India’s coronavirus case total has grown larger than Brazil’s, making it the second worst-hit country in the world behind the U.S.
What we know:
- India reported 90,802 new cases within 24 hours, the highest single-day total for any country during the pandemic. The country has now recorded over 4.2 million total cases. The U.S. is the only country that has more infections, with over 6.2 million cases.
- India’s Health Ministry also reported over a thousand deaths on Monday bringing their death toll to 71,642, the third-highest of any nation in the world. The virus is spreading faster in India than any other country and there have been over 2 million new cases reported in the last month alone.
- Despite the alarming rise in cases, India has been relaxing restrictions and trying to revive its economy. The same day that India became the second worst-hit country in the world, New Delhi’s metro system reopened for the city’s commuters. Only asymptomatic people are allowed to board, masks are mandatory, and there are temperature checks and social distancing.
- New Delhi’s street traffic has already returned to its normal pre-pandemic status. Bars are reopening around the country. Later this month, gatherings of up to 100 people will be permitted across the nation.
- India’s economy took the largest hit of almost any country in the world, seeing its GDP shrink by 24% between April and June. It is the largest economic contraction in over 20 years. The nation went into full lockdown in late March. With millions of laborers and migrant workers out of jobs, India’s economy was immediately hit. With the economy now reopening, cases are surging.
India is now seeing the virus run rampant in its rural villages where medical resources are more scarce.
