India's COVID-19 cases at alarming levels; over 6,000 new patients in a day

THE COVID-19 cases in India reached 118,447 on Friday (22). The country reported the highest single day tally at 6,088. The death toll from the virus touched 3,583.

As many as 150 coronavirus patients succumbed to death in last 24 hours. Maharashtra confirmed 64 deaths on Thursday (21) — one of the highest in single-day tolls in the state since the outbreak.

India reported first COVID-19 case in the southern state of Kerala on January 30.

There were 66,330 active coronavirus patients in the country. Nearly 40 per cent of the total coronavirus patients were recovered so far. According to the health ministry, more than 48,000 have been cured from the deadly infection.

Maharashtra continued to add over 2,000 new COVID-19 cases for the fourth straight day. It was the first state to confirm over 40,000 coronavirus cases. The number of fatalities in the state rose to 1,454, highest in India.

Delhi also registered the huge spike in COVID-19 count. At least 571 people tested positive for novel coronavirus in last 24 hours. The national capital recorded 11,659 coronavirus cases.

Tamil Nadu witnessed the biggest hike in coronavirus tally. At least 771 confirmed positive with coronavirus infection. The total number of coronavirus patients in the state rose to 13,967. The southern state had the highest number of coronavirus cases after Maharashtra.

"India has managed to put up a better fight against COVID-19, as compared to many other developed and developing countries. Of the one-lakh cases, we have sent a significant number (over 40,000) home after treatment, and most of the remaining 60,000 people are also on road to recovery," health minister Harsh Vardhan said.

India entered the fourth phase of nationwide lockdown this week. The Centre relaxed several norms to restart the economic activities. The aviation ministry gave nod to resume domestic flights from May 25.