Nearly 3 Lakh Covid Cases, 2,023 Deaths: India Sees Biggest Daily Spike

Maharashtra – worst-affected state – on Tuesday reported 62,097 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the tally to over 39.6 lakh. 519 more patients died of the infection. Along with the lockdown-like restrictions that are already in place in the state, more restrictions are likely to come into force. Ministers have recommended a full lockdown to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and have left the final decision to him.

After Maharashtra, the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have the highest number of infections.

Kerala on Tuesday recorded its highest single-day spike in COVID-19 infections with 19,577 cases, taking the state’s tally to over 12.72 lakh. Deaths of 28 patients were reported on the same day.

In neighbouring Karnataka, the BS Yediyurappa government has announced a stricter set of measures to attempt to control the massive Covid spike being witnessed by the state. These include a statewide night and weekend curfew, and the closure of educational and many commercial establishments in a bid to avoid gatherings. Karnataka and capital Bengaluru reported single-day highs of new cases with 21,794 new cases in the state, of which 13,782 are from Bengaluru.

Mizoram on Tuesday became the first northeastern state to declare a week-long lockdown from Tuesday to April 26. The state also has the second least numbers of COVID-19 cases in the nation after Lakshadweep, with 5,085 total confirmed cases and 12 deaths, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

Over 29.9 lakh vaccine doses were administered on Tuesday. Over 13.01 crore vaccine doses have been administered since the mega inoculation drive against Covid began in January.