The infections in India inched closer to 5.5 lakh-mark with 19,459 new cases being reported in the last 24 hours. The toll also rose to 16,459 after 380 deaths were reported. Of the 5,48,318 cases, 3.2 lakh patients have recovered, while 2.1 lakh infections are still active. Amid the surge, several states have reimposed full or partial lockdown, while others like Telangana are pondering on imposing fresh curbs. The last one lakh cases in India have been added in less than a week.

In the Northeast, Manipur and Assam have announced the extension of the lockdown. Assam’s Kamrup Metropolitan district which includes Guwahati city is under total lockdown till July 12, 6 pm. While the first seven days are stringent, the subsequent seven days may be more relaxed. In Manipur, the curbs have been extended till July 15. However, Biren Singh said the state has also decided to allow operation of inter-district bus service from July 1 by strictly maintaining SOPs and guidelines issued by the government. No other public transport system will be allowed during this period, he added.

Globally, over 10 million cases have been reported with 5 lakh deaths. The United States continues to be the worst-affected followed by Brazil, Russia, Indian and UK.