India detected 50,129 cases of the novel coronavirus in the 24 hours ending 9 am Sunday, taking its overall tally to 78.64 lakh. 

The detection of new cases has remained below 60,000 for the last seven days. India’s tally of 78,64,811 cases includes 6,68,154 patients who are undergoing treatment, 70,78,123 who have recovered and 1,18,534 deaths. 

The active cases have declined for the 22nd consecutive day and is now the lowest since August 13.

The national recovery rate touched 90 per cent on Sunday, prompting the Union Health Ministry to say India had recorded “a new milestone”. India’s fatality rate, meanwhile, is 1.51 per cent.

An expert group, set up by the government to develop a blueprint for conducting the country’s largest immunisation drive against Covid-19, has discussed key features to ensure speedy access to the vaccine. This could include an SMS delivered to the beneficiary days before vaccination, detailing the time and place; a QR code certificate, generated after each dose; and, health facilities involving the large network of schools, on the lines of elections. 

The government expects to receive and utilise 400-500 million doses and cover approximately 20-25 crore people by July 2021.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday reminded the people to show patience, and follow health guidelines while celebrating the upcoming festivals in India. His reminder came during his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’, during which he also wished the people on the occasion of Dussehra. PM Modi had warned against complacency during the festival season in an address to the nation earlier this week.

Source: The Indian Express

BDST: 1532 HRS, OCT 25, 2020
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