PM Modi-CMs' statement out: 'Covid impact to remain; need brave reforms, economy focus'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Chief Ministers on Monday via videoconferencing on prevailing Coronavirus situation in country.  meeting comes just a week ahead of scheduled ending of nationwide lockdown on May 3. meeting lasted two-and-a-half hours. According to official statement, Chief Ministers praised leadership of Prime Minister during this period of crisis, and also highlighted efforts undertaken by m in containing virus.

Read: District-wise Lockdown Relaxation In States With Less Covid Cases, Says PM To CMs: Sources

Read: 'Collective Effort Bearing Fruit Against Covid,' Says PM Modi In Meet With CMs: Sources

Here is PM Modi's crucial FULL statement:

• Lockdown has yielded positive results, country has mand to save thousands of lives in past 1.5 months: PM
• Our aim must be a rapid response, need to follow mantra of ‘do gaz doori’: PM
• PM said that efforts of states should be directed towards converting red zones into orange and reafter to green zones
• We have to be brave and bring in reforms that touch lives of common citizens: PM
• We have to give importance to ecomy as well as continue fight against COVID-19: PM
• Impact of coronavirus will remain visible in coming months, masks and face covers will be part of our life: PM

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today interacted with Chief Ministers of states via video conferencing to discuss emerging situation and plan ahead for tackling COVID-19 pandemic. This was fourth such interaction of Prime Minister with Chief Ministers, earlier ones had been held on 20th March, 2nd April and 11th April 2020.

Prime Minister underlined that Lockdown has yielded positive results as country has mand to save thousands of lives in past one and a half months. He added that India’s population is comparable to that of combined population of several countries. situation in many countries, including India, was almost similar at start of March. However, due to timely measures, India has been able to protect many people. He, however, forewarned that danger of virus is far from over and constant vigilance is of paramount importance.

Read: Meghalaya CM Proposes Continuing Covid Lockdown Beyond May 3 At PM Modi-CMs' Meeting

Prime Minister said that country has seen two Lockdowns till w, both different in certain aspects, and w we have to think of way ahead. He said that as per experts, impact of coronavirus will remain visible in coming months. Reiterating mantra of ‘do gaz doori’, he said that masks and face covers will become part of our lives in days ahead. He added that under circumstances, everyone’s aim must be rapid response. He pointed out that many people are self-declaring wher y have cough and cold or symptoms, and that this is a welcome sign.

Prime Minister said that we have to give importance to ecomy as well as continue fight against COVID -19. He emphasized importance of us of techlogy as much as possible and also to utilize time to embrace reform measures. He emphasized on significance of ensuring that more people download AarogyaSetu app to bolster efforts of country in battle against COVID-19.  He said, “we have to be brave and bring in reforms that touch lives of common citizens.” He also suggested that people associated with Universities can be integrated on devising ways to fight pandemic and strengn research as well as invation.

Read: PM Modi-CMs' Covid Conference Attended By Mamata Banerjee; PM May Address In Next 4-5 Days

He highlighted importance for states to enforce guidelines strictly in hotspots i.e. red zone areas. He stated that efforts of states should be directed towards converting red zones into orange and reafter to green zones.

On issue of getting back Indians who are overseas, he said that this has to be done keeping in mind fact that y don’t get inconvenienced and ir families are t under any risk. Prime Minister also urged Chief Ministers to factor in changes in wear - advent of summer and monsoon - and illnesses that can potentially come in this season, while strategizing ahead.

Union Home Minister reaffirmed need to enforce lockdown so that maximum lives are saved.

Chief Ministers praised leadership of Prime Minister during this period of crisis, and also highlighted efforts undertaken by m in containing virus. y spoke about need to keep a close vigil on international borders, and also on addressing ecomic challenge and ways to furr boost health infrastructure. leaders expressed gratitude towards police force and medical staff for exemplary work done by m in fight against COVID-19.