Signs of gradual retreat, 25% fall in daily cases since May 7

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 16

The extended lockdown across several states seems to be yielding the desired results with daily Covid cases registering a 25 per cent decline after reaching a peak of 4,14,188 on May 7.

The new cases recorded over the past 24 hours were 3,11,170, marking a 25 per cent reduction of 1,03,018 cases since May 7, even as daily recoveries continued to exceed daily cases for the fifth day today.

• 3,11,170 fresh cases
• TOTAL DEATHS 2,70,284
• ACTIVE CASES 36,18,458
• 4,077 deaths in 24 hours
• Pre-booked vaccine appointments valid
• Pre-booked appointments for 2nd Covishield dose were still valid, the govt said.
• Delhi extends lockdown by a week till may 24

National experts have predicted the peaking of the second wave anytime now, with VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, noting that the rate of decline in cases from its peak was higher this time than during the first wave.

As against 3.11 lakh new cases today, 3,62,437 recoveries were registered. With lockdown working well to lower the infection load, Delhi announced another week of containment till May 24 even though the cases continue to fall in the state.

India’s total active caseload also decreased further to 36,18,458 today, making up 14.66 per cent of the total case burden. A net decline of 55,344 cases was recorded in the active caseload in the last 24 hours, the highest in 10 days. As of now, 10 states account for 74.69 per cent of India’s active cases. These are Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.

A declining trend in positivity rate continues to be seen with national rate at 16.98 per cent today, down from 22.68 per cent on May 7.

The national Covid-induced mortality rate stands at 1.09 per cent with 4,077 deaths in 24 hours.