New Delhi, May 4 (IANS): The Union Health Ministry on Monday said the disease curve is relatively flat as of now, while 2,533 new cases, which is the highest number of cases in a single day, were reported in on the past 24 hours, and needed a collective effort to prevent peaks.

Addressing the daily briefing, Joint Secretary, Health, Lav Agarwal, said the spread of infectious diseases is like a geometric progression, and the country's rate of doubling has increased to 12 days. "Total number of people with Covid-19 is 42,533. Number of people under active medical supervision is 29,453. In the last 24 hours 1,074 recoveries (highest in one day) were reported. Total number of recoveries is 11,706, which takes the recovery rate to 27.52 per cent," he said.

Responding to a query on Covid-19 cases reaching the peak in May end, Agarwal replied the question of peak is linked to the collective effort of everybody.

"As the curve is relatively flat as of now. If we work collectively, peaks may not come, but if we fail then, we may see spikes in cases", said Agarwal. He also said there are no issues related to testing of cases so far and 57,474 tests were done in the past 24 hours.

Agarwal insisted that the spread of infectious disease is like geometric progression. "We are transitioning to a new normal, we need to compulsorily wear face masks/covers in public places; preventive measures need to be followed outside containment zones as well," he said.

As many as 1,373 people succumbed to the viral infection so far.

He added as the lockdown is being eased in a staggered manner, it is imperative to continue rigorous containment measures, effective clinical management, infection prevention and control. "Doubling time of COVID19 cases has improved from 3.4, before lockdown, to 12 days today, lockdown and containment efforts are yielding results, our challenge now is how to further improve these results, to further increase doubling time," he added.