Coronavirus India Updates: Tally Tops 28 Lakh With Largest Spike In New Cases

Covid-19 infections in India rushed past the 28-lakh mark as the country with the third highest cases continues its efforts to restart the economy. Fresh cases spiked to the highest reported in a 24-hour span so far.

India added nearly 70,000 new cases in a matter of 24 hours, taking the total tally to over 28.3 lakh, according to the health ministry’s update as of 8:00 am on Aug. 20. This includes nearly 53,000 deaths and nearly 21 lakh patients who have recovered. India has over 6.8 lakh active cases -- a curve that seems to be flattening.

Key figures:

• Total number of confirmed coronavirus cases: 28,36,925
• Active cases: 6,86,395
• Cured/discharged/migrated: 20,96,664
• Deaths: 53,866
• Fresh cases in 24 hours: 69652
• One-day recoveries: 58,794
• One-day deaths: 977

The Health Ministry has lauded the government’s efforts in fighting the virus, often highlighting that India has managed to reduce its fatality rate and increase its recovery rate. The recovery rate now stands at 74% while the fatality rate is less than 2%, despite India reporting the fourth highest deaths in the world.

Global Update

Coronavirus infections flared in Europe, with France and Spain reporting their biggest case increases in months. Hong Kong’s outbreak showed signs of easing.

In the U.S., New York’s positive-test rate fell to the lowest since the pandemic began in March. President Donald Trump criticised colleges turning to remote learning and alleged health regulators may be delaying an emergency treatment over politics.

Globally, 22.2 million people have been infected by the virus while the death toll stood at 783,000.

Track all Covid-19 related news and updates for India, here.