India’s coronavirus cases cross half a million

An emergency Covid-19 care center set up in the Shehnai Banquet Hall at the Lok Nayak Hospital Annexe in New Delhi, India

NEW DELHI, 27th June, 2020 (WAM)

India’s confirmed coronavirus cases crossed half a million on Saturday with another record 24-hour jump of 18,552 infections, The Associated Press reported today.

The Health Ministry also recorded 384 new deaths, raising the total to 15,685.

The surge prompted authorities in the northeastern state of Assam to impose a two-week lockdown in the state capital of Gauhati. About 700 new cases were reported there in just four days.

Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the rest of Assam will be placed under a night curfew and weekend lockdowns.