India has achieved another milestone in its fight against COVID-19 as the national cumulative positivity rate has fallen below 8%, standing at 7.94%. This declining trend has been sustained for four consecutive days, indicating effective containment of the virus spread.
The achievement is attributed to comprehensive and widespread testing across the country. The total number of COVID-19 tests conducted has now crossed 9.5 crore. Evidence shows that higher and sustained testing plays a crucial role in reducing positivity rates by enabling early detection, prompt contact tracing, and timely treatment. These measures together help in reducing both transmission and mortality rates.
The average daily positivity rate for the third week of October stands at 6.13%, reflecting the success of the government’s “TEST, TRACK, TRACE, TREAT, and TECHNOLOGY” strategy effectively implemented by States and Union Territories.
India also continues to report a steady decline in active cases. For the third consecutive day, the country’s active caseload remains below 8 lakh, currently standing at 7,72,055, which is just 10.23% of the total reported cases.
Meanwhile, recoveries have crossed the 66-lakh mark (66,63,608), widening the gap between recovered and active cases. In the last 24 hours, 66,399 patients recovered and were discharged, while 55,722 new cases were reported. The national recovery rate has now improved to 88.26%.
Nearly 79% of the new recoveries are concentrated in 10 States/UTs — Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Maharashtra contributed the highest number of recoveries (over 11,000), followed by Kerala and Karnataka (over 8,000 each).
Similarly, 81% of new confirmed cases in the last 24 hours were also reported from these ten States/UTs, with Maharashtra (9,000+ cases) continuing to lead, followed by Kerala and Karnataka (7,000+ cases each).
On the mortality front, 579 deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours — marking the first time in 90 days that daily fatalities have fallen below 600. Nearly 83% of these deaths were concentrated in ten States/UTs, with Maharashtra alone accounting for over 25% (150 deaths).
These trends collectively underscore India’s consistent progress in managing the pandemic through robust testing, timely treatment, and coordinated public health measures.
