COVID-19 pandemic in India: Difference between revisions

{{about|the epidemiology of [[COVID-19 pandemic]]|the current quarantine|COVID-19 lockdown in India}}

{{short description|Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in India}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}

| legend1        = {{center|COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people by state, as of April 23}}

{{collapsed infobox section begin|Map of confirmed cases}}

{{collapsed infobox section end}}

{{collapsed infobox section begin|Map of active cases}}

{{collapsed infobox section end}}

{{collapsed infobox section begin|Map of confirmed deaths}}

{{collapsed infobox section end}}

| disease        = [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]]

| first_case      = [[Thrissur]], [[Kerala]]<ref>{{cite web

   |date=30 January 2020}}</ref><br>{{coord|10.5276|76.2144|format=dms|type:village_region:IN|display=inline,title}}

| date            = 27

January 2020{{snd}}ongoing<br /> ({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=01|day1=30|year1=2020|month2=|day2=|year2=}})<ref>{{cite news

   |date=30 January 2020 |first1=David |last1=Reid }}</ref>

| origin          = [[Wuhan]], [[Hubei]], [[China]]<ref>{{cite news

| territories    = [[States and union territories of India |28 states and 8 union territories]]<ref name="mohfw">{{cite web

| confirmed_cases = 17,313,163

| active_cases    = 2,813,658

| recovery_cases  = 14,304,382

| deaths          = 201,187

The '''COVID-19 pandemic in India''' is part of the [[COVID-19 pandemic|worldwide pandemic]] of [[coronavirus disease 2019]] ({{nowrap|COVID-19}}) caused by [[severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus&nbsp;2]] ({{nowrap|SARS-CoV-2}}). The first case of COVID-19 in [[India]], which [[COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China|originated from China]], was reported on 30 January 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Perappadan|first=Bindu Shajan|date=2020-01-30|title=India’s first coronavirus infection confirmed in Kerala|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-first-coronavirus-infection-confirmed-in-kerala/article30691004.ece|access-date=2021-02-24|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> India currently has the largest number of [[COVID-19 pandemic in Asia|confirmed cases in Asia]].<ref name="asia first">{{Cite web|title=India most infected by Covid-19 among Asian countries, leaves Turkey behind|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-most-infected-by-covid-19-among-asian-countries-leaves-turkey-behind/story-Jjd0AqIsuL3yjMWg29uJ3I.html|date=29 May 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref> As of April 2021, India has the second-highest number of confirmed cases in the world (after the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|United States]]) with more than 17 million reported cases of COVID-19 infection and 195,123 deaths {{as of |2021|April|26}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=#IndiaFightsCorona COVID-19 |url=https://www.mygov.in/covid-19 |website=MyGov.in |publisher=Govt of India |access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India’s COVID crisis ‘beyond heartbreaking’: WHO|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/26/india-sets-new-covid-world-record-for-5th-straight-day-live-news|access-date=2021-04-26|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref>  

In July 2020, India's [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]] said that the country's [[case fatality rate]] was among the lowest in the world at 2.41%  and was "steadily declining".<ref>{{Cite web|title=CoVID news by MIB|url=https://twitter.com/covidnewsbymib/status/1286228937673068544|access-date=23 July 2020|via=Twitter|language=en}}{{Primary source inline|date=August 2020}}</ref> By mid-May 2020, five cities accounted for around half of all reported cases in the country: [[COVID-19 pandemic in Maharashtra|Mumbai]], [[COVID-19 pandemic in Delhi|Delhi]], [[COVID-19 pandemic in Gujarat|Ahmedabad]], [[COVID-19 pandemic in Tamil Nadu|Chennai]] and [[COVID-19 pandemic in Maharashtra|Thane]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Infections over 1 lakh, five cities with half the cases: India's coronavirus story so far|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/05/19/infections-coronavirus-1-lakh-five-cities-with-half-the-cases.html|website=The Week|access-date=20 May 2020}}</ref> The last [[States and union territories of India|region]] to report its first case was [[COVID-19 pandemic in Lakshadweep|Lakshadweep]], on 19 January 2021, nearly a year after the first reported case in India.<ref>{{cite news|author=|title=Nearly a year after Covid-19 outbreak in India, Lakshadweep reports its first-ever case|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/lakshadweep-reports-first-ever-coronavirus-covid19-case-1760411-2021-01-19|work=India Today|date=19 January 2021|access-date=19 January 2021}}</ref> On 10 June, India's recoveries exceeded active cases for the first time.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Shivani Kumar|location=New Delhi|title=Covid-19: Number of recoveries exceed active cases for first time|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-19-number-of-recoveries-exceed-active-cases-for-first-time/story-uA0C6zESJTdkl9UQ2lHc2M.html|work=Hindustan Times|date=10 June 2020|access-date=11 June 2020}}</ref> Infection rates started to drop significantly in September, and the number of daily new cases and active cases started to decline rapidly.<ref name="Infectiondrop">{{Cite news|title=With very high COVID-19 testing, India's positivity rate fallen below 8%: MoHFW|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/with-very-high-covid-19-testing-indias-positivity-rate-fallen-below-8-mohfw/articleshow/78727824.cms|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=2020-10-18|access-date=2020-10-19}}</ref> Daily cases peaked mid-September with over 90,000 cases reported per-day, and came down to below 15,000 in January 2021 before rising again under a second wave from March 2021.

India began its [[COVID-19 vaccination in India|vaccination programme]] on 16 January 2021, in what was described by ''[[The Hindu]]'' as the largest in the world.<ref name="TH33582069">{{cite news|author=|date=2021-01-15|title=World's largest vaccination programme begins in India on January 16|newspaper=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-worlds-largest-vaccination-programme-begins-in-india-on-january-16/article33582069.ece|access-date=2021-01-16}}</ref> India has authorised the British [[Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine|Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine]] (Covishield), the Indian [[BBV152]] (Covaxin) vaccine, and the Russian [[Sputnik V vaccine]] for emergency use.

