According to a report released by the Union Health Ministry, in India, eight states including Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra accounted for 85.5 per cent of the active cases of the novel coronavirus. These states also recorded around 87 per cent of deaths due to COVID-19 in India. 

The ministry on Saturday also briefed the Group of Ministers on COVID-19 about the situation of the virus in the country and the efforts taken to boost the healthcare infrastructure. 

According to a statement released by the ministry, "It was mentioned that presently eight states-Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Telangana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal-contribute 85.5 per cent of active caseload and 87 per cent of total deaths in India." 

After the lockdown, the number of COVID-19 cases has seen a huge spike. Currently, India has reported more than five lakh COVID-19 cases with active cases at 203051 and the total number of deaths at 16095. The number of cured or discharged patients continue to be higher than the active cases at 309712.

In an attempt to control the spread of the virus, The National Centre of Disease Control (NCDC) has begun a 14-day serological survey. The survey is being conducted across the national capital to ensure the presence of antibodies in people. 

Under the survey that began yesterday, blood samples of around 20,000 persons will be tested, said a Health Ministry statement. The survey conducted by the NCDC under the Union Health Ministry is a part of extending the Centres support to states and Union Terrorties and help the nation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The survey has begun at a time when Delhi has over 80,188 COVID-19 cases.