India records 4,191 new COVID deaths -- highest single-day toll

India records 4,191 new COVID deaths — highest single-day toll

May 07

21:58 2021

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India has reported 4,191 new COVID-19 deaths — the country’s highest single day fatality count since the pandemic began.

The country also recorded 401,229 new coronavirus infections on Friday.

India is currently battling a second wave of the virus as cases of infections continue to rise amid a shortage of oxygen for patients with severe symptoms.

As the country’s health care system struggles to hold the weight of the new surge of infections, countries are trying to help by sending emergency aid to India.

Describing India’s current COVID-19 predicament as “heartbreaking” Kamala Harris, US vice-president, on Friday, said her country is determined to help India in its hour of need.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, when our hospital beds were stretched, India sent assistance. And today, we are determined to help India in its hour of need,” she said.

“We do this as friends of India, as members of the Asian Quad, and as part of the global community. I believe that if we continue to work together across nations and sectors, we will all get through this.”

Since the start of the pandemic, India has recorded more than 20 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 — second only to the United States — and over 200,000 deaths.

Experts have blamed the recent spike in the number of fresh infections on new virus variants, specifically a “double mutant” variant that originated in the country.

Although the country began its vaccination drive in January, targeting elderly people and those with co-morbidities, the number of cases has continued to surge.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked state governments to impose lockdowns as a last resort.

Modi also said the government is working to increase the supply of medical oxygen, as well as ensure adequate supply of hospital beds, and vaccines, while asking residents to stay indoors.

“The situation was manageable until a few weeks ago. The second wave of infections has come like a storm,” Modi said in a televised address.

“The central and state governments, as well as the private sector, are together trying to ensure oxygen supplies to those in need. We are trying to increase oxygen production and supply across the country.”