Centre cautions states as fear of third Covid wave looms

The Centre on Saturday directed the states and Union Territories to open up activities in a "carefully calibrated" manner as easing of Covid-19 restrictions saw resumption of crowding in public places.

It also urged them to ensure the "extremely important" test-track-treat and vaccination strategy to prevent the spread of the disease.

The warning from the Centre comes after after AIIMS director Randeep Guleria warned that India could see a third wave of coronavirus in six to eight weeks if Covid-appropriate behaviour is not followed and crowding is not prevented.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also states and UTs to scale up the vaccination pace, to cover the maximum number of people in an expeditious manner.