Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with the CM's of seven worst-affected COVID-19 states, on Wednesday. Appreciating the state's efforts in curbing the spread of the infection, Modi announced an increase in the amount the state can use from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).
"Today, I announce that the states can spend 50 per cent of the SDRF amount on efforts to check the spread of Covid-19. This limit was earlier 35 per cent,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting the importance of wearing masks, PM Modi said that in these difficult times, India has ensured the supply of life-saving medicines all over the world. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have the highest number of cases where 63 per cent of the active cases of the country are concentrated.
We need to increase our focus on effective testing, tracing, treatment, surveillance and clear messaging,” said PM Modi.
“Effective messaging is also necessary because most Covid-19 infections are without symptoms. In such a situation, rumours may rise. It might raise doubts in the minds of the people that testing is bad. Some people also make the mistake of underestimating the severity of infection,” he added.
Coronavirus latest updates:-
# India's COVID-19 tally crossed a mark of 57-lakh with 86,508 new cases in the last 24 hours. With 9,66,382 active cases, 1,129 people died due to the infection, 46,74,988 patients have been cured/discharged. A total number of deaths are 91,149 in the country.
# Total number of COVID-19 cases in Telangana has reached up to 1,79,246 of which 30, 037 are active. 55,318 samples were tested today with 2,004 people being discharged.
# Mizoram recorded 46 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, making the total case in the state to 1759, including 1095 recoveries. The active cases in the state stand at 664.
# Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia who tested positive for COVID-19 on September 14 has been admitted to Lok Nayak Hospital on Wednesday, following the complaints of fever and low level of oxygen.
# According to reports, Bangaluru, Chennai and Mumbai had 'cleanest air' experience during the lockdown.
# Suresh Angadi passed away around 8 pm, yesterday at AIIMS due to Covid-19. He was a Lok Sabha member from Belagavi constituency in Karnataka. He is the first Union Cabinet Minister to succumb to Coronavirus infection.
# With 21,029 new cases, 479 deaths were reported in Maharashtra on Wednesday. The total number of active cases in the state is 1,263,799 whereas 19,476 people have recovered.
# Dr Anthony Fauci said Americans will likely have to wear masks and maintain social distancing even after the vaccines are available.
# Israel has imposed lockdown again as infection cases increased in the past few weeks to 7000.
# West Bengal crossed a mark of 2.34 lakh with 3,189 new active cases. The death toll reached 4,500 marks when 61 more people died on Wednesday.
# 4,340 more people tested positive for Covid-19 in Odisha taking the total positive cases in the state to 1,96,888. Death toll rises to 752 with 16 more fatalities.