Five states account for most COVID deaths across country, says Centre

The active COVID count in the country is set to cross 9 lakh as fresh cases went beyond 89,000 on Tuesday (September 8), with the Centre saying that five states — Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu — accounting for most of the total deaths in the country.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said on Tuesday that 37.14% deaths have been reported from Maharashtra, 10.89 % from Tamil Nadu, 8.98% from Karnataka, 6.17% from Andhra Pradesh, and 5.46% from Uttar Pradesh.

These states account for 70% of COVID deaths in the country, he said.

Of the 1,133 COVID-19 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, Maharashtra accounts for 423 deaths, he said, adding these five states also account for 62% of the total active cases in the country.

As many as 14 states/UTs have less than 5,000 active COVID-19 cases, he said. The Health Secretary said apart from these five states, other states and union territories account for 31.37% of the deaths.

He also highlighted frequent complaints from states that people are becoming lax in taking precautions.

NITI Aayog member VK Paul, who also heads COVID-19 national task force, stressed the importance of testing in containing the pandemic.

“People should not be afraid of getting tested. They should come forward to get themselves tested if they have symptoms,” he said.

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The NITI Aayog official asserted that following social distancing, wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene and avoiding big gatherings remain vital in preventing the spread of the infection.

Meanwhile, Delhi Metro’s Blue Line and Pink Line resumed operations on Wednesday after being closed for 171 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, the Delhi Metro had resumed services on its Yellow Line, with curtailed operations and a slew of measures for safety of passengers and employees.

In Chennai, Metro services resumed in a graded manner in the Blue Line between Washermenpet to Airport from September 7 and green line between St. Thomas Mount & Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MG Ramachandran Central Metro on September 9 from 7 am, reports said.