India logged 30,256 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, which is 1.6 per cent lower than yesterday's cases (30,773). The country also reported 295 deaths during the time.

The active cases have declined to 3,18,181 comprising 0.95 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.72 per cent, the health ministry said.

India, which has so far administered 80.43 crore vaccine doses, is looking to protect the population and welcome back tourists.

First five lakh foreign tourists will be issued visas free of cost in an attempt to revive the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020 when a nationwide lockdown was announced.

Top Union Home Ministry officials are deliberating with all stakeholders on the expected date and modalities for opening up of the country for foreign tourists.

Source: NDTV

BDST: 1353 HRS, SEP 20, 2021
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