Virus still here, says PM in caution note ahead of festive season
“Don't weaken fight against coronavirus till vaccine is out”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the seventh time amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic today.
In his 12-minute address, the prime minister pointed out that people are becoming complacent about following Covid-19 protocols. He added that while the lockdown has gone, coronavirus has not.
PM Modi warned that even the smallest mistake can reverse the progress India has made in the fight against coronavirus.
He asked people to maintain caution until a Covid vaccine is produced, especially during the festive season. PM Modi also assured the nation that work is being done to ensure that the Covid vaccine reaches all Indians quickly once it comes out.
Here are the highlights from PM Modi's address to the nation today:
- In the fight against coronavirus, the people of India have come a long way from the Janata Curfew to today.
- Speaking about the resumption of economic activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, PM Modi said, “Economic activities are also increasing rapidly over time. Most of us are stepping out of our homes every day to fulfil our responsibilities, to speed up life again. This season of festivals is also slowly returning spark and light to the markets.”
- Reminding citizens about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, PM Modi said. “But we should not forget that while the lockdown has gone, the virus has not. In the past 7-8 months, India has managed to stabilise due to the efforts of every single Indian. We must not let the situation deteriorate again.”
- “Today the recovery rate in the country is good, the fatality rate is low. India is succeeding in saving the lives of more of its citizens than the resource-rich countries of the world. The growing number of tests has been a major strength in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- “In recent times, we have all seen many pictures, videos in which it is clear that many people have stopped taking precautions now. This is not right,” PM Modi said.
- “If you are careless, leaving your home without a mask, you are putting yourself, your family, your children and the elderly in danger,” PM Modi warned.
- “Till we succeed fully, please don't be negligent. Till the Covid vaccine does not come, we should not let our fight against this pandemic weaken,” said PM Modi.
- PM Modi said in his speech, “After many years, work is being done on a war footing to save mankind. Several countries are working on this. Even Indian scientists are working hard to produce a Covid vaccine. Work is being done on several Covid vaccines in India. Some of these are even in advanced stages of trials.”
- PM Modi added that the government is also working to ensure that whenever the Covid vaccine comes, it reaches all Indians as quickly as possible. “Remember, no laxity until a cure comes,” he said.
- “We are moving forward through a very difficult time. Even the slightest carelessness can stop our progress and can spoil our happiness. When dispensing life's responsibilities and maintaining caution need to go hand in hand, it is only then that happiness stays in life,” PM Modi said.
He further said, “Jab tak davai nahi, dhilai nahi,” which loosely translates to, “Don't be lax until there is a medicine”.
PM Narendra Modi added that numerous countries are currently working towards finding a vaccine, including India's scientists and researchers.
“India is also working on a couple of coronavirus vaccine and some of them are in their advance stage as well,” said PM Modi.
He ensured that the vaccine will be distributed across India, whenever it comes.
“We are working on a plan to ensure that each citizen gets the vaccine, whenever it comes,” said PM Modi.
