New Delhi : The Center has issued vigilance instructions to 10 states, including Kerala. The Center has asked these states to impose restrictions on public gatherings, including night curfews.

States should impose stricter restrictions on districts with high covid positivity rates. Restrictions should be put in place for people attending public functions. The center has called for tougher restrictions in view of the potential for the spread of Covid’s new variant, Omicron.

Of the 27 districts in the country with high TPR, nine are in Kerala. The list includes Kottayam, Wayanad, Idukki, Kollam, Ernakulam, Kannur, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts.

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed Omicron variants in the country has risen to 33. Most of the confirmed Omicron cases, 17 in total, are in Maharashtra. Further to this rise, a ban on large gatherings, rallies, and protest marches was announced in the city of Mumbai. Section 144 was also imposed in Mumbai for 48 hours. Apart from Maharashtra, Omicron has been found in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat and Karnataka.

A review meeting will be held today under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to assess the situation in the country. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Dr VK Paul, Member Niti Aayog, will also attend the meeting. In addition, there are indications that the Covid booster dose in the country may be discussed at the meeting.