The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 is spreading rapidly in India compared to previous variants and in order to curb the spread of the virus the Prime Minister said that the country needs to "focus more on local containment".
"It's more transmissible...Our health experts are assessing the situation. It's clear that we have to stay alert, but also ensure to avoid panic," PM Modi said during a virtual meeting with chief ministers to review Covid-19 situation.
In addition to fighting Omicron, the country also needs to be ready for any future variants of this virus, PM Modi said. "The Rs 23,000 crore package allocated by the Centre to states has been utilised well with many states strengthening their health infrastructure. Both Center and states need to follow this pre-emptive, collective, and proactive approach this time too," he said.
India has so far administered 155 crore doses of Covid vaccines. The country, according to PM Modi, has sufficient vaccine supplies. "Vaccination is biggest weapon against Covid pandemic."
He also emphasised on the need to vaccinate frontline workers with precautionary doses. "Sooner we give precautionary dose to frontline workers and senior citizens, stronger our healthcare system will become," he said.
