Prime Minister Narendra Modi said met chief ministers of various states for the second time in 2021 and said that together "we must stop the emerging second wave". In the previous meeting, Modi had spoken to CMs on the Centre's vaccination strategy.
On Tuesday India witnessed 29,000 new infections, the highest since December 13, 2020. Maharashtra alone reported nearly 18,000 cases, followed by Kerala, Punjab and Karnataka. This is the first time four states have reported more than 1,000 daily cases this year.
In all 6 states account for 84 percent of the new cases although 27 states and union territories are reporting a rise in infections.
Over 180 people have died to the deadly virus in the last 24 hours which is the highest -- in a single-day -- in nearly two months.
India's vaccination drive touched the 3.5 crore mark and nearly 3 crore people have received one dose of the vaccine, while 62 lakh people have received the second.
In the meeting on March 17, six states called on the Centre to allow vaccination for all people above the age of 45. At present, only those above 60 years and those with comorbidities above 45 years of age are eligible for vaccination. However, health ministry sources told CNBC-TV18 that the Centre is not looking to open vaccination for those above 45 years of age.
The Prime Minister warned against vaccine wastage and asked states to ramp up testing. He also implored states to deploy the RT-PCR tests and not rapid antigen tests.
Modi said that at least 70 percent of the tests should be done via RT-PCR.
CNBC-TV18's Archana Shukla shares more details on how states are following the suggestions.
To know more, watch the video.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
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