New Delhi, Oct 7 : In view of upcoming festivities and wedding season, the Union Health Ministry today urged people to remain cautious in the coming months which will host events of mass gatherings and festivals.

“Please watch your October, November and December,” said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

“Infection control management may go at toss if COVID appropriate behaviour is not followed during this period as these months host weddings, festivities and other events,” he stressed.

Sharing the examples of other countries, the ministry warned that unhindered public gatherings and unnecessary travel will lead to a sudden spike in cases

“As we have seen in the cases of Russia, Netherlands and UK where sports events and mass gathering repelled the edge taken over the pandemic, we should be concerned for our country that is going into a phase of numerous festivities, wedding season and socio-culture events. In such times, COVID appropriate behaviour has to be followed strictly and unnecessary travel must be avoided,” Agarwal said.

Sharing a snapshot of the countrywide COVID-19 situation, the ministry informed that 34 districts spread across nine states and Union Territories continue to report cases with over 10 per cent of the weekly positivity rate.

Kerala tops the list with 13 districts followed by Mizoram (4) and Sikkim (3).

Meanwhile, 28 districts in 12 states and UTs are reporting a weekly positivity rate between 5 to 10 per cent.

Arunachal Pradesh has the highest share here with 7 districts followed by Assam (5) and Manipur (3).

On the vaccination front, the ministry told that 71 per cent of the eligible population have received the first dose of the vaccine while 27 per cent among them have received both the shots.(UNI)