India sees largest increase in coronavirus cases since 2020

India reported the largest increase in coronavirus cases it has seen since 2020 as multiple states bring back some restrictions on public gatherings.

As the Associated Press reports, India’s Health Ministry recorded 43,846 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, marking the worst single-day increase since November of last year.

More than half of the new infections are found in the central state of Maharashtra, where India’s financial capital of Mumbai is situated. Maharashtra has imposed new lockdown measures until the end of March, the AP reports and Mumbai authorities have announced that they will begin administering random required coronavirus tests in crowded spaces.

Seven other states are reporting large surges in cases, the AP reports, leading some to impose focused lockdowns on restaurants and schools.

According to health experts, the surge is being fueled by increased public gatherings and relaxed attitudes towards public health guidance.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), India has confirmed 11.6 million coronavirus cases, coming in third in the world behind the U.S. and Brazil, and nearly 160,000 deaths. The country has also administered nearly 35 million coronavirus vaccine doses.

In India, the coronavirus vaccines from AstraZeneca and COVAXIN have been approved for use. The COVAXIN shot was approved before efficacy data was released. As the BBC reports, phase three trials have found that it has an 81 percent efficacy rate in stopping COVID-19.