Five States In India Accounted For Over 70% Of COVID-19 Cases Reported In July Alone

The number of COVID-19 cases has been falling across most parts of India over the past few weeks and daily infections have remained around the 40,000 mark since the start of this month.

While this is the case with most states, a few of them continues to remain a concern as the infection rate there is not coming down but is showing signs of increase.

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In fact, five states, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha 每 accounted for 73.4% of total new cases recorded in July. Out of the five, Maharashtra and Kerala, the two worst-hit states accounted for 51% of cases reported in July.

Kerala highest

Kerala, which posted the highest count of new cases last week at 91,652, saw an 8.1% increase in infections. This was the second straight week of rising cases in the state.

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In Maharashtra too, there are signs of a slight increase in the number of cases, at least in some districts.

The continuing rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in a few states is already causing fears of a third wave in India.

Health Ministry cautions against complacency

Union Health Ministry cautioned the citizens to ensure that the third wave that is being reported around the world does not hit India.

"The world is witnessing third wave (of COVID-19)... We've to join hands to ensure that the third wave doesn't hit India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today clearly said that we should focus on keeping the third wave at bay, instead of discussing when it would come in India," said Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog at the press conference.

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Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary of Union Health Ministry informed that a further surge in cases is being noted in some states, like Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. He also noted that there are some states, where cases have come down but are still being witnessed in the form of the plateau.

"We would like to request to everyone, when we talk about the third wave (of COVID-19), we are taking it as a weather update and not understanding its seriousness and our responsibilities associated with it," he said.

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Agarwal also highlighted that the Centre has deputed teams in 11 states so that they can help the state governments in COVID-19 management.

"Besides northeastern states, the teams have been sent to Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Odisha, as they were reflecting a growth trajectory," he added.