Amid warnings about a possible third wave of infections, the Centre directed states to ensure there is no complacency in following Covid-19 protocols.
India reported 60,753 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, taking the total count of infections since the outbreak of the pandemic in January 2020 to 2,98,23,546. The country’s toll rose to 3,85,137 as it recorded 1,647 deaths in the last day. India’s count of active cases reduced to 7,60,019 – the lowest after 74 days, according to the Union health ministry. Active cases now comprise 2.55% of the total infections. The number of recoveries reached 2,86,78,390. As of Saturday morning, India’s daily Covid-19 positivity rate stood at 2.98%. “It has remained less than 5% for 12 consecutive days now,” the health ministry said. India’s weekly positivity rate was 3.58%. Experts have warned the government against letting its guard down as cases reduce. On Saturday, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Director Dr Randeep Guleria said that with the lack of Covid-appropriate behaviour after the easing of restrictions across India, an “inevitable” third wave of infections could hit the country in the next six to eight weeks.
