Number of positive cases of the novel coronavirus in India rose to 2,902, according to the Health Ministry on Saturday. The death toll rose to 68.
Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and other states reported several new cases of the infection on Friday, with several cases linked to the Tablighi Jamaat event that took place in the national capital earlier in March.
Globally, the virus continues to wreak havoc as the figure of infected people rose to 1,099,389, and deaths crossed 59,000. The US recorded as many as 1,480 deaths from coronavirus between Thursday and Friday, the Johns Hopkins University tracker reported early on Saturday. This is the worst death toll in a 24-hour period since the coronavirus pandemic began.
In India, the government on Friday stepped up its efforts to contain the novel coronavirus spread and initiated rapid tests in areas identified as hotspots of the deadly virus infection. More than 8,000 samples were tested on Friday—the highest in a single day.
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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended use of a rapid antibody test in the coronavirus hotspots. An official of the agency said 182 labs across the country are functional now for COVID-19 diagnosis, out of which 130 are government labs. He also said that around 8,000 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.
The government has asserted there is no shortage of medical supplies in the country. It has also placed orders to procure over 10 crore hydroxychloroquine tablets, which the ICMR has recommended to be used as a preventive medication for those involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
The home ministry said it would blacklist 360 more foreigners who have gone to their native places after taking part in Tablighi Jamaat congregation. The ministry had earlier blacklisted 960 foreigners, present in India on tourist visas, for flouting visa norms and attending the religious congregation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, urged people to turn off lights at 9pm on April 5, and flash candles, torches and mobile flashlights for nine minutes. “We have stood together and fought the coronavirus pandemic together," he said in a video message. "We have set an example to the world. In the time of lockdown, we displayed the same unity. Crores of people are in their homes. We might be alone in our homes, but we are not alone in this fight. The Indian society is fighting this together. This Sunday, April 5, we must come together to dissolve the darkness of COVID-19 and bring in light. On April 5, 9pm, I need your nine minutes. Turn off all lights in your home and light lamps, mobile flash lights and torches. We are not alone in this fight. Nobody is alone. But, please do this activity within the confines of your home. Do not violate social distancing."
According to an official statement, Modi also pitched for formulating a common exit strategy to ensure "staggered re-emergence of the population" once the 21-day nationwide lockdown ends on April 14. Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said the prime minister has urged states to manage the coronavirus crisis at the district level.
-with PTI inputs
