without masks, not following Covid-19 appropriate behaviour such as social distancing in crowded marketplaces.

The MHA has informed the Court that it has issued an order dated 29th June under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 directing States and UTs to consider the implementation of 'targeted and prompt actions' for covid 19 management until July 31 and also take necessary measures under the Act.

While issuing guiding principles, monitoring mechanism and 5 fold strategy to be followed for effective covid 19 management, the order directs the States to monitor districts with higher number of active covid cases per million population by reasoning that it is an important indicator for predicting the need for upgrading health infrastructure and logistics to manage the crisis.

The 5 fold strategy includes "Test- Track-Treat-Vaccinate and adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour."

It was also informed that a letter dated 29th June has also been written by the Union Home Secretary to Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs urging and stressing on effective covid management by adhering to the advisories issued by MHA and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

"To reiterate, COVID appropriate behaviour includes mandatory use of masks, hand hygiene, following physical/ social distancing (2 gaj ki doori) and proper ventilation of closed places. While easing restrictions, it must be ensured that there is no let up in adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour." The letter reads.