Rise In COVID-19 Cases In Maharashtra, Kerala Matter Of Serious Concern: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (16 July) said that the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra and Kerala is a matter of concern and asked the states to take 'proactive measures' to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

"Initially experts were assuming that in states where the second wave originated, the situation would be under control. But cases are increasing in Maharashtra and Kerala. This is indeed a matter of serious concern for all of us and for the country," PM Modi said during an interaction with chief ministers of six states witnessing surge in Covid-19 cases.

During the interaction, PM Modi reviewed the Covid-19 situation with CMs of Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.

PM Modi said that it is very important for the states, where cases are increasing to take proactive measures to prevent any possibility of third Covid-19 wave.

Noting that experts are of the opinion that due to continuously increasing cases for a long time, the possibility of mutation of the coronavirus as well as the risk of new variants increases, PM Modi said that it was therefore necessary to take effective steps against Coronavirus to prevent the third wave.

He further said that the states will have to move forward with the strategy of test, track, treat and Tika (vaccine) and added that special attention must be paid to micro-containment zones.

PM Modi said that special priority should be given to the districts that are reporting high Covid-19 positivity rate.