India records highest single-day spike, 5,242 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours

India has recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, registering over 5,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The death toll went up by 157 in the same period. 

According to the latest update by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, out of the total 96,169 coronavirus cases, 56316 are active cases and 36824 have been cured, discharged or migrated. The death toll, on the other hand, mounted to 3,029. 

Maharashtra was one of the worst-hit states in the coronavirus pandemic in India. The state recorded a total of 33,053 cases and the death toll increased to 1198. The number of cases in Gujarat increased to 11,379 and 659 people have so far died in the state. Delhi, on the other hand, has 10054 coronavirus cases and the death toll has increased to 160. Tamil Nadu is also among one of the top states to hit by the pandemic. The state has recorded a total of 11224 coronavirus cases.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the nationwide lockdown till 31 May and issued fresh guidelines. According to the guidelines, all international and domestic flights will continue to be banned except for medical and emergency purposes.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed states, Union Territories to impose restrictions as deemed necessary by them.

The NDMA in the exercise of powers of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 directs Centre and State government to continue the lockdown measures up to 31 May to contain the spread of COVID-19. It has also asked the NEC to issue modified guidelines keeping in mind the resumption of economic activities.

(With inputs from agencies)