Coronavirus India Updates: Tally Tops 99.3 Lakh; Over 26,000 New Infections Reported

New infections reported in a day remained below the 30,000 mark for the third consecutive day, in a sign of improving conditions amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This comes at a time when the country is weeks away from a vaccine.

India reported 26,382 new cases in a matter of 24 hours taking the total tally over 99.3 lakh in the world’s second-worst infected nation, according to the Health Ministry’s update as of 8 a.m. on Dec. 16. That includes over 94.5 lakh recoveries and and more than 1.44 lakh deaths.

At over 33,000, daily recoveries continued to surpass new cases for over two weeks now. Active cases have fallen below the 3.4 lakh mark. As of Tuesday, over 95% of India’s confirmed coronavirus cases are now recovered. Active cases account for a mere 3.4% of the Covid pie.

Key Figures

• Total number of confirmed coronavirus cases: 99,32,547
• Active cases: 3,32,002
• Cured/discharged/migrated: 94,56,449
• Deaths: 1,44,096
• Number of fresh cases in 24 hours: 26,382
• One-day recoveries: 33,813
• One-day deaths: 387

India is weeks away from a vaccine rollout according to several reports, despite contention around which vaccines will be approved for administration. Both Serum Institute and Pfizer have applied for the DGCI's approval of emergency use of their Covid-19 vaccinations.

Commercial refrigeration leader Blue Star’s management expects India to begin vaccine administration in another two weeks to a month. The Managing Director also said that there is likely to be a mix of vaccinations in the market.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that homeopathy medical practitioners can prescribe medicines for prophylaxis, amelioration and mitigation of Covid-19 patients and the prescription has to be given only by institutionally qualified practitioners.

Global Update

South Korea reported a record jump in Covid-19 cases over a 24-hour period as the Asian nation seeks to contain a third wave of infections. Hong Kong is considering extending social-distancing restrictions on dining beyond Christmas and is planning more relief spending for affected businesses, local media reported.

Cases are surging all over the U.S. New York City’s mayor told residents to prepare for a shutdown of all but essential businesses soon after Christmas. California is stockpiling body bags, recruiting medical workers and considering whether to request a U.S. Navy hospital ship.

Globally, confirmed cases have topped the 73.4 million mark with 1.63 million dead.As of Tuesday, over 95% of India’s confirmed coronavirus cases are now recovered. Active cases account for a mere 3.4% of the Covid pie.