- Posted on April 22, 2021
- News
- By FC Team
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India reported a record number of daily Covid-19 cases on Thursday as the country’s second wave of coronavirus shows no signs of slowing down.There were 314,835 new cases over a 24-hour period, according to government data. That surpassed the word’s previous highest single-day increase in cases held by the United States. India also reported 2,104 deaths.India’s first wave of infection peaked around September following last year’s national lockdown between late-March and May, which had significant economic consequences.Cases began rising again in February and in the subsequent months large crowds, mostly without masks, gathered for religious festivals and political rallies.So far in April, India has reported more than 3.78 million new cases and over 22,000 deaths.While the reported death toll is rising, some media reports suggest that the official number may be under-reported.Situation on the groundThe picture on the ground is grim. Even as officials insist the situation is under control, hospitals are overwhelmed, turning away patients due to a shortage of beds — including those who are critically ill. In some instances, non-related patients are being forced to share beds, according to media reports.Health-care facilities are also low on oxygen supply and the government is reportedly diverting oxygen intended for industrial use to medical facilities instead.India’s Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said in a tweet that the federal government is monitoring supply and demand for oxygen and increased the quota for several states and regions including Maharashtra, the epicenter of the country’s second wave.By cnbc.com