With 2,151 fresh Covid cases, India has clocked the highest daily tally in five months as several states see a rise in infections and the Centre has advised caution.
On Tuesday, the country recorded 1,573 new coronavirus cases, according to Union health ministry data.
Amid a spike in cases, the Centre on Monday reviewed with states and Union territories the preparedness for pandemic management and the progress of vaccination.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan who chaired the high-level meeting stressed on ramping up testing with a higher proportion of RT-PCR, and whole genome sequencing of positive samples.
Urging people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour at all times, he stressed the need to increase administration of precaution dose, especially in the vulnerable population group.
The meeting held virtually was attended by Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and ICMR Director General, and representatives of states and UTs.
Referring to the message of the prime minister at the the high-level review meeting held on March 22, the health secretary advised states to be on the alert and ensure preparedness for the Covid-19 management, according to a statement issued by the Union Health Ministry.
He cautioned states and UTs against any complacency and advised them to follow up on the priorities listed in a joint advisory issued by the Department of Health Research and the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
Fresh Covid Cases Breach 200-Mark In Delhi First Time Since September
Delhi's Covid cases breached the 200 mark for the first time since September last year on Tuesday, while the positivity rate climbed to 11.82 per cent, according to data shared by the city health department.
The national capital recorded 214 fresh cases of the viral disease on Tuesday. Delhi recorded 115 fresh coronavirus cases with a positivity rate of 7.45 per cent on Monday.
The city logged 153 cases with a positivity rate of 9.13 per cent on Sunday and 139 cases with a positivity rate of 4.98 per cent on Saturday. It saw 152 cases with a positivity rate of 6.66 per cent on Friday and 117 cases with a positivity rate of 4.95 per cent on Thursday.
Delhi has witnessed an increase in the number of fresh Covid cases over the last few days amid a sharp rise in the figure of H3N2 influenza cases in the country.