India Records 2.81 Lakh New Covid Cases, Lowest Rise After 26 Days; Death Toll Remains Over 4000

The last time the country recorded a low single-day spike in new cases was on 21 April, when 2,95,041 new cases were reported. Nine days later, on 30 April, India became the first country to report more than 4 lakh daily cases since the pandemic began in 2020.

Image: PTI

Covid In India:  India on Monday witnessed a steep decline in the number of fresh Covid-19 cases as the country recorded below 3 lakh Covid cases after 26 days.

India reports 2,81,386 new COVID19 cases, 3,78,741 discharges and 4,106 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry.

Total cases: 2,49,65,463

 

Total discharges: 2,11,74,076

 

Death toll: 2,74,390

 

Active cases: 35,16,997

 

Total vaccination: 18,29,26,460

 

The Indian Council of Medical Research informed that 31,64,23,658 samples tested forCOVID19 up to 16th May 2021. Of these, 15,73,515 samples were tested yesterday

The national capital on Sunday recorded 6,456 new Covid-19 cases and 262 fatalities while the positivity rate dipped to 10.40%. Lockdown has been extended in Delhi for 1 more week as CM Kejriwal said he wants to limit the spread. 

Maharashtra reported 34,389 new COVID19 cases and 974 deaths on Sunday. The state has also been witnessing a huge dip in cases but the number of deaths continues to rise. Vaccination drive in Mumbai has been suspended for now in view of Cyclone Tauktae

On the vaccine front, Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech on Sunday said its COVID-19 vaccine 'Covaxin' has been found to be effective against coronavirus strains found in India and the UK.

Citing a study published in peer-reviewed medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, the vaccine manufacturer noted that vaccination with Covaxin produced neutralising titres against all key emerging variants tested, including B.1.617 and B.1.1.7, first identified in India and the UK, respectively.

Also on Sunday, the Union health ministry clarified that already booked online appointments for second dose of Covishield vaccine will remain valid and the same will not be cancelled on Co-WIN platform, reported PTI.

It, however, said requisite changes have now been done in the Co-WIN digital portal, as a result of which further online or on-site appointments will not be possible if the period after the first dose date for a beneficiary is less than 84 days.

The Centre had on 13 May extended the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks based on the recommendations by the COVID Working Group chaired by NK Arora.