Data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday morning said that India saw 43,846 new coronavirus infections in the previous 24 hours, marking the highest single-day rise recorded so far this year, and taking the nationwide Covid-19 tally to 1,15,99,130.
By the end of Sunday, Maharashtra had reported 30,535 fresh cases of the infection. This is the highest number of daily cases that Maharashtra has ever reported, taking the total number of Covid-19 cases to 24,79,682. As per the health department, 99 deaths have also been reported in Maharashtra, taking the death tally in the state up to 53,399.
Continuing its rising streak, Karnataka also crossed the 1,700 mark for
the second straight day on Sunday as the infection count climbed to 9,70,202 and the toll edged up to 12,434 with two more deaths, the health department said.
Karnataka Health Minister Dr K. Sudhakar on Sunday said that the second wave of the coronavirus has begun and sought people’s cooperation to contain the disease. “We are at the beginning of the second wave of Covid-19. Let us all join hands to control it because the next three months are crucial for us,” Sudhakar told reporters. He also said he would discuss with Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa the Covid-19 situation and the measures to be taken.
Kerala recorded 1,875 Covid-19 cases, taking the total infections to 11.04 lakh, the state government said. As many as 2,251 people have been cured of the infection and total recoveries have gone up to 10,74,805.
Chhattisgarh on Saturday recorded 1,273 cases, the highest single-day spike this year. Amid the surge, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel chaired a meeting of his cabinet ministers and senior officials to ensure guidelines are enforced to check the spread of the virus in view of the upcoming Holi festival and wedding season. The CM also directed that the number of daily tests be increased as well as the vaccination drive be expedited, a state public relations department official said.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that a siren will be sounded in all cities of the state at 11 am on March 23 for two minutes when people will take a vow to wear masks and maintain physical distance in public places to check the spread of the pandemic.
Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday recorded 158 fresh cases, including 34 travellers, taking the infection tally to 1,28,547, even as one more death was reported in the past 24 hours, officials said. Out of the fresh cases, 27 were from the Jammu division and 131 from the Kashmir division. Officials said that Srinagar district recorded the highest with 88 cases, including 27 travellers, followed by 22 in Jammu district, 19 in Baramulla and 14 in Budgam districts.