E-Paper
PM Modi says vaccination of kids priority, urges caution at Covid meet with CMs
Following the meeting, he said the authorities needed to remain alert as challenged related to the pandemic had not yet gotten over.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a review meeting with chief ministers and senior officials of states in the wake of the recent surge in coronavirus cases over the part two weeks. Following the meeting, he said the authorities needed to remain alert as challenged related to the pandemic had not yet gotten over.
He said vaccination of all eligible children at the earliest was a priority for the government and specialised programmes would have to be conducted for it in schools.
The PM further spoke about the country inoculation drive against the virus. “(It is a) matter of pride for every Indian that 96 per cent adult population in country has got at least one dose of Covid vaccine, while 85 per cent of the eligible population above 15 years of age inoculated with the second dose,” he said.
Stating that health infrastructure had improved a lot due to joint efforts of the Centre and states, Modi called for scaling up of the same (including manpower) at medical colleges and district hospitals.
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“Despite managing the Covid crisis, as compared to other countries, we can see cases' uptick in states now. We have to stay alert. It's clear that the Covid challenge has yet not been surpassed,” Modi was quoted as saying by news agency ANI following his interaction with CMs on the current situation.
"Our scientists and experts are continuously monitoring the national and global situation. We have to work on their suggestions with a pre-emptive, pro-active and collective approach," he said.
“We have to promote Covid-appropriate behaviour in public places,” he added.
On Sunday, he had urged citizens to remain alert during the festivals to the threat from the coronavirus and continue to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.
(With inputs from agencies)
