SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 26 April 2024, Friday |

India’s COVID-19 infections cross 18 million

India reported on Thursday a record surge in COVID-19 infections and deaths over the last 24 hours, with its overall caseload rising above 18 million.

With 379,257 new cases and 3,645 new fatalities, India’s overall tally of cases and deaths stands now at 18.38 million and 204,832, respectively, according to health ministry data.

The United States is sending supplies worth over $100 million to India to help it fight a surge of coronavirus cases, the White House said in a statement on Wednesday.

The supplies, which will begin arriving on Thursday and continue into next week, include 1,000 oxygen cylinders, 15 million N95 masks and 1 million rapid diagnostic tests, the statement said.

Washington also has redirected its own order of AstraZeneca manufacturing supplies to India, which will allow it to make over 20 million shots of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the White House.

“Just as India sent assistance to the United States when our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, the United States is determined to help India in its time of need,” the White House said in a fact sheet outlining the aid.

    Source:
  • Reuters