Covid news : Centre tells states to avoid large gatherings while celebrating Independence Day

As the country continues to record an average of over 15,000 coronavirus cases daily, the Centre has asked States to ensure there are no large gatherings for Independence Day celebrations and that everyone follows Covid protocols.

The Union Home Ministry has also conveyed to all States and Union Territories to carry out a 'Swachh Bharat' campaign at a prominent location of each district in the state and UT and carry out a fortnight and month-long campaign to keep it 'Swachh' through voluntary civil action. In a communication, the ministry said, "As a precaution, against COVID-19, large congregations in the ceremony be avoided. It is imperative that Covid guidelines are followed".

Delhi on Thursday reported 2,726 fresh COVID-19 cases, the highest in nearly six and a half months, and six fatalities due to the viral disease, while the positivity rate stood at 14.38 per cent, according to data shared by the health department here.

This is the ninth consecutive day when the capital logged more than 2,000 cases in a day. The national capital on January 31 had reported 2,779 COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 6.20 per cent and 38 deaths.

The city on Wednesday had reported eight fatalities due to the coronavirus infection, the highest in nearly 180 days, and 2,146 cases with a positivity rate of 17.83 per cent.

The national capital on February 13 had recorded 12 deaths due to the viral disease. On Tuesday, Delhi had reported 2,495 coronavirus cases with a positivity rate of 15.41 per cent and seven fatalities.

The national capital saw 1,372 infections and six deaths as on Monday as the case positivity rate had risen to 17.85 per cent, the highest since January 21.

On January 21, the positivity rate had stood at 18.04 per cent. The fresh cases on Thursday came out of 18,960 COVID-19 tests, according to the latest health bulletin.

With the fresh cases and fatalities, Delhi's infection count increased to 19,78,266 and the death toll rose to 26,357, it said. Delhi on February 1 had reported 2,683 fresh COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 5.09 per cent, and 27 fatalities.

The number of COVID-19 cases has seen a surge in the last two weeks or so. 

More than 19,760 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Delhi from August 1-10, according to official data shared by the city health department.