COVID-19 recoveries cross 10 lakh-mark in India: Health Ministry

The Health Ministry on Thursday stated that the number of COVID-19 recoveries has crossed the 10-lakh mark in the country.

Although the country is witnessing recoveries at a massive rate, India witnessed yet another high single-day spike of COVID-19 cases with 52,123 cases reported in the last 24 hours, according to data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With these fresh cases, India's coronavirus cases tally has gone up to 15,83,792, out of which there are 5,28,242 active cases and 10,20,582 cured/discharged cases, the Health Ministry added.

Moreover, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) today informed that the total number of COVID19 samples tested up to July 29 is 1,81,90,382, including 4,46,642 samples tested yesterday. 

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday announced the third phase of Unlock (Unlock 3) and issued new guidelines for Unlock 3 that will come into effect from August 1.

Under the new guidelines, Yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to open from August 5 as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure social distancing. 

However, national directives for COVID-19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, with a view to ensuring social distancing. Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers.

After extensive consultation with States and UTs, it has been decided that schools, colleges, and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31, 2020. 

Metro rail will also remain shut under Unlock 3 guidelines.

International air travel of passengers has been permitted in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission. Further opening-up will take place in a calibrated manner.

Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls, and similar places will remain shut.

Maharashtra continues to be the worst-affected state as it reported 9,211 new COVID-19 cases 298 deaths on Wednesday. The total number of cases is now at 4,00,651 including 2,39,755 recovered cases, 1,46,129 active cases and 14,463 deaths.

Delhi reported 1,035 COVID-19 cases yesterday, taking the total number of cases in the national capital to 1,32,275.