India records over 10,000 new COVID-19 cases in single day, total nears 300,000

India's health ministry reported 396 new COVID-19 deaths and 10,956 new cases during the past 24 hours, taking the total deaths to 8,498 and cases to 297,535.

This is the largest single day spike in India, in terms of both new deaths and cases. For the first time new cases reported in a single day surpassed 10,000.

According to ministry officials, 147,195 COVID-19 patients have so far been discharged from hospitals after showing improvement.

The fifth phase of a nationwide lockdown came into force on June 1, featuring several relaxations and a phased reopening schedule.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the nationwide lockdown on March 25 to contain the spread of COVID-19 and break the chain of infection.