Ahead of the festive season, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava has made a fervent appeal to people to avoid non-essential travel and to observe a low-key festivity "at least this year". India's Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that people should celebrate festivals maintaining COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and avoid crowds to prevent another surge of the pandemic. 

"It will be prudent to avoid non-essential travel and observe festivity at low-key at least this year," said Bhargava on the upcoming festival season at the weekly briefing of the COVID-19 situation of the country.

"As festivals are approaching, we appeal to all to avoid crowds, maintain physical distancing and use a face mask. Celebrate festivals maintaining COVID19 appropriate behaviour," added Bhushan.

Ahead of the festive season, the central government asked governments of states and Union territories to take adequate measures to ensure that a surge in COVID-19 cases is not seen after the celebrations, ANI news agency said. 

The Home Ministry has warned against complacency due to the recent drop in the number of cases. It has directed all states and Union Territories to implement ''Prompt and Effective Measures'' specified in a September 21 advisory issued in view of festivals, until October 31 (SAM)