Despite the declining trend in new Covid-19 cases, the Central government on Wednesday extended the safety guidelines directing the states and Union Territories (UTs) to maintain surveillance and follow containment measures till February 28. However, more relaxations have been permitted.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order which will be effective from February 1, 2021 and will remain in force till February 28. "The main focus of the guidelines is to consolidate the substantial gains that have been achieved against the spread of COVID-19 which is visible in the steady decline in number of active and new cases in the country over the last four months. It is, therefore, emphasised that to fully overcome the pandemic, there is need to maintain caution and to strictly follow the prescribed containment strategy focused on surveillance, containment and strict observance of the guidelines," said the guidelines.