PM Modi appeal states in address to nation, 'Lockdown should be last resort'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the day India experienced a staggering 1,761 deaths as a result of Covid-19, emphasising that lockdown could only be used as a last resort. He asked state governments to place a greater emphasis on micro-containment areas.

“We must save the nation from lockdown in today's scenario. I'd also suggest that states use lockdown as a last resort. “We must make every effort to avoid lockdown, and our attention should be solely on the micro containment zones,” PM Modi said during his nearly 20-minute speech.

With several states implementing stringent restrictions, such as night curfews and lockdowns, PM Modi said, "Our goal is to save lives. However, the effect on the economy and livelihoods should be as minimal as possible.” He added, “there would be no need to enforce lockdowns if we all obey COVID-19 protocols.”

Even as the latest curbs have prompted a new exodus of migrant labourers from cities, PM Modi has asked states to persuade the workers not to return to their hometowns, while assuring them that they will not be deprived of their livelihood.

Prime Minister said that people were struggling in the current situation and that "we need to fight it out with all our might." He also expressed optimism that the coronavirus can be overcome with everyone's help. “I want to thank our physicians and all of our healthcare staff for working tirelessly to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Moreover, he urged the youth to help spread the word about the Covid protocols. He suggested that the younger generation work together to create small groups in their communities and housing societies to inform people about the steps that must be taken to stop the virus's spread.

“This way, we won't have to enforce any lockdowns or declare large containment zones,” he said.

He noted that the pharmaceutical industry was working tirelessly to address all COVID-19 obstacles, including vaccine manufacturing and availability, and that firms had already ramped up production. Even though a lack of oxygen appears to be a major problem, he stated that all parties were working together to address this challenge.

He also mentioned that the situation is vastly different from last year when the country lacked the COVID vaccine as well as the facilities to manufacture PPE kits and other medical equipment.

His speech came shortly after he appealed to vaccine manufacturers to increase manufacturing capacity so that all Indians could be immunised as soon as possible. He also promised full support and a smooth approval process for the vaccine candidates currently in the trial phase.

Additionally, Modi said that the government has now approved vaccination for all adults beginning 1st May because it believes in the ability of vaccine makers.

Addressing the nation on the COVID-19 situation. https://t.co/rmIUo0gkbm

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 20, 2021