India reports 11,692 new COVID cases, 28 fatalities in last 24 hours; active cases rise to 66,170

According to the ministry, the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.67%, and the active cases currently make up 0.15 percent of all reported cases.

India reported 11,692 new coronavirus infections in last 24 hours, while the number of ongoing cases has risen to 66,170. 28 deaths have occurred, bringing the total to 5,31,258, according to data by the Union Health Ministry.

The Covid case total stands at 4.48 crore. According to the ministry, the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.67 per cent, and the active cases currently make up 0.15 per cent of all reported cases. 4,42,72,256 persons have recovered from the illness, while the case fatality rate has been reported at 1.18 per cent.

Despite the rise in numbers, the new Covid cases are projected to subside after 10–12 days, signalling that Covid in India is approaching the endemic stage. However, given that this increase is being linked to a new variety, it is crucial to take all preventative precautions, particularly given that the most recent varieties, XBB. 1.5 or Kraken and XBB.1.16 or Arcturus, are exhibiting symptoms of "immune evasion."

As of April 20, 2023, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's Covid Flash has reported that India has surpassed the 12,000 mark, with 12,591 new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, resulting in a total of 65,289 active cases.

The daily positivity rate currently stands at 5.46 per cent, slightly higher than the weekly rate of 5.32 per cent. The ministry's Covid-19 state-wise status check reveals that Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are still recording more than 250 cases.

In light of the current crisis, the government has informed that individuals who have liver disease, particularly those who are preparing for or have undergone a liver transplant, must take extra measures to protect their well-being. Since these individuals may have compromised immune systems, they are more vulnerable to severe complications arising from the Sars-Cov-2 virus.

Also read: COVID-19 surge: Delhi HC asks lawyers, litigants to wear masks, follow protocol

According to a recent study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, in addition to vaccination and other measures, the dietary habits and food ingredients commonly used in India may have played a significant role in reducing the severity and mortality rate of Covid-19 in the Indian population.