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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Asharq Al-Awsat

India: Modi Says COVID-19 Spread Still 'Critical'

A handout photo made available by the Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB) shows the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi (C), chairing the Cabinet meeting, in New Delhi, India, 01 June 2020. EPA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a live address Tuesday that the country's coronavirus death rate is under control, but that the country is at a “critical juncture.”

India reported so far a total of nearly 570,000 infections and over 16,000 deaths.

“It is true that if you look at the death rate of corona, then in comparison to many countries of this world, India seems to be in (good) condition,” Modi said.

He also blamed people for failing to wear masks or follow social distancing guidelines.

While some restrictions remain, many industries and businesses have reopened, and Indians have cautiously returned to the streets, the Associated Press reported.

“People are becoming careless,” he said, warning, “we need to call out the violators.”

He also urged local administrations to be more stringent about enforcing distancing norms.

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