COVID second wave: Lockdown should be last option, says PM Modi

Team Udayavani, Apr 20, 2021, 8:51 PM IST

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, April 20 said that lockdown should be the last option in our battle against Covid 19.

Addressing the nation amid the surging cases in the second wave of coronavirus, Modi said if we all follow COVID-19 protocols, there’ll be no need to impose lockdowns.

Takeaways from Modi’s speech:

*All must follow the right discipline to safeguard everyone against COVID-19: PM says invoking Ramzan and Ram Navami.

*We need to save the country from lockdown; I request states to use lockdown as a last resort and the focus should be on the micro-containment zone.

*There’s a need to spread awareness and guard against rumours; We need to guard against lockdowns and states also need to understand that.

*India is facing the second wave of COVID19 and appreciated the efforts of Covid warriors risking their lives.

*I understand the pain we all are going through and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones due to COVID. The challenge before is big but we have to overcome it with our resolve, courage, and preparation.

*The pharma sector has already ramped production of medicines amid the pandemic crisis. They’re working relentlessly to meet all COVID-19 challenges, including on vaccine development, usage of the right medicines.

*Efforts have been made to ensure COVID-19 vaccines reach all nooks and corners of the country.

*Our scientists developed vaccines in a very short time and the world’s cheapest vaccine is available to us.

*Shortage of oxygen cylinders has come across as a major hurdle. All stakeholders are working collectively to meet this challenge.

*I’m confident India will defeat the COVID-19 pandemic; All need to work for benefit of everyone in need of help, including migrant workers

*Modi urged the media to create more awareness among people.

*Better prepared for the second wave than in 2020.

*Lockdown should be the last option. If we all follow COVID-19 protocols, there’ll be no need to impose lockdowns.

*I request State governments to urge the workers to stay where they are.

*States must tell migrant workers they will be vaccinated in next few days and their job will remain with them.