The Centre has ruled out a national lockdown despite a surge in Covid-19 while issuing fresh guidelines under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005. All states and Union Territories, however, have been directed to consider containment measures suggested by the health ministry recently, a home ministry statement said.

MHA asked states and UTs to implement the containment measures. Last week, the health ministry had asked states and UTs to identify districts where positivity was more than 10% for more in a week, or, where bed occupancy was more than 60%. Intensive and local containment measures should be taken in districts with either indicator.

The order is likely to impact cities in 10 major states reporting majority of cases including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat and Lucknow. MHA has asked states to follow national directives for Covid-19 management, which includes the use of face masks, maintaining six feet distance and regular cleaning of hands with soap. “The MHA order shall be effective till May 31,” the MHA statement said. “Coordinate availability of oxygen, other related drugs, in collaboration with states and ensure their rational use.”