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In view of the continuous dip in coronavirus cases, the Union Home Ministry has decided to end all COVID-19 containment measures from March 31, two years after their implementation following

the outbreak of the pandemic. However, wearing of face masks and maintaining physical distancing norms will continue as earlier.

The Union government had on March 24, 2020 issued for the first time, orders and guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, (DM Act) 2005 for the containment of COVID-19 in the country

and these have been modified on various occasions. In a communication to the chief secretaries of all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said that over the last 24 months, significant

capacities have been developed for various aspects of management of the pandemic, such as diagnostics, surveillance, contact tracing, treatment, vaccination, hospital infrastructure.

Also, the general public now has a much higher level of awareness of COVID-appropriate behaviour, he said. The states and Union Territories have also developed their own capacities and

systems and implemented their detailed specific plans for managing the pandemic, he said, adding over the last seven weeks or so there has been a steep decline in the number of cases.

The total caseload in the country stands at 23,913 only (on March 22) and the daily positivity rate has declined to 0.28%, he said. A total of 181.56 crore vaccine doses have been

administered, 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-19 containment measures, the communication said.

Accordingly, Bhalla said, after the expiry of the existing order on March 31, no further order will be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, the Ministry of Health and Family

Welfare advisories on COVID containment measures, including on the use of face masks and hand hygiene, will continue to guide the overall national response to the pandemic, he said.

The Home Secretary, however, said that in view of the nature of the disease, people still need to remain watchful of the situation. He said whenever any surge in the number of cases is

observed, states and UTs may consider taking prompt and proactive action at local level, as advised by the Ministry of Health from time to time.

“I would, therefore, advise all the States and UTs to consider appropriately discontinuing the issue of orders and guidelines under the DM Act, 2005 for COVID containment measures,” Bhalla

said.

The states and UTs may continue to follow the Standard Operating Measures and advisories that have been or are being issued by the Ministry of Health from time to time for containment

measures, vaccination and other related aspects, he said.