India reports 46,951 fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours

As India stares at the second COVID wave, 46,951 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours – biggest single-day jump since November 7 – took the country’s tally to 1,16,46,081 total infections, the government data this morning showed. Of these, over 1.11 crore people have recovered so far, and 1,59,97 total deaths have been recorded.

In the last one week, India has seen the sharpest surge in fresh infections in nearly four months after the spread of virus had seemed to slow down. Restrictions have returned in several parts of the country as government and experts say violation of protocols is leading to surge in cases.

Maharashtra, which has logged the highest number of cases in India since the start of the pandemic, yet again saw its biggest single-day jump in fresh cases. 30,535 new infections on Sunday took the tally to 24,79,682. With 3,775 new infections, Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, also saw the highest-single day cases.

Punjab (2,644), Kerala (1,875), Karnataka (1,715) and Gujarat (1,580) were the other four states that saw that recorded the highest number of infections across the country in 24 hours, per the Health Ministry data.

Restrictions have returned to several parts of the country. In Rajasthan, the state government has announced a night curfew from tonight in eight worst-hit cities, including Jaipur, Udaipur and Ajmer. Markets will remain closed after 10 PM.

In Maharashtra, an 11-day curfew has been announced in Nanded to slow the spread of virus. In Nagpur, restrictions have been extended till March 31; restaurants and eateries can operate till 7 pm while shops can remain open till 4 pm, and all offices — private and government — can function with 25 per cent staff.

In the last 24 hours, 212 deaths – linked to COVID-19 – were recorded in India, the highest since January 9 when 228 deaths were reported in a single day.

The government has told Uttarakhand to follow stringent measures to control the spread of COVID-19 during Kumbh Mela, an annual gathering of pilgrims. “It has been noted that there is a potential of an upsurge in cases in the local population after the auspicious Shahi Snan days during the Kumbh Mela,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.

India is witnessing a surge in cases ahead of assembly polls in four states and one union territory which begin on Saturday. The government is also trying to speed up the vaccination drive.