India, on March 30, saw a steady rise in COVID-19 cases for the 20th consecutive day. With 56,211 new COVID-19 cases, India’s tally climbed to 12,095,855 according to the Union Health Ministry’s data. Commenting on the rising cases, Dr VK Paul, a member of the Niti Aayog said that the country is facing an increasingly severe and intensive situation in some districts.

He further added that due to the gradual rise in COVID cases, “the country is potentially at risk. All efforts to contain the virus and save lives should be taken.”

India recorded 271 more deaths, taking the tally to 162,114. Active cases have increased to 540,720 comprising 4.47% of the total infections, while the recovery rate has further dropped to 94.19%.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that they have spoken to representatives of the states and asked them why are they not increasing testing when cases are increasing.

“We found that isolation isn’t taking place in most states, people are being told to isolate at home. But it’s to be monitored if they’re actually doing it. If they can’t, they must be quarantined institutionally. Delhi was able to bring numbers under control through it,” Bhushan further said.

Bhushan also wrote to Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all States/UTs, suggesting them action required at the district level in the wake of the COVID19 situation.

Talking about the eligibility for the COVID vaccine, Bhushan said, “From April 1 all people above 45 yrs of age will be eligible for vaccination. Advance appointments can be booked through cowin.gov.in. If you don’t want to do this, you can go to your nearest vaccination centre after 3 pm & go for on-site registration.”