New Delhi: The Union government has asked states to ensure there are no large gatherings for Independence Day celebrations and that everyone follows COVID protocols.
The directive comes as India continues to witness an average of over 15,000 coronavirus cases daily.
According to news agency PTI, the Union Home Ministry in a communication stated, "As a precaution, against COVID-19, large congregations in the ceremony be avoided. It is imperative that COVID guidelines are followed".
It also urged all states and union territories to carry out a 'Swachh Bharat' campaign at a prominent location in each district. It sought for them to carry out a fortnight and month-long campaign to keep the location 'Swachh' through voluntary civil action.
The Home Ministry has also asked government departments and educational institutions to carry out tree plantation programmes to spread awareness for the conservation of environment, PTI reported.
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COVID-19 Update: India Records 16,561 New Coronavirus Cases
India recorded 16,561 new coronavirus cases and 49 fatalities, including 10 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the Union Health Ministry informed on Friday.
With this, the total tally of Covid cases rose to 4,42,23,557, while the active cases dipped to 1,23,535. The death toll climbed to 5,26,928.
The active cases comprise 0.28 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.53 per cent, the ministry stated.
A decrease of 1,541 cases was recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.
The daily positivity rate was recorded at 5.44 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 4.88 per cent, according to the health ministry.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,35,73,094, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.
(With Agency Inputs)