New Delhi, Apr 6: India has reported 5,335 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, the highest daily count in the past 195 days, according to data released by the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. With the new infections, the total number of cases in the country has risen to over 1.23 crore.

The data further shows that 28 COVID-19 related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, taking the country’s death toll to 1.64 lakh. Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh continue to be the worst affected states in the country.

The spike in cases comes amid concerns over the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and the easing of restrictions across the country. Several states have imposed stricter measures to curb the spread of the virus in recent days, including night curfews, lockdowns, and travel restrictions.

Health experts have urged people to continue following COVID-19 protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and washing hands regularly to help contain the spread of the virus. Vaccination efforts are also ongoing in the country, with over 7.6 crore doses administered so far.