India's New COVID-19 Cases Break Global Record for Two Consecutive Days

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] India recorded the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in the world for the second consecutive day.

According to the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on the 23rd, the number of new confirmed cases as of the morning was 332,730. This broke the previous world record set by the United States the day before (314,835 cases) just one day after surpassing it.

The number of new deaths reached a record high of 2,263 on the same day. The cumulative number of confirmed cases and deaths rose to 16,263,695 and 186,920, respectively.

By state, Maharashtra, the wealthiest state in western India, reported the highest number of new infections at 67,013. New Delhi recorded 26,169 new confirmed cases.

As of this day, approximately 135.5 million vaccine doses have been administered in India. About 20 million people have completed two doses of vaccination.

Experts analyze that India's infection situation is worsening to the worst level as a highly contagious variant virus spreads amid significantly lax public quarantine measures. Authorities are focusing all efforts on expanding vaccination along with regional temporary lockdowns and other quarantine measures.