The official coronavirus numbers in India jumped by over 5,000 in the past 24 hours and total casualties went past the 3,000 mark, Union Health Ministry’s daily update showed.

At 8 am, cases stood at 96,169, casualties at 3,029 and the number of the cured/discharged at 36,824.

There was no easing in new infections in Maharashtra (33,053 cases), the hardest-hit state. The other two most affected states are Gujarat (11,379) and Delhi (10,054).

At last count, the ICMR had tested 22,27,642 samples for the virus.

Yesterday, in a major easing of the pan-India lockdown, the Centre gave states considerable leeway in reopening businesses. Among the most significant measures was the lifting of the 33% cap on office staff, allowing shops, markets & salons to open even in red zones, and permitting ecommerce companies to deliver non-essential items across all zones.

Globally, the number of cases stood at 47,10,614 as of morning hours today. Casualties so far are at 3,15,023.