India Reports Over 2 Lakh Daily Covid-19 Cases For A Third Day In A Row
India recorded another day of record-high new Covid-19 infections as the country’s already crippled healthcare infrastructure grapples with a shortage of hospital beds, critical drugs and oxygen supplies.
More than 2.34 lakh people tested positive for the coronavirus in a matter of 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry's update as of 8:00 a.m. on April 17.
Active caseload rise to 16.7 lakh—a record high.
India has reported more than 2 lakh daily cases for three days in a row now.
Authorities have reported a spike in daily fatalities related to Covid-19 to the levels last seen in September 2020.
More than 1,000 people succumbed to the illness for the fourth consecutive day.
Key Figures
- Total number of confirmed cases: 1,45,26,609
- Active cases: 16,79,740
- Total cured/discharged/migrated: 1,26,71,220
- Total deaths: 1,75,649
- New infections in 24 hours: 2,34,692
- Recoveries in a day: 1,23,354
- Deaths in a single day: 1,341
- Total vaccination shots given: 11,99,37,641
Meanwhile, with states flagging off a shortage in vaccine supply, the government announced grants to boost the output of indigenously developed Covaxin. The Centre will offer up to Rs 65 crore to Biotech’s new facility in Bengaluru which is being repurposed to increase production. The government expects the production of Covaxin to reach 10 crore doses per month by September 2021.
The country recently allowed Russia’s Sputnik V to be administered in India in hopes of easing the shortfall. It is also inviting Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and others to seek emergency use approval of their vaccines as early as possible, VK Paul, who heads a panel advising Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the country’s inoculation efforts, said at a press briefing on April 13.
Source: BloombergQuint
