Because of the continuous decline in coronavirus cases, the Home Ministry has decided to cease all COVID-19 containment measures from March 31, two years after their implementation following the outbreak of the pandemic.
However, wearing of face mask and maintaining social distancing norms will continue as earlier.
In a recent communication to the Chief Secretaries of all States, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said that over the last 24 months, substantial capacities have been developed for various aspects of management of the pandemic, such as diagnostics, surveillance, contact tracing, treatment, vaccination, hospital infrastructure.
Also, now the general public has much a higher level of awareness on the COVID-appropriate behaviour, he said.
“After taking into consideration the overall improvement in the situation and preparedness of the Government to deal with the pandemic, National Disaster Management Authority has taken a decision that there may not be any further need to invoke the provisions of the DM Act for COVID containment measures,” the communication said.