Coronavirus cases in India surpass 900,000

Death toll in the country rises to 23,727, total number of recoveries reaches 571,460

NEW DELHI:

India on Tuesday recorded over 28,000 cases for the second consecutive day, taking the tally to 906,752, according to the country’s health ministry.

The country witnessed a spike of 28,498 fresh cases, with 553 fatalities over the last 24 hours, raising the death toll to 23,727, said the ministry data.

It took just three days for India to cross 900,000 from 800,000 cases. India had crossed 800,000 cases on July 11.

A total of 571,460 patients in the country have recovered so far.

Meanwhile, with a spike in the infections, authorities have announced a complete lockdown in southern city of Bangalore.

Bangalore, India’s technology hub, will remain closed from July 14 to 22. The state has recorded 41,581 coronavirus cases with 757 deaths.

Many other cities have also announced lockdowns in affected areas.

The coronavirus has spread to almost all states and union territories in the country.

On March 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a one-day public curfew on March 22.

On March 24, India announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown for the first time. The announcement left millions of migrant workers in a state of shock.

They decided to return on foot as trains, buses or other means of transport were not available due to the lockdown. Many of them died on the long and hazardous journey.

The lockdown was extended thrice till May 31. The process of lifting restrictions began from June 1.

International flights, cinema halls and gyms are closed since March.

India is the third worst-affected country in the world after the US and Brazil.