India experienced its deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic yet with 3,689 deaths in one day. As the nation’s healthcare system is unable to cope with the massive caseload, more states keep going into lockdown. 

In total, 215,542 people have died from COVID-19 in the country. Data shows that the number of cases surged to 19.5 million with 392,488 new infections. 

Even though the federal government remains reluctant to impose a national lockdown, nearly10 Indian states and union territories have imposed some form of restrictions. The states of Odisha, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal announced a two-week  lockdown. Other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have either imposed night curfews or weekend lockdowns.

India became the first country to cross 400,000 daily cases. Their healthcare systems are overwhelmed and experiencing a shortage of medical oxygen. 

“In times like these when countries such as India are in need of support from more fortunate and resourceful countries such as the U.S., it is important for them to help by either donating or sending the necessary resources the country needs to sustain itself,” says junior Nayla Andre. 

The government has been using the railroad, the air force, and the navy to rush oxygen tankers to worst-hit areas where unequipped hospitals are unable to provide patients with oxygen. Hospital authorities are seeking a court intervention in the Indian capital for a lockdown to contain the wave of infections.

“While the country searches for ways to help those in the hospital and to minimize the spread, it is crucial for them to place restrictions such as lockdowns to keep more people safe,” says senior Maia Medina. 

India opened a new vaccination drive, extending coverage for all those above 18 years of age. Only 86,000 newly eligible people took the shot because of a shortage of vaccines.