As active Covid-19 cases in India crossed the 7,000 mark, an RT-PCR test has been made compulsory for all ministers and leaders scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The precaution comes amid a sharp uptick in infections, with states like Kerala, Gujarat, and Delhi reporting fresh spikes, the India Today TV reported.
According to sources, around 70 BJP functionaries from Delhi, including Delhi Chief Minister, all seven MPs, and MLAs, are expected to attend a high-profile meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence this evening. All of them will undergo mandatory RT-PCR testing prior to the 7:30 pm dinner invite — the first such gathering hosted by PM Modi since the BJP’s victory in the Delhi Assembly polls.
Covid-19 Cases Surge Across Key States, Kerala and Gujarat Report Highest Rise
The latest data released by the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday shows 306 new Covid-19 cases and six deaths reported across the country in the last 24 hours. Kerala accounted for three deaths, while Maharashtra and Karnataka reported one and two fatalities, respectively.
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In terms of daily infections, Kerala recorded the highest single-day rise with 170 fresh cases, followed by Gujarat with 114 new infections. Gujarat’s total active caseload now stands at 1,223. Karnataka also reported 100 new cases, highlighting a concerning trend in southern and western India.
Delhi, which will host the Prime Minister’s gathering, registered 66 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking its total active caseload to 757.
Nationally, Kerala leads the active case tally with over 2,000 cases, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi. The sudden surge has prompted local health authorities and the central government to reintroduce selective Covid protocols, especially for high-level public engagements.
