SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 3 December 2024, Tuesday |

Restrictions imposed in several states in India as Covid-19 cases rise

On Sunday, India recorded 159,632 new COVID-19 cases as the Omicron strain of the coronavirus spreads fast across the country, prompting some state governments to impose additional restrictions.

Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state, said on Saturday that swimming pools and gyms will be shuttered starting Monday, while schools and universities will be closed until February 15, after daily cases in the state increased to nearly 41,000.

Only fully vaccinated people will be permitted inside private offices, according to the state administration, with capacity limited to 50% of the entire workforce.

In the neighbouring state of Gujarat, authorities have extended night curfew hours and cancelled leave for all healthcare personnel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation later on Sunday, according to government sources.

The health ministry reported 327 new deaths, taking the official death toll since the start of the pandemic to 483,790. Total infections stand at 35.52 million.

    Source:
  • Reuters