India logs 44,658 cases, 496 deaths in 24 hours, recovery rate stands at 97.63%

India recorded 44,658 new cases of the novel coronavirus, along with 496 deaths due to the infection in the past 24 hours.

According to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry on Friday, the country saw a total of 32,988 discharges in the last 24 hours, taking the total recovery rate at around 97.63 per cent and total recoveries to 3,18,21,428.

Kerala reported over 30,000 new Covid cases for the second day in a row on Thursday. In the last 24 hours, the state recorded 30,007 cases, 18,997 recoveries and 162 deaths.

The total active cases of COVID-19 in India rose to 3,44,899, the ministry data showed.

The total death toll in the country is now at 4,36,861. In India, the first death due to COVID pandemic was reported in March 2020.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 51,49,54,309 samples have been tested up to August 26 for COVID-19. Of these 18,24,931 samples were tested on Wednesday.