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In the last 24 hours, 311,170 new covid infections and more than 4 thousand deaths have been recorded in India. The latest data come as fears rise for a spread of the infection even in rural areas where there are few health infrastructures.
The new wave of infections that spread to large cities in April led to the collapse of hospitals. But now there are more and more reports of people falling ill in villages, with the bodies of the dead being thrown into the Ganges or buried on the banks of the holy river.
The Indian army, in collaboration with the railways, is preparing to set up field hospitals in the most vulnerable areas, the broadcaster Ndtv reports. 70% of India’s 1.3 billion people live in rural areas.