Omicron Scare: Centre Issues New Directives to States and UTs, advises to impose night curfew if situation demands

New Delhi: In the wake of the outbreak of the COVID-19's new variant Omicron in the country, the Union government has, reportedly, issued new directives and guidelines to the states' governments and Union Territories' Administrations.

According to the reports, the Centre has directed the states' governments to impose night curfew and take containment zone measures in case the situation arises. The Centre is learned to convince that the Omicron can spread three times speedier than the Delta variant of the COVID-19. Apprehensive of the infection, the Centre has stressed to take emergency steps to contain the deadly virus.

The Centre has also directed the states' governments to impose restrictions on public gatherings if the situation deteriorates.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO)'s opinion, all the countries should remain alert to thwart the threat of Omicron.

The second wave of the COVID-19 had affected India greatly this year compelling the governments to impose lengthy lockdowns to contain the infection. It has also cost the country on the economic front.

Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister Keshab Mahanta on Tuesday informed that no more lockdown will be imposed in Assam by the state government.

During his discussion on the issue of the rising new COVID variant Omicron and the existing COVID-19 situation, the minister asserted that the state and its authorities are prepared to deal with the disease.

He stated that new SOPs (Standard operating procedures) will be released by the state government only after the detection of the Omicron cases in Assam as there are no cases tracked yet in the state.

Keshab Mahanta also stated that necessary measures are adopted for the prevention of the COVID cases and strict steps are implemented in those areas with increasing COVID cases.

In talking about lockdown in the state, the Assam Health Minister told that no more lockdown will be imposed in Assam but he mentions that at the same time people must also be aware of the disease and protect themselves from getting affected by following the safety measures.

The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier said that the Assam government will not provide any new SOPs keeping in view the situation of the disease being under control. Therefore the state has not thought of any other fresh SOPs however the state will follow SOPs announced by the Central government said Himanta Biswa Sarma.

In many countries across the world, Omicron cases have been reported rising the tally to a total of 63, 790 cases with the highest number of cases detected in the UK. Other countries where Omicron has been tracked are Denmark, South Africa, and Norway.

Also read:Amid Omicron Scare Delhi Disaster Management Authority Bans Christmas, New Year Gatherings

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