The Centre has said that there is no longer any need to invoke the provisions of the Disaster Management Act for COVID containment measures. The decision has been taken in view of a steep decline in the number of Covid 19 cases in the country. The Centre has also advised  States and Union Territories to discontinue issuing orders and guidelines under the Act.  Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written a letter to all States and Union Territories to this effect. However, advisories of the Union Health Ministry on COVID containment measures, including the use of face masks and hand hygiene will continue to guide the overall national response to the pandemic. He said, States and UTs have also developed their own capacities and systems and have implemented their own detailed Action Plans to manage the pandemic.<br />''<br />''Mr Bhalla said, over the last seven weeks, there has been a steep decline in the number of Covid cases. The total caseload in the country stands at 23 thousand 913 and daily positivity rate has declined to 0.28 per cent. He mentioned that in view of the nature of the disease, the state governments still need to remain watchful of the situation. Mr Bhalla said, wherever any surge in the number of cases is observed, the States and UTs may consider taking prompt and proactive action at a local level.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Meanwhile, Centre has said that some media reports are suggesting relaxation in mask-wearing and hand hygiene Covid protocols is baseless. Union Health Ministry said, use of face masks and hand hygiene will continue to guide Covid management measures.</span><br />