COVID Surge: PM Modi Sends Central Teams To 3 States

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed central teams to visit Maharashtra, Punjab and Chhattisgarh, the three worst-affected states vis-à-vis the tremendous surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

With 93,249 fresh cases being reported in the last 24 hours, Modi on Sunday took time off from his hectic campaign schedule in election-bound states to review the situation, reported The Indian Express.

According to sources, a special campaign for COVID-appropriate behaviour will be organised from April 6 to April 14. The emphasis will be on 100% mask usage, personal hygiene and sanitation at public places/workplaces and health facilities.

The high-level meeting identified three reasons behind the worrying surge – significant decline in adhering to COVID-appropriate behaviour, pandemic fatigue and lack of containment measures.

Following is PM’s 10-point guideline to address COVID situation:

* People’s participation, community involvement is of paramount importance in India’s fight against the pandemic.

* Testing, tracing, treatment, Covid-appropriate behaviour and vaccination — only this 5-point formula can curb the spread.

* To spread awareness about Covid- appropriate behaviour, a special campaign will be organised from April 6 to April 14.

* Healthcare facilities need to be ramped up.

* Availability of oxygen, ventilators should be ensured to those who are under home care.

* Mortalities have to be avoided under all circumstances.

* Central team will visit Maharashtra, Punjab and Chhattisgarh to look into the situation.

* All states need to impose restrictions in places where cases are high.

* Community volunteers can be involved in tracing active cases and in the management of containment zones.

* States and districts must continue working in mission mode.