Centre issues fresh advisory to states, extends Covid restrictions till Jan 31 next year

In an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the local/district administrations have been advised to promptly take containment measures against threat of the Omicron variant based on their own assessment of the situation. "States may consider imposing need-based local restrictions to control crowds during the festive season," the order said. The MHA also extended the existing Covid-related restrictions in the country till January 31, 2022, in view of the rising cases of Covid-19 and Omicron variant in the country.