We need to fight rumours of Lockdown and plan for Unlock 2.0: PM Modi

We need to fight rumours of Lockdown and plan for Unlock 2.0: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held the second part of two day interaction with the Chief Ministers via video conferencing to discuss the situation post Unlock 1.0 and plan for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the second part of the sixth interaction of the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers, the earlier ones had been held on 20th March, 2nd April, 11th April, 27th April, 11th May and 16th June (Part 1).

The interaction witnessed the participation of States and UTs including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana and Odisha.

Prime Minister observed that the spread of the virus is greater in certain big states and cities. High density of population, difficulty in maintaining physical distancing and daily movement of people in huge numbers has made the situation challenging, yet through patience of citizens, readiness of administration and dedication of corona warriors, the spread has been kept under control.

PM said, “Through timely tracing, treatment and reporting, the number of those recovering is rising. The discipline shown by people during Lockdown has prevented the exponential growth of the virus.”

PM highlighted the increase in domestic manufacturing capabilities of PPEs, masks, availability of diagnostic kits in adequate quantity, supply of ventilators made in India using PM CARES fund, availability of testing labs, lakhs of COVID special beds, thousands of isolation and quarantine centres, and adequate human resource through training.

PM also underlined the need to give constant emphasis on health infrastructure, information systems, emotional support and public participation.

Stressing on the importance of testing to quickly trace, track and isolate those affected, Prime Minister said, “The existing testing capacity needs to be utilized fully, and along with constant efforts for expansion. The benefits of telemedicine and the need to create a big team of senior doctors who can guide and inform the sick through this means.”

PM also talked about spreading timely and correct information through the helplines and the need to build a team of young volunteers to run the helplines effectively.

Prime Minister observed that the States where Aarogya Setu app has been downloaded in large numbers are witnessing positive results and said that efforts should be made to increase the reach of the Aarogya Setu app.

He added that Jan Bhaagidaari is essential in this fight and said that people must be constantly reminded to use masks, face cover, and maintain physical distancing.

Prime Minister said that the collective commitment to fight against the virus will lead us to victory.

PM also stressed on the need to speed up economic activities with due precautions in place.

Mentioning that the country is now in phase of Unlocking PM said, “We need to now think about phase 2 of Unlock and how to minimize all possibilities of harm to our people.”

Highlighting the role of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ mission in today’s economy, PM Narendra Modi listed steps taken under Atmanirbhar Bharat to provide a fillip to MSMEs, farming and agriculture marketing. He also underscored the need to remain alert to effectively tackle the challenges faced by the migrant labourers in the coming months.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that we have so far been quite successful in our fight against the virus under the leadership of the Prime Minister, but the battle is far from over.

Home Minister requested all the Chief Ministers to encourage download of Aarogya Setu to act as a self-shield for protection.

OSD, Health Ministry mentioned about the positive outcomes of Lockdown including a large number of cases averted and lives saved, spread of awareness, and ramping up of health infrastructure. He also informed that the number of cases and deaths per lakh of population in India are amongst the lowest in the world.

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