India’s active covid cases fall to 2687

New Delhi: India recorded 199 fresh coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, puling down active cases to 2,687, the health ministry said in an update on Thursday.

Total reported cases, since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, stand at 4.49 crore, with death toll at 531,886.

Health experts say hospital admissions have been on a decline as fewer cases of Covid-19 are being reported. However, the elderly or those with underlying health conditions remain at risk of contracting the virus. Hence, doctors advise completing vaccine schedule and adhering to covid-appropriate behaviour.

The XBB.1.16 variant was behind the surge seen over the last few months. Scientists say that Indians have developed hybrid immunity, helped by vaccination and natural infection, which is responsible for fewer hospitalisations.

Around 4.45 crore recoveries have been reported so far, with 341 people recovering in the last 24 hours. The recovery rate stands at 98.81%.

The health ministry has directed 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 Centre has urged states to adhere to the five-fold strategy-- Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination-Appropriate Behaviour--to combat the disease. 

Around 87,682 tests were conducted in a day taking the total number of tests to 92.93 crore.

Under the covid vaccination drive, more than 220.67 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far. In the last 24 hours, around 10,680 vaccine doses were provided.