==Timeline==

On 12 January 2020, the [[World Health Organization|WHO]] confirmed that a [[novel coronavirus]] was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in [[Wuhan]], [[Hubei]], China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.<ref name="Reynolds4March2020">{{Cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Matt |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus |title=What is coronavirus and how close is it to becoming a pandemic? |date=4 March 2020 |work=Wired UK|access-date=5 March 2020 |issn=1357-0978|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305104806/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus|archive-date=5 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 30 January 2020, India reported its first case of COVID-19 in [[Thrissur]], [[Kerala]], which rose to three cases by 3 February 2020; all were students returning from [[Wuhan]].<ref name="Raza2020">{{cite book|last=Kumar|first=K. Reji |editor=Khalid Raza|title=Computational Intelligence Methods in COVID-19: Surveillance, Prevention, Prediction and Diagnosis|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vmsDEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA166|year=2020|publisher=Springer |location=New Delhi|language=English|isbn=978-981-15-8533-3|page=166|chapter=A comparative study of the SIR prediction models and disease control strategies: A case study of the state of Kerala, India}}</ref> Apart from these, no significant rise in transmissions was observed in February. On 4 March, 22 new cases were reported, including 14 infected members of an Italian tourist group.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Perappadan|first1=Bindu Shajan|date=4 March 2020|title=COVID-19 {{!}} 6 members of Delhi patient's family test positive for coronavirus|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/covid-19-6-members-of-delhi-patients-family-test-positive-for-coronavirus/article30980724.ece|access-date=2 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

In March, the transmissions grew after several people with travel history to affected countries, and their contacts, tested positive. On 12 March, a 76-year-old man, with a travel history to Saudi Arabia, became the first COVID-19 fatality of India.<ref name="death1">{{cite web |title=India's first coronavirus death is confirmed in Karnataka |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-s-first-coronavirus-death-in-karnataka-confirmed/story-2ZJ6IuxJ38EiGndBq5pfHO.html |website=Hindustan Times |date=12 March 2020|access-date=27 March 2020}}</ref>

A Sikh preacher, who had a travel history to Italy and Germany, turned into a [[Superspreading event|superspreader]] by attending a [[Hola Mohalla|Sikh festival]] in [[Anandpur Sahib]] during 10–12 March.<ref>{{cite news|title=40,000 Indians quarantined after 'super spreader' ignores government advice |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/28/40000-quarantined-punjab-super-spreader-ignores-government-advice/ |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=28 March 2020}}</ref><ref name=super>{{cite news|title=Coronavirus: India 'super spreader' quarantines 40,000 people|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52061915 |newspaper=BBC News |date=27 March 2020}}</ref> 27 COVID-19 cases were traced back to him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Septuagenarian Sikh priest infected 27 of total 38 coronavirus cases in Punjab |newspaper=India Today |date=28 March 2020 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/septuagenarian-sikh-priest-infected-27-of-38-coronavirus-cases-punjab-1660789-2020-03-28}}</ref> Over 40,000 people in 20 villages in Punjab were quarantined on 27 March to contain the spread.<ref name=super/><ref>{{cite news |title=At least 40,000 quarantined in India after single priest spread coronavirus |work=NBC News |date=30 March 2020 |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/at-least-40000-quarantined-in-india-after-single-priest-spread-coronavirus/ar-BB11Sezp}}</ref>

On 31 March, a [[Tablighi Jamaat]] religious congregation event in Delhi, which had taken place earlier in March, emerged as a superspreader event, after numerous cases across the country were traced back to it. On 18 April, the Health ministry announced that 4,291 cases were directly linked to the event.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Neetu Chandra|date=18 April 2020|title=30% covid-19 cases in India linked to Tablighi Jamaat event: Govt|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/30-covid-19-cases-in-india-linked-to-tablighi-jamaat-event-govt-11587218560611.html|access-date=5 June 2020|website=Livemint}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52104753 |title=India event sparks massive search for Covid-19 cases |date=31 March 2020 |work=BBC News}}</ref>  As of 4 April, about 22,000 people who came in contact with the Tablighi Jamaat missionaries had to be quarantined.<ref>{{Cite news |title=30 Per Cent Of Coronavirus Cases Linked To Delhi Mosque Event: Government |date=4 April 2020 |publisher=NDTV |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-tablighi-jamaat-30-per-cent-of-coronavirus-cases-linked-to-delhi-mosque-event-government-2206163}}</ref>

On 2 May, in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], around 4,000 stranded pilgrims returned from [[Hazur Sahib]] in [[Nanded]], Maharashtra. Many of them tested positive, including 27 bus drivers and conductors who had been part of the transport arrangement. As of 13 May, 1,225 pilgrims had tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|date=4 May 2020|title=SAD, Congress leaders trade barbs as over 600 Nanded pilgrims contract coronavirus {{!}} Chandigarh News|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/chandigarh/sad-congress-leaders-trade-barbs-as-over-600-nanded-pilgrims-contract-coronavirus/articleshow/75523770.cms|access-date=4 May 2020|website=The Times of India|agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=5 May 2020|title=Punjab: 27 bus drivers & conductors that returned from Nanded test Corona positive|url=https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/india-punjab-27-bus-drivers-conductors-that-returned-from-nanded-test-corona-positive-1228907|access-date=6 May 2020|website=news.abplive.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=13 May 2020|title=1,225 Nanded returnees test COVID-19 positive: government|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/1225-nanded-returnees-test-covid-19-positive-government/article31576136.ece|access-date=14 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

In July 2020, it was reported based on antibody tests that at least 57% of the inhabitants of Mumbai's slums may have been infected with COVID-19 at some point.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Julia Hollingsworth and Esha Mitra CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/29/asia/india-mumbai-slum-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html |title=More than half of Mumbai slum residents may have been infected with Covid-19, study suggests |access-date=2021-02-23}}</ref>  

