NEW DELHI: India added 243 fresh infections in the past 24 hours. The number of active cases stood at 3,609 accounting for 0.01 per cent of the total number of cases. The daily positivity rate stood at 0.11 per cent.

With the recovery of 185 individuals, the total recoveries stood at 4,41,43,850. The recovery rate was recorded at 98.80 per cent. However, the mortality rate stood at 1.19 per cent with the cumulative death toll at 5,30,699.

With the administration of 81,097 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 220.09 crore according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The IATA on Thursday said India’s decision to re-introduce coronavirus testing for Intl arrivals is ‘disappointing and a step backward’ as the current situation is different from the pandemic that started three years ago.

Meanwhile, state authorities have imposed restrictions to contain the spread ahead of the New Years.

In Mumbai, gatherings of only 3-4 persons are allowed. Over 11,500 security personnel will be deployed across public spots anticipated to witness large crowds over the New Years. Terrace parties are permitted only until 12:30 am while parties indoors are allowed until 5 am.

In the National capital, more than 16,00 security personnel will be deployed in order to keep a check on the celebrations. Anti-drug squads will also be highly active to monitor the movement of illegal substances during the eve.

As in Bengaluru, the festivities must be over by 1am on the eve while the celebrations on Jan 2 must also close by 1am. City party planners have been asked to adhere to decibel regulations. As many as 9,200 security personnel will be stationed to manage the traffic flow.

Advisory across states urges people to adhere to COVID norms while partying and be alert of the situation.