Ignoring COVID Protocols Led To Increase In Infection, Says Govt

New Delhi: Fresh coronavirus cases are being recorded in India—over 40,000 cases being the highest daily spike in 2021. The country witnessed another surge in coronavirus cases, experts have blamed a laxity in following precautions over the past weeks when the cases went down to a great extent.

India on Saturday recorded over 40,000 fresh coronavirus cases, the highest daily spike in 2021. As the country witnessed another surge in coronavirus cases, experts have blamed a laxity in following precautions over the past weeks when the cases went down to a great extent.

Niti Aayog member (health) Dr. VK Paul explained that people have been ignoring Covid protocols and attending weddings, social gatherings as the coronavirus cases dipped recently and these may have possibly become super spreader events.

“That is what it looks like, as people have become lax in their behaviour. We must understand that there is still a large section of the population that is vulnerable, especially in villages. We cannot afford to lower our guard at this stage, and should avoid mass gatherings as it can become super-spreading events,” said Dr. VK Paul.

Maharashtra and Punjab, which are recording a maximum of cases, imposed further restrictions on social gatherings and events in the two states.

The Maharashtra government issued a notification asking drama halls, auditoriums to operate at half attendance of their capacity till March 31, and warned they will have to remain closed for a period until the pandemic stays notified as a disaster by the Centre if there is any violation.

Private offices, except those related to health and other essential services, have been asked to function only at 50% of their capacity.

Eight states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Haryana are showing an upward trajectory in daily new coronavirus cases.

In the 11 worst-hit districts of Punjab, a complete ban has been ordered on all social gatherings, except for funerals and weddings, which will be allowed with only 20 persons in attendance. This will be enforced from Sunday.