A government panel on COVID-19 found in October 2020 that the pandemic had peaked in India, and could come under control by February 2021.<ref name="Peak">{{Cite news|author=Preeti Biswas|date=2020-10-18|title=Covid-19 peak over; pandemic can be controlled by February 2021: Govt-appointed panel|newspaper=The Times of India|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/no-fresh-lockdowns-recommended-at-local-level-government-appointed-panel-on-covid-19/articleshow/78732643.cms|access-date=2020-10-19}}</ref> This prediction was based on a mathematical simulation referred to as the "Indian Supermodel", assuming that India reaches [[herd immunity]].<ref>{{citation|title=Modelling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic - Impact of lockdowns & interventions|date=October 2020|periodical=Indian Journal of Medical Research|language=German|doi=10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_4051_20|pmid=33146155|surname1=Manindra Agrawal, Madhuri Kanitkar, M. Vidyasagar}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=National Supermodel Committee|date=|year=|title=Indian Supermodel for Covid-19 Pandemic|url=https://www.iith.ac.in/~m_vidyasagar/arXiv/Super-Model.pdf|url-status=|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|publisher=|pages=|language=en|format=|quote=|periodical=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Super Model Committee|date=|year=|title=National Supermodel of COVID-19 with Projections|url=https://www.iith.ac.in/~m_vidyasagar/arXiv/Covid-Pres.pdf|url-status=|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|publisher=|pages=|language=|format=|quote=|periodical=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|date=|year=|title=DST initiates COVID-19 India National Supermodel for monitoring infection transmission & aid decision-making by policymakers|url=https://dst.gov.in/dst-initiates-covid-19-india-national-supermodel-monitoring-infection-transmission-aid-decision|url-status=|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|publisher=Government of India, Ministry of Science and Technology|pages=|language=en|format=|quote=|periodical=}}</ref> That month, a new [[Variants of SARS-CoV-2|SARS-CoV-2 variant]], [[Lineage B.1.617]], was detected in the country.<ref name="SMC1">{{cite web|title=Expert reaction to cases of variant B.1.617 (the ‘Indian variant’) being investigated in the UK|url=https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-cases-of-variant-b-1-617-the-indian-variant-being-investigated-in-the-uk/|access-date=20 April 2021|website=Science Media Centre|publisher=Science Media Centre}}</ref>

A vaccination programme began 16 January, 2021.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news|date=2021-04-20|title=Covid-19 vaccination: How is India's inoculation drive going|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56345591|access-date=2021-04-22}}</ref> By February 2021, daily cases had fallen to 9,000 per-day.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|title=India reports new record of 103,558 daily Covid cases, as second wave and new lockdowns hit|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/05/india/india-second-wave-covid-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-22|website=CNN}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite news|date=2021-04-07|title=India Covid-19: 'No end in sight' as doctors battle second wave|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56645701|access-date=2021-04-22}}</ref> In a paper on an improved simulation model published February 2021, the authors of the Supermodel estimated the immunity of the Indian population to be close to 60%, and claimed that India might be the only major economy that had successfully implemented a herd immunity strategy.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Agrawal|first1=M.|last2=Kanitkar|first2=Madhuri|last3=Vidyasagar|first3=M.|date=2021|title=SUTRA: An Approach to Modelling Pandemics with Asymptomatic Patients, and Applications to COVID-19|url=https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/SUTRA%3A-An-Approach-to-Modelling-Pandemics-with-and-Agrawal-Kanitkar/1b23e327b66352909b2799e1c0a7231364e90d04}}</ref>  

Despite concerns surrounding the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 in the country, nightclubs, restaurants, markets, and the Hindu spring festival of [[Holi]] on 29 March were being met with large crowds, with many of them flouting health and safety guidance such as [[social distancing]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=29 March 2021|title=Despite surge in cases, Covid guidelines flouted during Holi celebrations|work=The Indian Express|url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/india-news/covid-19-holi-celebrations-7250394/7/|access-date=24 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=29 March 2021|title=Holi 2021: Scores of devotees flout COVID-19 protocols at Mathura's Dwarkadhish Temple|work=DNA India|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-holi-2021-scores-of-devotees-flout-covid19-protocols-at-mathura-dwarkadhish-temple-2883537|access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref> Despite announcing that India was the quickest country in the world to administer at least 100 million vaccine doses, the vaccination programme began to be hit with supply issues. India suspended exports of the [[Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine|Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine]] in order to meet demand. [[Vaccine hesitancy|Hesitancy]] and a lack of knowledge among poorer, rural communities has also impacted the programme.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|date=2021-03-24|title=Delhi reportedly halts AstraZeneca Covid vaccine exports as cases soar|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/24/delhi-reportedly-halts-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-exports-as-cases-soar|access-date=2021-04-22|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":13" /><ref name=":15" />

By early-April 2021, a second wave took hold in the country. On 5 April, the country reported its largest single-day increase in cases since September 2020, at just over 103,000. The western state of Maharashtra saw some of the largest increases, resulting in the re-enactment of lockdowns and curfews.<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":20">{{Cite web|last=Yeung|first=Jessie|last2=Sud|first2=Vedika|date=21 April 2021|title=India's second Covid wave hits like a 'tsunami' as hospitals buckle under weight|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/21/india/india-covid-hospital-shortage-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-21|website=CNN}}</ref> On 9 April, India surpassed 1 million active cases.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Apr 10|first=Amit Bhattacharya / TNN /|last2=2021|last3=Ist|first3=01:42|title=Covid-19: Active cases cross 1 million, at all-time high now {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/covid-19-active-cases-cross-1-million-at-all-time-high-now/articleshow/81996188.cms|access-date=2021-04-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> On 12 April, India overtook Brazil as having the second-highest overall number of COVID-19 cases worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|title=COVID-19: India overtakes Brazil with second highest number of cases|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/apr/12/covid-19-india-overtakes-brazil-with-second-highest-number-of-cases-2289126.html|access-date=2021-04-22|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

