COVID-19 is spreading at a fast pace with an increase in the intensity of the pandemic, the Centre said on Tuesday. India reported 96,982 new cases and 446 deaths in a span of 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry’s update on Tuesday morning.

NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr V K Paul said a large part of the population is still susceptible to the virus. “The intensity of the pandemic has increased and it is spreading faster than last time. In some states, it (the condition) is worse than others but the upswing (in cases) can be observed across the country.”