Consider lockdown as last resort, focus on containment zones: Modi to states

"In present circumstances, we have to save the country from lockdown. The state governments should treat lockdown only as a measure of the last resort. We have to concentrate on micro containment zones and try our best to avoid lockdown," Modi said while addressing the nation on Tuesday evening.

Modi called upon the youth to help in maintaining Covid appropriate behavior in their areas and neighborhood. "This will help in avoiding containment zones, curfews, or lockdowns," he said.

Prime Minister said the challenge is huge, but they will overcome it collectively with determination, courage, and preparation.

"Things were better over the last few weeks but now we are experiencing the second wave. I want to thank all the doctors, paramedics, sanitation workers, police, and healthcare workers. You have given your lives to fight COVID-19. You have sacrificed your families for us and our safety," he said.

Prime Minister said the government is working with speed and sensitivity to meet the increasing demand for oxygen in the various parts of the country.

"Centre, state governments and private sector are trying that every needy person gets oxygen. Efforts to increase oxygen production and supply are on at various levels. Measures like installing new oxygen plants, providing one lakh new cylinders, diverting oxygen from industrial use, and oxygen rail is being undertaken," he said.

Modi said scientists have come out with the vaccine in a very short time and today India has the cheapest vaccine in the world which is compatible with the cold-chain available in India.

"Due to this team effort, India has embarked upon the world's largest vaccination drive with two 'made in India' vaccines. From the very first phase of the vaccination drive, it has been emphasized that the vaccine reaches the maximum areas and to the people who need it. India administered 12 crore vaccine doses in the shortest time in the world," he said.

Modi said after May 1 every person above 18 years of age can be vaccinated. "Half of the vaccines produced in India will go directly to the states and hospitals," he said.

Prime Minister emphasized that along with saving lives, efforts should be to save the economic activities and ensure a minimum adverse impact on the livelihood of the people.

Prime Minister requested the state governments that they should boost the confidence of the workers and convince them to stay wherever they are.

"This confidence by the states will greatly help the workers and laborers and they will get the vaccine wherever they are and their work will also not suffer," he said.

Prime Minister said they have much better knowledge and resources to meet the challenge than the initial days of the first wave. He credited the people of India for a good and patient fight.

He hailed the contribution of social organizations which are helping the people in the time of need and called upon everyone to move forward to help the people who require help.