Nation reaches grim milestone

India’s confirmed coronavirus cases crossed half a million on Saturday with another record 24hour jump of 18,552 infections. The Health Ministry also reported 384 new deaths, raising the total to 15,685.

The surge prompted authorities in the northeastern state of Assam to impose a twoweek lockdown in the capital of Gauhati. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the rest of Assam will be placed under a night curfew and weekend lockdowns.