Covid cases in India climb to 5-month high

India recorded a single-day rise of 2,151 new coronavirus cases, the highest in five months, Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday. A total of 2,208 cases were recorded on October 28 last year.

India on Tuesday logged 1,573 fresh Covid-19 cases.

Active cases increased to 11,903, according to the ministry's website.

The COVID-19 death toll has increased to 5,30,848 with seven latest fatalities three reported by Maharashtra, one by Karnataka and three reconciled by Kerala.

The states and Union Territories have been asked by the Centre to take stock of hospital preparedness, including drugs, medical equipment, capacity building of human resource on existing guidelines as well as vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and influenza and ensure adequate infrastructure at district level.

According to the data updated at 8 am, the daily positivity was recorded at 1.51 per cent, while the weekly positivity was pegged at 1.53 per cent. The total tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,47,09,676)

The active cases now comprises 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.78 per cent, according to the ministry website.

Union Health Secretary referred to the message of PM Modi from the high-level review meeting held on 22nd March 2023 and advised States to be on the alert and ensure preparedness for COVID-19 management.

He cautioned States and UTs against any complacency and advised them to follow up on the priorities listed in the joint advisory issued today by the Department of Health Research and the Department of Health and Family Welfare on March 25 2023.