The [[Haridwar Kumbh Mela]] was described as having become a superspreader,<ref>{{Cite news|date=15 April 2021|title=Kumbh Mela turns into 'super spreader' event; 1,701 people test COVID-19 positive between April 10-14|work=Times Now News|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/kumbh-mela-turns-into-super-spreader-event-1701-people-test-covid-19-positive-between-april-10/745478|access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite news|last1=Kamal|first1=Hassan|date=22 April 2021|title=Kumbh Mela and election rallies: How two super spreader events have contributed to India’s massive second wave of COVID-19 cases|work=Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/kumbh-mela-and-election-rallies-how-two-super-spreader-events-have-contributed-to-indias-massive-second-wave-of-covid-19-cases-9539551.html|access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref> being linked to at least 1,700 positive cases between 10-14 April alone, and 68 cases among Hindu seers between 5-14 April.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Khare|first1=Vineet|date=17 April 2021|title=India's Kumbh festival attracts big crowds amid devastating second Covid wave|work=BBC Hindi|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56770460|access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=15 April 2021|title=Over 1,700 test positive for COVID-19 in Kumbh Mela over 5-day period|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-over-1700-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-kumbh-mela-over-5-day-period/article34325844.ece|access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> Normally four months in length, the festival was shortened to a single month due to COVID-19. On 16 April, Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] asked residents to "keep Kumbh Mela symbolic" in order "give strength to India's fight against [[COVID-19]]", and [[Swami]] Avdheshanand urged devotees to avoid large gatherings and follow health guidance while participating in the Mela.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sen|first=Meghna|date=2021-04-17|title=PM Modi says 'Kumbh Mela should now only be symbolic to strengthen Covid fight'|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-says-kumbh-mela-should-now-only-be-symbolic-to-strengthen-covid-19-fight-11618630984604.html|access-date=2021-04-25|website=mint|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-22|title=Kumbh Mela and election rallies: How two super spreader events have contributed to India’s massive second wave of COVID-19 cases|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/kumbh-mela-and-election-rallies-how-two-super-spreader-events-have-contributed-to-indias-massive-second-wave-of-covid-19-cases-9539551.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-22|website=Firstpost}}</ref> Criticizing the central government and the mainstream media for the biased reporting, Maharashtra Minister [[Aslam Shaikh]] said the same people who accused the Tablighi Jamaat of spreading COVID-19 in the country have allowed thousands of people to gather at Kumbh Mela.<ref>{{cite news |title='They are same people who defamed Tablighi Jamaat': Maharashtra minister slams Kumbh Mela amid COVID-19 surge |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/they-are-same-people-who-defamed-tablighi-jamaat-maharashtra-minister-slams-kumbh-mela-amid-covid-19-surge/744343 |website=Times Now Digital |publisher=Times Now |access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref>

By late April, India passed 2.5 million active cases and was reporting 300,000 new cases and 2,000 deaths every day. Some analysts feared this was an undercount; epidemiologist [[Bhramar Mukherjee]] has estimated that the actual death toll of the pandemic in India may be two to five times higher than the official totals.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gettleman|first=Jeffrey|last2=Yasir|first2=Sameer|last3=Kumar|first3=Hari|last4=Raj|first4=Suhasini|last5=Loke|first5=Atul|date=2021-04-24|title=As Covid-19 Devastates India, Deaths Go Undercounted|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/24/world/asia/india-coronavirus-deaths.html|access-date=2021-04-24|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On 26 April, India reported 350,000 new cases and over 2,800 deaths in one day.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yeung|first=Jessie|date=26 April 2021|title=As India breaks another global Covid-19 record and hospitals run out of oxygen, countries pledge assistance and aid|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/26/india/india-covid-international-aid-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2021|website=CNN}}</ref> The surge is thought to be caused by a new variant.<ref name="Rogers"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Despite a billion vaccine shots given, Covid-19 runs rampant in much of the world. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/04/25/world/covid-vaccine-coronavirus-cases#despite-a-billion-vaccine-shots-given-covid-19-runs-rampant-in-much-of-the-world |website=The New York Times |access-date=28 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=India's 'double mutation' covid virus variant is worrying the world |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indias-double-mutation-covid-virus-variant-is-worrying-the-world-11618789603145.html |website=mint |access-date=28 April 2021}}</ref>

The second wave has placed a major strain on the healthcare system,<ref name=":20" />  including an ongoing shortage of [[Liquid oxygen|liquid]] [[Medical oxygenation|medical oxygen]] due to unanticipated demand, delays in transport, and a lack of cryogenic tankers.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-26|title=India’s Covid crisis: doctors sound warning over oxygen hoarding|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/26/doctors-sound-warning-over-oxygen-hoarding-as-india-reports-record-covid-cases-and-deaths|access-date=2021-04-26|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-24|title=Three reasons behind India facing an acute oxygen crisis|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/the-three-reasons-behind-india-facing-an-oxygen-crisis-11619244179142.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=mint|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-24|title=Why India is facing an oxygen crisis as Covid-19 cases mount|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-india-is-facing-an-oxygen-crisis-as-covid-19-cases-mount-101619268862048.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> On 21 April, 22 COVID-19 patients who required [[Ventilator|ventilators]] died at a hospital in Maharashtra after an accident caused a leak in its main oxygen supply.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-21|title=22 Covid patients dead after oxygen leak at Dr Zakir Hussain NMC hospital in Maharashtra's Nashik|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/22-dead-after-oxygen-leaks-from-tanker-at-maharashtra-hospital-101618996159127.html|access-date=2021-04-22|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India's second Covid wave hits like a 'tsunami' as hospitals buckle under weight|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/21/india/india-covid-hospital-shortage-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-22|website=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Gettleman|first=Jeffrey|last2=Raj|first2=Suhasini|last3=Kumar|first3=Hari|date=2021-04-21|title=India’s Health System Cracks Under the Strain as Coronavirus Cases Surge|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/21/world/asia/india-coronavirus-oxygen.html|access-date=2021-04-22|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On 23 April, Prime Minister Modi met via videoconference with liquid oxygen suppliers, where he acknowledged the need to "provide solutions in a very short time", and acknowledged efforts such as increases in production, and the use of rail (with the [[Indian Railways]] transporting tankers via "Oxygen Express" trains)<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|last2=|first2=|date=2021-04-19|title=Covid-19: Railways runs its first Oxygen Express for loading Liquid Medical Oxygen|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/covid-19-railways-runs-its-first-oxygen-express-for-loading-liquid-medical-oxygen/videoshow/82148984.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-26|website=The Economic Times}}</ref> and air transport to deliver oxygen supplies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Writer|first=Staff|date=2021-04-23|title='Challenge is to provide solutions in a very short time': PM to oxygen producers|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/challenge-is-to-provide-solutions-in-a-very-short-time-pm-modi-to-oxygen-manufacturers-11619181984458.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=mint|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-23|title='Utilise full potential': PM Modi in meeting to review supply of medical oxygen|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/utilise-full-potential-pm-modi-in-meeting-to-review-supply-of-medical-oxygen-101619182439877.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Find innovative ways to produce and distribute oxygen, PM tells officials amid acute crisis|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/apr/22/find-innovative-ways-to-produce-and-distribute-oxygen-pm-tells-officials-amid-acute-crisis-2293380.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> On 25 April, the [[PM CARES Fund]] announced that it would allocate funding to install 551 [[Oxygen plant|oxygen plants]] using [[pressure swing adsorption]] at public health facilities.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2021-04-25|title=COVID-19 surge: PM CARES Fund allocates funds for 551 oxygen plants in public health facilities|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/covid-19-surge-pm-cares-fund-allocates-funds-for-551-oxygen-plants-in-public-health-facilities/article34406175.ece|access-date=2021-04-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-26|title=Surge hits a new peak, Centre approves 551 oxygen plants for govt hospitals in districts|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-cares-fund-oxygen-generation-plants-coronavirus-pandemic-7288290/|access-date=2021-04-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

