Active Covid-19 cases lowest in 248 days but crowded markets spark concerns of a spike

The number of active Covid-19 cases in India declined to 1,58,817 on Monday morning, the lowest in 248 days, according to govt data. 

Currently active cases account for 0.46% of total infections, lowest since March 2020 but crowded markets across the country ahead of Diwali are sparking concerns of a spike in the number of cases post the festival season. 

In Delhi, large markets like Sadar Bazaar, Sarojini Nagar and Chandni Chowk are witnessing huge crowds as people make a last miunute dash to complete festival shopping. 

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Markets in Chennai and Indore too witnessed similar scenes. 

In Gujarat's Surat, people are thronging to jewellery shops to buy gold ahead of Dhanteras on Tuesday. 

Shopkeepers, however, are a happy bunch. After a cold Diwali last year, they are glad to see customers coming in droves and hope to make good earnings this year.