Bengal on Wednesday reported a drop by 2,999 in its total of active Covid-19 cases, which fell to 1.23 lakh with the day’s 19,071 recoveries, 16,225 new infections and 153 deaths.

The state now has 5.09 per cent of the national total of active cases, and is sixth among states with the most active cases.

“Since May 15-16, there have been indications of a turnaround (in the second wave of the pandemic). There has been a fall by around 9,000 in the total of active cases (during this time). Between May 16 and today (Wednesday), over 11 days, there have been nearly 1.92 lakh recoveries, compared to around 1.85 lakh new infections detected,” said a Bengal minister.

Bengal’s Covid-19 cases, since the first one was detected on March 17 last year, is over 13.18 lakh now, including close to 11.8 lakh recoveries and 14,827 deaths.

The state’s recovery rate rose for the 25th consecutive day, to 89.52 per cent, and Bengal is now 15th among the states with the highest recovery rates. The national rate now is 89.95.

In another key positive, Bengal’s mortality rate is 1.12 per cent, while the national rate is 1.15 now.

Of the 153 deaths reported on Wednesday, 30 were reported from Calcutta and 37 from North 24-Parganas.

Calcutta logged 2,378 new infections, North 24-Parganas 3,427. These two are the worst-hit Covid-19 districts in Bengal.

“Lowering the daily death toll, at least halving it in a couple of weeks, is a foremost priority now for the state,” the minister added.