Other countries announced that they would provide emergency aid to India, including [[European Union]] member states—which are sending oxygen supplies, medicines and ventilators through the [[Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations|EU Civil Protection Mechanism]],<ref>{{Cite news|date=26 April 2021|title=India's coronavirus crisis intensifies as cases hit new record|work=[[RTÉ]]|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2021/0426/1212058-coronavirus-india/|access-date=27 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Correspondent|first=Paul Hosford Political|date=2021-04-26|title=Ireland to send 700 ventilators to India to help fight deadly new wave of Covid-19|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40275092.html|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Irish Examiner|language=en}}</ref> the United Kingdom—which is sending [[Oxygen concentrator|oxygen concentrators]] and additional ventilators, and the United States—which is sending personal protective equipment, and lifted a control on the export of vaccines and vaccine materials in order to send raw materials for producing the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine (with President [[Joe Biden]] considering it to be in return for having received assistance from India earlier).<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-04-25|title=Covid: Countries send aid to ease India's oxygen emergency|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56881083|access-date=2021-04-26}}</ref><ref name="Rogers">{{Cite news|last=Rogers|first=Katie|date=2021-04-25|title=In Reversal, U.S. Will Send Vaccine Materials to Stricken India|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/04/25/world/covid-vaccine-coronavirus-cases|access-date=2021-04-26|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Head of the U.S. [[National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases]] (NIAID) [[Anthony Fauci]] stated that the country had not ruled out sending supplies of the AstraZeneca vaccine—which has not yet been approved in the U.S.—to India.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-25|title=Fauci Says US May Send AstraZeneca Vaccine to India to Combat Covid Surge|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-25/u-s-to-consider-sending-india-unused-vaccine-doses-fauci-says|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Bloomberg.com}}</ref>

== Health care and testing ==

!Total samples tested<ref>{{Cite web|title=Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi|url=https://www.icmr.gov.in/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=www.icmr.gov.in}}</ref>

| style="text-align:right;" |279,321,177

| style="text-align:right;" |17,625,735

| style="text-align:right;" |1,402,367

| style="text-align:right;" |319,435

| style="text-align:right;" |22.7%

| style="text-align:right;" |2,882,513

| style="text-align:right;" |197,880

| style="text-align:right;" |14,545,342

!People vaccinated 1st dose<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|title=MoHFW {{!}} Home|url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=www.mohfw.gov.in}}</ref>

| style="text-align:right;" |119,265,786

| style="text-align:right;" |22,645,437

| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |As of April 26, 2021<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-16|title=#IndiaFightsCorona COVID-19|url=https://mygov.in/covid-19/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=MyGov.in|language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Coronavirus Do's & Don'ts by Indian MoHFW.pdf|thumb|Do's & Don'ts of COVID-19 released by [[Government of India]]]]

[[File:Covid-testing kiosk.jpg|thumb|A sample collection kiosk for COVID-19 testing in Kerala]]

The Union Health Ministry's war room and policy making team in New Delhi consists of the ministry's Emergency Medical Response Unit, the [[Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme|Central Surveillance Unit (IDSP)]], the [[National Centre for Disease Control]] (NCDC) and experts from three government hospitals.<ref name=":0a">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/coronavirus-war-room-india-in-mission-mode/story-NHYzzcrmFUDg19lPUSbjVM.html|title=How conference hall at health ministry emerged as coronavirus-control war-room|last1=Sharma|first1=Sanchita|date=5 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307150726/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/coronavirus-war-room-india-in-mission-mode/story-NHYzzcrmFUDg19lPUSbjVM.html|archive-date=7 March 2020|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> They are part of policy decisions to decide how coronavirus should be tackled in the country.<ref name=":0a" /> A cluster-containment strategy is mainly being adopted, similar to how India contained previous epidemics, as well as "breaking the chain of transmission".<ref name=":0a" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/13/delhi-declares-coronavirus-as-epidemic-as-india-reports-first-death-from-infection.html|title=Delhi declares coronavirus as epidemic as India reports first death from infection|website=The Week|access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/04/812013578/covid-19-we-can-push-this-virus-back-who-leader-says-of-coronavirus|title=COVID-19: 'We Can Push This Virus Back,' WHO Leader Says Of Coronavirus|publisher=NPR|access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref> 15 labs across India led by the [[National Institute of Virology]] (NIV), Pune, are testing for the virus, with more labs being trained, as of early March.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Biswas|first1=Soutik|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-51747932|title=Is India prepared for a coronavirus outbreak?|date=7 March 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=7 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307055219/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-51747932|archive-date=7 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 March, [[Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories#Labs|52 labs]] were named capable of virus testing.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus test in India: Complete list of testing sites for coronavirus in India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/52-testing-sites-for-coronavirus-in-india/articleshow/74547684.cms |access-date=11 November 2020 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

