Reuters. "There will always be a lag of two-three weeks," he added. Meanwhile, India's deaths crept up to 441 fatalities, including 83 from a previous wave that Kerala is recording only now, making the nationally tally one of the highest this year.
While infection rates have recently fallen in Mumbai and Delhi, experts say cases nationally could peak by the middle of next month.
Around 70% of its 939 million adult population has received two primary Covid-19 vaccine does and a booster campaign for health workers and at-risk population is underway.
But millions still await their first shot and Bhatnagar cited reports from some states that those unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated make up more than 90% of intensive care patients.