Corona Updates: India Detours After 11 States & UTs declared Hotspots; Nearly 90,000 Fresh Cases Reported

New Delhi: The coronavirus situation in eleven states and union territories – which accounted for 90 per cent of new cases and 90.5 per cent of Covid-linked deaths reported this past fortnight – is of “grave concern”, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba told on Friday night. 

The Indian health department reported 89,019 new cases. The spiking rise came in after Maharashtra reported 47,913 cases in the last 24 hours. Around 6,55,048 active cases are reported so far. With only 93% recovery rates the nation has climbed up in its mortalities recording 713 deaths. 

Amidst the striking rise, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackrey announced the formulation of new regulations in the coming days. However, hinting at the lockdown he said,” I cannot rule out imposing a lockdown if the current COVID-19 situation prevails. People have become complacent. We are in a Catch 22 situation – should we look at the economy or health?”

 Meanwhile, Pune after recording 9,126 cases announced a 12-hour night curfew starting 6 pm today for a period of at least one week, with a review of the order and COVID situation in the district scheduled for next Friday. Mumbai authorities have also stepped-up measures to control the spread of the virus, including conducting random Covid tests on people in public places. 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, after a meeting with top officials, said,” In the last few days, COVID-19 cases have been increasing exponentially in Delhi. However, there is no need to worry. We are monitoring the situation well. Despite a surge in daily cases, the situation is less serious than compared to the last waves due to a lower death rate”. 

Subsequently, Karnataka cancelled physical classes for secondary school, higher education, and professional courses. However, students appearing for professional exams in boards and universities can take physical classes.