PM Modi meets CMs of eight worst COVID-19 hit states, top highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened two online meetings on Tuesday with eight Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors to talk about the COVID-19 situation in the states and vaccine delivery. During the time that the overall nationwide number has fallen below 50,000, the situation in certain states -- including the national capital -- has given rise to concern.

Since last week, the Centre has sent special teams to eight worst-hit states to help the governments control the surge. The prime minister has asked the Chief Ministers to share feedback on COVID-19 strategy, stating "no one can impose any view and all have to work together", sources said.

Here are the top 10 highlights:

1) Following the virtual meeting, Karnataka Home Minister stated PM Modi "has given clear-cut directions regarding the vaccine situation. India should be ready to implement the vaccine programme on priority basis in different sectors".

2) "PM made it clear that in the first stage the vaccine will be given to the frontline health workers, in the second stage to the police personnel, sanitation workers etc, to those above 50 years of age in third stage and to those with co-morbid conditions in the fourth stage," Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani stated.

3) Chief Ministers of eight states -Maharashtra, Kerala, Delhi, Bengal, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh -- had attended the meeting.

4) Ashok Gehlot stated that they have cut out the Rapid antigen tests whose results are often inaccurate. All Covid tests being conducted in the state are RT-PCR and the number has touched 30,000-plus every day. Rajasthan said it is also taking other precautions, including a ban on crackers, law on mask usage, night curfew, restraint on gatherings.

5) Arvind Kejriwal attributed the current surge in coronavirus cases to air pollution and sought PM Modi’s intervention to curb stubble burning in the neighbouring states. "The high severity of third wave is due to many factors. Pollution is an important factor," Mr Kejriwal said at the meeting.

6) During the meeting, PM Modi also attacked Rahul Gandhi, who has recently criticised the government over the vaccine issue. Without naming him, PM Modi accused him of "playing politics", sources said.

7) "We cannot decide when the vaccine will come. It is not in our hands, It is the scientists who are dealing with the issue," sources quoted PM Modi as saying. "Some people are playing politics over it. Nothing can stop anyone from playing politics," PM added.

8) India recorded 37,975 fresh coronavirus infections over 24 hours -13 per cent below yesterday's number - government data displayed this morning. The country also reported 480 Covid-related deaths in this period, marginally lower than yesterday's 511. The overall coronavirus count is now at 91.77 lakh, with 1,34,218 mortalities.

Also Read: India reports 37,975 new COVID-19 cases, 480 deaths in last 24 hours