According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday, India continues to see a steep decline in the number of Covid-19 cases, with the country reporting 2,503 new infections in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases to 42.99 million. India saw a sharp drop in Covid-19 deaths on Monday, with 27 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 515,877. The active caseload in the country now stands at 36, 168, and the daily positive rate in the country is 0.47 %, according to Health Ministry data.
India’s current active caseload, at 36,168, is the lowest in 675 days, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on Sunday that more than 17.42 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses had remained unused and are still available with the states and union territories.
“More than 182.65 crore (1,82,65,14,930) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category. More than 17.42Cr (17,42,45,896) balance and unutilized Covid vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered,” said the Ministry.
On January 16, 2021, the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination programme began. The new phase of Covid-19 vaccine universalization began on June 21, 2021. More vaccines have been made available, and States and UTs have been given advance notice of vaccine availability, allowing them to plan ahead of time and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
The Union Government has been helping the States and UTs by providing them with free Covid vaccinations as part of the nationwide vaccination drive. The Union Government would acquire and supply (free of cost) to States and UTs 75 percent of the vaccines produced by vaccine manufacturers in the country in the new phase of the Covid-19 vaccination effort.