PM Narendra Modi meeting with CMs: Arvind Kejriwal says rise in COVID-19 cases due to many factors including pollution

Speaking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that since the third COVID-19 spike in the city on November 10, the numbers are steadily decreasing. He added that the third wave was due to many factors including pollution. The prime minister is conducting meetings with all state chief ministers to understand the current coronavirus situation. 

“Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal informed PM Modi that Delhi saw a peak of 8600 COVID19 cases on 10 November in the third peak. Since then cases & positivity rate are steadily decreasing. The high severity of third wave is due to many factors including pollution,” the chief minister's office said in a statement.  

He also sought prime minister’s intervention to get rid of pollution in the national capital. 

“Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal sought PM’s intervention to get rid of pollution due to stubble burning from adjoining states especially in view of recent bio decomposer. CM sought reservation of additional 1000 ICU beds in central govt hospitals till third wave lasts,” Kejriwal said. 

Speaking to the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry regarding the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nivar, PM Modi assured them of all possible support from the Centre. 

"Spoke to Tamil Nadu CM Shri @EPSTamilNadu and Puducherry CM Shri @VNarayanasami regarding the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nivar. Assured all possible support from the Centre. I pray for the safety and well-being of those living in the affected areas,” PM Modi tweeted. 

Earlier in the day, PM Modi also interacted with chief ministers of states that are witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases to review the COVID-19 situation. The leaders who attended the meeting include Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.