New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has clarified that a countrywide lockdown is not an option at present to control the second wave of COVID-19 infections.
“Initially, the purpose of the lockdown was different. We wanted to prepare infrastructure and the line of treatment. We did not have any medicines or a vaccine. But the situation is different now,” he told in an interview to The Indian Express.
Shah further said that the government’s decision on lockdown will be based on consensus of the states. “We are in discussions with chief ministers and a number of stakeholders. Whatever the consensus, we shall move forward accordingly. Magar jaldbaazi mein lockdown karna, aisi stithi nahi dikh rahi hai (To impose a lockdown in a hurry, we don’t see such a situation),” he added.
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The home minister also dismissed concerns that unlike last time, a sense of emergency was lacking in the part of the government during the second wave.
“The Prime Ministers has held two meetings with chief ministers and I was also present. There was a meeting with state governors too. We have had a meeting to push stakeholders in the social sector to support the governments. Consultations have happened with scientists on the vaccination front and there was a meeting for improving medical protocols,” he informed.
Shah, however, admitted that the alarming rise in cases this time is a setback. “Preparations to fight this (the resurgence in cases) are full-fledged. The pace (of spread) this time is so high that it is a bit difficult to fight. But I am confident that we will have a victory over this,” he added.
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