Centre decides not to issue advisories to States on Covid-19 management after March 31

The Centre has said that there is no longer any need to invoke the provisions of the Disaster Management Act for COVID containment measures. The decision has been taken in view of a steep decline in the number of Covid 19 cases in the country. After the expiry of the existing order on 31st March, no further order will be issued by the Home Ministry to the states.

The Centre has also advised States and Union Territories to discontinue issuing orders and guidelines under the Act. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written a letter to all States and Union Territories to this effect. However, advisories of the Union Health Ministry on COVID containment measures, including the use of face masks and hand hygiene will continue to guide the overall national response to the pandemic. Over the last seven weeks, there has been a steep decline in the number of Covid cases in the country.



The total caseload in the country stands at around 23 thousand and daily positivity rate has declined to 0.28 percent.

For the first time, the Central Government had issued orders and guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, on 24th March 2020 for the containment of COVID-19 in the country. Home Secretary said in view of the nature of the disease, the state governments still need to remain watchful of the situation. 

Wherever any surge in the number of cases is observed, the States and UTs may consider taking prompt and proactive action at local level. The Center has also asked States and Union Territories to continue the implementation and monitoring of necessary measures for prompt and effective management of COVID and to ensure effective compliance of various advisories issued by Union Health Ministry.