Omicron scare: Impose Sec 144 if needed, Centre tells states

HYDERABAD: The Union ministry of home on Monday directed all district magistrates in the country to enforce Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to ensure physical distancing between people as part of efforts to control the spread of Covid-19. The ministry’s orders follow in the wake of rising cases of infections being discovered in many states, including Telangana, of the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus.

The home ministry said it was extending the provisions of the Disaster Management Act till the end of January 2022 for controlling spread of Covid-19 in the country as part of the national directives issued for this purpose in the past. It said the decision was taken in the wake of the increasing cases of the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus in the country.

The enforcement of the Act for Covid control was supposed to end on December 31, this year.

The home ministry said all district collectors, who are also district magistrates, must strictly enforce various measures to control the spread of Covid in their respective districts. To strictly enforce physical distancing norms, states and Union Territories may, as far as possible, use the provisions of Section 144 of CrPC. This Section prohibits gathering of more than four people in a single location.

The ministry said any person violating the measures for Covid control under the Disaster Management Act provisions could face legal action.

Omicron control

Wearing of face cover compulsory in public places, workplaces, during transport

Individuals must maintain 6 feet distance from each other

Shops must ensure this is followed within their premises

Spitting in public places punishable by fine

As far as possible, work from home should be allowed

Staggering of business hours, screening and hygiene, frequent sanitisation of workplaces