PM Narendra Modi asks states to assess the impact of shorter lockdowns

Are we staring at another lockdown situation as the number of cases rise? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Chief Ministers of seven states to make a critical assessment of the 1 to 2-day lockdowns.  Modi spoke with the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Punjab through a video conference. 

These seven states account for over 60 per cent of the country’s active Covid-19 cases with more than 70 per cent of deaths. 

The PM in his interaction told the Chief Ministers that the lockdown had brought benefits and was appreciated the world over. He stressed on focusing on micro containment zones, which would ensure that the spread of this disease is contained. 

The PM said that the states have to make an assessment on how effective the lockdowns are if imposed for 1-2 days. He also warned against economic activity getting impacted as a result of this. 

He asked the state chief ministers to take a serious view on this.  

“We have more than 700 districts,” he said. “But the statistics that are worrying are from just 60 districts and confined to seven state,” the PM had said.  

Modi further stressed on the necessity for effective testing, treating and surveillance along with clear messaging. 

While the cases have been on the rise in these states leading to restrictions, the economic activity has been the biggest causality.  

The PM also brought upon the issue related to the disruption in the movement of goods and services. He said that the disruptions in the movement of goods and services from one state to the other is causing serious problems to the lives and livelihood of the people. Many states have experienced the problems regarding the supply of oxygen, he said. 

He said that it was important to take necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of oxygen. 

The Prime Minister asked the Chief Ministers to hold daily virtual meetings with officials at the levels of districts and blocks so that a clear message on containment percolates to the ground level. 

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The state CMs can make a 7-day programme and every day for one hour, they should virtually question one block or tehsil in the district. This will ensure that the message goes down to the ground level, and brings seriousness and sincerity, he had added.