Coronavirus: PM Modi urges CMs to implement social distancing to check virus spread

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged chief ministers to ensure effective implementation of ‘social distancing‘, saying it is the most important measure to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Modi deliberated on the ways to check the spread of coronavirus with the chief ministers of various states via video link.

He said the threat of the pandemic is common for all states, and underscored the need of the Centre and the states working together, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Modi suggested that the chief ministers should hold video conference with trade bodies in their states to prevent black marketing and undue price rise.

“He urged them to use soft power of persuasion as well as legal provisions, wherever necessary,” the statement said.

During the course of their presentations, the chief ministers requested for augmentation of testing facilities, greater support to vulnerable sections, advancement of financial disbursement for 2020-21 to the states and need for roping in private labs and hospitals in larger numbers, the statement said.

Modi stressed the need to avoid panic. Given the global contex