Coronavirus cases in India crosses 1 lakh mark, over 3000 dead

New Delhi : The total number of coronavirus cases in India has crossed 1 lakh figure with more people testing positive to coronavirus in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and other states. The gloomy side remains that it came at a day when most of the Indian states announced relaxations while Centre extended lockdown till May 31. More than 3,000 people have died so far.

On Monday, several states ordered reopening of markets, offices, salons, local transport in areas which have been marked safe from coronavirus.

India recorded the biggest single-day jump of 5,242 new coronavirus cases on Monday morning, with the cases hitting 96,169 before it crossed the one-lakh mark.

Earlier, the central government gave decision rights in states hands to mark the red, green and orange zones according to them and implement regulations.

The centre has made it clear that only essential activities should be allowed in containment zones. It has allowed buses and other vehicles to run. But flights and metro services remain closed.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said India has taken all necessary steps well in time to fight the pandemic.

"Global collaboration is paramount. Governments, industry and philanthropy must pool resources to pay for the risk, the research, manufacturing and distribution, but with the condition that the rewards should be available to everyone, regardless of where they have been developed," he said in his address to the 73rd World Health Assembly via video conferencing.