Bengal on Thursday reported a drop by 6,223 in total active Covid-19 cases, which fell to 1.17 lakh, as it reported 19,121 recoveries, 13,046 new infections and 148 deaths.

The state now has 5.01 per cent of the national total of active cases, and remains sixth among states with most active cases.

“Over the past 12 days, since the restrictions were enforced, there have been nearly 2.11 lakh recoveries, on an average of around 17,600 a day, compared to around 1.98 lakh new infections detected in the period at a daily average of 16,500 or so,” said a minister. In the 12-day period prior to the imposition of the restrictions, between May 5 and 16, the state had nearly 2.17 lakh new infections detected, at a daily average of over 18,000, compared to the 2.05 lakh recoveries or around 17,000 daily.

In a significantly positive indicator, the recovery rate rose for the 26th consecutive day to 90.07 per cent, riding the consistently large number of recoveries. The national rate now is 90.33.

“We are looking, over the next couple of weeks, to halve the number of new infections daily,” added the minister.

Bengal’s total of Covid-19 cases, since the first was detected on March 17 last year, is over 13.31 lakh now, including close to 12 lakh recoveries and 14,975 deaths.

Bengal’s mortality rate is 1.12 per cent, while the national rate is 1.15 now. Of the 148 deaths reported on Thursday, 32 were from Calcutta and 42 from North 24-Parganas, two worst-affected districts.

Calcutta logged 1,489 new infections, North 24-Parganas 2,975.

“These two districts, at the peak of the second wave, consistently had over 50,000 active cases between them. That total has fallen to around 43,000, which is a heartening sign,” said the minister.