Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday wrote to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot regarding Covid norms in the party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra.

The health minister has issued a diktat amid a surge in Covid cases in China and East Asia. In the letter written to Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot, Mandaviya said that Covid guidelines should be strictly followed during Bharat Jodo Yatra and the use of mask, sanitiser be implemented.

“Only vaccinated people should participate in the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Follow covid rules or suspend yatra,” read the letter.

In the letter, the Union Health Minister also requested that if following COVID protocol is not possible then the Bharat Jodo Yatra be postponed in the national interest, taking note of public health emergency.