With 30,773 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a single day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 3,34,48,163, while the active cases declined to 3,32,158, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.
The death toll climbed to 4,44,838 with 309 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 a.m.
The active cases comprise 0.99% of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.68%, the ministry said.
India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage crossed 80 crore, with over 77.25 lakh vaccine doses being administered on September 18.
You can track coronavirus cases, deaths and testing rates at the national and State levels here . A list of State Helpline numbers is available as well.
Here are the developments:
Virus lockdown end in sight for Australia's second-largest city
Australia's second-largest city will exit its coronavirus lockdown in late October if vaccine targets are met under an official roadmap released on September 19.
About five million people in Melbourne have been under stay-at-home orders since August 5, the sixth lockdown they have endured so far during the Covid-19 pandemic. - AFP
New Zealand sees small increase in daily COVID-19 cases over weekend
New Zealand reported 24 new locally acquired coronavirus cases on Sunday, up from 20 on Saturday, showing an upturn after several days of lower numbers, as the country's largest city Auckland awaits to hear if its lockdown restrictions will ease.
All of the new cases have been reported in greater Auckland, a city of about 1.7 million people which has been in a full level 4 lockdown since mid-August. - Reuters
80 crore Covid vaccine doses administered in country: Govt
India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage crossed 80 crore, with over 77.25 lakh vaccine doses being administered on September 18, the Union health ministry said.
The ministry, in a statement, said the last 10 crore doses were administered in just 11 days.
"In a landmark achievement, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 80 crore landmark milestone (80,33,75,147) today. More than 77.25 lakh (77,25,076) vaccine doses have been administered till 7 p.m. today," it said. - PTI
Goa casinos to start from Monday as COVID positivity rate declines
The Goa government on September 18 said casinos will resume operations from September 20 on the condition that they adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols, said an official.
The decision was taken during a Task Force Committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
The positivity rate is below 2% and it was decided that the state should start economic activities, especially those related with tourism, the CM said. - PTI