‘Omicron spreading faster than previous variants, need to be alert but not panic’: PM Modi tells CMs

Mangalore Today News Network / NDTV

New Delhi, Jan 13, 2022: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting with the chief ministers of the states on Thursday to discuss the Covid-19 situation in the country. The meeting was held via video conferencing.

 

Speaking at the meeting, PM Modi said, "The Omicron variant is infecting the general population several times faster than the previous variants. We have to be alert but we also have to take care that there is no panic."

He added, "We have to see that in this festive season, the alertness of the people and the administration does not fall short."

Addressing the chief ministers, PM Modi said, "It is very important to keep in mind while making any strategy that there should be minimum damage to the livelihood of the common people. The momentum of the economy should be maintained. So, it would be better to focus more on local containment."

He added that most Covid treatment should be undertaken under home isolation. For the same, the Centre has made provisions for tele-medicine, he said.

Speaking on India’s Covid-19 vaccination drive, he said, "It is a matter of pride for every Indian that today India has given the first dose to about 92 per cent of the adult population. The coverage of the second dose has also reached around 70 per cent in the country."

"Within ten days, India has also vaccinated about 30 million of its adolescents. This shows India’s potential and our preparedness to deal with this challenge," PM Modi added.

He said that the precautionary doses should be administered to frontline workers and senior citizens on priority. "We have to intensify the Har Ghar Dastak campaign for 100 per cent vaccination," PM Modi said.

India reported 2,47,417 new Covid-19 infections on Thursday, 27.1 per cent higher than what was logged the previous day, according to data shared by the Union health ministry.

India’s active caseload stands at 11,17,531 at present.

On Thursday, India also reported 481 Covid-19 deaths, increasing the total reported toll to 4,84,859.