India\'s Covid casualties cross 3\,000 mark

The official coronavirus numbers in India jumped by over 5,000 in the past 24 hours and total casualties went past the 3,000 mark, Union Health Ministry's daily update showed.

At 8 am, cases stood at 96,169, casualties at 3,029 and the number of the cured/discharged at 36,824.

There was no easing in new infections in Maharashtra (33,053 cases), the hardest-hit state. The other two most affected states are Gujarat (11,379) and Delhi (10,054).

At last count, the ICMR had tested 22,27,642 samples for the virus.

Yesterday, in a major easing of the pan-India lockdown, the Centre gave states considerable leeway in reopening businesses. Among the most significant measures was the lifting of the 33% cap on office staff, allowing shops, markets & salons to open even in red zones, and permitting ecommerce companies to deliver non-essential items across all zones.

Globally, the number of cases stood at 47,10,614 as of morning hours today. Casualties so far are at 3,15,023.