The Centre on Tuesday asked the states and Union Territories to persuade elected representatives , local influencers, celebrities and relig...

The Centre on Tuesday asked the states and Union Territories to persuade elected representatives, local influencers, celebrities and religious leaders to encourage the enforcement of containment measures at the district level to tackle the renewed surge in coronavirus cases, ANI reported.
The directive was part of a multi-point action plan prepared by the central government to contain the virus “right now” before it overwhelms the already-struggling healthcare systems of the country.
It came at a time when political leaders are criss-crossing across the country to campaign for elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, where they hold rallies that are attended by thousands of people with little regard to physical distancing and mask-wearing practices.
In a letter to the chief secretaries of all states, Health Ministry Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that after witnessing a steady decline in cases from mid-September, the country was once again experiencing a rapid rise infections. This surge was a matter of concern as it has “the potential of overwhelming health care systems, unless checked right now”, Bhushan said.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan writes to Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all States/UTs, suggesting them action required at the district level in the wake of the #COVID19 situation. pic.twitter.com/I9Ax6f3NA2
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021
The health...