India’s virus infections hit new high, curbs in Maharashtra
India reported a new daily record of 184,372 new coronavirus infections and 1,027 related deaths on Wednesday as the worst-hit state of Maharashtra got ready for lockdown-like restrictions in a bid to contain the spread of the disease.
The country’s caseload now stands at 13.9 million, second to only the United States. The death toll is 172,085.
The Indian capital New Delhi and the financial hub of Mumbai are the worst-affected.
Maharashtra state, of which
Mumbai is the capital, has announced a range of curbs on movement, gatherings and commercial establishment SARS infections continue to surge.
Beginning at 8 pm (14:30 GMT) on Wednesday, all shops, malls and e-commerce deliveries except of essential items like food, groceries and medicine will be suspended until May 1.
All manufacturing units except export-oriented one and those manufacturing essential items will also be closed.
Bars and restaurants have already been closed and gatherings of more than five people are banned across the state.
Maharashtra reported more than 60,000 new cases — almost 50 per cent of India’s total.
India saw a downward trend in infections from the end of 2020, but the numbers began rising again in mid-february.
Recent regional elections and festivals including the mammoth month-long Kumbh Mela are expected to accelerate the infection rate further.