India: Authorities report highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases to date June 14 /update 37

Event

The Indian Health Ministry on Sunday, June 14, reported the highest 24-hour increase of positive coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases to date. The latest increase of 11,929 cases and 311 fatalities bring the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 320,922 with 9195 associated deaths nationwide. Maharashtra remains the most affected state with 104,568 COVID-19 cases.

Restrictions were eased on Monday, June 8, with places of worship, hotels, restaurants, hospitality services, and malls reopening as part of the first phase of lockdown easing. A second phase is expected in July when educational establishments will reopen.

The timing of the third and final phase is yet to be decided but will see international flights, metro services, gyms, sports facilities, and cinemas resume operations.

The aforementioned measures have not been enacted in designated containment zones, which will see their lockdown extended until June 30. Containment zones are to be designated by state authorities and will include the immediate area around communities where a positive COVID-19 case has been identified.

Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantine measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.