On 14 March, scientists at the National Institute of Virology isolated a strain of the novel coronavirus. By doing so, India became the fifth country to successfully obtain a pure sample of the virus after China, Japan, Thailand and the US.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/fewer-cases-but-india-becomes-5th-country-to-isolate-coronavirus/articleshow/74620323.cms|title=Coronavirus cases in India: Fewer cases, but India becomes 5th country to isolate coronavirus {{!}} India News|first1=N|last1=Durgesh|website=The Times of India|access-date=14 March 2020}}</ref> The [[Indian Council of Medical Research]] (ICMR) said that isolation of the virus will help towards expediting the development of drugs, vaccines and rapid diagnostic kits in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-india-becomes-5th-country-globally-to-isolate-virus-strain-11584102221498.html|title=India becomes fifth country to isolate Covid-19 virus strain|last1=Sharma|first1=Neetu Chandra|date=13 March 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=14 March 2020}}</ref> NIV has shared two SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences with [[GISAID]].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Prasad|first1=R.|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/coronavirus-india-shares-two-sars-cov-2-genome-sequences/article31007227.ece|title=Coronavirus {{!}} India shares two SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences|date=7 March 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=7 March 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307064132/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/coronavirus-india-shares-two-sars-cov-2-genome-sequences/article31007227.ece|archive-date=7 March 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On 16 April, China sent 650,000 testing kits to India<ref>{{cite web |title=China dispatches 650,000 medical kits to India to fight COVID-19: Indian envoy| url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/china-dispatches-650000-medical-kits-to-india-to-fight-covid-19-indian-envoy/articleshow/75174658.cms?from=mdr|website=The Economic Times| date= 16 April 2020|access-date= 16 April 2020}}</ref> but their use was discontinued in view of a very low accuracy (of just 5.4%).<ref name="ChinaRNAex" /> In May, [[National Institute of Virology]] introduced another antibody test kit [[ELISA]] for rapid testing, capable of processing 90 samples in a single run of 2.5 hours.<ref>{{Cite news|title=National Institute of Virology develops 1st indigenous Elisa test kit for Covid-19: Harsh Vardhan|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/national-institute-of-virology-develops-1st-indigenous-antibody-detection-kit-for-covid-19-harsh-vardhan/articleshow/75660768.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=10 May 2020|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref>

====Initial testing====

The Ministry of Health said that only 10 per cent of test capacity had been used per day till 15 March,<ref name=":6" /> claiming that the number of tests was enough. However experts thought they were not, saying that [[Transmission (medicine)|community transmission]] may go undetected without adequate testing.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/pulse/956110/is-india-testing-enough-for-coronavirus-cases|title=Is India testing enough for coronavirus cases?|website=Scroll.in|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> They also wanted to add more testing centres by including private laboratories.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> In mid-March the government authorised accredited private labs to test for the virus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/accredited-private-labs-to-be-allowed-to-test-for-covid-19/articleshow/74664414.cms|title=Coronavirus testing lab: Accredited private labs to be allowed to test for Covid-19|last1=Jha|first1=Durgesh Nandan|date=17 March 2020|website=The Times of India|access-date=17 March 2020}}</ref>

====Expansion of tests====

On 17 March, the [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|Union Ministry of Health]] had decided to allow private pathology labs to test for COVID-19. The ministry official claimed that by allowing private labs, the work of testing can be doubled. The ministry said that [[National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories]] (NABL) accredited laboratories may soon be allowed.<ref name=":7">{{cite web |title=Metropolis among private labs short-listed for coronavirus testing| url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/metropolis-among-private-labs-short-listed-for-coronavirus-testing/article31090208.ece|website=The Hindu}}</ref> Once set up, a person can get COVID-19 test done at a private lab after a qualified physician in a government facility recommends it.<ref>{{cite web |title=Health Ministry to allow accredited private labs to conduct tests for coronavirus|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/health-ministry-to-allow-accredited-private-labs-to-conduct-tests-for-coronavirus-814595.html|website=Deccan Herald|date=17 March 2020}}</ref> The ICMR has appealed to the private labs to offer the tests for free as the government labs do.<ref name=":7" />

On 18 March, a top health ministry official said that a [[Switzerland|Swiss]] private company named [[Roche Diagnostics]] has been given the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) emergency approval to conduct tests for coronavirus. The Indian regulator has given them a licence to conduct diagnostic tests of the virus on 17 March.<ref>{{cite web |title=Roche Diagnostics India first private firm to get COVID-19 test approval| url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/roche-diagnostics-india-first-private-firm-to-get-covid-19-test-approval-1656965-2020-03-18|website=India Today}}</ref> The [[Drug Controller General of India]] (DCGI) was assessing giving another firm licence while two Indian diagnostic companies have also sought approval for the coronavirus testing kits developed by them.<ref>{{cite web |title=Roche Diagnostics India First Private Firm to Get COVID-19 Test Approval| url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/roche-diagnostics-india-first-private-firm-to-get-covid-19-test-approval-2541493.html|website=news18| date=18 March 2020}}</ref> The government has also issued guidelines to cap the cost of sample testing by private labs at {{Indian Rupee|4500}}.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/covid-19-test-should-not-cost-more-than-rs-4500-government-to-private-labs/articleshow/74753826.cms|title=Coronavirus test should not cost more than Rs 4,500: Government to private labs|date=22 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=23 March 2020}}</ref>

On 19 March, [[Ramanan Laxminarayan]], director of the [[Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy]] stated that India could be facing a "tsunami of cases within a few weeks" as testing increases and the reason for the low number of confirmed cases currently is due to under-testing. He also said that according to mathematical models applied in the US or UK at least 20%–60% of the population will be affected. Applying the same models in India means that at the lower end of the estimate there could be 300&nbsp;million cases of which 4–8{{nbsp}}million could be severe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-india-51962813/india-must-prepare-for-a-tsunami-of-coronavirus-cases|title=India must prepare for a tsunami of cases|date=19 March 2020|work=BBC|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>

111 additional labs for testing became functional on 21 March.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/111-labs-for-testing-coronavirus-will-be-functional-across-india-from-today-health-ministry-1658235-2020-03-21|title=111 labs for testing coronavirus will be functional across India from today: Health Ministry|work=India Today}}</ref> On 24 March, [[Pune]]-based [[Molecular diagnostics|molecular diagnostic]] company [[Mylab Discovery Solutions]] became the first Indian company to have received validation for its [[Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction|RT-PCR]] tests from [[National Institute of Virology]] and the [[Indian Council of Medical Research]] (ICMR). The test takes 2.5 hours and the company is looking to price it at around {{INRConvert|1200||lk=|year=2020}}, or Rs 80,000 for a 100 test kit.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.economictimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/pune-based-mylab-becomes-first-indian-co-to-get-its-covid-19-test-kits-validated/articleshow/74785575.cms|title=Pune based Mylab becomes first Indian company to get Covid-19 test kits validated|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=24 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-can-double-coronavirus-test-kits-to-200000-in-a-week-thanks-to-pune-based-mylabs/articleshow/74787231.cms|title=India can double coronavirus test kits to 200,000 in a week, thanks to Pune-based Mylabs|website=Business Standard}}</ref>

