India has leaped across several significant milestones in its fight against Covid-19. The new confirmed cases in the 24 hours to Tuesday morning have fallen below 50,000 (46,790, to be precise) for the first time in nearly three months. The last time the number of new cases was close to this level was on July 28 (47,703).

With a high number of Covid patients recovering every day and the sustained fall in the mortality rate, India’s steady trend of registering dipping active cases continues.

In another achievement, the percentage active cases have fallen below 10%. The total positive cases of the country today are less than 7.5 lakh (7,48,538) and comprise merely 9.85% of the total cases.

This is the result of collaborative, focussed and effective action by states/UTs under the centre's strategy of comprehensive and high countrywide testing, prompt and effective surveillance and tracking, quick hospitalization and effective adherence of the Standard Treatment Protocol issued by the union government. This success also owes to the selfless service and dedication of doctors, paramedics, frontline workers and all other Covid-19 warriors across all parts of the country, the health ministry said in a release.

The slide in active cases is supplemented by an exponential rise in recoveries. The total recovered cases have crossed 67 lakhs (67,33,328). The difference between active cases and recovered cases is consistently increasing and stands at 59,84,790.

As many as 69,720 patients have recovered and discharged in the 24-hour period. The national recovery rate has further grown to 88.63%. As many as 78% of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 states/UTs.

Maharashtra continues to lead with more than 15,000 single-day recoveries followed by Karnataka with more than 8,000 recoveries. About 75% of the new confirmed cases are from 10 states and UTs. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala contribute more than 5,000 to the new confirmed cases.

As many as 587 case fatalities have been reported in the 24 hours. Of these, nearly 81% are concentrated in ten states/UTs. The deaths are below 600 for second consecutive day. Maharashtra has reported the maximum single day deaths (125 deaths).

India is the only country with the highest recoveries and continues to have one of the lowest fatality rates globally. Today it stands at 1.52%. These have in tandem resulted in consistent slide in the active cases.

National Positivity Rate sustained below 8%
On Monday, the health ministry said the national cumulative Positivity Rate had fallen under 8%. This trend was sustained without a break for four days. The cumulative Positivity Rate was 7.94% on Monday and was on a continuous decline.

This has been brought about by high level of comprehensive country-wide testing. The total tests have crossed 9.5 crores on Monday.

As evidence has revealed, higher numbers of testing on a sustained basis have aided in bringing down the positivity rate. The decline in the cumulative positivity rate has demonstrated that the rate of spread of infection is being effectively contained.

Higher testing across wide regions leads to early identification of positive cases, prompt tracking through efficient surveillance and tracing, and timely & effective treatment in homes/facilities and in hospitals for the severe cases. These measures in tandem eventually lead to lower mortality rate.

The average Daily Positivity Rate is 6.13% for the third week of October. This is a result of successful ‘Test, Track, Trace, Treat and Technology’ strategy of the central government effectively followed by states/UTs.