India has recorded a slight increase in the number of daily COVID-19 cases with 1,272 new infections reported in the last 24 hours. The active tally stands at 15,515, according to the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.
The country’s daily caseload had been on a steady decline since mid-May, with a significant drop in the number of active cases. However, experts have warned of a potential third wave, and the government has called for caution in the wake of reports of new variants of the virus emerging.
The rise in cases comes despite India’s ongoing vaccination drive, which has administered over 182 million doses of vaccines so far. The government has also urged people to follow COVID-appropriate behavior, including wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings.
Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka continue to be the worst-affected states in terms of active cases, with Maharashtra alone accounting for over 50% of the active cases in the country.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in India now stands at over 27.3 million, with over 315,000 deaths reported since the pandemic began. While the country has made significant progress in controlling the spread of the virus, the threat of a potential third wave remains a cause for concern, and health officials continue to stress the importance of adhering to safety protocols and getting vaccinated.