In April, [[Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology]] of Delhi had developed low cost paper-strip test that could detect COVID-19 within an hour. Each test would cost {{INRConvert|500||lk=|year=2020}} and method could fulfill India's rapid need of testing.<ref>{{Cite news|first1=Srishti|last1=Choudhury|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-s-first-paper-strip-test-for-covid-19-csir-lab-makes-a-breakthrough-11585832200999.html|title=India's first paper-strip test for Covid-19, CSIR lab makes a breakthrough|date=2 April 2020|access-date=5 April 2020|publisher=LiveMint}}</ref>

On 13 April, ICMR advised pool testing in the low infection areas with a positivity rate less than 2% to increase the capacity of the testing and save resources. In this process maximum five samples are tested at once and samples are tested individually only if a pool tests positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/health/icmr-advises-pool-testing-in-low-infection-areas-to-increase-number-of-covid-19-tests/401032/|title=ICMR advises 'pool testing' in low-infection areas to increase number of Covid-19 tests|last1=Ch|first1=Himani|last2=na|date=13 April 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref> [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/andaman-nicobar-has-started-conducting-pool-tests-for-covid-19-first-in-the-country/400112/|title=Andaman & Nicobar has started conducting 'pool tests' for Covid-19 – first in the country|last1=Dutta|first1=Amrita Nayak|date=12 April 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref> and [[Uttar Pradesh]]<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Gaur|first1=Vatsala|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/uttar-pradesh-to-start-pool-testing-for-covid-19-to-expedite-process/articleshow/75122742.cms|title=Uttar Pradesh to start pool testing for Covid-19 to expedite process|date=13 April 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref> have started doing pool testing.

On 14 April, ICMR and DGCI approved 18 new suppliers of test kits that included three Indian firms, bringing the total suppliers to 51.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/health/modi-govt-approves-made-in-india-rapid-test-kits-after-chinese-supply-is-delayed/401861/|title=Modi govt approves made-in-India rapid test kits after Chinese supply is delayed|last1=Ch|first1=Himani|last2=na|date=14 April 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref>

On 16 April, 650,000 [[AbC-19 rapid antibody test|rapid antibody test]] and [[RNA extraction]] kits were dispatched from China, and over 2&nbsp;million kits were to be sent in next 15 days.<ref name="ChinaRNAex">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/china-dispatches-6-5-lakh-medical-kits-to-india-to-fight-coronavirus-1667488-2020-04-16|title=China dispatches 6.5 lakh medical kits to India to fight coronavirus|date=16 April 2020|agency=Press Trust of India|website=India Today|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref> On 21 April, [[Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (West Bengal)|Health department of West Bengal]] alleged that large number of testing kits supplied by ICMR-NICED ([[National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases]]) were giving inconclusive results. ICMR-NICED admitted that there was problem in the kits and said that they are addressing the issue.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Shiv Sahay|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/niced-admits-testing-kits-have-problem-in-bengal/article31387044.ece|title=NICED admits testing kits have problem in West Bengal|date=20 April 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=21 April 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> While [[Government of Rajasthan|Rajasthan]] stopped using rapid testing kits as they were giving low accuracy of 5.4% in compared to expected 90% accuracy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rajasthan-ceases-use-of-rapid-testing-kits-as-most-results-invalid/article31395218.ece|title=Rajasthan ceases use of rapid testing kits as most results invalid|date=21 April 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=21 April 2020|agency=Press Trust of India|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Later, ICMR advised all states to stop using rapid testing kits for next two days until their on-ground teams validates these kits.<ref name="IndiaTV ICMR">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/health-ministry-icmr-advises-states-to-refrain-from-using-rapid-test-kits-for-next-two-days-609843|title=ICMR asks states to avoid using rapid testing kits for 2 days|last1=Pathak|first1=Analiza|date=21 April 2020|website=indiatvnews.com|access-date=21 April 2020}}</ref> Rapid antibody test kits were put on hold till further notice. The Chinese manufactures of the rapid testing kits said that the testing kits were approved by ICMR and the problem is not with the kits but with the way they were being used. However, Chinese manufacturers promised to cooperate with Indian authorities to resolve the issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/use-of-rapid-antibody-test-kits-to-be-postponed-till-further-notict-1670987-2020-04-25|title=Rapid antibody test kits for coronavirus put on hold till further notice|last1=Sharma|first1=Milan|date=25 April 2020|website=India Today|access-date=26 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Bhattacherjee|first1=Kallol|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-rapid-test-kits-were-cleared-by-icmr-say-chinese-manufacturers/article31419792.ece|title=Coronavirus {{!}} Rapid test kits were cleared by ICMR, say Chinese manufacturers|date=24 April 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=26 April 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Amid this, ICMR asked states to return the faulty kits which will be sent back to the Chinese suppliers and cancelled the order of all remaining kits.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52451455|title=Coronavirus: India cancels order for 'faulty' China rapid test kits|date=28 April 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=28 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/states-asked-to-return-faulty-chinese-kits/article31447725.ece|title=States asked to return faulty Chinese kits|last1=Porecha|first1=Maitri|website=@businessline|access-date=28 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus India Live Updates: 1,84,372 Fresh COVID-19 Cases In India |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-live-updates-latest-covid-19-updates-india-cases-in-last-24-hours-14-april-2021-2413088 |work=NDTV.com}}</ref>

