New Delhi: India inches away from breaching 300,000 cases in a day, recorded 2,95,041 new Covid cases, 2,023 deaths and 1,67,457 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry.
So far, total cases in the country stands at 1,56,16,130; total recoveries at 1,32,76,039. The death toll recorded is 1,82,553 meanwhile, the current active cases is 21,57,538.
Commenting on the the current situation of the country, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra came down heavily on Central government. Speaking to news agency ANI on Wednesday, the congress leader questioned Centre for being unprepared despite 'Serosurveys indication that 2nd wave is imminent'.
"India's production capacity for oxygen is one of the largest in world. Then why's there a shortage? You had 8-9 months (between first & second wave), your own Serosurveys indicated that a 2nd wave is imminent, you ignored it. You had time. Today, only 2000 trucks in India can transport oxygen. How tragic it is that oxygen is available but it's not reaching where it should. 1.1 million Remdesivir injections were exported in last 6 months. Today, we're facing a shortage."
Maharashtra government is mulling over the idea to impose a statewide lockdown, as the surging caseload has brought the healthcare system to the brink of collapse.
The national capital, Delhi is facing an acute Oxygen shortage which is putting critical patients lives at risk. A tanker reached GTB hospital at 1:30 AM on Wednesday and the hospital was able to save the lives of 500 patients in critical condition. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt. Governor Anil Baijal to hold a meeting at 11 am today to discuss this and the Covid deaths.
The Assam government has announced free COVID-19 vaccination of all people between the age of 18 and 45 from May 1. Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said, "Assam will give free vaccines to everyone from 18-45 years. Funds collected in Assam Arogya Nidhi last year shall be utilised for the procurement of vaccines." The state government has placed orders for for 1 crore doses with Bharat Biotech.