Reassess local lockdowns, focus on micro-containment zones: PM Modi to seven states with high COVID burden

PM Narendra Modi chaired a high-level virtual meeting with Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of seven states/ UT with the highest COVID burden on September 23, 2020 to review the status and preparedness of COVID response and management.

While addressing the CMs, the Prime Minister highlighted that there are more than 700 districts in the country but only 60 districts in 7 states are a cause of worry. He suggested the state CMs to hold a virtual conference with people at the district/block level for 7 days. He also stated that we have to learn from the best practices from across the states.

PM Narendra Modi chairs a high-level virtual meeting with Chief Ministers & Health Ministers of seven #COVID19 high burden States/UT to review COVID response and management.

These States/UT are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, & Punjab. pic.twitter.com/bqd1CZhEAA

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2020

The seven states/ UT with high COVID-19 caseload include Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh. The states and the national capital together account for 63 percent of the total COVID-19 cases in the country.

Focus on Effective Testing, Tracing, Treatment

The Prime Minister stressed on the importance of increasing focus on effective testing, tracing, treatment, surveillance and clear messaging during his COVID review meeting with CMs. He lay special emphasis on effective messaging saying that most COVID-19 infections are without symptoms and in such cases, rumours may rise. 

PM Modi stated that rumours may give rise to doubts in the minds of people that testing is bad and some people also make the mistake of underestimating the severity of the infection.

Effective messaging is also necessary because most #COVID19 infections are without symptoms. In such a situation, rumours may rise. It might raise doubts in the minds of the people that testing is bad. Some people also make mistake of underestimating the severity of infection: PM https://t.co/XaJbSnfXMo

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2020

The Prime Minister further noted that though it is difficult to make wearing masks a habit, we will not be able to get the desired results if we don't make it a part of our daily life.

#WATCH It is difficult to make wearing masks a habit, but we will not be able to get the desired results if we don't make it a part of our daily life, says PM Modi in a meeting with Chief Ministers of seven states pic.twitter.com/V9m7KAzRgG

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2020

Reassess local lockdowns, focus on micro-containment zones 

PM Narendra Modi directed the states to reassess whether local lockdowns imposed for a day or two are effective in combating COVID-19 or are they hindering restoration of economic activities. He encouraged the states to focus on working with full strength to open up their economic activities while battling the pandemic. 

The Prime Minister further urged the state governments to focus on micro-containment. He stated that "micro containment zones" should be the way forward as it will curb the infection spread and also allow activities to go on.

The centre had earlier directed the states to avoid local lockdowns unless permitted by the Home Ministry, as the 1-2 day lockdowns in various states in July and August were seen to be hurting the economy and disrupting the supply chain and not serving their purpose of containing COVID-19 infections. 

Punjab CM urges PM for the expeditious release of Rs 200 crore

Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh sought expeditious release of Rs 200 crore, which was requested by the state as the next tranche of central aid for COVID-19 management. He also urged the Prime Minister to direct urgent steps to ensure adequate supplies from other states. 

CM Captain Amarinder Singh today urged PM Modi to direct urgent steps to ensure adequate supplies from other states & also sought expeditious release of Rs 200 crore that state govt had requested as next tranche of central aid for Covid management: Punjab Chief Minister's Office pic.twitter.com/5eFmemkjMf

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2020

No lack of Medical Oxygen

The Prime Minister further assured that there is no lack of medical oxygen. He stated that it is important that there is coordination between the states so that there are no obstructions in oxygen supply. PM Modi stated that a smooth supply chain can be maintained with continuous monitoring.

I have been told that there is no lack of medical oxygen. It is important that there is coordination between the states so that there are no obstructions in oxygen supply. Smooth supply chain can be maintained with continuous monitoring: PM Narendra Modi

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2020

PM Modi further stated that India has ensured the supply of life-saving medicines all over the world even in difficult times. He urged that we have to work together to see that the medicines easily reach from one state to another.

On Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

The Prime Minister also highlighted that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana will be completing two years on September 25, 2020. PM Modi noted that within two years, the scheme has benefited over 1.25 crore poor people and patients in the country.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation towards all the medical staff who contributed to make the yojana a success. He further announced that the usage of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) will be increased from 35 percent to 50 percent. 

Background

India recorded a spike of 83,347 new COVID cases and 1,085 deaths in the last 24 hours. India's total COVID-19 count stands at 56,46,011 confirmed corona cases as of September 23, 2020. 

The seven states with high COVID-19 caseload also account for 77 percent of the total COVID deaths in the country, as per Health Ministry data. Among these, three states- Maharashtra, Delhi and Punjab have a case fatality rate (CFR) of at least 2 percent.