India recorded a massive spike of 62, 714 cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day rise in nearly five months, the Union Health Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The fresh infections have taken the total Covid tally in the country to 1.19 crore (nearly 12 million) as India registers a steady increase in cases.

The last recorded biggest spike was on Oct 16 when 63,371 cases were reported.

During this period, 312 deaths were recorded, the highest spike in nearly three months.

The fresh deaths have taken the total number of fatalities due to the deadly disease to 161,552.

Active coronavirus cases in the country rose by 33,663 taking the total to 4,86,310.

Over 11.3 million people have recovered from the disease that has affected millions across the world. The recovery rate has further dropped to 94.58 per cent.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra, the state most hit, has banned all kinds of public gatherings including political and religious ones amid the continuous spike.

Restaurants, gardens and malls have been ordered to remain shut between 8 pm and 7 am from Sunday, the state government said in an order.

Maharashtra is followed by Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Gujarat for recording the highest cases in the last 24 hours.

(IBNS)