Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday discussed the situation of coronavirus in the Northeast. It was attended by the Chief Ministers of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura and Nagaland.
During the interaction, PM Modi expressed concern over a possible third wave. He said that it is not right for huge crowds to gather in hill stations and markets and for people not to wear masks and ignore protocols. “This is a matter of concern for us,” he said. He alerted about the changing forms of the coronavirus and the dangers caused by it.
Apart from this, the PM emphasized on expediting the vaccination process to combat the possible third wave of the epidemic. He said that the ‘Sabko Vaccine-Free Vaccine’ campaign being run by the Central Government will help the northeastern states of the country.
The Prime Minister said, “We have to keep an eye on the variants of the coronavirus. Experts› opinion and their studies will have to be taken into account about how risky it can be after mutation. In this case, precaution and treatment is necessary. Tourism, business and business have been greatly affected due to coronavirus. Despite this, I would very strongly say that the gathering of huge crowds without wearing masks in hill stations and markets is worrying. This is not right.”
Rejecting the argument that people want to enjoy before the arrival of the third wave, he said that this needs to be understood that the third wave will not come on its own. He said that the “main question in our mind should be how to prevent the third wave”.
Prime Minister Modi said, “We have to take more strict steps to prevent corona infection. This may fix the responsibility. We have to focus fully on the micro-containment sector. The experience that we have gained during the last one-and-a-half years will also have to be fully utilized.”
The Prime Minister said, “We have to move forward by improving the infrastructure related to testing and treatment. Recently, the cabinet has approved a new package of Rs 23,000 crore for this. In the northeastern states, this package will help in strengthening their health infrastructure. Where cases are increasing, it will help in increasing ICU beds.”
The PM stressed that oxygen plants are being set up across the country. Several plants have been approved for the North-East. “Get it done soon and don›t get in trouble. Prepare skilled manpower as well. In view of the geographical location, it is also very important to build a temporary hospital. Prevention and treatment is very important. We have to put our full focus on this. The virus can be attacked with a distance of two yards, masks and vaccinations.”
The Chief Ministers briefed about the progress of vaccination in their states and steps that are being taken to take vaccines to far-flung areas. They also discussed the issue of vaccine hesitancy and measures being taken to overcome it.
To deal with the myths pertaining to vaccination and mobilising people, the Prime Minister asked to enlist the help of social, educational institutes, celebrities and also the organizations of religious faith.
Apart from the Chief Ministers, Union Ministers for Home, Defence, Health, DONER and other Ministers were present during the interaction. Union Home Minister Amit Shah talked about the reduction in the overall daily number of cases but forewarned that this should not lead to one becoming lax and letting one’s guard down. He said that some areas of the country are witnessing high positivity rates and emphasised the importance of testing, tracing, tracking and vaccination. Union Health Secretary gave an overview of the Covid cases in the country and discussed the high positivity rate in some North-East states. He briefed about the steps taken to boost the supply of medical oxygen and also gave an overview of the progress of vaccination.
(WITH AGENCY INPUTS)