New Delhi: Amid spike in Covid cases across the Country, the Centre has briefed the Election Commission of India on Covid situations in five states due for elections in February-March.

Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, Manipur and Uttarakhand states will go for elections in February-March, the elections commission likely to announce poll dates in January.

The violation of Covid safety rules at Mega political rallies in poll –bound states has also worried Election Commission of India whether to impose  restrictions for elections rallies or not. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan also briefed he Elections Commission on the threat of Omicron variant.

Total 90,000 new cases registered in the country today , it’s  a steep 65 per cent jump - with a surge in Omicron cases.

Due surge in Covid cases in poll bound state Uttar Pradesh,, ruling BJP, Opposition Congress, Samajwadi Party have been cancelling rallies, responding to the concern over "super-spreader" events attended by thousands.

The Election Commission has asked the poll-bound states to step up the inoculation drive against the viral disease and ensure that the personnel to be deployed on election duty are "double vaccinated".

Election Commission has written letter to all five states , Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Punjab seeking information on vaccination drive and Covid safety norms taken by the respective states. Poll body also sought information about Omicron variant cases in the five states. Election Commission has asked all five states to declare polling personnel come under the category of frontline workers and are eligible for the "precaution dose" of the Covid vaccines. While the tenure of the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly ends in May, the terms of the legislative assemblies of Goa, Manipur and Punjab end on different dates in March.