5,676 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours as mock drills continue

India recorded 5,676 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases increased to 37,093, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death toll has increased to 5,31,000 with 21 deaths.

Among the states, Kerala has reported the most active cases at 13,745, followed by Maharashtra (4,667), Delhi (2,338), Tamil Nadu (2,099), Gujarat (1932), Haryana (1928), Karnataka (1673), and Uttar Pradesh (1282), respectively. Other Indian states have recorded less than 1,000 active Covid cases as of 11 April.

While three deaths each were reported from Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan, two were recorded in Karnataka and one each in Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu besides six reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,47,68,172)

The active cases now comprise 0.08 per cent of the total infections and the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.73 per cent, the ministry said.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to
4,42,00,079 and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

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.

Meanwhile, mock drills are being conducted today across the nation today at hospitals to evaluate Covid-19 preparedness.

On Monday, several states, Union Territories assessed Covid preparedness and health authorities directed mandatory use of masks in hospital premises.

The decision to hold mock drills was taken during a review meeting held last week between Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya and state health ministers. He had also advised them to review the preparedness with district administrations and health officials on April 8 and 9.

During the meeting, the health minister stressed the need to identify emergency hotspots by monitoring trends of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases.