India has reported 386,452 fresh coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours. This is the highest single day rise in the country and anywhere in the world. Earlier this month, on April 5, 100,000 cases, little less than one-fourth of the present figure — were reported. This month has seen a continuous spike in new COVID19 cases.

The national recovery rate has also been dropping. On April 5, it was 92.8 per cent. As of today, April 30, the national recovery rate stands at 81.99 per cent.

Nearly 3,500 deaths due to the virus were recorded as on April 30 till 8am. 10 states — Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Punjab, Tamil Nadu — account for 77.44 per cent of the new deaths.

At 771, Maharashtra saw the maximum daily casualties. It is followed by Delhi with 395 deaths. Only four states/UTs have not reported any COVID19 deaths in the last 24 hours. Daman and Diu, Dadra And Nagar Haveli, Nagaland, Tripura and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

In terms of new COVID cases, Maharashtra continues to report the highest number of cases at 66,159. With 38,607 new cases, Kerala has reported the second highest infections in the last 24 hours. This is followed by Uttar Pradesh at 35,104.

From May 1, India is set to open vaccination for everyone above 18 years of age. However, phase 3 of the vaccination drive may see a slow start with many states and union territories complaining of vaccine shortage.

Also Read: Are you 18? This is how to register for COVID19 vaccination

Yesterday, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said the national capital does not have enough vaccine supply for the vaccination drive for 18-plus years. Moreover, COVID19 vaccination in Mumbai will remain shut till May 2, starting from today. Yesterday, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation informed that due to non-availability of vaccine stock, the financial capital is putting a hold on the vaccination drive for three days.

Also Read: No vaccine stock, COVID-19 vaccination to remain shut for 3 days in Mumbai, says BMC

Yesterday, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said the state would not start vaccinating  the 18-45 age group on May 1 as they don’t have enough vaccine doses.

Besides Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will not be able to initiate the vaccination drive from May 1 as the states do not have adequate vaccine doses.

In the wake of the rising cases, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is set to hold a meeting with the council of ministers today to discuss ways to address the surge of infections. Earlier this month, PM Modi held several meetings with state chief ministers, vaccine manufacturers, and medical oxygen producers.