India reports 1,573 new COVID-19 infections, active cases increase to 10,981

India has reported 1,573 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total tally of Covid cases to 4.47 crore (4,47,07, 525), according to data from the Union health ministry updated on Tuesday.

The number of active cases has increased to 10,981, and the death toll has reached 5,30,841 with four deaths reported by Kerala. The daily positivity rate stands at 1.30 per cent, and the weekly positivity rate is 1.47 per cent.

In terms of regional hotspots, four districts in Delhi, two in Kerala, two in Maharashtra, and one in Gujarat recorded the highest weekly test positivity rate (TPR).

The Centre’s data revealed that the number of districts with a weekly TPR of 10% or more has risen to 32 across 14 states and Union Territories. South Delhi recorded a TPR of 13.8%, followed by East Delhi at 13.1%, North-East Delhi at 12.3%, and Central Delhi at 10.4%.

The active cases comprise only 0.02 per cent of the total infections, indicating that the national Covid recovery rate is at 98.79 per cent. The data showed that 4,41,65,703 people have recovered from the disease, and the case fatality rate stands at 1.19 per cent.

The Union health ministry also reported that 220.65 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. While India’s vaccination drive is progressing, health officials have expressed concerns over the increasing number of cases in several regions, including Delhi and Maharashtra.

In response to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Delhi, mock drills were conducted in hospitals on Sunday to assess their preparedness. The drills included a review of arrangements such as ambulance services, admission facilities, emergency services, COVID-19 wards, and the availability of oxygen and ventilators in case of a sharp increase in cases.

Delhi’s Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, which is the largest hospital for COVID-19 patients in the city, has reserved 450 beds for infected patients.

Meanwhile, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review the preparedness of the entire spectrum of COVID-19 management in light of the upsurge in cases. The meeting was held via video conference with states and union territories.

Bhushan referred to the message from Prime Minister Modi at the high-level review meeting held on March 22, 2023, and advised states to be vigilant and ensure preparedness for COVID-19 management. He cautioned states and union territories against complacency and urged them to follow up on the priorities outlined in the joint advisory issued on March 25, 2023, by the Department of Health Research and the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

He emphasized the importance of ramping up testing with a higher proportion of RT-PCR and whole-genome sequencing of positive samples. Bhushan also urged everyone to follow COVID-appropriate behavior at all times to help curb the spread of the virus. (With inputs from PTI)