Nearly eight months after India recorded over 3 lakh daily COVID-19 cases, the country yet again reported 3,17,532 new infections, 491 deaths, and 2,23,990 recoveries on Thursday, 20 January.
States including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh were classified as 'States of Concern' on Thursday, and are under review by the Centre.
Meanwhile, the national COVID-19 recovery rate has decreased to 93.88 percent.
So far, a total of 9,287 cases of the highly-contagious Omicron variant have been reported, while the daily positivity rate is at 16.41 percent.
Delhi had reported 13,785 new infections and 35 deaths on Wednesday.
Mumbai, on the other hand, had detected 6,032 COVID cases and 12 deaths.
As per official data on Thursday, proportion of fully vaccinated people was 72%.
The number of active cases in the country stands at 19,24,051, which makes up 4.83 percent of the total infections.
West Bengal Reports 10,959 New Cases
West Bengal reports 10,959 new COVID-19 cases, 17,815 recoveries, and 37 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active cases in the state stand at 1,44,809 and the positivity rate is 16.27%.
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'Masks Not Recommended for Children Aged 5 & Below': Health Minsitry
The Union Health Ministry, in the 'Revised Comprehensive Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents (below 18 years)' indicated that masks are not recommended for children aged 5 years and below, NDTV reported.
For children aged 6-11, masks should be used on the basis of the child's ability to use it safely and appropriately under the direct supervision of a parent/guardian, the statement reportedly said.
Further, the notice said that the use of antivirals or monoclonal antibodies is not recommended for those who are not adults yet.
J&K Govt Imposes Restriction on Non-Essential Movement on Weekends
In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases, Jammu and Kashmir government has imposed complete restrictions on non-essential movement between 2 pm on Friday to 6 pm on Monday.
Tamil Nadu Records 28, 561 New Cases
Tamil Nadu detected 28,561 new cases and 39 deaths in the last 24 hours.The active case tally in the state is 1,79,205.