PM Narendra Modi held a meeting with states to discuss the huge surge in coronavirus cases.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday discussed the alarming growth in coronavirus infections across the country with Chief Ministers, listing measures that he said needed to be taken on “war footing”.
Here are the five big things PM Modi urged states to do to tackle rising COVID-19 cases:
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Our emphasis should be on micro-containment zones, night curfews. Night curfews, promoted as Covid Curfews, will alert people that there is a pandemic going on.
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Carry out proactive testing; it is essential to identify asymptomatic patients. Many asymptomatic people are infecting their whole families. Aim for 70 per cent tests to be RT-PCR and ensure samples are collected properly.
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We have to bring the positivity rate below 5 per cent and lower the mortality rate. The data on deaths should be analysed in detail and made available on every portal.
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We have to stop vaccine wastage and prioritise the shots that we are giving out. We should organise a Vaccination Festival from April 11 to 14 during which we should inoculate as many eligible people as possible and target zero wastage.
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Take steps to address people who are becoming too casual and fix sluggish administration. States should hold all-party meetings and include governors as well. There should be mass awareness campaigns.