Testing, tracing, isolating and quarantine is the top priority to ensure minimum loss of life
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with chief ministers of all the States and Union Territories to discuss the coronavirus pandemic on April 2. During the conference, the PM emphasised on following the “testing, tracing and isolating and quarantine” steps to curb the virus outbreak. He also urged the appointment of district-level disease surveillance officer to ensure ground-level optimisation and coordination with private laboratories for data collection. The Centre also plans to release Rs 11,000 crore from the State Disaster Relief Fund by this month to facilitate in fighting the health crisis. Moreover, Mr Modi also asked the CMs to establish communications with the leaders of all religions to ensure no overcrowding occurs. He also said that it is extremely important to formulate “a common exit strategy” to ensure a smooth transition once the lockdown ends. The Prime Minister also urged unity among all the authorities to ensure efficiency throughout the country.
Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top bureaucrats were also present with the Prime Minister. According to the Health Ministry, This is the second time that the Prime Minister has called for a video conference meeting with chief ministers and the first since the country has gone under a 21-day lockdown due to the pandemic. The first meeting was held on March 20 and the lockdown was imposed from March 24. According to the Health Ministry, as of April 2, the number of confirmed cases in India is 1963 with 67 deaths.
