Modi holds review meeting on Covid with CMs ‘Focus on local containment, vaccination biggest weapon’

New Delhi, Jan 13
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers to review the COVID-19 situation in their respective States. During the meeting PM Modi raised concern saying compared to Delta variant, Omicron is spreading "rapidly" and people should stay alert.
"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.
PM Modi said the initial skepticism about Omicron is slowly getting cleared. "This variant (Omicron) infecting general population several times faster than previous ones," he added.
The Prime Minister did not say anything about lockdown, but he asked the Chief Ministers to focus on local containment. He said, while framing COVID-19 strategies it is "very important" to safeguard economy and livelihood of common people.
He told the Chief Ministers that Central and State Governments must continue with pre-emptive, pro-active and collective approach followed so far in COVID-19 pandemic.
"Rs 23,000 crores package allocated by the Centre to States has been utilised well with many States strengthening their health infrastructure. Center & States need to follow this pre-emptive, collective, and proactive approach this time too," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also made the CMs aware that along with fighting Omicron, they should be ready for any future variants of the coronavirus.
PM Modi reiterated that vaccination is the biggest weapon against the COVID-19 pandemic. "Sooner we give precautionary dose to frontline workers and senior citizens, stronger our healthcare system will become," he added.
The Prime Minister also asked the Chief Ministers to counter rumours about vaccination like "getting Covid despite vaccination, what's its use."
The Prime Minister also said India has administered first dose to over 92 per cent of its eligible population. Nearly 70 per cent eligible people have received their second doses as well. Also, the country has already vaccinated nearly 3 crore children between 15 and 18 year in 10 days since the vaccination drive for kids started in the country on January 3, 2022.
With the number of harvest festival coming up, the Prime Minister said, "We must be alert and careful, but avoid panic. Alertness of people and administration must not fall short in festive season." News24