Govt Links Unlocking Dists To Low +vity, High Vax Coverage

Says Opening Up Has To Be Gradual

- Sushmi Dey

New Delhi: Even as Covid-19 cases are declining and June is likely to see less infections, the unlocking has to be gradual and patient, accompanied by a rise in vaccination, the government said, setting out guidelines that are intended to keep the disease in check.

The Centre suggested that for sustained opening of districts, drop in cases and increased testing need to be supplemented by three goals—average seven-day test positivity of less than 5%, over 70% vaccination coverage among elderly and above 45 with comorbidities, and community ownership of care and Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.

“We are moving in the right direction because of testing and containment at the district level. However, this is not a sustainable solution. We have to find a mechanism to ease our containment and lockdown and that has to be done very gradually and very slowly,” ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava said.