India sees 2,76,110 Covid-19 cases in last 24 hours, deaths below 4,000

India recorded 2,76,110 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry data showed on Thursday morning. The total tally of the viral infection now stands at 25,772,440. Thursday’s numbers show India continues to maintain a downward trend in daily Covid-19 cases after the number of cases hovered above 3,00,000 in the deadly second wave of the infection.

The country also recorded 3,874 deaths, pushing the overall toll to 2,87,122. On Wednesday, India had recorded its highest single-day death toll with 4,529 fatalities.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said India will have procured 267 crore Covid vaccine doses by the end of this year, and will be in a position to inoculate at least all of its adult population, according to an official statement. The minister said that 51 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses will be made available by July and 216 crore more between August and December.

He urged states to ensure that the healthcare and frontline workers are fully vaccinated, as they form the vulnerable categories. There is a need to strengthen testing facilities in peri-urban and rural areas, the statement said.

The Union Health Ministry Wednesday said that those who have got infected with Covid-19 after getting their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine should defer the second dose by 3 months after clinical recovery. The Health Ministry also recommended Covid-19 vaccination for all lactating women.