New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that states should consider lockdowns only as the last option to fight back COVID-19 and must focus on creating micro containment zones to contain the spread of the virus.
Addressing the nation on the COVID-19 situation, PM Modi said that the situation was getting better until the second wave of COVID-19 hit the country. “I can understand the pain of people. I am with all those who have lost their near and dear ones during this tough time.”
PM Modi also thanked ‘COVID Warriors’ including doctors, frontline workers and policemen who are devoting their lives towards fighting this virus.
“Centre is working along with state governments, public sector and private sector for the smooth supply of oxygen. Steps taken by the government in the past few days will definitely help the current COVID-19 situation. Small plants in various cities are being set-up to produce oxygen,” he said.
Informing about manufacturing of vaccines, the PM said pharmaceutical companies are strengthening their infra to build more medicines and there will be new oxygen plants in the states, and soon, one lakh new cylinders will also be delivered.
PM Modi urged migrant workers to stay where they are as their vaccination is the priority and the government will ensure that they get their COVID vaccine soon. “I request the state administrations to keep the trust of workers alive and urge them to stay where they are,” he said.
“I repeat my mantra, Dawai Bhi Kadai Bhi. People must follow covid appropriate behaviour. Do not leave the house if not necessary. If we do this, government will not need to create a containment zone or impose curfew or lockdowns,” he added.