We have to stay alert: PM Modi after interacting with state CMs on India's COVID-19 situation

New Delhi, Apr 27: Interacting with the chief ministers of several states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday warned that COVID challenge has yet not been surpassed and "we need to remain alert".

Addressing through video conferencing, PM Modi said,''Despite managing the COVID crisis well as compared to other countries, we can see cases' uptick in states now. We have to stay alert. It's clear that the COVID challenge has yet not been surpassed.''

Stating that vaccines are the most effective shield against Covid, he said, "It is a matter of pride for every Indian that 96 per cent adult population in the country has got at least one dose of Covid vaccine and 85 % of the eligible population above 15 years of age inoculated with the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.''

''Coordination between state & Centre is very important...(Ukraine) war has affected the supply chain which has posed many challenges. Hence Cooperative Federalism is important...Scaling-up of manpower & medical infrastructure was also discussed in today's COVID review meeting,'' he further said.

Healso urged the CMs to promote Covid-appropriate behaviour in public places, adding that administering vaccines to every eligible child at the earliest is the priority.

The review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as chief ministers of Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Tripura and others, ANI reported.

Since the pandemic hit the country in 2020, the PM has had several meetings with the Chief Ministers.

On Sunday PM Modi had urged the people to stay alert from the threat of COVID-19. He also said that the people should continue to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.

India's COVID-19 tally has risen to 43,062,569, while active cases dipped to 15,636, according to data released by the Union Government. An increase in the number of cases have been reported in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Karnataka.