Coronavirus: PM Modi chairs high-level meeting to review COVID-19 vaccine preparedness

 The high-level meeting comes just hours before Prime Minister Modi's nationwide address, which is scheduled for 4 pm today.

New Delhi: Ahead of his address to the nation at 4 PM today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparations being undertaken for vaccination against COVID-19, as and when a vaccine is available.

The current status of Indian and global vaccine development efforts was also reviewed at the virtual meeting.

During his meeting with officials on coronavirus preparedness today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed officials to evaluate various technology tools to ensure efficient and timely vaccination in due course of time.

The Prime Minister also directed that detailed planning for such large-scale vaccination should be undertaken immediately.

Prime Minister Modi further highlighted India’s responsibility and commitment to the global community to play an enabling role in global vaccination efforts against COVID-19.

India's coronavirus count increased to 5,66,840 on Tuesday after the country reported 18,522 fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours.

Of the total cases, 3,34,821 have been successfully treated while one case has been migrated from the country. There are 2,15,125 active cases of COVID-19 in India and all are under medical supervision.

The death toll climbed to 16,893 in the country with 418 more persons succumbing to the viral infection in the last 24 hours, as per the latest data by the ministry of health and family welfare.

The Union ministry of home affairs on Monday issued guidelines for 'Unlock 2' phase across the country between July 1 and July 31 and said educational institutions, Metro Rail services, cinema halls and gyms will continue to remain closed.