India sees drop in daily Covid-19 cases, Omicron variant subsiding
The number of active cases has decreased to 3,502, while the country has registered a loss of 5,31,878 lives since the pandemic’s onset
PremiumNEW DELHI: India witnessed a notable decline in new Covid-19 cases over the past 24 hours, with only 234 infections reported, according to the Union Health Ministry’s statement on Saturday. This decline comes after a recent surge in cases caused by the XBB.1.16 Omicron variant.
The number of active cases has decreased to 3,502, while the country has registered a loss of 5,31,878 lives since the pandemic’s onset.
Health experts have observed a decrease in hospital admissions as fewer cases of Covid-19 are being reported. However, individuals who are elderly or have underlying health conditions remain at risk of contracting the virus. Consequently, doctors strongly advise this vulnerable population to receive their booster shots if they have not done so already and continue adhering to appropriate COVID-19 protocols.
It may be noted that the XBB.1.16 is the Covid-19 variant which was responsible for the surge in the last few months. In addition to this, scientists say that people in India have developed hybrid immunity (due to vaccination and natural infection). Therefore, the present Covid-19 variants will not cause a lot of hospitalization as it is mild in nature.
Around 4.45 crore people recovered from the infection with 467 patients recovered in the last 24 hours. The current recovery rate is touching 98.81%.
Meanwhile, the union health ministry directed the state and union territory governments to follow a risk assessment-based approach to prevent and contain the infection. The health ministry advised the state governments to examine the situation of Covid-19 at a micro level (district and sub-districts) and maintain focus on the implementation of necessary measures for prompt and effective management of Covid-19 duly ensuring effective compliance.
The Indian government has urged states to adhere to the five-fold strategy - Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination-Appropriate Behaviour - in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, as stated in a recent announcement. Notably, a total of 97,087 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative number of tests conducted to a staggering 92.93 crore.
Under the Covid vaccination drive, more than 220.67 crore vaccine doses have been administered to people across the country so far. In the last 24 hours, around 310 vaccine doses were administered.
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