Coronavirus India Updates: Tally Tops 77 Lakh Amid Festive Season

Confirmed Covid-19 cases in India crossed the 77-lakh mark, amid a festive season that could lead to new outbreaks.

Authorities reported over 55,000 fresh cases in 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry’s update at 8 a.m. on Oct. 22. The total tally includes over 68 lakh recoveries -- which now make up for 89% of the Covid-19 pie -- and over 1.16 lakh deaths.

India reported less than 60,000 new infection reported for four consecutive days.

Key figures:

• Total number of confirmed coronavirus cases: 77,06,946
• Active cases: 7,15,812
• Cured/discharged/migrated: 68,74,518
• Deaths: 1,16,616
• Fresh cases in 24 hours: 55,839
• One-day recoveries: 79,415
• One-day deaths: 702

The slower pace of daily infections and an improved recovery rate has kept active cases in India below the 8 lakh mark for five consecutive days. India's active caseload had crossed 10 lakh in mid-September. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, warned masses to maintain precautions going into the festive season. “The lockdown may have ended, but the virus is still around us,” he said in an address to the nation last evening.

“Recent images and videos show many people may have become careless. Not wearing a mask or taking adequate precautions will put your family at risk.”

Global Update

The U.S. trials of coronavirus vaccines made by AstraZeneca Plc and Johnson & Johnson may resume as soon as next week, according to the head of the Operation Warp Speed program. A participant who died during Astra’s study in Brazil hadn’t received the company’s shot, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Spain became the first nation in Western Europe with 1 million cases. New infections in Greece, Italy, Luxembourg and Germany reached a record, and the Czech government warned that its health system is at risk of collapse.

Globally, cases surged past 41 million with over 1.1 million dead.

Track the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic in India, here.