Centre to States/UTs: Discontinue Invoking Disaster Management Act for COVID Containment Measures

covid law insider

Tanya Gupta

Published on: March 23, 2022 at 17:35 IST

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) keeping the view of the Pandemic Situation recommends that the Disaster Management Act, 2015 measures be discontinued.

Taking note of the same, the Union Home Secretary has written to all States and Union Territories’ Chief Secretary in order to Discontinue the Containment Measures.

The Home Secretary writes,

“I would, therefore, advise all the States/Union Territories to consider appropriately discontinuing Issue of Orders and Guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for COVID Containment Measures.”

However, advises the continuation of Maintaining Hand Hygiene and Wearing Face Masks.

The Letter further added,

“The States/Union Territories may continue to follow the SoPs/advisories that have been or are being issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from time to time for COVID Containment Measures, Vaccination and other related aspects, including observing COVID appropriate behavior.”

The issued Letter highlights the fact there has been a sharp Decline in the Number of COVID Cases over the past 7 weeks. The daily Positivity Rate stands at 0.28% and the total Caseload In-Country stands at 23,913.

“After taking into Consideration the overall improvement in the situation and the 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 Disaster Management Act for COVID Containment Measures. Accordingly, after the of the existing Ministry of Home Affairs Order No.40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 25th February, 2022, no further Order may be issued by Ministry of Home Affairs. However, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Advisories on COVID Containment Measures, including on the use of Face Mask and Hand Hygiene, will continue to Guide the overall National response to the Pandemic”, the Letter said.

The Secretary highlighted the Importance of being Vigilant and taking Instantaneous Proactive Measures on noticing any Surge.

Also Read: UPSC opposes Plea before Supreme Court for Additional Try in Civil Service Mains for COVID-affected Applicants

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