Coronavirus India: More than 1.6 lakh deaths - linked to Covid - have been recorded so far.
With 53,476 new coronavirus cases, India saw the biggest single-day jump in total infections in nearly five months as two states - Maharashtra and Gujarat - saw the highest-single day spike since the start of the pandemic. As the country continues to see a worrying surge in infections amid concerns over a second Covid wave, the government yesterday said a new "double mutant variant" of the coronavirus has been detected in 18 states in the country in addition to many other strains or variants of concern (VOCs) which have also been found abroad.
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The spike in the last 24 hours was around 13 per cent higher than the fresh cases reported yesterday across India- 47,262. With 31,855 new infections, Maharashtra's tally has jumped to 25,64,881; the state has logged the highest number of cases since the start of the pandemic. Gujarat saw a surge of 1,790 fresh infections, taking the state's tally to 2,92,169 cases.
The last time India recorded a higher single-day spike in cases was on October 23 with 54,366 infections. Punjab, Kerala, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh are the other states that reported the highest number of new infections in the last 24 hours.
So far, more than 1.12 crore people have recovered; 3,95,192 coronavirus cases are active in the country. More than 1.6 lakh deaths - linked to Covid - have been recorded so far; 251 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.
The Health Ministry on Wednesday said a large number of cases - linked to the "double mutant" strain around 20 per cent - have been reported from Maharashtra - 206 cases. Cases have also been reported from Delhi, Gujarat and Punjab, among other places, the ministry added. A 'double mutation' potentially allows the virus to escape from the body's immune system and make itself more resistant to our antibodies. In some cases, the virus can also defend itself from the vaccine.
All people above 45 years of age can get themselves vaccinated from April 1. "About 88 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths in the country are taking place in the age group of 45 years and above, making them the most vulnerable group that needs to be protected," the Health Ministry stressed on Wednesday.
To control the spread of virus, Holi gatherings have been banned in several parts of the country, including Haryana, Delhi and Mumbai.
More than 5.2 crore doses of vaccines have been administered so far, as per the government figures. Reports said India has put a temporary hold on all major exports of the AstraZeneca coronavirus shot made by the Serum Institute of India.
The government has told states to focus on "test, track, treat" strategy to curb the rise in daily infections. States have also been told to impose restrictions locally to ensure that Covid protocols - such as wearing masks and social distancing - are followed.
Amid Covid surge, Punjab and Delhi have appealed to centre to widen the vaccine net.
Across the world, over 12. 4 crore cases have been recorded so far; 27.43 lakh people have died.
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