Hummingbird News Desk
NEW DELHI, 20 APRIL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation, reiterated that imposing a lockdown should be the last option and state governments need to do everything in order to allay people’s fears. His address comes hours after he interacted with leading vaccine makers and urged them to scale up vaccine production.
Interacting with vaccine manufacturers from across the country via video conferencing, Modi said the private sector will play an even more active role in the vaccination drive in the coming days and that this will require better coordination between hospitals and industry.
“I urge states to use lockdown only as a last resort,” Mr Modi said, adding that they should try their best to avoid lockdown, and focus on micro containment zones instead.
He said “We are facing a big challenge but we have to be resolute and overcome this. Doctors, medical staff, frontline workers, police I offer my thanks to you. Today, again in second wave, you are tirelessly working.”
The Prime Minister further said “The decisions of the last few days will help with overcoming our problems. Oxygen situation is a problem and States, districts, industry are working together to solve this. We are using multiple avenues to ensure transport of oxygen. We are accelerating the supply of drugs and vaccines.”
Calling the second wave of Covid-19 a “storm,” Mr Modi said that he was fully aware of what people are passing through. Expressing condolences on behalf of the nation to those who have lost their loved ones, he called the pandemic a big “challenge,” which can be defeated with determination, courage and preparation.
Prime Minister also said that one shouldn’t lose patience no matter what the situation is and remarked that the steps announced in the last few days will help in improving the situation. On the issue of oxygen supply, he said that the Centre, state governments and private sectors are making sure that oxygen is supplied to everyone who needs it.
India has the world’s cheapest vaccine against Covid-19, he further said. On the Central government’s decision to open vaccination for everyone above the age of 18 from 1 May, the Prime Minister said that this will ensure rapid vaccination for the urban workforce. “I appeal my young friends to form committees in their colonies and apartments to ensure Covid-19 appropriate behaviour as this would help state government avoid establishing containment zones or impose curfews and there would be no question of a lockdown,” Mr Modi announced.
Prime Minister said “We have to save this country from lockdown. I appeal to States to consider lockdowns only as a last resort.”
Mr. Modi further adds “Tomorrow is Ram Navmi and we follow the tenets of COVID-appropriate behaviour just like Lord Ram was upright. This is the seventh day of Ramzan. Necessary to observe lessons of restraint and togetherness as it teaches.”
