New Delhi: The Centre has decided to scale down Independence Day celebrations this year, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued the guidelines for the Independence Day celebrations.
“In view of the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, while organizing various programmes or activities for the Independence Day celebrations, it is imperative to follow certain preventive measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitization, avoiding large congregations, protecting vulnerable persons, etc.; and follow all guidelines related to Covid-19 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health a Family Welfare,” it said.
No school children, a pared-down list of dignitaries, chairs instead of rugs for seating in several areas, and police in PPE — Independence Day morning at Red Fort this year will reflect the mood of a nation in the middle of Covid-19.
In the afternoon, during the At Home function in Rashtrapati Bhavan, the focus will be on India’s ‘Corona Warriors’, with invitations likely to be extended to medical professionals and key figures in the health sector.