Give importance to economy as fight against COVID-19 goes on: PM

New Delhi, Apr 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underlined that the Lockdown has yielded positive results as the country has managed to save thousands of lives in the past one and a half months.

He added that due to timely measures, India was able to protect many lives as compared with other countries in the world where the situation was almost similar at the beginning of March. He, however, forewarned that the danger of the virus is far from over and constant vigilance is of paramount importance.

He made this observation while interacting with Chief Ministers on Monday via videoconferencing to discuss the emerging situation and plan ahead for tackling the novel coronavirus pandemic.

This was the fourth such interaction of the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers, the earlier ones had been held on 20th March, 2nd April and 11th April 2020.

Prime Minister Modi said that the country has seen two Lockdowns till now, both different in certain aspects, and now we have to think of the way ahead. He said that as per experts, the impact of coronavirus will remain visible in the coming months.

Reiterating the mantra of ‘do gaz doori’, (Social distancing) he said that masks and face covers will become part of our lives in the days ahead. He added that under the circumstances, everyone’s aim must be the rapid response. He pointed out that many people are self-declaring whether they have cough and cold or symptoms, and that this is a welcome sign.

Underlining the need to give importance to the economy, the Prime Minister said that we will also have to continue our battle with the COVID-19 virus. He emphasized the importance of usage of technology as much as possible and also to utilize time to embrace reform measures.

He emphasized on the significance of ensuring that more people download the AarogyaSetu app to bolster the efforts of the country in the battle against COVID-19. He said, “we have to be brave and bring in reforms that touch the lives of common citizens.”

He highlighted the importance for states to enforce guidelines strictly in the hotspots i.e. the red zone areas. He stated that the efforts of the states should be directed towards converting the red zones into orange and thereafter to green zones.

On the issue of getting back Indians who are overseas, he said that this has to be done keeping in mind the fact that they don’t get inconvenienced and their families are not under any risk. Prime Minister also urged Chief Ministers to factor in the changes in weather - the advent of summer and monsoon - and the illnesses that can potentially come in this season, while strategizing ahead.

Union Home Minister Amt Shah who attended the meeting along with some other Union Ministers reaffirmed the need to enforce lockdown so that maximum lives are saved.

The Chief Ministers spoke about the need to keep a close vigil on international borders, and also on addressing the economic challenge and ways to further boost health infrastructure. The leaders expressed gratitude towards the police force and medical staff for the exemplary work done by them in the fight against COVID-19.