India
recorded 54,366 new coronavirus cases on Friday. India’s
total COVID-19 caseload reached

77,61,312
on Friday with 54,366 new cases being recorded in the
past 24 hours, the data from the Union Health Ministry confirmed. 

The virus
claimed 690 lives in the last 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 1,17,306.

Active
coronavirus cases in the country currently stand at 6,95,509.  A total of 73,979 patients have recovered from the
infection since Thursday, taking the total number of recoveries to 69,48,497.

ICMR further stated that 10,01,13,085 samples had been tested up to October 22, and added that, “14,42,722 samples were tested on Thursday.”

Data from
the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed that India crossed the 10 crore tests mark on Thursday. The ICMR further stated, that it has been working to “exponentially increase access to testing.”

It further added, “Rampant testing has enabled to successfully test, track & treat infections that led to efficient management of COVID19 situation in the country.”

A total of
2,27,26,737 samples have been tested in the month of October so far.

According to the data furnished by the ICMR, 8,64,517 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the of April, with the government body accelerating number of tests conducted in August and September.

As per the estimates provided by the ICMR, 29,37,283 tests were conducted in May, while in June 49,93,407 tests were conducted. India recorded a sharp rise in number of tests conducted in July, with 1,05,32,312 tests taking place. In August and September 2,39,83,308 tests and 3,32,45,237 tests were conducted respectively.

The country had crossed the 5 crore testing mark on September 7.