"We must ensure we share our happiness but not the virus," joint secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Lav Agarwal said.
The Centre on Thursday once again warned against Covid-19 complacency and urged citizens not to let their guards down by saying that the numbers could see an uptick in November and December due to the festive season and as places and businesses open up.
"We must ensure we share our happiness but not the virus," joint secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Lav Agarwal said.
"Please watch your October, November, December. These months bring a lot of festivals, weddings and parties," he said, calling upon people to celebrate the festivals in the spirit of winning over Covid-19.
“Avoid crowded places, unnecessary travel; stay home, celebrate festivals virtually, explore online shopping," he added.
Addressing a press conference, the health ministry said 71% of India's adult population have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine, 27% have got both doses.
Also read: Coronavirus: India reports 22,431 new COVID-19 cases; active cases lowest in 204 days
"28 districts across 12 states, UTs reporting weekly positivity rate between 5 and 10%. 34 districts across nine states and UTs report a weekly positivity rate of more than 10%," the health ministry said.
The government warned that the challenge of Covid has not ended yet, adding that continuous efforts have to be made.
"Covid does not spread on its own, one person needs to be willing to spread," he said.
As the festival season approaches, the Centre and experts had earlier cautioned against a spike in coronavirus infections and stressed that the call of the hour is vaccine acceptance, maintenance of Covid-19-appropriate behaviour, responsible travel and responsible festivities.
India registered 22,431 new Covid-19 cases and 318 fatalities on Wednesday, according to the Union Health Ministry data on Thursday.