India adds 86,000 new cases, junior minister among dead
India now has confirmed more than 5.7 million cases, the second-most in the world. The Health Ministry also said Thursday that another 86,508 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the country.
- World
- Agencies and A News
- Published Date: 09:18 | 24 September 2020
- Modified Date: 09:18 | 24 September 2020
India reported another 86,508 new coronavirus cases, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi sees little merit in imposing even short local lockdowns.
India now has confirmed more than 5.7 million cases, the second-most in the world. The Health Ministry also said Thursday that 1,129 more people have died, for a total of 91,149.
India's junior Railways Minister Suresh Angadi died on Wednesday, nearly two weeks after he was admitted to a New Delhi hospital with COVID-19. He was the first federal minister and the fourth Indian lawmaker to die from the disease.
Modi on Wednesday decried short, local lockdowns imposed in some places and said the country needs to not only keep fighting the virus, but also move ahead boldly on the economic front.
He asked states to focus on testing, tracing, treatment and surveillance. He said lockdown restrictions hit smooth movement of goods and services, including medical supplies.