New Delhi— India has recorded a significant decrease in the number of daily Covid-19 cases, with only 10,112 new infections reported over the previous 24 hours, according to data published by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. 

As a result, there are now 67,806 active cases throughout the nation, and since the pandemic began, 5,31,329 people have recovered from Covid-19. Despite this decrease, the government has advised individuals to continue vaccinations if they have not done so already and to wear masks in busy environments.

Scientists have identified the Covid-19 variant XBB.1.16 as the cause for the recent spike in cases, though they have also noted that India's population has hybrid immunity from both vaccinations and naturally acquired infections. The current Covid-19 variations are relatively mild and will not result in a high number of hospitalizations or serious cases.

The Union Health Ministry has advised the state and union territory governments to use a risk assessment-based strategy to stop and contain the virus. The state governments are recommended to assess the Covid-19 situation at a micro level, particularly in districts and sub-districts, and implement appropriate measures for timely and effective management of Covid-19 while also ensuring effective compliance.

Overall, the government has mandated that each state implement testing, tracking, treating, and immunization policies to help manage and control the spread of the virus.

Four Supreme Court Judges Test Positive for Coronavirus

According to news reports on Saturday, four Supreme Court judges have contracted Covid-19 amid a spike in cases across the country. While four judges are reportedly suffering from Covid-19, a fifth judge has recently recovered from a coronavirus infection, and yet another judge is currently unable to work due to another medical issue.

The hearing on the contentious topic of same-sex marriage has been postponed due to the unavailability of one of the judges who tested positive for Covid-19. The affected judge is a member of the five-judge Constitution Bench hearing applications seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriage.