Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday ruled out any possibility of nationwide lockdown immediately, stating that such a move would be the last resort to combat the spread of coronavirus and assured citizens that oxygen production has been increased to treat the infected patients.

Addressing the nation over the grim Covid situation in the country and amid a shortage of oxygen supply, Modi said Tuesday evening: "We have to save our country from lockdown and I appeal to states to think of lockdown as the last resort. We should rather focus on micro-containment zones."

"We have to take care of our economy as well as save our citizens from the virus," he said.

"I am aware of the hardships you are facing. I extend my condolences to those who have lost a loved one."

Modi noted that some states are facing oxygen shortage during a time when the country is reporting over 2 lakh cases daily.In his address, he said: "Oxygen demand is high and we are attending to it with full priority. We are trying to make it available to all. We are trying to increase production."

"Last year the situation was grim and we did not have an appropriate medical infrastructure to fight the virus but this year we are in a better position. Our pharma sector has increased the production of medicines."

"More medicines are being produced now than in January and February," he assured.

Modi also said that efforts are being made to increase beds across the country. "Big and special Covid hospitals are being built," he added.

He  said that India has manufactured the world's cheapest vaccines.
"We are conducting the world's biggest vaccination drive in the world and ensuring that it reaches the maximum number of people who need it," he said.

India recorded 1761 deaths due to Covid-19 between Monday and Tuesday mornings, a massive spike in the casualty figure registered in the country during the period of a single day, as per Ministry of Health released data. The country also recorded 259,170 new cases in the past 24 hours.

The total death toll due to the virus in the country now stands at 180,530, IBNS said.