'Lockdown Last Resort': Here's What PM Modi Said In His Public Address

PM Modi addresses nation: PM Modi addressed the nation in the middle of our worst COVID crisis. This came after there were reports of a shortage of vaccines, medicines, oxygen cylinders in the country.

Prime Minister started the address by mentioning the condition of the pandemic in the nation and told the people that he is standing with them against the virus like a family member. He talked about the meeting conducted in the past few days and that they were aimed at improving the current situation in the country.

"Oxygen demand had surged in the past few days and the central and state government is working for it." He said that the government is working to establish oxygen plants in states. One of the vital things in his address was when he said that currently there is no possibility of imposing a lockdown.

Here are the important highlights from PM Modi's public address:

• PM said that India has now vaccinated 12 crore people in the country and this the vaccination drive running in India as the biggest in the world.
• He said that 50% of the vaccines manufactured will be sent to hospitals and state governments.
• Mentioning the Phase III of the vaccination drive in which all adults will be eligible, he added that Phase II will also be functional during this time. People above the age of 45 are being vaccinated during the second phase.
• He assured that the government hospitals will still be giving out free vaccines and that it will help the lower and middle class in getting access.
• "Our efforts are aimed at saving lives, " PM Modi said. He added that the government is also trying to lessen the ill effects of the pandemic on the country's economic sector.
• PM Modi urged the states to ask migrant workers to not leave for their homes as they will be provided with vaccines where they are. He said that state governments should towards gaining the trust of the workers.
• Assuring the masses, the Prime Minister said that India's health sector is in a much better place now as compared to last year. He said that India now has frequent production of PPE kits, vaccines and other corona specific medical infrastructure in place. He also said that the government is making efforts to expand testing facilities across the country.
• Prime Minister also thanked the NGOs, private organisations and individuals who are helping COVID-19 positive patients with medical and food requirements.  He asked the youth to form small committees in their societies to make sure that the COVID-19 protocols are being followed.
• He said that if more people will come forward then the state and central government will not have to impose restrictions. Assuring the public, he said that there is no question of a lockdown now. He also urged the states to keep lockdown as the last resort.
• Lastly, he appealed to the masses to not panic and keep themselves informed to stay away from rumours going around.