CWC discusses COVID-19 challenges, appeals to Centre to provide PPE to healthcare workers

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday appealed to the Centre to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hazmat suits and N-95 masks to healthcare workers and said there is no alternative to constant and reliable testing to fight COVID-19.

"To fight COVID-19 virus, there is no alternative to constant and reliable testing. Our doctors, nurses, and health workers need all the support. Personal Protection Equipment such as hazmat suits, N-95 masks must be provided to them on a war footing," said Gandhi in a statement.

She confirmed that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) met on Thursday to discuss challenges arising out of COVID-19 outbreak.

"We meet today in the midst of unprecedented health and humanitarian crisis. The magnitude of the challenge before us is daunting but our resolve to overcome it must be greater," she said.

During the CWC meeting, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said the Congress party stands "one with the nation" to take on the challenges of COVID-19.

Senior Congress leaders AK Antony, Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, and Punjab Chief Minister Captian Amrinder Singh also addressed the CWC.

Singh informed the CWC about the preparations and steps taken to fight COVID-19 in Punjab including food, medication and preventive steps. He also praised the efforts of organisations and Punjab Police.

He pointed out the non-release of the state's share of Rs 5,000 crore by the Centre as a hindrance in the fight against coronavirus menace. He informed the issue has been taken it up with the Finance Minister.

Meanwhile, Rahul stressed that all state governments need to issue a special advisory for those who are more at risk of contracting the virus due to health issues.

"Coronavirus particularly attacks aged persons, people with lung disease, diabetics, persons with heart disease, making them most vulnerable. All state governments need to issue a special advisory for these categories and take care," the Gandhi scion said.