India has reported 314,835 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike anywhere in the world since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The country also recorded over 2,000 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total case tally in the country now stands at 15.9 million. Just a week ago, on April 15, 200,000 cases were reported in a day. Prior to India, only the United States recorded more than 300,000 (3,00,310 on January 2, 2021 ) cases in a single day.

With 67,468 new COVID cases, Maharashtra has reported the highest cases. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh (33,106), Delhi (24,638), Karnataka (23,558) and Kerala (22,414). These are the five states that recorded the biggest surge in 24 hours.

At 697,467, Maharashtra has reported the highest active caseload. This is followed by Uttar Pradesh (242,265), Karnataka (176,207), Kerala (135,957), Chhattisgarh (122,751).

Yesterday, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced new COVID19 restrictions as part of the ‘Break the Chain’ programme. As per the new rules, local train travel has been restricted and stricter curbs have been imposed on inter-district and city travel. Exemption will be made for travel for medical emergency, essential services and funeral or medical attendance. Attendance at weddings and marriage ceremonies has been capped at 25.

Yesterday, an oxygen tanker leaked outside a municipal hospital in Maharashtra’s Nashik disrupting supply to patients for around 30 minutes. At least 22 COVID19 patients died in this incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi defined the tragedy as ‘heart-wrenching’.

Also Read: Oxygen tanker leak in Nashik hospital claims lives of 22 coronavirus patients

Meanwhile, some hospitals in Delhi, which reported 24,638 cases in the last 24 hours, are facing acute oxygen shortage. Yesterday, the central government increase the medical oxygen quota for Delhi from 378 MT per day to 480 MT per day. 

The Centre has assured that oxygen demand and supply is being monitored round the clock. Last night, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said the government has increased the quota of oxygen for seven states — Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi.

Also Read: Centre raises Delhi’s medical oxygen quota; CM Kejriwal says he is ‘very grateful’

Today at 12pm, Prime Minister Modi will hold a meeting on medical oxygen supply issues in the country.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the rising COVID19 cases, K Sudhakar, the state health minister of Karnataka, said that a health emergency is to be declared in Karnataka, private hospitals to be asked to reserve 80 per cent of their beds for government referred COVID-19 patients.

In Jharkhand, lockdown has been imposed from today, April 22, till April 29. During the lockdown, essential services will continue. Religious places will remain open but a gathering of devotees will not be allowed.