Amid a surge in daily Covid cases across the country, the Uttarakhand government asked the people to follow all the "stringent measures" to control the spread of the deadly virus during the upcoming  Kumbh Mela in Haridwar.

In the light of guidelines issued by both the central and state governments in the past for surveillance, containment and caution, Chief Secretary Om Prakash on Monday asked district administrations, various state and central government organisations and other stakeholders to take all necessary measures to ensure wearing of face mask, hand hygiene and social distancing.

These measures are also included in the National Directives for COVID-19 Management which have to be strictly followed throughout the state, he said. ''After the steady decline in COVID-19 cases for about five months, COVID cases are showing an increasing trend in several parts of the country over the past few weeks.

It has been observed that it is largely due to laxity in the observance of COVID-appropriate behaviour by people especially in crowded places,'' he said. Keeping in view the fresh surge in cases and upcoming festivals as well as the Maha Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, it will be important to ensure compliance of guidelines and to strictly enforce COVID appropriate behaviour, such as wearing masks and hygiene and social distancing by people. The Kumbh Mela will start on April 1.

Meanwhile, A high-level central team led by NCDC Director visited Uttarakhand on March 16-17 to review the medical and public health measures undertaken by the state for the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar.

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