India's capital, Delhi, will begin randomised Covid tests at airports, bus stops and train stations amid what some experts say is a second wave.

Mumbai, a financial hub and virus hotspot, ordered mandatory testing in busy areas earlier this week.

Cases have surged in recent weeks - on Wednesday, India reported more than 47,000 new cases and 275 deaths, it's highest this year.

It has reported more than 11.7 million cases and 160,000 deaths so far

India's caseload dropped significantly at the start of this year - it reported under 10,000 new infections on some days. And this coincided with the launch of the country's vaccine drive, the largest in the world.

But March saw a sharp uptick, with more than 40,000 new infections reported daily since Sunday.

The surge in cases comes during what some experts have called a 'delicate phase' for India - the healthcare system is already exhausted from a year-long battle against the coronavirus.

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Reasons for the rise in cases range from poor adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols and lax test and trace and isolation rules to new variants that are more infectious.

States are now re-introducing restrictions to stem the spread of the virus. Public gatherings and celebrations during Holi, a popular Hindu festival, have been barred.

Delhi has also designated cinema halls, the metro rail and religious places as potential "super spreader" areas. Local officials have been told to increase surveillance of in these places to make sure people are wearing masks and maintaining social distance.

source: BBC News

BDST: 1558 HRS, MAR 24, 2021
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