The government re-introduced random sampling of international travellers December 24 onward, with nearly 6,000 passengers tested over the last three days.

Covid-19 cases in the country continue to be low – 188 new cases were reported over the previous 24 hours – even as a global increase has been noted over the last six weeks.

With China and East Asian countries reporting an increase in Covid-19 cases, Health ministry sources said Wednesday that India might see a surge in cases in January,

citing patterns observed during previous waves. Officials, however, said an increase in hospitalisation and deaths is unlikely.