To control surge, stringent curbs may return

6,088 new coronavirus cases, 148 deaths across country in last 48 hours

With the highest spike of 6, 088 new corona cases and 148 deaths being reported in the last 48 hours from across the country, home ministry officials claimed that if the present trend continues then some stringent measures may have to be taken starting next week during the ongoing lockdown 4.0.

The home ministry had on Thursday asked the states to strictly adhere to its guidelines particularly on night curfew and containment zones which were reiterated again on Friday.

Officials said they were concerned with the sudden increase in number of corona cases being reported in the last few days but were closely monitoring the situation in co-ordination with the states.

Ministry officials said that in case of sharp increase in corona cases some of the earlier relaxations like opening of markets and other commercial activities like opening of industries and factories along with use of public transport will have to be regulated further.

“It has been noticed that during the ongoing lockdown some of the states were not following the guidelines issued by the Centre. While states have been given freedom this time to take some of their own decisions also but even these were being violated,” a senior officials said.

According to MHA it was observed that rules related to opening of markets and other commercial activities as well as limited use of public transport were being grossly violated.

“Almost everywhere it has been seen that more shops that have been allowed were opened and that too well beyond the deadline of 7 pm as night curfew of 7 pm to 7 am is still in place. Similarly, more people were travelling in public transport like buses, autos, taxi and even e-rickshaw. If it is not checked some tough measures will have to be taken,’’ the official further added.

◗ ACCORDING TO MHA it was observed that rules related to opening of markets and other commercial activities as well as limited use of public transport were being grossly violated.