India’s COVID-19 death toll world’s 9th largest; PM discusses augmenting testing beds


PTI, Jun 14, 2020, 8:18 AM IST

New Delhi: India’s COVID-19 death toll crossed the 9,000-mark on Saturday, June 13 with a record daily increase making it the world’s ninth-worst hit nation in terms of fatalities, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed steps to contain the pandemic in areas where large numbers of cases are being detected.

The tally of confirmed cases also saw the biggest one-day jump of over 14,000 and reached 3.13 lakh, as per the latest numbers announced by states and union territories.

At a review meeting with senior ministers and officials, Modi also discussed augmenting of COVID-19 testing as well as the number of beds and services required to effectively handle the rising number of daily cases, particularly in large cities.

The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that Modi directed Health Ministry officials to undertake an “emergency planning” in consultation with states and union territories in view of a government-appointed expert panel’s recommendations on city and district-wise requirement of hospital and isolation beds going ahead.

In the wake of a steep rise in the number of cases in Delhi and the projections made by the city government for the tally to reach 5.5 lakh by July-end, Modi also suggested Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan to convene an emergency meeting with Lt Governor Anil Baijal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and senior officials to plan a coordinated and comprehensive response to handle the challenge.

The Home Ministry said Shah and Vardhan will hold these meetings on Sunday.

Modi is also scheduled to interact with state chief ministers and UT representatives through video conference on June 16 and 17 for his sixth round of such interactions over the COVID-19 pandemic, the last being on May 11.

Taking note of the gravity of the coronavirus situation in the national capital, the Delhi High Court also directed the AAP government and the Centre to increase the number of beds and ventilators for COVID-19 patients.

Delhi reported 2,134 new cases and 57 more fatalities, taking its total count of cases to nearly 39,000 and the death toll to 1,271. The national capital has recorded more than 2,000 new cases for two consecutive days now.

At Modi’s review meeting, it was observed that out of the total cases two-thirds are in five states with an overwhelming proportion of cases in big cities.

Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Surat, Pune, Indore and Kolkata are among severely hit cities by the pandemic.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Women centric schemes game-changer for Maharashtra, Jharkhand?

AR Rahman sends notice to ‘slanderers’ over speculations surrounding separation with Saira Banu

No anti-government sentiment in Kerala, claims CM Vijayan

Jaiswal’s Perth Simulation: 200 overs in 2 days, inclined concrete slab, lighter synthetic balls

PCB says no meeting with ICC, BCCI officials on November 26 to resolve CT imbroglio

Australia coach McDonald surprised about behaviour of wicket on Day two

Sharad Pawar: Assembly poll rout raises question of existence for patriarch’s political legacy

Related Articles More

Women centric schemes game-changer for Maharashtra, Jharkhand?

No anti-government sentiment in Kerala, claims CM Vijayan

Maharashtra poll results unexpected, incomprehensible: Uddhav Thackeray

Delhi Police constable stabbed to death in Govindpuri, one held

BJP snatches one Lok Sabha seat from Congress; Maharashtra win boosts Rajya Sabha majority prospects

MUST WATCH

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation


Latest Additions

Satwik, Chirag doubles pair bows out of China Masters semifinals

Puttur: Two arrested for misconduct under influence of drugs

Kaup: Massive campaign and awareness rally Nov 26 for Constitution protection

Never entered into pact to operate airport in Kenya: Adani

Women centric schemes game-changer for Maharashtra, Jharkhand?

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.