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While progress is made in managing the pandemic in the United States, the situation around the world is worsening. India, due to factors like high population density, limited vaccine access, and the spread of new variants, has become the global epicenter for COVID-19.
On Thursday, India reported a record-breaking number of daily COVID-19 deaths, with 6,148 deaths within 24 hours, surpassing the previous record held by the United States. Daily new cases have been hovering just below 100,000 for the past few days, with the most severe impacts seen in poorer regions of India. For example, the state of Bihar revised its COVID-19 death toll from 5,400 to over 9,400, accounting for deaths outside of public hospitals.
This surge is part of the second wave of the pandemic in India that started in February and is beginning to slow down after reaching its peak in May. Hospitals are struggling with shortages of beds, oxygen, and medical supplies, as well as a lack of medical personnel. Doctors and nurses are also falling ill due to prolonged exposure to COVID-19 patients. The Indian government is already preparing for a potential third wave of infections in the upcoming fall season.
India reports more than 6,000 daily Covid deaths — the highest globally as the vaccination program progresses slowly – CNBC https://t.co/ry9ieLIirK via @GoogleNews
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Experts emphasize the urgency of ramping up the vaccination campaign to curb the escalating crisis. India has faced challenges in distributing vaccines, with shortages and bureaucratic hurdles slowing down the process. Only about 5% of the population in India has been fully vaccinated. The Indian government aims to have around 2 billion vaccine doses available by December, all provided free of charge under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive.
