Coronavirus deaths in India: India on Friday surpassed Italy in the number of Covid-19 fatalities to occupy the fifth spot in this regard. It also saw an unprecedented spike in its daily Covid-19 cases with 55,079 positive cases in 24 hours and 779 deaths. Also Read: ‘Covid-19 Patients Not Infectious After 9 Days,’ UK Studies Make New & Striking Claim

The overall tally has now crossed 16 lakh-mark with the highest single-day spike of 55,079 positive case. Total cases stand at 16,38,871 including 5,45,318 active cases, 10,57,806 cured/discharged & 35,747 deaths, the Union Health Ministry stated. Also Read: Unlock 3 To Start From August 1: Gyms Are Reopening; Cinema Halls, Schools, Metro Services To Remain Shut

Total tests done:

The total number of Covid-19 samples tested up to 30th July is 1,88,32,970 including 6,42,588 samples tested yesterday, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said.

This is a milestone in India’s fight against Covid-19 by conducting over six lakh tests in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday (MoHFW).

"India achieves another landmark. More than 6 lakh tests done in 24 hours," the Ministry tweeted.

Stressing on its strategy to contain COVID-19 spread in the country, it said that it will continue to implement the strategy of comprehensive testing, tracking and treatment to effectively tackle the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

"The objective is to raise the testing capacity to 10 lakhs tests per day in the medium term," the MoHFW said in a subsequent tweet.

India remains third worst-hit country:

India is the third most affected country in the world in terms of the number of corona infections. The United States is the most affected country by the pandemic after Brazil. But taking into consideration the number of infected cases and mortality per 10 lakh population, India is much better than other countries. The pace of increase in corona cases in the country also remains at number three in the world.

In terms of fatalities, India has jumped to fifth spot surpassing Italy’s death toll.