NEW DELHI: Praised the worldover for his prompt and effective response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi swung into action immediately after the recent spurt of the infection in China and some other countries.
While asking the people not to panic as India was not unprepared this time, he urged them to start wearing masks again as the Centre and states stepped up surveillance of Covid-19 cases.
The Prime Minister also held a review meeting in which he called for increased testing and encouraged a return to Covid-appropriate behaviour. The country had only recently relaxed its Covid-19 rules, including wearing of mask, after a drop in infection levels.
At the review meeting, the PM asked the states to ensure operational readiness of hospital infrastructure, including a healthy supply of oxygen cylinders and ventilators. According to Government data, India currently has only around 3,400 active coronavirus cases, but reports of the surge in China have created a sense of fear among many people.
Health experts assert that the chances of yet another lethal wave in India are quite low. Despite such assurances, the Centre has asked all the states to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
India is in action mode. It is going all out to ensure that all the health workers and medical facilities are in place to face any eventuality.
