Eliminating the second wave of coronavirus infection, Uttar Pradesh on Thursday recorded less than 150 fresh Covid-19 cases for the first time since the second wave surge of Covid-19 cases in the state.

A total of 133 new cases were recorded in the most populous state in the last 24 hours, making it the lowest daily infection count since March 2021.

The Fresh cases have declined by more than 37,900 from its peak which was 38,055 on April 24, a remarkable reduction by over 99 percent.

The lesser number of fresh cases on Thursday, however, is not because Uttar Pradesh, like other states, has decreased COVID testing. The state under its stringent T3 testing mechanism-’Trace, Test and Treat’ conducted more than 2.70 Lakh Covid tests in the last 24 hours.

In a record breaking, Uttar Pradesh also became the first to breach the 55 million tests frontier. The state has so far tested as many as 5,83,82,501 samples for the novel coronavirus infection.

With this encouraging sign, the state’s recovery rate has climbed up to a splendid 99 percent, testifying the success of numerous COVID Control measures implemented efficiently by the state government.

The Active Covid Cases have also drastically declined to 2,560, making it the lowest active case-count for the state so far.

The Test Positivity Rate (TPR) – which shows the level of infections among people – has been registering a steady decline for several days indicating signs that the dangerous Covid wave is receding from the state. The TPR stands at 0.04 percent in Uttar Pradesh, the lowest in the country.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also directed that for sustainable COVID-19 management, awareness of the community and its involvement is paramount and reiterated the need for Covid-19-appropriate behaviour and increased vaccination against the disease.

“Everyone must follow Covid-19 protocols and ensure 100 percent usage of masks, sanitisers along with social distancing and maintenance of personal hygiene. The transmission has been controlled however the virus still exists,” stated the CM while reviewing the current COVID situation in the state.

He mentioned that the five-fold strategy of Tracing, Testing, Treatment, Covid-appropriate behaviour and Vaccination implemented with utmost seriousness will be effective in curbing any further spread.

UP gyms, cinema halls, multiplexes & sports stadiums to open from Monday with strict compliance with Covid-19-appropriate behaviour

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also announced further easing of coronavirus-related restrictions in Uttar Pradesh. Under the new guidelines, which will come into effect from 7 am, July 5 onwards, all gymnasiums, cinema halls, multiplexes and sports stadiums will be allowed to stay open between 7 am and 9 pm, five days a week with strict compliance with Covid-19-appropriate behaviour.

“In view of the improving covid condition in the state, gyms, cinema halls, multiplexes and sports stadiums will be allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity from July 5,” asserted the Chief Minister in a high-level COVID review meeting held with senior officials on Friday.

The gyms in containment zones shall remain closed and those that will open will have to ensure social distancing. Specific markings must be made with sufficient distance to ensure social distancing in the premises.

Posters, standees or AV media on preventive measures about Covid-19 to be displayed prominently at all public places, the CM added.

The Chief Minister said that the government’s focus is on restoring normalcy in the state with an aim to save both ‘Lives and Livelihood’, while staying prepared for the possibility of a third wave of the pandemic.

The CM also instructed to set up COVID helpdesks close to public places to ensure compliance with Covid-19 protocol such as social distancing and usage of masks.

No Fresh Covid-19 case in 24 districts whereas 49 districts report fresh cases in single-digits

In a big relief, none of the 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh reported more than 15 fresh cases of coronavirus infection.

As many as 24 districts reported no case of covid-19 infection in the last 24 hours, whereas 49 districts reported new cases in single-digits.

Only 2 districts reported fresh cases in double digits, indicating signs that the dangerous virus has been arrested up to a great extent.