Coronavirus India Updates: Tally Tops 88.7 Lakh, New Cases Drop Below 30,000
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India showed signs of gaining control over the spread of coronavirus infection as new cases added in a day fell below the 30,000-mark for the first time in four months.
India added just over 29,163 fresh cases in a matter of 24 hours -- lowest since July 14 -- taking the total tally to over 88.7 lakh in the world’s second-worst infected country, according to the Health Ministry’s update as of 8 a.m. on Nov. 17. That includes nearly 83 lakh recoveries and 1.3 lakh deaths.
This is the first time new cases have dropped below the 30,000-mark in four months. The ministry had reported over 30,500 cases yesterday morning.
The lower rate of infection kept active cases below the 5-lakh mark for the seventh straight day. Active cases had climbed above 10 lakh in mid-September. Daily recoveries have also declined but remain higher than fresh cases.
Covid-19 deaths reported in a day also dropped below the 500-mark for the third consecutive day.
Key Figures
- Total number of confirmed coronavirus cases: 88,45,127
- Active cases: 4,65,478
- Cured/discharged/migrated: 82,49,579
- Deaths: 1,30,070
- Number of fresh cases in 24 hours: 30,548
- One-day recoveries: 43,851
- One-day deaths: 435
India’s largest festive season came to an end yesterday, after Dhanteras and Diwali were celebrated over the weekend amid Covid-19 restrictions. Temples reportedly witnessed heavy rush of devotees though the people were seen observing social distancing and following other guidelines and safety measures against Covid-19. However, worries of another wave of cases remains after markets witnessed throngs of people leading up to the weekend.
Global Update
Moderna Inc. said its Covid-19 vaccine was almost 95% effective in a late-stage trial, another sign of progress in the hunt for tools to fight the pandemic.
The seven-day average of new cases in the U.S. is climbing in every state, forcing leaders to reverse course on reopening. California will put 94% of its population in its most restrictive tier for curbs, New Jersey will further limit gatherings and Philadelphia is closing many indoor activities. In Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel fell short in a push for tougher restrictions. Sweden is introducing its tightest rules yet as cases spike, and France’s health minister said the country is regaining control of the epidemic thanks to the latest national lockdown.
Globally, total conformed cases topped 54.8 million with 1.3 million of those dead.
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