Subdued Id fete as cases spike

India on Monday celebrated a subdued Id as the country once again recorded highest number of novel coronavirus cases in one day after a whopping number of 6,993 cases were registered by evening taking the total cases in the country to

1,38,861. According to the website covid19india.org, the total number of cases was

1,44,741 while the Union health ministry, which gives data of the previous day, said 6,977 fresh cases were detected and 154 deaths were reported since Sunday, taking the total to 1,38,845 and toll to 4,021.

In view of rising numbers, states like Himachal Pradesh have started extending the lockdown till June 30 in Hamirpur and Solan districts where several guest workers returning to the state have leading to more case detection. Maharashtra, that has the highest case load, said it may consider staggered opening of some activities from May 31. Delhi recorded 635 fresh cases on Monday. A staffer at the Rail Bhavan also tested positive.