PM Modi to discuss Covid-19 situation, vaccine distribution strategy with CMs in a meeting tomorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold virtual meetings with chief ministers and other representatives of states and Union territories on Tuesday to review the Covid-19 situation and discuss vaccine distribution plan.

PM Modi is expected to hold two back-to-back meetings, one with eight states with high caseloads and another with states and UTs to discuss vaccine distribution strategy, sources said.

The prime minister, till now, has held several virtual meetings with states over the coronavirus situation.

According to sources, the Centre is worried over two different trends in the Covid-19 spread. While the national daily Covid-19 case count has remained below 50,000 for some time, several urban centres have witnessed a surge, resulting in enforcement of several measures, including curfews in some cities.

The Centre is concerned that



high urban cases may result in the return of restrictions, sources said.

The central government has also been putting in place measures for quick and effective distribution of coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available.

Five vaccine candidates are in advanced stages of development in India, out of which four are in Phase II/III and one is in Phase-I/II trials.

PM Modi's first meeting on Tuesday will be with the CMs of states showing a spike in Covid-19 cases. These include Kerala, West Bengal, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. The first meeting will be held between 10:30 am and 12 pm.

In the second meeting, PM Modi will meet CMs/representatives of all states. The discussion will be on the Centre’s plan for quick and effective distribution of the coronavirus vaccine, as and when it becomes available.