India is witnessing a worrying surge in COVID-19 cases, with active infections crossing the 6,000 mark. According to the Union Health Ministry, six COVID-related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, with Kerala remaining the worst-affected state. The country recorded 769 new cases in the last 48 hours.
Kerala leads with 1,950 active cases, marking an increase of 144 cases in a day. It is followed by Gujarat (822), Delhi (686), Maharashtra (595), Karnataka (366), Uttar Pradesh (219), Tamil Nadu (194), Rajasthan (132), and Haryana (102).
Among the six fatalities, three occurred in Kerala—men aged 51, 64, and 92—all with pre-existing conditions. Karnataka reported two deaths (men aged 51 and 78), while Tamil Nadu reported one death of a 42-year-old male patient.
In response to the rise in infections, the central government has initiated mock drills to assess hospital preparedness. States have been directed to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines to manage any potential spike.
