Shivalik
On Thursday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India crossed 5,500. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced that the total count of coronavirus infections in the country has risen to 5,734.
Out of the total 5,095 active cases, 473 have been cured, discharged or migrated, and 166 have died. The cases also include 71 foreign nationals.
According to the Health Ministry data, India recorded 540 fresh COVID-19 cases and 17 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Protocols in combating the deadly virus are being revised. Now, face masks, that were earlier optional and not needed unless you were sick, have been made compulsory in Delhi for anyone stepping out of their house, including while traveling in personal or official vehicles.
"Wearing of facial masks can reduce the spread of coronavirus substantially. Therefore, it has been decided that facial masks will be compulsory for anyone stepping out of their house. Cloth masks shall be eligible too," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.
On Wednesday, the Delhi government identified and sealed 20 COVID-19 hotspots across the national capital. In these areas, no movement of people will be allowed.
“A total of 20 hotspots have been identified in Delhi and were sealed. Nobody will be allowed to enter or exit these areas,” Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said on Wednesday.
On the same day, the Uttar Pradesh government also ordered 15 districts with most coronavirus cases to be sealed to contain the virus spread till April 15. Over 20 COVID-19 hotspots have come under a complete lockdown in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit state with 1,135 active positive cases. Tamil Nadu has recorded the second-highest number of coronavirus infections with 690 active patients. The total number of cases in Delhi stands at 669.
