SARS-CoV-2: Health Ministry recommends extension of suspension of flights from UK

• It has also been suggested to the Ministry of Civil Aviation that after January 7, 2021, strictly regulated resumption of limited number of flights may be considered

• Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated that states/UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may impose local restrictions

New Delhi: The Health Ministry has recommended to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the extension of the temporary suspension of flights originating from UK into India to be further extended till January 7, 2021. This has been recommended based on the inputs received from the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) headed by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) and the National Task Force jointly headed by DG, ICMR and Member (Health), NITI Aayog.

It has also been suggested to the Ministry of Civil Aviation that after January 7, 2021, strictly regulated resumption of limited number of flights originating from UK into India may be considered. The specifics of such a mechanism may be worked out by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Health Secretary asks states to keep a strict vigil on New Year celebrations

The Union Health Secretary has written to all the states to keep a strict vigil on all events that could be potential "super spreader" events, and to curb crowding in the wake of the New Year celebrations and various events associated with it as well as ongoing winter season.

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The recent advice and guidance to the states by the Home Ministry has been reiterated by the Health Ministry. Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated that states/UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may impose local restrictions, such as night curfew, with a view to contain the spread of Covid-19. The Home Ministry has also stipulated that there shall be no restriction on interstate and intra-state movement of persons and goods. Drawing attention to this, the Health Secretary has urged the states to promptly assess the local situation and consider imposition of appropriate restrictions on December 30 and 31, as well as on January 1, 2021.

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