India’s COVID-19 death toll crosses 9000-mark, 9th largest in the world; PM Modi reviews situation

India’s COVID-19 death toll crossed the 9,000-mark on Saturday, becoming the ninth largest country in the world in terms of fatalities. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed countrywide situation and steps to contain the pandemic in areas where large number of cases are being detected. The biggest one-day jump of over 12,000 confirmed cases was also recorded on Saturday with the figure reaching 3.11 lakh, as per the latest numbers announced by states and union territories.

In a statement, the prime minister’s office said 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.

The discussions also emphasised on the situation in Delhi where the city government has estimated the tally of cases to reach 5.5 lakh by July-end. Modi 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