The health conditions in India deteriorate by the day. Today India’s Health Ministry reported 386,453 new infections. That’s the biggest one-day total any country has experienced since the pandemic started. What’s more disturbing, NPR reports, is that “survivors, funeral directors and scientists say the real numbers of infections and deaths in India may be many multiples more than the reported figures.” With a lack of oxygen and a crumbling health system, it’s a dire situation. While the United States has vowed to send help and supplies, today there is word that the Biden administration is restricting travel from India, starting next week.
Via pooler @ArletteSaenz, traveling with President Joe Biden today: Press Secretary Jen Psaki announces, "On the advice of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Administration will restrict travel from India starting immediately," citing the ongoing Coronavirus crisis https://t.co/l2oJl2mPol pic.twitter.com/klAaRoIANz
— DJ Judd (@DJJudd) April 30, 2021
This will not apply to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The State Department is urging U.S. citizens to leave India writing, “U.S. citizens wishing to depart should use available commercial options now.”
The Washington Post reports:
India’s crematoriums are overwhelmed, and the health system is crumbling. Anger toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi is growing, especially over his decision to hold huge election rallies as infections soared. India’s official death toll has passed 208,000.
The first batch of U.S. aid arrived in India on Friday. President Biden has promised more than $100 million in support, including 1,100 oxygen cylinders and 15 million N95 masks.
Watch more from CNN above.