‘Community awareness key’: PM on COVID-19 situation, rushes central teams to Maharashtra, Punjab, Chhattisgarh
During the meeting, the Prime Minister underlined the need to continue "Jan Bhagidari" and "Jan Andolan" for Covid-19 management.
FollowPrime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination programme amid a surge in coronavirus cases.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister underlined the need to continue "Jan Bhagidari" and "Jan Andolan" for Covid-19 management.
He said that the five-fold strategy of Testing, Tracing, Treatment, Covid-appropriate behaviour and vaccination would be effective in curbing the spread of the virus if implemented with seriousness and commitment, a statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.
After the meeting, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) confirmed that central teams consisting of public health specialists and clinicians are being sent to Maharashtra in view of high caseload and deaths, and likewise to Punjab and Chhattisgarh because of the disproportionate number of deaths being reported there.
Talking about the awareness campaign against coronavirus, the PMO stated, "A special campaign for Covid-appropriate behaviour with emphasis on 100% mask usage, personal hygiene and sanitation at public places/workplaces and health facilities will be organised from April 6 to April 14, 2021.
Vaccine R&D was discussed along with the production capacity of existing manufacturers and the capacity of vaccines under trials. Vaccine manufacturers are ramping up their production capacity and are in discussion with other domestic and offshore companies to augment the same, the statement added.
A brief presentation on the performance of Covid-19 vaccination drive was also made wherein details of the coverage of vaccination in various groups, performance with respect to other countries and analysis of State’s performance was deliberated upon.
The meeting was attended by principal secretary, cabinet secretary, home secretary, chairperson (Empowered group on Vaccine Administration), secretary health, secretary pharmaceuticals, secretary biotechnology, secretary AYUSH, DG ICMR, principal scientific advisor to the government NITI Aayog representatives besides other officials.
