Union Health Minister, Harsh Vardhan, on Sunday warned people to be extra cautious during the upcoming festive season. He urged everyone to stay away from large gatherings and follow covid-19 guidelines issues by the Centre.
He said amid these unprecedented times, fight against covid-19 should be everyone’s foremost Dharma. He also added as the country’s health minister, his “dharma” is to mitigate the virus and save people from this deadly virus.
“The Bhagwad Gita condones war for the warrior class. So, there is no need to congregate in large numbers to prove your faith or your religion,” he said. “Extraordinary circumstances must draw extraordinary responses. No religion or God says that you have to celebrate in an ostentatious way, that you have to visit pandals and temples and mosque to pray,” he added.
The Health Minister was speaking at the fifth episode of his “Sunday Samvaad” which is is virtual interaction with people on the internet.
“These viruses are known to thrive better in the cold weather and low humidity conditions. In view of these, it would not be wrong to assume that the winter season may see increased rates of transmission of the novel coronavirus in the Indian context too,” he noted.
Guidelines for festive season:
Meanwhile, health ministry last week released guidelines for large gatherings ahead of festive season. The ministry said that safety must be assured with adequate area of gathering, social distancing and not allowing touching of idols and holy books.
Festive events can not take place inside containment zone. People residing in containment areas must not move out and observe the festivals with their families, said Health Ministry.
As far as feasible recorded devotional music/songs may be played and choir or singing groups should not be allowed, the SOPs added.
All staff and visitors will have to wear face masks to prevent infection and physical distance of at least six feet must be maintained inside the venue.
“Planning for the event should specifically factor this so that crowds are regulated and managed to ensure physical distance and frequent sanitization,” the SOPs said.
