Avoid non-essential travel at least this year, appeals ICMR DG

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Dr Balram Bhargava recently urged people to observe low-key festivals and avoid non-essential travel, as the season of festivals is just round the corner. Meanwhile, the Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan also asked people to celebrate festivals while maintaining COVID-19 protocols.

The Centre even asked governments of states and Union territories to ensure that they take adequate measures ahead of the festive season, so that the COVID-19 cases are controlled and prevented from spreading further. The Union Home Ministry warned against complacency due to the drop in the number of infections recently. Reportedly, the Union Home Ministry directed all Union Territories and states to implement 'Prompt and Effective Measures' specified in a September 21 advisory issued in view of festivals, until October 31.
Regarding the drop in COVID cases, Bhushan added that the rate of positivity is coming down now, and that this is the 13th week that has witnessed a drop in cases continually, while the weekly positivity rate stands below 3 per cent. He, however, stated that their target is to bring down this rate further, and that the state governments also make sure that they work toward the same goal.

While Dr Bhargava asked people to avoid non-essential travel at least this year during a weekly briefing of the COVID-19 situation of the country, Bhushan stressed that during this time, people need to still follow all COVID-related rules.