Bengal on Sunday reported the sharpest drop in its total of active Covid-19 cases in a day in the ongoing second wave.

The state recorded 19,429 recoveries over 18,422 new infections, besides 156 deaths in a day. With this, active cases dropped by 1,163 to less than 1.31 lakh again.

For the first time since the second wave peaked, the state logged more recoveries in a week, 1,33,860 (19,123 a day, on an average), than new infections, 1,33,660 (19,094 a day).

“There are some heartening signs.… There are now indications of a post-peak turnaround. It can’t be conclusively said yet, but things are certainly starting to point to that direction,” said a minister.

The state has 4.7 per cent of the national total of active cases now, and is sixth among states with most active cases.

In a significantly positive indicator, the recovery rate rose for the 22md consecutive day, to 88.57 per cent. The national rate now is 88.61.

The state’s total Covid-19 casualty count now is 14,364.

In another important positive, Bengal’s mortality rate now is 1.13 per cent, on a par for the first time this pandemic with the national rate.

Of the 156 deaths reported on Sunday, 46 each were from Calcutta and North 24-Parganas, the two worst-affected districts. While Calcutta logged 3,056 new infections, North 24-Parganas reported 3,771.

“These two districts still have over 51,000 active cases between them, still around 40 per cent of total active cases. Till the situation in these two districts starts improving substantially, the state’s overall picture can’t begin to look better,” said the minister.

“Over the next few weeks, there will be more incisive focus on these two districts, even if statewide curbs are somewhat relaxed by the end of the month.”