New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called the strict compliance of norms to control the spread of Covid- 19, warning of increasing negligence in social and personal behaviour with unlocking procedure.

Modi in his address to the nation on Tuesday said that the law for use of masks and norms of social distancing must apply equally to Grampradhan or the Prime Minister, as he emphasized the need to take precautions as the unlock phase unfolds. We have also seen that since unlock 1.0, there is increasing negligence in personal and social behaviour. Earlier, we were very careful with respect to wearing masks, social distancing and washing of hands for 20 seconds, he said.

But today, when we need to be more careful, increasing negligence is a cause of worry, said PM. Referring to the onset of the monsoon, he said the season was one where coughs and colds increased and there was a need to protect one- self.  He cited the example of Bulgarian Prime Minister Byoko Borisov, who had to pay a fine for not wearing a mask at public place recently to underline that there should no exceptions and called on local administration to implement Covid- 19 norms with zeal and determination.

We are now entering unlock 2.0 in our fight against the Covid- 19 pandemic. We are also entering the season of increasing cases of cough, cold and fever: I therefore request all of you to take special care of yourselves, said Modi, driving home the message for caution ahead of a period that sees a rise in seasonal illness. Modi said that India is in better position compared to many countries in terms of death rate as timely imposition of lock down and other decisions saved lakhs of lives. Claiming that rules were followed very strictly during lockdown, he said. Governments, local bodies and citizens need to show similar alertness especially we need to focus more on containment zones.