India reports 2,961 new Covid cases in a day

In the past three years of the pandemic, India has reported over 44.9 million cases and 5,31,659 Covid-related deaths.

Karnataka has 750 active cases while Kerala has 7267 active cases. Maharashtra has 2189 active cases, Gujarat has 643 cases, Delhi has reported 1290 cases, Tamil Nadu has 1649 active cases; Haryana 1665 cases, Chhattisgarh 1143 cases, Rajasthan 1553 cases, Uttar Pradesh 1665 cases and West Bengal 2382 so far.

Health experts said most of the hospitalizations are happening in cases where the persons are elderly and have comorbid conditions.

Scientists have said that the XBB.1.16 variant of the coronavirus is responsible for the current surge in cases. But the infection is believed to be mild in nature and may not increase the hospitalization rate as Indians have developed hybrid immunity due to vaccination and natural exposure to the disease. However, the Center has urged people to wear masks in crowded places and complete vaccination doses.

The health ministry has directed states and union territories to follow a risk assessment-based approach to try and contain the infection. Ministry advises State Governments to monitor the COVID-19 situation at the micro level (district and sub-districts) and focus on implementation of necessary measures for quick and effective management of COVID-19 while ensuring effective compliance .

In the last 24 hours, about 4.43 crore people were cured of the infection and 6,135 patients were cured. The current recovery rate is touching 98.75%. Around 1,39,814 tests were conducted in a day, taking the total number of tests to 92.75 crore.

Under the Covid vaccination campaign, more than 220.66 crore vaccine doses have been given to people across the country so far. In the last 24 hours, around 1,198 vaccine doses were administered.