Prime Minister Narendra Modi while virtually reviewing the situation of Covid-19 and progress in vaccination campaign in the country with the Chief Ministers of States, Lt. Governors and Administrators of Union Territories, expressed concern over the sudden spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in a few states of the country. He felt the need for taking effective steps to curb this virus, so that the resurgence in virus cases could be checked.Prime Minister also felt the need for checking wastage of Covid-19 vaccine and effective use of face masks and social distancing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted the proceedings of the meeting. He also felt the need to scale up RTPCR tests by different States. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also attended the meeting.Later while interacting with media Chief Minister said the Prime Minister has asked all the States to not only increase testing capacity but also ensure strict implementation of various SOPs issued from time to time by the Government of India.
He said that over 1.78 lakh people had been administered vaccination in the State, which was about 2.60 percent of the total population. He said that the State Government was also keeping an eye on the situation and appropriate steps were being taken accordingly. He said that he would request the Punjab Chief Minister to keep a tab on pilgrims visiting Himachal Pradesh from Punjab to check the spread of virus. He said that SOPs would be strictly followed during the celebration of fairs and other events.Secretary Health Government of India Rajesh Bhushan made a presentation on Covid-19 cases in the country. He said that the death rate of the country due to the virus was amongst lowest in the world. He said that about 3.51 crore people have been administered Covid-19 vaccine in the country till date. He said that India was second after United States in number of people administered vaccine. Health Minister Dr. Rajiv Saizal, Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, Additional Chief Secretary J.C. Sharma, Secretary Health Amitabh Awasthi, Advisor cum Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr R.N. Batta, Mission Director NHM Dr. Nipun Jindal were also present in the meeting.