India reports 132,788 new COVID-19 infections, 3,207 deaths

India recorded 1,32,788 new coronavirus cases and 3,207 deaths in the last 24 hours. With over 26,500 cases, Tamil Nadu was the biggest contributor to the country’s daily caseload. Active cases reduced by more than a lakh. The total number of active cases stands at about 17.93 lakh right now, reports The Indian Express. 

For gradual lifting of lockdown or curfew restrictions in districts, the Centre said it rests on “three pillars”: positivity rate below 5 per cent for a week, vaccination of 70 per cent of the vulnerable population, and community ownership of Covid-appropriate behaviour and care. While nearly half of India’s 718 districts now report seven-day positivity of less than 5 per cent, only 32 per cent of those in the 45+ age group have got their first dose.

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court urged the Centre to prioritise the youth in its nationwide vaccination drive. “The administration of the drug to patients who have better chances of survival may have to be prioritised,” it said. It said that younger patients may also have to be prioritised in distribution of the drug to treat mucormycosis or black fungus.