RT-PCR Test Mandatory for Ministers Meeting PM Modi Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

New Delhi, June 11: In response to a noticeable uptick in COVID-19 cases across the country, ministers scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi will now be required to undergo an RT-PCR test, according to sources cited by India Today. While an official statement is yet to be released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the move is being widely viewed as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the health and safety of all high-level interactions.

The decision comes as India’s active COVID-19 caseload crossed 7,000 on Wednesday, raising fresh concerns about a potential resurgence of the virus. The Union Health Ministry reported 306 new COVID-19 cases and six related deaths in the last 24 hours.

Kerala continues to report the highest number of daily infections, with 170 fresh cases recorded. The state now has 2,223 active cases. Gujarat followed with 114 new infections, bringing its active case count to 1,223. Karnataka logged 100 new cases, with an active caseload now standing at 459.

Delhi also reported an upward trend, with 66 fresh infections pushing its active count to 757. Among the six new COVID-related deaths, three were from Kerala, two from Karnataka, and one from Maharashtra.

Although no formal reason has been publicly given for making the RT-PCR test mandatory, health experts and government sources suggest the move reflects growing caution due to the increasing case numbers and localized spikes across multiple states. The Prime Minister’s upcoming meetings with key ministers and officials are expected to continue under enhanced health safety protocols.

The Union Health Ministry has reiterated the importance of vaccination, timely testing, and adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour, especially in high-density urban regions where the virus may spread more rapidly.

Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further advisories may be issued based on evolving case trends and public health assessments.