States asked to take care of the poor

The Union Health Ministry here on Sunday said the states had been asked to make arrangements to deal with increasing number of coronavirus cases and take care of the poor.

Addressing the media, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry, said the Centre at a meeting with states told them to "allow only essential services in 75 districts and stop all the non-essential services."

He said the state governments could increase the number of districts, depending on the situation. These measures, he said, were vital for breaking the chain of coronavirus transmission.

"The states have been directed to take care of the poor and vulnerable," Agarwal said.

A meeting was held on Sunday with the state Chief Secretaries by the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. IANS