July 06, 2020 (New Delhi)  India surpassed Russia as the third most affected country by Coronavirus after the total number of cases crossed 6.9 lakh on Sunday. The Union Health Ministry reported 24,248 cases and 425 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The fresh cases and deaths have pushed the total cases in the country to 6,97,413 and the death count to 19,693.

So, far, the number of recoveries stands at 4,24,433 and the active cases of deadly infection remain at 2,35,433. The recovery rate has further improved to 60.85 percent. 

Maharashtra, the worst-hit state and home to financial hub Mumbai, recorded 6,555 new cases in the last 24 hours. The state crossed the grim milestone of two lakh COVID-19 cases – with 2,06,619 total cases – as the Maharashtra government plan to ease the lockdown restriction in the days to come. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said a decision of the reopening of hotels and restaurants will be taken soon.

Tamil Nadu’s coronavirus tally reached 1,11,151. Malls are set to reopen fully across the state, except in Chennai, from today. IT and IT-enabled industries can reopen with company transport, though they ought to ensure 20 percent of staff work from home. While Chennai’s coronavirus count saw a slight dip over the last few days, Madurai is seeing a spike with 303 cases yesterday.

With 2,244 new cases of COVID-19 in Delhi on Sunday, the total cases are now at 99,444, while active cases are at 25,038.

Karnataka and capital Bengaluru, in particular, has seen a rapid spike in cases in the last few days. Bengaluru Urban remains the district with the highest number of cases. Bengaluru and other towns and cities of Karnataka observed a total shutdown on Sunday. The state has logged 23,474 coronavirus cases, including 372 deaths.

The nationwide lockdown in place since late March has gradually been lifted, allowing most activities. Schools, metro trains in cities, cinemas, gyms, and swimming pools remain closed however and international flights are still grounded.