“It is notable that being consistently inactive was a stronger risk factor for severe Covid-19 outcomes than any of the underlying medical conditions and risk factors identified by (The Centers for Disease Control) except for age and a history of organ transplant,” the researchers said.

”Since last week, on an average 10-15 bodies of COVID victims are being buried daily here. Yesterday, 18 burials were performed.” Suman Gupta, the general secretary of Badi Panchayat Vaishya Beese Agarwal organisation that manages the city’s main crematorium at the Nigambodh Ghat, has an equally sobering number to share.

”Usually, around 50-60 cremations are performed here daily. The number has gone up to over 80 now,” he says.