PM MODI HOLDS MEETING WITH CHIEF MINISTERS, EMPHASISES ON CONTINUING WITH MEASURES TO PREVENT SPREAD OF COVID

New Delhi, (thestates.news) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed all the measures taken by the State Governments to deal with the Corona pandemic and emphasised on continuing with measures to prevent spread of Corona virus infection.
Holding a meeting with chief ministers of various states, through video conferencing, to discuss the COVID situation in the country, the PM emphasized that there should not be any slackening of measures to prevent spread of Corona virus infection.
During the meeting, the fifth round of virtual meetings with the Chief Ministers of different States since the announcement of the lockdown, the PM hailed all the measures taken by the State Governments to deal with the pandemic.
Along with the PM, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan were also present in the meeting.
The sources said that the PM, while noting that India has been largely successful in fight against #COVID19, stressed that we will face problems if we slack in maintaining social distancing.
The sources said that uppermost on the agenda of the meeting is how to restart economic activity in the country.
According to the sources, in the meeting, Mr Modi told the Chief Ministers that now, fight against the pandemic has to be more focused.
Mr Modi further told the Chief Ministers that in coming days it should be ensured that to control the spread of the virus, all precautions are being taken by people which includes social distancing norms by following ‘Do Gaj Doori’ (six-feet distance).
According to the sources, in the meeting, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot urged the Union Government to allow inter state supply chain to function properly. The State has so far registered 3,814 coronavirus cases.
In the meeting, Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami mentioned about the spike in number of COVID-19 cases in the State. The State CM has suggested the Prime Minister not to allow regular air services till May 31. The State CM also said that train services should not be allowed until May 31.
Andhra Pradesh CM Jaganmohan Reddy said, “We need to prepare people to live with COVID-19 till vaccine is ready.”
The Sources further said that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that the Union Government should not play politics during the time when the pandemic has affected the country.
Meanwhile, Gujarat wants lockdown to be enforced only in the containment zones.
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Bhagel has sought permission from the Union Government to allow states to
decide about red, orange and green zones.
The meeting is the fifth since the lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus started on March 25.
The Centre has said that the lockdown will be lifted in phased manner in areas other than the areas that are in containment zones.
The MHA has allowed operations in many areas like manufacturing in a bid to re start economic activity, which has come to a standstill during the lockdown.
Over the last few weeks, many states have eased restrictions in Green and Orange Zones, allowing opening of areas like agriculture, construction activity and MNREGA .uni