Team News Riveting
New Delhi, April 20
Expressing his reservations for another shut down in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged the States to consider lockdowns only as the last option and focus creating on micro containment zones.
Addressing the nation on the COVID-19 situation in the wake of India recording record high cases and deaths daily in the past few weeks, the Prime Minister said, “I request State governments to urge the workers to stay where they are. This trust given by the states to the workers will help them, and that they will be vaccinated in the city where they are.”
India with two ‘made in India’ vaccines started the world’s largest vaccination program. Till now, more than 12 crore vaccine doses have been administered. From 1st May, those above the age of 18 years can be vaccinated, he said, adding that work is on to increase the number of beds in hospitals.
Modi said in some cities, large COVID-19 dedicated hospitals are being built. The demand for oxygen has increased in many parts of the country. The Centre, state govt and the private sector are trying to make oxygen available to all those who were in need of it. Many steps are being taken in this direction.
“The challenge is big but we have to overcome it with our resolve, courage and preparation,” the Prime Minister said. “We are facing the second wave of COVID-19 now. I understand the pain you are going through and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones due to COVID,” he added.
