200 cases by June end, forecasts BJP leader
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 04 2020: By the end of June, India's COVID-19 tally may cross 3 lakhs and Manipur could see more than 200 cases, said BJP spokesperson, Dr Nimaichand Luwang today.

Speaking during the week-long celebration to mark the completion of first term of Modi Government 2.0 at Nityaipat Chuthek office, Dr Nimaichand expressed concern that the country's as well as Manipur's COVID-19 cases are yet to peak according to experts.

India is second to China in terms of population but it has surpassed China's COVID-19 tally and has crossed the 2 lakh mark, he said adding Manipur too has crossed the 100 mark.

With increasing number of people coming back from coronavirus hit cities across India, Manipur's tally may cross 200 by the end of June, he added.

Commenting on the Centre's preparedness in facing the virus, Dr Nimaichand said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in March 22 encouraged people to observe Janata Curfew which taught people to maintain social distancing and stay indoors to better prepare for the ensuing lockdown.

Later, on March 24, the country was placed under lockdown to contain and curb the spread of the virus.

Now the country is under lockdown 5.0 which comes with certain relaxation to ease the suffering and pain of the people and open up the economy.

The lockdown, he said, has enabled the country prepare better to face the pandemic.

Talking about the Centre's relief packages, he said under PMGKAY (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana), 5 kilograms of rice are being given per person.

Job card holder's wage has been increased from Rs 182 per day to Rs 202 per day benefiting about 13.62 crore people.

"Zero balance account holders have started receiving Rs 500 per month," he said.

The country has ramped up PPE manufacturing to meet demand.

WHO (World Health Organisation) has resumed trial of hydroxychloroquine as treatment for COVID-19, he informed.

Further mentioning the steps taken up by the Centre to help stranded people/migrant workers, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched Vande Bharat Mission, Operation Samudra Setu and introduced Shramik Special trains.

Lakhs of people stranded outside were brought to the State under the Vande Bharat Mission, Operation Samudra Setu.

Special Shramik trains have been ferrying stranded people within the country.

So far, about 40,000 State natives have returned via trains, buses, and flights, he said.

Noting that more and more returnees are being tested positive for COVID-19 in the State, he stressed that more quarantine centres should be opened to accommodate the returnees and testing capacity should be enhanced.

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