Wiped by a brutal second Covid wave, India saw a record hike in infections with 3.14 lakh new cases, the world's biggest-ever daily surge, taking the case numbers to 1.59 crore. In another grim record, 2,104 Covid deaths records since yesterday.
The Covid-19 second wave scene
India is facing one of the biggest health challenges in recent times with the shortage of medical oxygen, hospital beds, and anti-viral drug Remdesivir, used in the treatment of Covid. The fresh surge surpasses the previous highest one-day rise in the world of 297430 cases posted by the United States in January, news agency Reuters reported.1.84 lakh people have died so far.
The centre has assured that "oxygen demand and supply is monitored round the clock." In a tweet last night, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said the government had increased the "quota of oxygen" for seven states- Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi.
Over 2 lakh infections are being recorded every day since April 15. The second wave is yet to peak, says the centre, and experts are unsure when the cases will decline. Maharashtra (67,468), Uttar Pradesh (33,106), Delhi (24,638), Karnataka (23,558), and Kerala (22,414) were the five states that recorded the most significant surge in 24 hours.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the worst-hit state, the Uddhav Thackeray government has announced new Covid curbs as part of the "Break-the-Chain" program. The state on Wednesday reported the highest number of Covid deaths in a day at 568.
As per new rules, attendance at all private and government (centre and state) offices not directly connected to managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Maharashtra will cap at 15 percent. Attendance at weddings and marriage ceremonies has limits at 25. Private vehicles, excluding buses, will only be allowed for essential services or valid reasons, like medical emergencies.
Delhi
In Delhi, a desperate oxygen crisis resonated in the High Court on Wednesday. Hitting out at the centre, the court said: "How is the government so oblivious to the reality on the ground? You can't have people die because there is no oxygen." The High Court further told the government: "Beg, borrow, steal... it's your job."
Bengal
Polling is being held in Bengal today for the sixth phase of state elections. Politicians criticize for holding election rallies despite the Covid surge, but campaigning continues. Union Minister Amit Shah will attend three poll meetings today. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will hold four public meetings in north and central Bengal.
Shocking - oxygen tanker leaks!
Amid the country's fight against a deadly virus, the death of 24 people at a hospital in Maharashtra's Nashik on Wednesday shocked the nation. An oxygen tanker leaked outside the hospital, disrupting supply to patients for around 30 minutes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi defined the tragedy as "heart-wrenching."
The government, for the first time, on Wednesday shared the data on Covid infections after vaccinations. "Two to four per 10,000 breakthrough infections of COVID-19 have happened after people received the vaccine. This is a very, very low number, nothing to panic about," said ICMR's Balram Bhargava, Director General.
Even as many states have announced new restrictions, PM Modi, on Tuesday, while addressing the nation, said that "lockdown should be the last resort." The alarming surge in infections comes despite efforts to step up vaccine coverage. 13.22 doses have been administered so far. The government will widen the vaccine net to all people above 18 from May 1.