==== Testing community transmission ====

Testing for community transmission began on 15 March. 65 laboratories of the Department of Health Research and the [[Indian Council of Medical Research]] (DHR-ICMR) have started testing random samples of people who exhibit flu-like symptoms and samples from patients without any travel history or contact with infected persons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/icmr-to-test-for-community-transmission-of-covid-19-6313521/|title=ICMR to test for community transmission of Covid-19|date=14 March 2020|website=The Indian Express|access-date=17 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Thacker|first1=Teena|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/will-know-if-indias-going-through-community-transmission-icmr/articleshow/74663239.cms|title=Will know if India is going through community transmission of Covid-19: ICMR|date=17 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=17 March 2020}}</ref> As of 18 March, no evidence of community transmission was found after results of 500 random samples tested negative.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-still-in-phase-2-of-coronavirus-outbreak-confirms-icmr/articleshow/74673951.cms|title=Covid-19 outbreak: No evidence of community transmission, says ICMR|date=18 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=18 March 2020}}</ref> Between 15 February and 2 April, 5,911 SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses) patients were tested throughout the country of which, 104 tested positive (1.8%) in 20 states and union territories. About 40% of the identified patients did not have travel history or any history of contact with a positive patient.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-india-second-icmr-report-random-sampling-test-results-shows-possible-community-transmission-1665290-2020-04-10|title=Coronavirus: Second ICMR report on random sampling test results shows possible community transmission|last1=Sharma|first1=Milan|website=India Today|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> The ICMR advised to prioritize containment in the 36 districts of 15 states which had reported positive cases among SARI patients.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/icmr-suggests-containment-36-districts-after-many-with-respiratory-infection-test-covid19-positive-1665278-2020-04-10|title=ICMR suggests containment in 36 districts after many with respiratory infection test Covid-19 positive|website=India Today|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Till the third quarter of the year, India had attained the highest number of daily tests in the world.<ref name="SabbarwalHT">{{Cite news|author=Harshit Sabbarwal|location=New Delhi|title=India's Covid-19 tests per day highest in the world, says health ministry|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-s-covid-19-tests-per-day-highest-in-the-world-says-health-ministry/story-eip0z18Jico71uQFIoODAJ.html|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=2020-09-03|access-date=2020-10-19}}</ref>

=== Research and treatment ===

In March, a startup incubated in Pune's Sci-Tech Park introduced 'Airon', a negative [[ion]] generator capable of reducing a room's viral load by 99.7%.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Indian Ministry of Science and Technology|title=Technology by Pune based Startup incubatee of Scitech Park to disinfect Maharashtra hospitals in Covid 19 fight|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1609269|publisher=Press Information bureau|date=30 March 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> In April, funds for a number of preventive agents were released to initiate research.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Indian Ministry of Science and Technology|title=DST approves funding for developing a gel for nasal passage as prevention for COVID 19|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1612161|publisher=Press Information bureau|date=8 April 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Indian Ministry of Science and Technology|title=SCTIMST scientists design super absorbent material for safe management of infected respiratory secretions|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1612412|publisher=Press Information bureau|date=9 April 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

On 23 March, the National Task Force for COVID-19 constituted by the ICMR recommended the use of [[hydroxychloroquine]] for the treatment of high-risk cases.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/coronavirus-india-live-updates-covid-19-confirmed-cases-nears-400-mark-narendra-modi-1180287|title=Coronavirus Live Updates: Total Count Of Positive Covid-19 Cases Jump To 562; Ten Deaths Reported So Far|last1=Bureau|first1=ABP News|date=22 March 2020|website=news.abplive.com|access-date=23 March 2020}}</ref>

According to estimates, India has around 40,000 ventilators, of which 8,432 are with the public sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/health/india-has-40000-ventilators-but-could-need-many-many-more-in-worst-case-scenario/388874/|title=India has 40,000 ventilators but could need many, many more in 'worst-case scenario'|last1=Ch|first1=Himani|last2=na|date=27 March 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref> Various Indian [[Public Sector Undertaking|PSUs]], firms and startups, including [[DRDO]] and [[ISRO]], have since repurposed their production lines to manufacture general PPEs, full body suits and ventilators. They are also designing low-cost or mobile medical equipment.<ref>{{Cite news|first1=Nikita|last1=Prasad|title=Kudos! Indian Railways manufactures low-cost ventilator prototype for COVID-19 patients in a week's time|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/kudos-indian-railways-manufactures-low-cost-ventilator-prototype-for-covid-19-patients-in-a-weeks-time/1919953/|work=The Financial Express|date=6 April 2020|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|first1=Sharmishte|last1=Datti|title=ISRO Puts Rockets, Satellites On Hold To Develop Ventilators For Coronavirus|url=https://www.gizbot.com/news/coronavirus-effect-isro-shifts-focus-to-ventilators-066694.html|publisher=GizBot|date=31 March 2020|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|first1=Manu|last1=Pubby|title=Low cost, high volume products being developed; DRDO chief says scientists rising to the occasion|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/local-defence-technology-helps-fight-covid-19/articleshow/74958610.cms|work=The Economic Times|date=4 April 2020|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|first1=Archana|last1=Shukla|title=Bengaluru-based Skanray aims to make 1 lakh ventilators, opens up design IP|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/healthcare/bengaluru-based-skanray-aims-to-make-1-lakh-ventilators-opens-up-design-ip-5540741.htm|publisher=CNBC TV18|date=23 March 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> The focus was to increase the production of low-cost, compact and portable ventilators that could cater to multiple patients at a time. This led to the creation of some of the world's smallest and cheapest ventilators.<ref>{{Cite news|first1=Kundan|last1=Jha|title=India using innovation as arsenal to fight coronavirus|url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/business/india-using-innovation-arsenal-fight-coronavirus|work=The Sunday Guardian|date=11 April 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> The government aims to double the current capacity of ventilators by June 2020 with the assistance from PSUs. The government has also requested major private automakers to explore the possibility of manufacturing ventilators at their plants.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/2020/03/28/india-to-double-number-of-ventilators-by-making-40000-units-reports.html|title=India to double number of ventilators by making 40,000 units: Reports|website=The Week|access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref> [[Maruti Suzuki]], in collaboration with AgVa Healthcare, will supply 10,000 [[ventilator]]s till end of the May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/business/business/maruti-joins-hands-with-agva-healthcare-to-supply-10000-ventilators-by-may-end20200424213319/|title=Maruti joins hands with AgVA Healthcare to supply 10,000 ventilators by May-end|date=24 April 2020|website=ANI News|access-date=26 April 2020}}</ref> From nil in near past, India was producing around 200,000 PPE kits and 250,000 [[N95 masks]] per day in May 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|title=From zero, India now produces around 2 lakh PPE kits per day|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/from-zero-india-now-produces-around-2-lakh-ppe-kits-per-day/articleshow/75556879.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=5 May 2020|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref> By second half of month, India had emerged as world's second largest producer of PPE body coveralls.<ref>{{Cite news|title=India becomes world's second largest manufacturer of PPE body coveralls: Centre|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/india-becomes-worlds-second-largest-manufacturer-of-ppe-body-coveralls-centre/articleshow/75871010.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=21 May 2020|access-date=23 May 2020}}</ref>