New Delhi, India: In the wake of increased detection of the COVID-19 Variant of Concern 'Omicron' in various parts of the nation, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a directive on Monday directing all States and Union Territories (UTs) to take all necessary precautions and not to let their guard down.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla highlighted the need for "increased foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making, and strict and swift containment steps at the local and district levels, depending on the assessment of the situation" in a letter sent to Chief Secretaries of all states on Monday.

The Home Secretary directed the Chief Secretaries to issue necessary instructions to the districts and all other local governments concerned, directing them to take the necessary steps to ensure prompt and effective management of COVID-19, strict adherence to the MoHFW's various advisories on the new VOC, and strict enforcement of COVID appropriate behaviour.

"States may explore imposing need-based, local controls and restrictions to control crowds during the Christmas season," he suggested.

To avoid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Home Secretary highlighted that the five-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour should be continued, especially in light of the new VOC. He also advised that the state's law enforcement agencies vigorously enforce COVID proper behaviour standards such as wearing face masks and maintaining safe social distance in all public locations and gatherings.

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