PM video calls CMs, promotes staggered relaxation after lockdown ends
What's the story
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a video conference with Chief Ministers of all states, where the coronavirus pandemic and underway nationwide lockdown were discussed. The BJP leader told the CMs that movement of people should be done in a staggered manner, once the lockdown ends. He said forming a common exit strategy was important and asked CMs to send suggestions.
Context
Eight days done, government looking at next step
The nation was locked down last week on PM Modi's orders for 21 days to contain the virus' spread. Only essential services, like hospitals, police, fire services, have been working, and all modes of transportation have been suspended. As eight days of the restriction have passed, the government is now looking at the next stage — how to control the population afterward?
Goal
Minimize death toll, PM Modi told states
In the meeting, PM Modi said everything can't return to normalcy after the lockdown is lifted, a statement from his office said. He stressed on imposing certain safeguards and urged states to enforce the lockdown seriously. The main goal was to minimize the death toll, PM Modi is learned to have told the states. He added the global condition was "far from satisfactory".
Statement
Focus on testing, tracing, isolation, and quarantine: PM Modi
Asking states to work on war footing to identify hotspots and encircle them, PM Modi said, "The focus for the next few weeks must be testing, tracing, isolation and quarantine." He appreciated the "teamwork" of the states and thanked them for supporting the lockdown, which he said helped India. He said COVID-19 "attacked faith and belief and is threatening our way of life".
Suggestions
Dedicate hospitals for COVID-19 patients, PM Modi said
Further, PM Modi also said states must build hospitals for COVID-19 patients, use the resource pool of AYUSH doctors, while also conducting online classes and employing paramedics and volunteers. Crisis management groups must also be set at district levels and surveillance officers must be appointed, he suggested. He underlined that data for testing must come for accredited labs only.
Quote
PM Modi spoke about essential medical products too
"PM Modi highlighted the necessity of maintaining the supply of essential medical products, availability of raw material for the manufacture of medicines and medical equipment," the statement from PMO read.
Outcome
Total lockdown unlikely after April 14
A first such meeting with CMs was held on March 20, two days before Janata curfew. This is the first time the government has hinted towards what could happen after April 14. While a complete lockdown seems unlikely, free movement will also not be encouraged and some restrictions will remain in place. As per the latest data, India has 2,032 infections and 58 have died.
Twitter Post
Separately, PM Modi will share a video message tomorrow
At 9 AM tomorrow morning, I’ll share a small video message with my fellow Indians.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 2, 2020
कल सुबह 9 बजे देशवासियों के साथ मैं एक वीडियो संदेश साझा करूंगा।