

The number of COVID-19 counts surpassed the 1-lakh mark in India, while more than 5,000 new cases were reported in the last 24-hour across the country. India’s tally of COVID-19 patients jumped to 1,06,750. The death toll has crossed 3,303 while 42,297 people have been cured and discharged. Maharashtra, the worst-hit state, saw over 2,000 fresh cases for the third consecutive day.
Here is a list of 10 worst-affected states of the country amid COVID-19 pandemic:
S.No. | Name of State/UT | Confirmed Cases | Recovered Cases | Deaths |
1 | Maharashtra | 37136 | 9639 | 1325 |
2 | Tamil Nadu | 12448 | 4895 | 84 |
3 | Gujarat | 12140 | 5043 | 719 |
4 | Delhi | 10554 | 4750 | 168 |
5 | Rajasthan | 5845 | 3337 | 143 |
6 | Madhya Pradesh | 5465 | 2630 | 258 |
7 | Uttar Pradesh | 4926 | 2918 | 123 |
8 | West Bental | 2961 | 1074 | 250 |
9 | Andhra Pradesh | 2532 | 1621 | 52 |
10 | Punjab | 2002 | 1642 | 38 |
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data as on May 20, 2020
146 fresh deaths on Tuesday
The death toll is increasing in the country day by day. Over 146 fresh deaths were reported on Tuesday in India. Maharashtra alone witnessed 76 deaths then followed by Gujarat with 25 casualties. The situation in Maharashtra has been deteriorating; the total number of cases in the state has touched 37,136 with 1,325 deaths.
Rise of cases in Odisha
A sharp rise in the number of cases in Odisha is a major concern for the state government. The state is turning out to be the new hotspot of the novel coronavirus. The number of cases in Odisha rose to 978 with the return of displaced workers from other parts of the country. Currently, the state government has to cope with dual challenges. First, to contain the COVID-19 cases and then to overcome the disastrous cyclone Amphan.
23 flight passengers tested positive in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, another severely affected state, witnessed 688 new cases. The number of novel coronavirus counts in the state has sharply increased in a couple of days amid the return of people to the state. In one incident, 23 passengers who returned from Dubai via a flight tested positive on Tuesday. A total of 87 fresh cases were reported in the state to those people who arrived from abroad or other states of the country. Chennai is the hotspot with 552 fresh cases.
Increase of fresh cases in several states
Some of the states witnessed a spike in fresh cases. The national capital Delhi alone saw the biggest surge of 500 new cases, and its total tally jumped to 10,554. Along with Delhi, new cases in some other states are also on the rise. Rajasthan (338 new cases), Uttar Pradesh (292), Karnataka (149), and Assam (46) to name a few. These states witnessed a record jump of fresh cases in the last 24-hr.
Per million deaths less in India
However, the number of cases surpassed one lakh mark in the country, but the death rate is still lower than the global average. The death rate in the country is about 0.2 deaths per lakh population which is much lower than average 4.1 deaths per lakh population worldwide.
The health ministry said that timely identification and clinical management of cases had helped in reducing deaths in the country.
Lower rate of patients in ICU
In India, a total of 42,297 COVID-19 patients have been recovered so far, while 61,149 cases are active. As per the health ministry data, about 2.9 per cent of patients were in the ICU. It proves that the overall performance of India is healthy in keeping the deaths low as compared to other countries.
Harsh Vardhan to be India’s next nominee in WHO
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan is working hard in the containment of COVID-19 pandemic in India. He is set to be the country’s nominee to be the next Executive Board Chairman of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
A senior government official said the health minister would be elected at the World Health Organisation’s Executive Board’s meeting on 22 May. The election is a procedural formality.
Related Links:
State-wise Breakup of Covid-19 Cases in India
Preventive Measures Against Covid-19
A Story of The Worst Hardships of Migrant Workers During Lockdown