India records biggest single day spike of 59,118 new cases this year on Friday

March 26: With over 59,118 new coronavirus cases, India on Friday recorded the highest single-day rise so far this year, pushing the nationwide COVID-19 tally to 1.18 crore. The active caseload, on the other hand, breached the 4 lakh-mark again. The fresh spike in cases in the last 24 hours is the highest since October 18 when 61,871 infections were recorded. The total positive cases have increased to 4,21,066 comprising 3.55 per cent of the total infections, while the recovery rate has further dropped to 95.09 per cent.

The government has urged states to ensure Covid protocols – like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing – are strictly followed. The increase in daily cases “clearly indicates a second wave”, a report by the State Bank of India (SBI) has said. The second wave may last up to 100 days, when counted from February 15, it added.

The 28-page SBI report further said localised lockdowns or restrictions have been “ineffective” and that mass vaccination is the “only hope” to win the battle against the pandemic. “Considering the number of days from the current level of daily new cases to the peak level during the first wave, India might reach the peak in the second half of April,” it added.