Tuesday, March 19, 2024
spot_img

Lockdowns should be last resort: PM

Date:

Share post:

spot_img
spot_img

New Delhi, April 20: Amid a staggering surge in COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said a lockdown should be the “last resort” to deal with the raging pandemic and asked states to convince migrant workers to stay put at their places of work with a guarantee for their lives and livelihood.
In an address to the nation, he also called upon all stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry, to deal collectively with the immediate challenge of the shortage of oxygen cylinders.
India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,53,21,089 with 2,59,170 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, while active cases surpassed the 20-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death toll increased to 1,80,530 with a record 1,761 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Outlining a number of measures taken by his government, including ramping up of the production and supply of oxygen and medicine for allowing vaccination for everyone above 18 years of age from the next month, Modi said he also empathises with the pain of those having lost their family members. The country is fighting a very big battle against the pandemic, he said, adding that its second wave has hit it like a storm after the condition appeared to have stabilized.
The two key messages of Modi’s over 20 minute-long address was, however, to virtually rule out any immediate nationwide lockdown, a move that had triggered a massive migration of workers from big cities last year and hit the economy hard, and to reach out to migrants. Industry bodies lauded Modi’s address, saying it sends across the right message to everyone about the country’s fight against COVID-19, including to migrant workers, and will help the Indian economy tide over this pandemic. (PTI)

spot_img
spot_img

Related articles

Delhi court extends Sisodia’s judicial custody till April 6 in excise policy case

New Delhi, March 19: A Delhi court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of former Delhi Deputy Chief...

SC declines to pass interim order staying Citizenship Amendment Rules

New Delhi, March 19: The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to pass any interim order staying the implementation...

ECI replaces Bengal DGP again within 24 hours

Kolkata, March 19:  The Election Commission of India (ECI) has replaced the Director General Police in West Bengal...

Suspended Assam Civil Service officer reinstated to service

Guwahati, March 19: The Assam government has reinstated a suspended Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer to service after...