Hygiene and mask remain key weapons against the coronavirus, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said.
New Delhi:
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said today that up to 30 crore of Indians would be vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 2021 according to central government plans. However, he also reiterated the need to follow the proper protocols to combat the disease.
Distributing masks and soaps at the Old Delhi train station today, the minister, who is also president of the Indian Red Cross Society, said that the vaccine will be available before the middle of next year in India.
“In the first 3-4 months of next year, there is a possibility that we can provide vaccines to the people of the country. For July-August, we have a plan to provide vaccines to around 25-30 crore of people and we are preparing accordingly, “Vardhan told reporters here.
“I would like to ask everyone to remember and follow appropriate COVID-19 behavior such as wearing masks and following social distancing. These are important for health,” he said.
He recalled that even as the country is heading into its 12th month in the battle against the disease, the key to guaranteeing personal protection remains the same: hygiene and social distancing. “In the fight against COVID, our greatest weapon is the mask and the disinfectant,” he said.
He highlighted that India had one of the highest recovery rates in the world. From a laboratory in January 2020, the country now has 2,165, while more than a million people are tested daily.
India’s coronavirus count surpassed the 94 lakh mark after 38,772 new infections were reported in the past 24 hours, government data showed on Monday. With 443 new deaths, the cumulative number rose to 1.37,139.
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