India continued to register Covid-19 cases above the 3,000 mark on Tuesday, with Maharashtra and Delhi seeing a massive spike in daily infections. Several personalities like Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and former cricketer Akash Chopra tested positive for coronavirus.
India registered 3,038 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 21,179, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll climbed to 5,30,901 with nine deaths.
The Omicron variant XBB.1.16 is believed to be behind the sudden surge of the cases.
According to the ministry's website, 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.
READ | India Logs 3,038 New Covid Infections, Active Cases Rise To 21,179
What You Need To Know On Covid Today:
- Maharashtra saw a 186 per cent spike in Covid cases on Tuesday, with 711 fresh infections recorded in the past 24 hours, according to the latest bulletin by the health department. The active caseload now stands at 3,792 in the state. On Monday, Maharashtra logged only 248 cases.
- Four Covid-related deaths (Satara-2, Pune-1, Ratnagiri - 1) were also recorded in Maharashtra the past 24 hours. The case fatality rate in the state is currently 1.82 per cent.
- Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant said there was no need to panic as the situation was being monitored continuously. Sawant informed that the state would be conducting a mock drill on April 13-14.
- The Satara district administration has made wearing of mask compulsory for employees and officials working in government and semi-government offices, colleges, and banks.
- Delhi recorded 521 fresh Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, highest since August 27 last year. One Covid-related death was also registered.
- The positivity rate in the national capital stood at 15.64 per cent, according to data shared by the city health department. Active cases have risen to 1710. There were 216 recoveries in the last 24 hours.
- The southern state of Karnataka reported 324 new Covid-19 cases, 284 recoveries and one death in the last 24 hours. Active cases stand at 1,411.
- Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday. Gehlot said he had moderate symptoms and would work from his residence for the next few days.
- BJP leader and former CM of Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje also tested postive for coronavirus. "I have tested positive for Covid-19. I am in complete isolation on the advice of doctors. Those who have been in contact with me, get yourself tested and take precautions," Raje tweeted.
- Former India opener Aakash Chopra, who is doing commentary in the ongoing IPL, has also tested positive for Covid-19. The 45-year old said he has mild symptoms and will be away from the commentary duties for a few days. "Caught and Bowled Covid. Yups...the C Virus has struck again. Really mild symptoms ... all under control," Chopra said in a tweet.