New Delhi, April 28, 2022.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, interacted with the Chief Ministers to review the COVID-19 situation here today.

Union Home Minister spoke about the recent increase in Covid cases in some states, and about the need to follow test, track, treat, vaccination and ensure Covid appropriate behaviour. Union Health Secretary gave a presentation in which he discussed the rise of cases across several countries in the world, while also highlighting the rise of cases in some states in India. He spoke about the need for states to regularly monitor and report data, maintain effective surveillance, upgrade infrastructure and utilise funds given by the Centre.

The Chief Ministers thanked the Prime Minister for timely guidance and support since the start of the pandemic. They said that this review meeting has been called by the Prime Minister at the right time. They gave an overview of the status of Covid cases and vaccination in their states.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that Prime Minister’s mantra of life and livelihood is being followed by the state. He mentioned that a high number of cases are being seen in the cities in NCR. Delhi Chief Minister said that in recent days, Delhi has witnessed high positivity rate. He also spoke about masks having been made mandatory again. Mizoram Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister’s strong support and guidance has helped the state tide over the previous waves. He also thanked the Central government for support in other health matters and development issues. Karnataka Chief Minister said that the guidance given by the Prime Minister has been a learning curve to help deal better with subsequent Covid waves. He mentioned about awareness campaigns being run to ensure Covid appropriate behaviour. Haryana Chief Minister said that high number of cases in the state are mainly being seen around Delhi, in the cities of Gurugram and Faridabad.

In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister started with offering condolences on the loss of lives in the road accident in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Shri Modi has announced an ex-gratia from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the victims of the mishap.

The Prime Minister noted the collective efforts of centre and state in the fight against Corona. He put on record his appreciation for the Chief Ministers, officers and all Corona Warriors for their efforts. He said that it is clear that Corona challenge is not fully over. Omicron and its subvariants can create problem as evident by the case of many countries of Europe. The subvariants are causing many surges in many countries. He said India has been able to deal with the situation better than many countries. Still, in last two weeks, increasing cases in some of the states show that we need to stay alert, he said.

The Prime Minister said that the Omicron wave was handled with determination and without panic and in the last two years, all aspects of Corona fight whether, health infrastructure, oxygen supply or vaccination, have been strengthened. In the third wave, none of the state saw situation going out of control. This, the Prime Minister said, should be seen in the context of the massive vaccination drive. He said vaccine reached each and every person and it is a matter of pride that 96 per cent adult population is vaccinated with at least one dose and about 84 per cent people above 15 years of age have received both the doses. Vaccine, as per experts is the biggest safeguard against corona, he added.