India reports 12,591 fresh COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

New 12,591 Covid-The Union health ministry said on Thursday that 19 infections were recorded across the country in the last 24 hours, a significant increase from Wednesday’s tally of 10,542 cases. Earlier last week, the country saw a downward trend in the five days from April 15 to April 18, with 11,109 and 7,633 cases reported, respectively. On April 18, India recorded 7,633 people, 9,111 on April 17, 10,093 on April 16, and 10,753 on April 15.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the number of active cases in the country has risen to 65,286 from 63,562 yesterday. The current recovery rate is 98.67%, with a daily positivity rate of 5.46 percent, according to the Health Ministry’s release.

New 12,591 Covid-The Union health ministry said on Thursday that 19 infections were recorded across the country in the last 24 hours, a significant increase from Wednesday’s tally of 10,542 cases. Earlier last week, the country saw a downward trend in the five days from April 15 to April 18, with 11,109 and 7,633 cases reported, respectively. On April 18, India recorded 7,633 people, 9,111 on April 17, 10,093 on April 16, and 10,753 on April 15.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the number of active cases in the country has risen to 65,286 from 63,562 yesterday. The current recovery rate is 98.67%, with a daily positivity rate of 5.46 percent, according to the Health Ministry’s release.

Following a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country, Dr. PK Mishra, the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday to assess the situation. According to the PMO, the meeting focused on the status of preparedness of health infrastructure and logistics, drugs, vaccination campaign in the country, and the key necessary steps in response to the recent surge in Covid cases.

“Dr PK Mishra stressed that the time tested 5-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and adherence COVID Appropriate Behaviour must continue to be implemented and equally crucial to promote awareness within the community regarding COVID appropriate behaviour and caution citizens against complacency,” the PMO statement read.

During the meeting, Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, provided a comprehensive overview of the global COVID-19 situation.

Bhushan stated that the number of COVID-19 cases in India has been rapidly increasing, with the majority of cases being reported in eight states: Kerala, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. Furthermore, the unexpected increase in positivity was highlighted, as was the status of tests being conducted in the country. A thorough examination of active cases within these eight states was presented. It was stated that approximately 92% of the cases are being treated at home.

The presentation also provided an overview of different variants’ genome sequencing since January 2023, as well as the proportion of circulating variants in India. According to the PMO, the status of vaccination was discussed, followed by drug availability and infrastructure readiness across the country.

A nationwide mock drill for the assessment of functional infrastructure was conducted per the Prime Minister’s instructions, and the status of the mock drill was presented to participants. Furthermore, the COVID-19 vaccination program’s expenditures and budget provisions for drugs and vaccine raw materials were examined.

The Health Secretary also stated that states have already been advised that they may proceed with the procurement of required Covid vaccine doses directly from manufacturers without seeking prior approval from the Union Ministry of Health. Private hospitals in the United States may also obtain such vaccines directly from the manufacturer. Once obtained, these vaccines can be administered in accordance with the current Covid vaccination guidelines. He also advised officials to keep a close eye on the COVID-19 situation and to take the necessary steps to contain the COVID-19 spread.