In wake of repeated instances of tourists violating Covid-19 guidelines across the country, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday chaired a key meeting in New Delhi to review steps taken by state governments to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak in hill stations and tourist locations.

“The Union Home Secretary sounded a note of caution in view of media reports showing blatant disregard of Covid-appropriate behaviour in hill stations and other tourist locations.  He emphasised that the second wave of Covid-19 was not over yet, and states should ensure strict adherence to the protocols prescribed in respect of wearing of masks, social distancing and other safe behaviour,” the Union Home Ministry said in an official communique.

Bhalla observed that the second wave of the pandemic is plateauing at variable stages in states/UTs. However, though the overall case positivity rate seems to be declining, it is still over 10 per cent in Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, which is a cause for concern.

“States were also asked to follow the five-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and Covid-appropriate behaviour, as has been laid out in MHA order dated June 29. Adequate health infrastructure preparedness (especially in rural, peri-urban and tribal areas) was also advised, with a view to tackle any potential future surge in cases,” the Home Ministry stated.

Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) at NITI Aayog, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Director General of Indian Council for Medical Research, and Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police and Principal Secretaries (Health) of  eight states attended the crucial meeting.