'Permission for rapid testing granted; 1300 Markaz attendees traced': Maha Health Minister

On Thursday, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope stated that main outcome of video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was permission granted for rapid testing. According to him, it would be possible to quickly ascertain wher a person has contracted COVID-19, paving way for a decision on quarantine and isolation. Mentioning that PM expected states to work as a team, Tope talked about state's fight against vel Coronavirus.

He observed that strict curfew was being maintained at 146 containment zones and work for dedicated COVID-19 hospitals was underway. Moreover, he revealed that CM Uddhav Thackeray had requested more personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers and called for an increase in production capacity of PPE. He also revealed that out of 338 confirmed COVID-19 cases in state, 42 had been discharged while two persons were in a critical condition. Additionally, Maharashtra Health Minister ted that approximately 1300 out of more than 1400 Markaz attendees from state had been traced and process of quarantining m was on. 

Read: COVID-19: Thackeray Govt Warns Of Rise In Cases In Maharashtra; 5000 Persons Quarantined

Read: Mumbai's Dharavi Reports Second Positive Case Of vel Coronavirus; After First Death

PM Modi interacts with Chief Ministers

PM Modi interacted with Chief Ministers of all states to discuss measures to combat vel Coronavirus. Praising states for working as a team, he informed m about possibility of a second wave of spread of virus. Highlighting that common goal was to ensure minimum loss of life, he ted that testing, tracing, isolation, and quarantine should remain areas of focus in next few weeks. PM also flagged necessity of maintaining supply of essential medical equipment and called for dedicated hospital facilities for COVID-19 patients. 

Ar important mess imparted by PM Modi was that Crisis Manment Groups needed to be set up at district level besides appointment of District Surveillance Officers. While ackwledging that farming sector had been exempted under lockdown, he emphasised that social distancing should be practised.  PM also opined that it was crucial to formulate a common exit strategy to ensure staggered re-emergence of population after end of lockdown period. He asked states to send ir suggestions regarding exit strategy.  

Read: Nizamuddin Markaz Chief Maulana Saad Issues Statement: 't Underground, Framing Response'

Read: Congress' Abhishek Manu Singhvi Backs Yuvraj & Harbhajan's Donation To Afridi's Charity