New Delhi: India recorded 1,44,829 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total caseload of the country to 1,32,02,783. The Union Health ministry identifies this rise to be the highest since the outbreak. Around 773 deaths took the mortality rate to 1,68,4667.
Active cases in the country – hit by the second Covid wave – have now passed the 10-lakh mark as the spike in cases triggers fresh restrictions in different parts. As per the hospital records, 77,199 recuperated from the infection and are under isolation.
Over 6.16 lakh infections have been reported just in the last five days. 3,335 people have died during this period.
Several states across the country have resorted to alternatives to curb the spread. A weekend lockdown in the worst-hit state of Maharashtra begins today after its registered 58,993 cases in the past 24 hours. Maharashtra is the first state that reported the arrival of the mutant strain in the nation and now struggles with its drastic rise. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope speculated a complete lockdown.
However, the state reports a shortage of vaccination in the view of which all private vaccination centres in Mumbai will remain shut till Monday, whereas the government centres and municipal hospitals will continue to operate. So far 93.4 Lakh individuals are jabbed against the virus in the state.
Top 5 states with highest active cases
- Maharashtra – 5,36,063 active cases
- Chhattisgarh – 76,868 active cases
- Karnataka – 58,103 active cases
- Uttar Pradesh – 48,306 active cases
- Kerala – 36,502 active cases
All schools and Educational Institutions are shut across the nation. Delhi announced its closure on Friday. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) which governs thousands of schools across the country has faced criticism from the opposition for going ahead of the exams despite the spike.