Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan admits to COVID-19 community transmission after months of denial

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday (October 18, 2020) stated that there is community transmission of COVID-19 in certain districts in a limited number of states. However, he denies there is 'countrywide' community transmission.

He made the statement during his weekly webinar. This statement comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that OVID-19 community transmission has started in the state.

"In different pockets across various states, including West Bengal, community transmission is expected to occur, especially in dense areas. However, this is not happening across the country. It is limited to certain districts occurring in limited states." Vardhan stated.

Notably, this is the first time that the Union Health Minister has admitted that there is community transmission of COVID-19.

 With over 61,000 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count on Sunday (October 18) crossed the 74 lakh-mark, while the death toll has topped the 1 lakh-mark as well.

At 9:30 AM on this day, the COVID-19 tally in the country has reached 74,94,552 cases, which include 7,83,311 active cases; 65,97,210 cured, discharged, or migrated patients, and 1,14,031 deaths.

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as many as 61,871 new COVID-19 cases and 1033 deaths were reported in the country in the last 24 hours.

Total coronavirus cases in the worst-hit state of Maharashtra have crossed the 15.86-lakh mark.