India's COVID-19 count crosses 70,000 as death toll rises to 2,293 & recoveries to 22,454

As India battles with COVID-19 pandemic,  death toll due to Coronavirus has risen to 2,293 and number of cases climbed to 70,756 in country, as per latest numbers from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.  number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 46,008 while 22,454 people have been cured and discharged, and one patient migrated, according to government.

With 23,401 cases, Maharashtra continues to remain worst affected state in country while reporting 868 deaths. Gujarat stands second after Maharashtra with 8,541 cases, nearly one-third of Maharashtra, while reporting 513 deaths.  national capital stands third in number of COVID-19 infections with 7233 cases of which 73 have succumbed to virus. 

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Here is state-wise data of COVID-19 in India:

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Health Ministry revises Discharge Policy

Speaking on revised discharge policy anunced by Health Ministry last week, Lav Aggarwal said that revision is done because several countries have changed ir policy from test-based strategy to symptom and time-based strategy. He ted that  discharge policy is t meant for home or facility quarantine patients.

"Discharge policy has been changed because several countries have changed ir policy from test-based strategy to symptom & time-based strategy. We have also changed it based on this. As per revised policy, mild/very mild/pre-symptomatic cases admitted to COVID care facility can be discharged after 10 days of symptom onset and if re is fever for 3 days. need to test before discharge, home isolation advised after discharge," official said.

'Report symptoms, don't hide'

Health Ministry has appealed to people with symptoms of COVID-19 to t hide m and report to health centres and get timely treatment to prevent throwing ir family's health at risk. In a press briefing, Joint Secretary for Health, Lav Aggarwal said that States have been told to ensure smooth movement of medical professionals and para-medical staff, and opening of all private clinics, nursing homes and labs.

"We have to try toger that whoever develops symptoms of COVID-19 should t hide, rar step out and get timely treatment. If we do t do this, we will t only be ill but put our families' health at risk," official said, highlighting importance of health-seeking behaviour.