PM reminds CMs: ‘Need to be alert but not panic’

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a virtual meeting with the Chief Ministers of their respective states to discuss the COVID-19 situation. PM Modi expressed alarm during the meeting, stating that, in comparison to the Delta version, Omicron is spreading "rapidly" and that people should stay alert.

PM said during the meeting, Speaking at the meeting, PM Modi said, "The Omicron variant is infecting the general population several times faster than the previous variants. We have to be alert but we also have to take care that there is no panic."

He further added, "We have to see that in this festive season, the alertness of the people and the administration does not fall short."

In his remarks to the chief ministers, Prime Minister Modi said, "It is very important to keep in mind while making any strategy that there should be minimum damage to the livelihood of the common people. The momentum of the economy should be maintained. So, it would be better to focus more on local containment."

He went on to say that the majority of Covid treatment should be done at home. According to him, the Centre has created facilities for telemedicine.

"Compared to previous variants Omicron is rapidly spreading. It is more transmissible. Our health experts are assessing the situation. It's clear that we have to stay alert, but also ensure to avoid panic," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister made no mention of lockdown but instead directed the chief ministers to concentrate on local containment. He stated that it is "very important" to protect the economy and livelihood of ordinary people when developing COVID-19 initiatives.

He advised the chief ministers that the central and state governments must continue to take a proactive, proactive, and coordinated approach to the COVID-19 pandemic as they have done so far.

PM says, "Rs 23,000 crores package allocated by the Centre to states has been utilized well with many states strengthening their health infrastructure. Center & states need to follow this pre-emptive, collective, and proactive approach this time too."

Along with tackling Omicron, the Prime Minister reminded the CMs that they should be prepared for any future coronavirus strains.

PM Modi highlighted that the most effective weapon against the COVID-19 outbreak is immunization. "Sooner we give precautionary dose to frontline workers and senior citizens, stronger our healthcare system will become," he further concluded.

The Prime Minister also asked Chief Ministers to dispel vaccination myths such as "getting COVID despite vaccination, what's the use."

India has given the first dose to almost 92 percent of its eligible population, according to the Prime Minister. Nearly 70% of those who were eligible for the second dose received it as well. In addition, since the vaccination push for children began on January 3, 2022, the country has immunized approximately 3 crore youngsters aged 15 to 18 years in just ten days.

India has given the first dose to almost 92 percent of its eligible population, according to the Prime Minister. Nearly 70% of those who were eligible for the second dose received it as well. In addition, since the vaccination push for children began on January 3, 2022, the country has immunized approximately 3 crore youngsters aged 15 to 18 years in just ten days.

The Prime Minister stated that with a number of harvest festivals approaching, "We must be alert and careful, but avoid panic. Alertness of people and administration must not fall short in festive season."