Indian COVID Count Hovering Between 3.5-4 lakhs; SC Orders Centre to Coordinate with States to Ramp up Oxygen Supply
New Delhi: The novel virus continues to take a toll on the nation as 3,69,942cases were reported by the health ministry on Sunday. The overall mortality rate rose by 3,421 after states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, UP, and several others reported three-digit counts. Nearly 34,10,426 active cases are being monitored across the states. Only 2,99,800 could combat the virus and recuperate.
Delhi’s Health Minister lost his father to COVID on Sunday. CM Kejriwal tweeted the information and sent condolences to the family. He said, ” Our health minister Satyendra Jain lost his father today to COVID. V v sad. Satyendra himself has been working tirelessly round the clock for the people of Delhi. God bless his soul and my heartfelt condolences to the family.”
In the meanwhile, Chief Minister of Haryana, and Goa announced the tightening of curbs to arrest the spread of the virus. The former announced a complete lockdown for a week starting from today while the latter restricted movement directing various commercial establishments to remain closed and banned all social and political gatherings. The tourist hotspot survived a lockdown from 29 April till 6 am today morning.
On the Central front, it is reported that External Affair minister S Jaishankar held talks with Qatari Deputy PM Sheik Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani to formulate strategies to deal with the pandemic. Mr. Jaishankar appreciated the support from Qatar and took to his Twitter handle briefing about his talk. He said” Received a call of support from Qatari DPM & FM @MBA_AlThani. Discussed the Covid challenge and its relevance for our bilateral cooperation. Appreciate the logistics support from Qatar and the delivery of oxygen-related materials.’
The Supreme Court warned the national Capital to ramp up its oxygen supply before midnight today. The state witnessed 12 deaths on Saturday due to the shortage of air and 400 deaths in toto on Sunday. They also directed the centre to work with the state governments to create a buffer stock of oxygen for emergency purposes.