Coronavirus: India records biggest spike in cases; tally crosses 90,000
What's the story
India on Saturday reported roughly 4,800 new cases of COVID-19, hitting the biggest spike again—the second time since last Sunday. The nationwide tally crossed 90,000 while the death toll rose to 2,871. Meanwhile, at least seven states recorded their highest single-day jump in COVID-19 cases. Just on Friday, India's tally had surpassed that of China, where the outbreak first emerged. Here are more details.
Statistics
Health Ministry confirms 85,940 COVID-19 cases, 2,752 deaths
As of 8 am on Saturday, the Union Health Ministry had confirmed 85,940 cases of COVID-19 including 2,752 deaths, 53,035 active cases, and 30,152 recoveries. According to data compiled from official state and union territory government statistics, India has reported 90,643 cases and 2,797 deaths. Including the deaths of 74 other patients—attributed to causes other than COVID-19 by states/UTs—the death toll reaches 2,871.
Worst-hit
Here's how India's worst-hit states fared on Saturday
Till Saturday, Maharashtra reported 30,706 COVID-19 cases with 1,135 deaths. Gujarat's COVID-19 cases rose to 10,988 with 625 deaths. Further, Tamil Nadu reported 10,585 cases (including 74 deaths), Delhi reported 9,333 cases (including 129 deaths), Rajasthan reported 4,960 cases (including 126 deaths), Madhya Pradesh reported 4,790 cases (including 243 deaths), and Uttar Pradesh reported 4,258 cases (including 104 deaths).
Biggest spike
These states recorded their biggest spikes
Maharashtra touched a new peak with 1,606 new cases. Gujarat reported 1,057 new cases. With 213 new cases, Rajasthan recorded its biggest spike for the fourth consecutive day. UP recorded 203 new cases. Bihar's tally rose to 1,178, with 145 new cases. J&K reported 108 new cases, taking its tally to 1,121 (including 12 deaths). With nine new cases, Uttarakhand's tally rose to 91.
Key updates
J&K reports 12th death; Manipur tally climbs to 7
J&K reported its twelfth death due to COVID-19, a man who died at Srinagar's SKIMS hospital on Saturday. Manipur's tally rose to seven with three new cases: a 71-year-old woman, her 48-year-old son, and another 22-year-old woman. Chandigarh reported no new cases for the third consecutive day. Out of the seven returnees from Kolkata in Goa, two were confirmed positive for COVID-19.
News highlights
Centre announces fourth tranche of economic package
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the fourth tranche of the government's economic package that focused on structural reforms in eight sectors. The Home Ministry launched an online portal to track the movement of migrant workers—the National Migrant Information System (NMIS). The 30 municipal areas across 12 states that have reported 80% of all cases in India will reportedly see maximum restrictions during "lockdown 4.0".