COVID-19: India reports 1,260 new cases, 83 more fatalities
India on Saturday reported over 1,200 new COVID-19 cases, slightly lower than the previous day. The active caseload in the country currently stands at 13,445, which accounts for 0.03% of the total cases so far. In the past 24 hours, a total of 1,260 new cases and 83 fatalities were reported. Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 98.76%.
Why does this story matter?
On Saturday, India reported a fewer number of cases than the day before. Overall, the COVID-19 situation in the country is improving as both active caseload and positivity rates are continuing with their declining trend. Meanwhile, the Centre has also lifted the majority of COVID-19-related restrictions from Friday, except wearing of masks and social distancing, in view of declining cases in the country.
1,404 patients discharged
According to data shared by the Union Health Ministry, India reported a total of 4,30,27,035 COVID-19 cases until Saturday morning, while the cumulative death count reached 5,21,264. With 1,404 fresh discharges, the number of total recoveries in the country climbed to 4,24,92,326. On the other hand, the daily and weekly positivity rates were recorded at 0.24% and 0.23%, respectively.
India's second wave peaked on May 7
India's second wave peaked on May 7, 2021, when 4.14 lakh single-day cases were reported, over four times the number of cases reported during the first wave in mid-September 2020. Although infections declined after the second wave peaked, India crossed the three-crore mark on June 23. The country crossed the one-crore mark on December 19, 2020, and the two-crore mark on May 4, 2021.
Kerala adds most new cases
Kerala saw 418 new cases and 454 discharges in the last 24 hours. Maharashtra reported 123 new COVID-19 cases along with 112 more recoveries and two deaths during the same period. Karnataka added 164 fresh cases along with 70 recoveries. Tamil Nadu witnessed 32 new cases and 45 discharges. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh reported 28 new cases and 77 recoveries.
Over 184 crore vaccine doses administered
As of Saturday morning, India has administered over 184.52 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses. Overall, over 83.2 crore people have been fully vaccinated, while more than 99 crore people have received one dose. On Saturday alone, India administered over 2.1 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses till 11:30 am, including over one lakh second doses and nearly 72,000 first doses, according to Co-WIN.
2.21 crore vaccine precautionary doses administered
Moreover, India has administered over 2.21 crore "precautionary" doses since January 10. On Saturday, over 6,000 healthcare/frontline workers and nearly 24,000 elderly people were given the precautionary dose till 11:30 am.
Several states lift COVID-19 restrictions
States like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Telangana have announced the relaxation of COVID-19-related norms, including the wearing of face masks, starting this month. The decision was taken in the wake of a steady decline in coronavirus cases across the country with the Centre also withdrawing all containment measures from Friday. However, the question of whether or not to wear a mask still remains debatable.
