India records over 7.5 million Covid-19 cases, nearly 115,000 deaths
New Delhi, Oct 19 (efe-epa).- India crossed the barrier of 7.5 million Covid-19 cases on Monday, with 55,722 fresh infections recorded in the last 24 hours – figures marking a downward trend -, while the death toll approaches 115,000.
According to the daily update from the Indian Health Ministry, the south Asian country now has a total of 7,550,273 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and remains the second country in the world most affected by the pandemic by case load, behind the United States, which has recorded 8.1 million cases.
Moreover, India recorded 579 Covid-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total number 114,610, although the authorities tried to highlight it as a positive trend given that for the first time in 90 days the daily deaths fell below 600.
A total 6.6 million patients have recovered, accounting for 88.6 percent of the total cases detected.
The Indian authorities highlighted the downward trend of the infection curve, which remains stable, and underlined their strategy of persistent testing as a means to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
Amid the declining numbers, India braces for the festive season over the next few weeks, which involves people gathering in large numbers, which could result in an increase in infections in the coming months.
Moreover, with the progressive resumption of economic activity and farm stubble burning in northern India a drastic increase in pollution levels have been witnessed, which may lead to increase in respiratory ailments and make people more vulnerable to Covid-19.
In this regard, Health Ministry Harsh Vardhan on Sunday underlined the need to practise charity “generously rather than spending frivolously” this festive season.
“As the festivities begin, let our thoughts & actions resonate #solidarity with the families who lost loved ones & those impacted adversely by #COVID19,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, the south Asian country has been progressively moving towards a return to normalcy post Covid-19 lockdown, with measures such as the official reopening of schools and cinemas last week.
However, many of the states in India decided against reopening schools.
Other restrictions such as those on foreign travel remain in force. EFE-EPA
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