India has more than 6.9 million cases of Covid-19 and has now become the third-worst affected country in the world, only after the US and Brazil.
A record number of cases were added on Sunday. The health ministry of India reported 25,000 new cases of COVID-19 and 613 deaths in 24 hours, which is the most significant daily spike. A total of 19,268 people have died in India due to the deadly virus.
Highlights:
- India has become the third worst-hit country with more than 6.9 million cases.
- Only the US and Brazil have more cases the world.
- More than 19,000 people have died in India due to COVID-19.
India says its recovery rate is better than many other countries in the world as 4,09,082 patients have recovered taking the recovery rate to 60.77%
“So far, there are 1,64,268 more recovered patients than COVID-19 active cases. This takes the national Recovery Rate amongst COVID-19 to 60.77%. There are 2,44,814 active cases, and all are under active medical supervision,” the health ministry said in a statement.
India had recorded its first case in January this year and imposed one of the world’s strictest lockdowns in March. However, the restrictions were eased and the number of cases has kept rising.
ealth workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) arrive to carry medical checkup of the residents of a 'containment zones' during heavy rains in Mumbai Source: EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI
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Some state governments have continued keeping hotspots in lockdown and wearing masks in public is made mandatory. Large gatherings are still banned, and businesses are required to implement social distancing measures.
India has also extended its international travel ban until 31 July.
Indian doctors screen patients for Coronavirus at Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital in New Delhi, India, March 2020. Source: AAP
Meanwhile, the apex health research body, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), says clinical trials have been started, and India could soon develop a vaccine. Last week, the Director-General of the ICMR Dr Balram Bhargava had written to the officials at 12 hospitals across the country to expedite the vaccine testing process.
The vaccine candidate, called Covaxin, has been developed by Hyderabad-based, Bharat Biotech India Ltd (BBIL). Phase-1 and Phase-2 trials of this vaccine have received a government nod.
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