Covid cases are doubling in India, when compared to data being reported a week ago. A comparison of new cases reported last week and this week shows a clear spike, raising fears of a fourth wave of infections.
On April 10, India reported 1,054 new Covid cases, recorded over a span of 24 hours. On April 18, the number stood at 2,183 - an increase of 107%.
At the provincial level, cases are rising steadily in the national capital of Delhi, and neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
Between April 4 and 10, Delhi recorded 943 new infections. In the following week, i.e. 11 to 17 April, Delhi saw 2,307 new cases - an increase of 144%. This is as per a Times Of India analysis.
The report says that Uttar Pradesh saw a 141% increase in Covid cases over the two weeks. Between April 4 and 10, UP had 224 new cases, which increased to 540 between April 11 and 17.
Cases more than doubled in the nearby state of Haryana as well, as per the Times Of India. Between April 4 and 10, Haryana had 514 new cases, which increased to 1,119 between April 11 and 17 - a rise of 117%.
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Following the third wave of infections in 2021-end and 2022-beginning, India experienced a relative respite from the pandemic. During this time, Covid restrictions were eased to an unprecedented level. Many places, including Delhi, removed penalty on not wearing face masks. However, with cases rising once again, it might be time to impose curbs before the spike turns into another wave.