Lockdown has yielded positive results as the country has managed to save thousands of lives in the past one and a half months, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday while interacting with Chief Ministers via video conference on the prevailing COVID-19 situation.
"Lockdown has yielded positive results as the country has managed to save thousands of lives in the past one and a half months. India's population is comparable to that of the combined population of several countries. The situation in many countries, including India, was almost similar at the start of March. However, due to timely measures, India has been able to protect many people," he said.
He, however, forewarned that the danger of the virus is far from over and constant vigilance is of paramount importance.
Meanwhile, Odisha, Goa and Meghalaya have urged for COVID-19 lockdown extension beyond May 3.
PM Modi said the impact of coronavirus will remain visible in the coming months and masks and face covers will be part of life while asserting that the country needs to give importance to the economy as well as continue the fight against COVID -19.
The Prime Minister emphasised on the importance of usage of technology as much as possible and also to utilise time to embrace reform measures and on the significance of ensuring that more people download the AarogyaSetu app to bolster the efforts of the country in the battle against COVID-19.
"We have to be brave and bring in reforms that touch the lives of common citizens. People associated with Universities can be integrated on devising ways to fight the pandemic and strengthen research as well as innovation," he said.
He also highlighted the importance for states to enforce guidelines strictly in the hotspots, i.e., the red zone areas. "The efforts of the states should be directed towards converting the red zones into orange and thereafter to green zones," he said.
On the issue of getting back Indians who are overseas, the Prime Minister said that this has to be done keeping in mind the fact that they don't get inconvenienced and their families are not under any risk.
He also urged Chief Ministers to factor in the changes in weather - advent of summer and monsoon - and the illnesses that can potentially come in this season, while strategising ahead.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the need to enforce lockdown so that maximum lives are saved.
"The Chief Ministers praised the leadership of the Prime Minister during this period of crisis, and also highlighted the efforts undertaken by them in containing the virus. They spoke about the need to keep a close vigil on international borders, and also on addressing the economic challenge and ways to further boost health infrastructure."
"The leaders expressed gratitude towards the police force and medical staff for the exemplary work done by them in the fight against COVID-19," according to an official release.
This was the fourth such interaction of the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers, the earlier ones had been held on March 20, April 2, and April 11.
Today's meeting comes just a week ahead of the scheduled ending of the nationwide lockdown.
On March 24, the Prime Minister had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was later extended till May 3.
( With inputs from ANI )