COVID-19: India records 39,742 new infections, 535 deaths in 24 hrs

New Delhi: India recorded 39,742 new coronavirus cases and 535 deaths in the last 24 hrs that pushed the overall infection tally to 3.13 crore and fatalities at 4.20 lakh, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data stated on Sunday.

The active cases now account for 4,08,212 infections and total recoveries stand at 3,05,43,138.

According to the ministry, more than 45.37 crore (45,37,70,580) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far, through all sources and a further 11,79,010 doses are in the pipeline. Nearly 46 Lakh vaccine doses were administered till 7 pm on Saturday, it said.

India's test positivity rate (positive cases identified for every 100 tests) continues to decline. For the 34th straight day, it is below the 5 per cent-mark at 2.24 per cent.

About 40 crore people in the country are still vulnerable, as per the latest serosurvey. This also means that roughly two-thirds of all Indians over six, or 67.6 per cent of the population, have antibodies against the coronavirus.

Kerala continues to be the top contributor with 18,531 infections, contributing more than 46 per cent of all cases in the country. The active cases show a marginal decline.

AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria has said that a third Covid wave in India can be delayed and it may be less severe than the first two waves if Covid-appropriate behaviour is followed and the pace of vaccination is increased. (UNI)