‘If we do not stop it here…’: PM warns CMs over rising Covid cases

Expressing concern over a rise in COVID-19 cases in parts of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for "quick and decisive" steps to check the emerging "second peak" of coronavirus, and stressed the need to seriously follow the "test, track and treat" approach. (PTI Photo)

In a virtual interaction with state chief ministers over the pandemic situation and the ongoing vaccination drive, Modi also asserted that vaccine is an effective weapon against the diseases and asked states to establish more vaccination centres, be it government-run or private. (PTI Photo)

"If we do not stop it here, then a condition for a nationwide outbreak may emerge," he said, and called for quick and decisive steps to stop it. Urging chief ministers to ramp up testing and put in place other measures, he noted that many tier 2 and 3 cities, which were earlier seen as "safe zones" due to low spread of the infection, were now witnessing a rise in positive cases. (PTI Photo)

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said on Wednesday that India had administered 3.51 crore vaccine doses till now. This includes 1.38 crore beneficiaries aged 45-60 years with specific co-morbidities and those above 60 years who have been given the first dose.(Express Photo)

India started the second round of Covid vaccination on March 1. This phase includes senior citizens, above 60 years, and people with co-morbidities above 45 years. (Express Photo)

India recorded 28,903 new coronavirus infections, the highest so far this year, taking the COVID-19 tally to 1,14,38,734, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. (Express Photo)