New Delhi: Expressing concern over large gatherings at hill stations and city markets without a facemask and zero social distancing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that covid protocols must be followed for the anticipated third wave of coronavirus. 

Addressing a virtual meeting with the Chief Ministers of the eight northeastern states, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of adhering the basic rules of wearing face masks, social distancing. He suggested avoiding large gatherings. Meanwhile, Mr. Modi has ensured the vaccination to all to prevent a third wave of Covid-19 cases. 

Prime Minister has remarked that “tourism and business activities have been badly affected due to coronavirus. But I will say that it is not okay to have huge crowds in hill stations and markets without having facemasks”, Prime Minister Modi said. 

Requesting people to adhere to the covid protocols, Mr. Mod said that “the virus does not come and go on its own.. we bring it with us when we disobey the rules. Experts are warning for our careless behaviour in public places. Overcrowding will lead an increase of cases”, Prime Minister remarked in the meeting. 

Prime Minister advised the northeastern states Chief Minister to speed up vaccination to all. Prime Minister has also red-flagged the increase in cases in the northeastern states; last week, central government data showed 47 of India's 73 districts with a positivity rate of over 10 percent were from the northeast.

The prime minister has suggested to the Chief Minister to have micro-level monitoring to check the spread of the virus in those districts and emphasize micro-containment zones.