By: Pramod Thomas
THE total number of COVID-19 cases has jumped to 2,902 in India and the deadly-virus claimed 68 lives so far in the country.
On March 3, as many as 16 people died due to the disease, the country’s highest single-day death count.
For the second day, India has reported over 500 new cases on Friday (3).
India is heading towards the last week of its 21-day lockdown, which was proved almost successful until now.
The prime minister Narendra Modi urged citizens for a light show on Sunday (5) at 9 pm (Indian time) as a symbol of hope during these ‘dark days’
The COVID-19 has spread to 30% of the country’s districts.
Health ministry data shows that the government has been able to ascertain cases in 211 of 720 districts in India.
Meanwhile, big states have reported that more than 60% of districts are infected.
Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said the nationwide lockdown, which ends on April 14, may be extended in some parts of Maharashtra, especially in cities like Mumbai where the number of cases is high.
The state has recorded six deaths, taking the toll to 26. The state tally reached 490 cases, of which over 50% cases (278) are from Mumbai. The tally has more than doubled in four days.