India Reports Highest New COVID-19 Cases in 5 Months... Approaching Brazil, the World's 2nd Largest

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India increased by more than 53,000 on the 24th (local time). This is the highest level in over five months since October 23 of last year.

The Indian Ministry of Health announced that the cumulative confirmed cases rose by 53,476 from the previous day to 11,787,013, according to major foreign media reports.

The death toll increased by 251, reaching a total of 160,692.

India's daily new confirmed cases surged to 100,000 on September 10 last year but fluctuated between 10,000 and 20,000 per day this year. As a result, India lost its position as the world's second highest to Brazil and dropped to third place.

However, since the 18th of this month, the daily cases have continued to rise to the 30,000 range and then to the 40,000 range on the 20th, raising concerns about a second wave. To make matters worse, a "double mutant virus" has also been discovered.

In response, India has decided to temporarily halt exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine produced domestically, prioritizing domestic supply.

This measure is expected to be in effect until the end of April. Major foreign media, citing sources, reported that "there will be no exports until India's internal situation stabilizes."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.