Voicing concerns over rising Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra and Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that coronavirus is not over, adding that pictures of post unlocking behaviour are worrisome. Emphasising the need to follow Covid protocols and avoid crowding, he called upon political parties, social organisations, and NGOs to spread awareness among people.
In an interaction with the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra and Kerala to discuss Covid-related situation, PM Modi said: “Despite experts giving positive signals due to the downward trends, increasing number of cases in few states is still worrisome.”
The Prime Minister pointed out that during the last week 80 per cent cases as well as 84 per cent deaths came from the states present in the meeting. “Initially, experts believed that states where the second wave originated, will see the normalisation first. However, increasing numbers in Kerala and Maharashtra are cause of grave worry,” he said.
PM Modi cautioned that similar trends were seen in January-February before the second wave. That’s why, he insisted, that in the states where cases are rising, we have to take proactive measures to prevent the possibility of the third wave.
He underlined the expert’s view that if the cases keep on rising for a long time, chances of mutation of coronavirus will also increase and dangers of new variants will also rise. Therefore, he said, we need to continue with the strategy of Test, Track, Treat and Teeka (vaccination) while putting special focus on micro-containment zones. Districts with large numbers should be focused on.
The Prime Minister talked of the financial help that is being provided for enhancing medial infrastructure like ICU beds and testing capacity. Referring to the recently approved Rs 23,000 crore emergency Covid response package, the Prime Minister urged that the states to use the funds to strengthen medical infrastructure.
The PM made special mention of the need to protect children from being infected and make all possible arrangement in this regard.
Meanwhile, on the day India reported 38,949 new Covid-19 cases, 40,026 recoveries and 542 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry in its weekly press conference cautioned that the next 3-4 months are critical in the fight against Covid-19 in India.
“Fall in cases has slowed down. It’s a warning signal. Next 100 to 125 days are critical for fight against COVID in India,” said Dr V.K. Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog in a Health Ministry press conference.
Member Health, NITI Aayog shared a study conducted by ICMR that analyses the vaccine effectiveness in police personnel, a high-risk category The study shows two doses of vaccine were successful in preventing 95 per cent of Covid-19 deaths in the Second Wave
“One dose of vaccine was able to reduce the mortality rate by 82 per cent. Two doses of vaccine were successful in preventing 95 per cent of deaths due to Covid-19 during the second wave,” he said. “We are moving towards a set target to administer 50 crore doses before July. We are on the path to achieving it. Govt has ordered 66 crore doses of Covishield and Covaxin. Additionally, 22 crore doses will go to the private sector,” he added.
Dr Paul also highlighted that PM Modi has given them a target that there should be no third wave.
WITH AGENCY INPUTS