With a jump of 54,044 fresh Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, India's coronavirus tally touched 76.5 lakh, government data shows. The country also recorded 717 deaths related to the viral disease in this period, taking the total number of deaths to 1,15,914 so far.
India recorded less than 50,000 new Covid cases on Tuesday for the first time since July end. The country has been reporting a steady decline in its daily coronavirus infections after reaching a peak of about 90,000 cases a day in September.
The daily recoveries have consistently remained higher than new infections since mid-September when Indias Covid infections peaked.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday warned the nation against any laxity in the vigilance against coronavirus ahead of the festive season, saying all safety measures must be observed till a vaccine for the contagion is found.
In a special address to the nation as the festival season begins, PM Modi said, "Till the time we get a vaccine shot, we absolutely cannot be complacent about the pandemic".
India, he said, is working on two or three possible vaccines and "we are trying our best to get a vaccine, as is the rest of the world".
"I want to let you know that once we get a vaccine, everyone will get it in a planned, phased and fast manner," he added.
"Till the time we do not get the vaccine, if behave even a little irresponsibly, we can harm ourselves and all those around us. Wear masks, maintain 'Do gaz ki doori (six-feet distance), wash hands regularly, use sanitisers and do not venture out unless absolutely necessary," he added.
On Sunday, Union Health Minister Dr Harshvardhan said two firms - the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech -- are expected to begin late stage clinical trials of their vaccines after they receive approval.
