'Act fast, next week is crucial': PM to CMs over coronavirus meeting

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday did a video conference with the chief ministers of all states to discuss measures to combat Covid-19.

PM Modi said that the threat of coronavirus is common for all the states and demanded that Centre and the states must work together to combat it. 

"While participation of citizens is necessary to combat the challenge, panic needs to be avoided," said Modi, adding that given the global context of the spread of the virus across countries, constant vigilance is of paramount importance.

He described social distancing is the only measure by which the virus can be contained. PM Modi said that the next 3-4 weeks will be crucial in efforts to contain the spread of the virus. Modi asked chief ministers to ensure effective implementation of the same.

Health secretary Preeti Sudan gave an overview of ongoing cooperation with states, monitoring of international passengers, use of community surveillance to track spread, logistics of testing facilities, travel restrictions and evacuation of Indian citizens from abroad.

"India is currently in phase 2 of transmission (local transmission with the known source of infection), emphasizing that at present India is in the window for taking action to minimize the risk of transmission of phase 3," Balram Bhargava, director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.

PM Modi also asked CMs to do video conferencing with the trade bodies to ensure black marketing does not exist in the market.

"The CMs should do video conference with trade bodies in their states to prevent black marketing and undue price rise," said Modi.

On Thursday, PM Modi addressed the nation and urged them to stay inside home and move out only if it very important. He also pitched for Janta Curfew on March 22 (Sunday).