The government today extended the countrywide coronavirus containment measures till October end in view of localised spreads of the virus in a few states and the disease continuing to be a public health challenge in India.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, in a communication to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, has cautioned against the possibility of Covid-appropriate behaviour not being adhered to strictly during the upcoming festival, which may lead to a surge in cases again.

Despite a dip in cases of coronavirus, it is critical to enforce guidelines that allow regular festivities in a cautious, safe and Covid-appropriate manner, Bhalla asserted.

The Union Home Secretary said the new cases of coronavirus and the overall number of Covid-19 patients in India are decreasing steadily but there are still localised spreads of virus in a few states and Covid-19 continues to be a public health challenge in the country.

"Utmost vigil has to be maintained in respect of mass gathering events, so as to avoid any possibility of a surge in Covid-19 cases.

"Consequently, large scale gatherings in fairs, festivals; and religious events and functions may lead to afresh surge in Covid-19 cases in the country," the communication read.

The Union home secretary said states and UTs, on a regular basis, should closely monitor case positivity, hospital, ICU beds occupancy of every district falling under their jurisdiction.

"The state governments and UT administrations concerned, having high positivity in their districts, should take proactive containment measures so as to effectively arrest the spike in cases and to contain the spread of transmission," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)