Single-day rise of 524 Covid cases in India amid spike in influenza cases; Centre writes to states

Even as there is a surge in seasonal influenza subtype H3N2 cases, the Centre has expressed concern over a gradual increase in the COVID-19 positivity rate in some states and said it needed to be promptly addressed. And, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday (March 12), India logged 524 new coronavirus cases after a gap of 113 days, while the active cases rose to 3,618.

The death toll has increased to 5,30,781, with one death reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am today stated.

The COVID case tally was recorded at 4.46 crore (4,46,90,492). The national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.80 per cent, the ministry said.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,56,093, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent. According to the ministry’s website, 220.64 crore doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

The states have also been requested to take a stock of hospital preparedness such as the availability of drugs and medical oxygen, and vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and influenza.

Centre writes to states and UTs

This sudden surge in COVID cases comes in the backdrop of the Centre writing to the states and Union Territories on Saturday directing them to be alert, take proactive steps and raise community awareness about the rise of the H2N3, H1N1 and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases, which has “Covid-like symptoms”.

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Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan had said in the letter that the gradual rise in Covid-19 test positivity rates in some states is a matter of concern and this needs to be addressed at once.

Moreover, he also said that though the influenza is an annual seasonal occurrence, this year, weather conditions and due to people not giving enough attention to personal hygiene, and sneezing and coughing near other people, etc., has made the environment conducive to the circulation of several viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A(H1N1, H3N2 etc.), Adenoviruses, etc.