New Delhi, October 8: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday warned people of COVID-19 ahead of festival season and urged people not to forget to wear mask above the nose.

Speaking to reporters here, Vardhan said, "As the festival season is around the corner, hence we should be more vigil towards taking precautions against COVID-19. Never forget to wear your masks above your nose, frequently sanitise and wash your hands and maintain social distancing." Also Read | Samsung Galaxy F41 Smartphone Launched in India; Check Prices, Online Sale, Features & Specifications.

With a spike of 78,524 new cases and 971 deaths reported on Thursday, India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 68-lakh mark, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Also Read | After Coding, STEM Education for Girl Students of Delhi Government Schools, Now 12,000 Students to Join CODEATHON Campaign: Manish Sisodia.

The COVID-19 count in the country stands at 68,35,656 including 9,02,425 active cases and 58,27,705 cured and discharged or migrated cases. As per the MoHFW, with 971 deaths the toll due to the disease has now reached 1,05,526 in the country.

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