India Records Over 100,000 Single-day Coronavirus Cases

Migrant laborers queue up for COVID-19 testing in West Bengal, India. Photo credit: Sanjoy Karmakar / 123RF

India has recorded its highest number of coronavirus infections in a single day, with 103,558 confirmed cases.

According to the authorities, most cases were in the western state of Maharashtra, which is tightening restrictions.

India’s financial capital, Mumbai, saw its own highest daily increase with more than 11,000 new cases. Other states are also seeing surges.

The country is the second after the US to post more than 100,000 new cases in a single day.

India, a global manufacturer of the Covid vaccine, is in the middle of its own immunisation programme. It has the world’s biggest vaccine drive, but experts say it still needs to pick up the pace to stop the spread.

Some officials blame a lack of public compliance with protective measures, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Others have expressed concern about large campaign rallies for forthcoming state elections.