Don't worry a bit if number of cases is high, focus on testing: PM Modi to CMs

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, interacting with the chief ministers of various states on the COVID-19 situation via virtually on Thursday said, there's no need to worry if cases are rising in different states and that they should focus on testing. The PM's remarks come as a reassurance to the Maharashtra government, which came under pressure ever since there's been an unprecedented rise in coronavirus cases in the state. This has also led to a war of words and blame game between the Centre and state ministers over shortage of vaccines and rise in the number of cases.

"I told you that you shouldn't worry a bit if the number of cases is high. Don't be under any kind of pressure that your performance is bad because your numbers are high. You just focus on testing, I'm telling you even now. There is no reason to think you are doing badly if your numbers are high...There will be more positive cases if you do more testing," he said.

The PM said many states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, have crossed the peak of the first wave and the infection growth rate is much faster than the earlier. Other states are moving in that direction, which is a serious concern, he said. He also said people have grown more casual now than before, which has led to a sharp rise of the cases.

The Prime Minister said: "We have to keep focussing on 'test, track, treat', appropriate Covid behaviour and Covid management." He said at least 30 contacts of a positive case must be traced, tested and quarantined, preferably in the first 72 hours. The Prime Minister said there should not be any relaxation in efforts due to 'covid fatigue'. The PM said states should ensure 100 per cent vaccination of 45 plus population in the high focus districts. He also called for 'Teeka Utsav' - a vaccination festival between April 11 and April 14.