Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reviewed the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic at a meeting with Ministers and officials where Vinod Paul, convenor of the Empowered Group of Medical Emergency Management Plan, said two-thirds of the cases are in five States with an overwhelming proportion in big cities.

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“In view of the challenges being faced, particularly by the large cities, it was discussed to augment testing and the number of beds and services to effectively handle the peak surge of daily cases,’’ a government release said.

The meeting reviewed the national level status and preparation and took stock of the situation in States and Union Territories including Delhi. The release said the Union Health Ministry has been asked to undertake emergency planning in consultation with the States/UTs.

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“The present and emerging scenario in the Capital was discussed and the projections for the next two months were deliberated. Prime Minister suggested that Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan should convene an emergency meeting with senior Delhi leaders and officials to plan a coordinated and comprehensive response to handle the challenge posed by rising cases,’’ the release said.