Amid Pandemic, Ministry Of Home Affairs Issues Advisory For Independence Day, Says, “Avoid Large Gatherings, Honour COVID-19 Warriors”

New Delhi: In the wake of coronavirus pandemic in India, on Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued guidelines for 74th Independence Day celebrations in India on August 15. MHA has asked states and Union Territories to avoid large congregations this year, but make efforts to invite COVID-19 warriors and some persons cured of infection at the ceremonies.

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In a letter to all the chief secretaries of the states and Union Territories (UTs), the MHA said,

In view of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, while organiSIng various programmes or activities for the Independence Day celebrations, it is imperative to follow certain preventive measures such as social distancing, wearing proper masks, proper sanitiSation, avoiding large congregations, protecting vulnerable persons and follow all guidelines related to Covid-19 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health a Family Welfare.

It also said that the traditional speech of the Prime Minister at the Red Fort would be done with the regular 21 gun salute and the singing of the national anthem. But school children will not be a part of the annual event and the number of dignitaries on the list of invitees is likely to be much less, even the chairs for them, which are being placed in designated areas, will be placed at a distance of six feet. There would also be no performances by the school kids this year. Instead, some NCC cadets would be invited. Social distancing will be maintained, and the staff will be in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits.

Also Read: 6 MONTHS ON, WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

MHA has also asked organisers to arrange a webcast of the events so that “those who are not able to participate”, could have a chance to witness it.

This year the iconic fort will shut for the public from August 1 onwards for sanitisation and preparation ahead of the Independence Day event.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issues advisory for Independence Day celebrations. Ask all govt offices, states, Governors etc to avoid congregation of public and use technology for the celebrations. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/aQlxy9GXNA

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2020

Till date, India has reported more than 15 lakh coronavirus cases, of which, 9,88,029 people have successfully recovered, whereas, more than 34,000 people have lost their life due to one of the most infectious disease outbreak to impact the world in the recent decades. The Union Health Ministry said on July 29 morning that India has recorded a single-day jump of 48,000 new coronavirus patients in the last 24 hours. Moreover, in the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry recorded 768 coronavirus-linked deaths. From the past few days, the country is reporting a record surge in the number of patients.

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.