New Delhi: Having barely got over a devastating second wave of coronavirus infections, India was gripped with alarm on Tuesday over risks of a resurgence as crowds thronged railway stations and shopping malls a day after major cities relaxed curbs on movement. After a strict five-week lockdown, authorities in Delhi have fully re-opened shops and malls, and allowed restaurants to have 50% seating. Health officials say vaccinations need to be at least four times higher to avoid a third wave of infections. At the height of the second wave in April and May as many as 170,000 people died. Nationwide, India reported 60,471 new COVID-19 infections over the past 24 hours, the lowest since March 31, data from the health ministry showed.

Source: Mint June 15, 2021 10:30 UTC