Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with CMs of North-Eastern states on COVID-19 situation. The Prime Minister expressed concern over the growing congestion in the tourism sector and the rising covid cases in the northeastern states. Our health workers have worked harder since last year. Northeastern states have largely prevented the wastage of vaccines. In the four states where there are some shortcomings, the performance is expected to improve. Corona's positivity rate has increased in some districts in the northeastern states.
The number of COVID-19 cases is rising. We need to take strict action to curb the situation at the micro level. We need to keep an eye on COVID variants, experts are studying them. We need to encourage people to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, said PM Modi.
He also expressed concern over tourists flocking hill stations and flouting the covid-19 protocols. "It's a matter of concern, that people are travelling without face masks at hill stations & market places," PM Modi.
After the Uttarakhand administration relaxed lockdown restrictions, a large number of tourists flocked to Nainital, where they could be seen flouting the covid-19 protocols like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
Later the Uttarakhand government on Monday extended the ongoing COVID-induced curfew in the state till July 20. This comes amid a huge tourist influx in the state raising the concern over the increase in the COVID-19 infection.