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MUMBAI (REUTERS) – India reported 78,512 new coronavirus infections on Monday (Aug 31), more than any other country, but less than the day before when it posted the world’s highest single-day count as authorities expected to open more sectors of the economy.
On Sunday, India’s total of 78,761 new cases surpassed the previous world record of 77,299 in the United States on July 16, a Reuters tally of official data showed.
The second most populous country in the world has been recording the highest number of cases in a single day in the world since August 7.
With 3.62 million cases, India is fast catching up with the United States and Brazil in terms of total cases, but has a lower death rate.
Deaths from coronavirus in India increased by 971 in the last 24 hours, bringing the tally to 64,469, the Health Ministry said.
The huge numbers have concerned authorities, especially as people in rural areas largely abandon rules intended to stop the spread, authorities say.
Kumar Sanjay Krishna, chief secretary of Assam, one of the hardest-hit states, attributed the increase in cases to more evidence, openness of the economy and complacency.
“People are not following precautionary steps and are violating Covid protocols,” he said on Twitter. “As of Monday, strict actions will be made visible against those who violate the rules of social distancing or are without a face mask.”
But at the same time, fears about the world’s fifth-largest economy are growing, with a contraction in gross domestic product expected to be announced for the June quarter later on Monday.
Hoping to avoid more serious economic damage, the government is relaxing restrictions and has announced that urban subway trains can resume their services from 7 September.
Additionally, up to 100 people will be allowed to gather for events that include religious and political functions in late September.
India’s second-most industrialized state, Tamil Nadu, said it would partially open public transport, allow shopping malls and places of worship to function, abolish full closings on Sundays and increase flights.
The government is also allowing states to allow some school personnel to report to their assignments and has resisted pressure to delay exams scheduled to begin Tuesday, with more than 2 million students aspiring to enter medical schools. and engineering.
Interior Minister Amit Shah, who had been admitted to hospital twice after contracting the virus, was released on Monday.
Many high-level politicians have been infected.
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