New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Nation at 8 pm today (Mar. 19) on the situation arising out of Coronavirus outbreak and the efforts to combat it, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)  said yesterday.

“PM Shri @narendramodi will address the nation on 19th March 2020 at 8 PM, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it,” the PMO tweeted.

In another tweet, the PMO said Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19.

“Ways to further strengthen India’s preparedness were discussed. This includes further enhancing testing facilities,” it said. 

Though initially reluctant to involve private laboratories, the Government has been considering roping them in.

The Health Ministry yesterday said it was an “evolving situation” and while taking all precautions, it is also trying to be prepared for every eventuality.

Indian Council of Medical Research, the nodal agency for battling the virus, is in talks with private laboratories.

The Prime Minister has emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the Coronavirus menace.

Earlier this week, he participated in a video conference of SAARC leaders to prepare a joint strategy to tackle the pandemic.