India’s daily Covid-19 cases pass 400k

NEW DELHI — India recorded more than 400 000 new Covid-19 cases for the rst time yesterday as it battles a devastating second wave, and the country's massive new vaccination drive was hampered in some areas by shortages of the shots.

Authorities reported 401,993 new cases in the previous 24 hours, after 10 consecutive days of more than 300 000 daily cases.

Deaths jumped by 3 523, taking the country's total toll to 211 853, according to the federal health ministry.

The surge in infections has overwhelmed hospitals, morgues and crematoriums and left families scrambling for scarce medicines and oxygen.

And while India is the world's biggest producer of Covid-19 vaccines, shortages of the shots in some states hindered the opening of vaccinations for all adults.