Amid a surge of coronavirus infections in the country, India on Friday, 21 January recorded 3,47,254 new COVID-19 cases – a 9 percent hike from Thursday – taking the active caseload to 20,18,825. A total of 703 new deaths due to the viral disease were also reported.
Delhi, on the other hard, reported a significant dip in infections, detecting 10,756 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours.
The daily positivity rate in India has risen to 17.94 percent and a total of 9,692 cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in the country so far.
Meanwhile, states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh were classified as 'States of Concern' on Thursday, and are under review by the Centre.
Mumbai reported 5,708 new cases on Thursday, while Delhi recorded 12,306 fresh coronavirus infections.
Karnataka reported a steep rise in COVID-19 cases on Thursday, with 47,754 new infections.
India on Thursday had reported 3,17,532 new infections and 491 deaths
The Union Health Ministry, in its revised guidelines, has indicated that masks are not recommended for children aged 5 years and below.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the end of COVID-19 measures, including mandatory face masks, in England.
Kerala Reports 41,668 New Cases
Kerala reported 41,668 new COVID-19 cases, 17,053 recoveries and 33 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active cases in the state stand at 2,23,548.
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Maharashtra Reports 48,270 New Cases
Maharashtra reports 48,270 new coronavirus cases and 52 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Night Curfew Implemented in 17 More Towns in Gujarat
"In addition to 8 major cities and two cities in the state, night curfew will be implemented in 17 more towns," Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel was quoted as saying.
The towns include Surendranagar, Dhrangradhra, Morbi, Wankaner, Dhoraji, Gondal, Jetpur, Kalawad, Godhra, Vijalpore, Navsari, Bilimora, Vyarav, Vyapar. The night curfew will be in effect from 10 pm to 6 am every night from 22 January to 29 January.
West Bengal Reports 9,154 New Cases
West Bengal detected 9,154 new cases, 19,112 recoveries and 35 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active cases in the state are currently 1,34,816.