Coronavirus News Updates: 850 oxygen plants being set up from PM-CARES, says DRDO chief; Kerala sees 7,719 fresh cases

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Single COVID-19 vaccine dose sufficient for already infected: Study

A single dose of COVID-19 vaccine is sufficient for an infected person as there was a greater antibody response when compared with those who have had no prior infection, according to a study released by AIG Hospitals on Monday. The city-based AIG Hospitals recently published a study conducted on 260 healthcare workers, who got vaccinated between 16 January and 5 February, in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases (a peer-reviewed journal). 

The study was designed to assess the immunological memory response in all those patients. All patients were given the Covishield vaccine. The study also said Memory T-cell responses elicited by a single dose of vaccine were significantly higher in the previously infected group compared with those who had no prior infection. Commenting on the impact that this study can have on the overall vaccine administration strategy, Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals, and one of the co-authors of the study, said the results show that people who got infected with COVID-19 need not take two doses of vaccine as a single dose can develop robust antibody and memory cell response at par with two-doses for those who didnt get the infection.
 

This will significantly help at a time when theres a shortage of vaccine in the country and more people can be covered using the saved doses, Dr Reddy said. Once the requisite number of people are vaccinated for achieving herd immunity, these patients who got infected and received only one dose can take the second dose of the vaccine, he further said. At this point, all our strategies should be directed at the widespread distribution of available vaccines and to include the maximum number of people at least with a single dose, Dr Reddy added.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

UP records 339 fresh cases, 74 deaths

With 74 more Covid fatalities in Uttar Pradesh, the death toll in the state rose to 21,858 on Monday, while 339 fresh cases pushed the infection tally to 17,02,937, according to a health bulletin. Of the new deaths, 10 were reported from Bareilly, eight from Gorakhpur, seven each from Meerut and Bhadohi and five from Jhansi, among others.

Twenty-three fresh COVID-19 cases were reported from Lucknow, 17 from Meerut, 15 each from Muzaffarnagar, Sultanpur and 10 from Shamli, among others, the bulletin said. In the past 24 hours, as many as 1,116 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals, taking the total number of recoveries to 16,72,968. The recovery rate in the state has now come to 98.2 percent.  The count of active COVID-19 cases stands at 8,111, of which 4,849 are in home isolation and remaining in government hospitals.

More than 2.57 lakh samples have been tested in Uttar Pradesh in the past 24 hours, taking the total samples tested in the state to over 5.36 crore. A government spokesman said a special vaccination campaign for administering COVID vaccines to street vendors, rickshaw, e-rickshaw, tempo and auto drivers has been started in the state from Monday. These sections come in contact with a large number of people and therefore the government has decided to start a special vaccination campaign for them, the spokesman said

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Kerala logs 7,719 new cases, 161 deaths

Kerala on Monday logged 7,719 fresh COVID-19 cases and 161 deaths, taking the caseload to 27,05,933 and the toll to 11,342. It said 68,573 samples were tested in the last 24 hours and the test positivity rate was 11.26 pe cent. Till now, 2,12,89,498 samples have been tested. Active case stood at 1,13,817. As many as 16,743 people have been cured, taking the total recoveries to 26,10,368.

Among the districts, Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest number of positive cases today at 1,170, followed by Ernakulam with 977 and Kollam 791. “Of those found infected today, 36 reached the State from outside while 7,138 contracted the disease from their contact.The source of infection of 493 is yet to be traced and 52 health workers are also among the infected,” a government statement said. As many as 5,25,331 people are in quarantine, including 30,052 in hospitals, it said.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

‘850 oxygen plants being set up from PM CARES’

As many as 850 oxygen plants are being set up in various districts from the PM Cares Fund, DRDO chief C Satheesh Reddy said Monday, as India emerges from the second wave of coronavirus which caused a major medical oxygen crisis across the country.

Reddy highlighted during the ‘‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Discourse Series’’ by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) that the DRDO was prepared to provide all kinds of support including more “flying hospitals” when the need arises in the fight against coronavirus, a DST statement said.

He also underlined how the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) is primarily carrying out research in advanced technology in defence, while also concentrating on developing low cost but high-quality technology for the benefit of people.

“We established temporary hospitals specific to COVID-19 in many cities (during the second wave). These are modular hospitals, we call it flying hospitals, and these have been made in a way that the virus does not go out of hospitals,” he said. “If there is any third wave, all the hospitals will be taking the load, and the government is discussing these aspects with various stakeholders,” Reddy said.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

No door-to-door drive in natl policy, Centre tells HC

The Union government on Monday told the Bombay High Court that its national guidelines do not at present allow a door-to-door drive to vaccinate people against COVID-19. The Union government’s counsel, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, said some state governments and municipal bodies had decided to ignore its advisory guidelines and were conducting door-to-door vaccination for special categories of citizens, but it was not possible yet to make such drives a part of the national policy.

ASG Singh was responding to a previous query posed by a bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni on what the Centre thought about the BMC’s request seeking its permission to conduct door-to-door vaccination for the elderly, bedridden, or such category of citizens. 

On the BMC’s permission letter to Union ministry of health and family welfare, the ministry says its current advisory against such drives has been formulated based on recommendations of experts," ASG Singh said. “Some states and municipal bodies have been carrying out door-to-door vaccination but from the national angle, the national policy should be followed. We request the court to bear with us for sometime. For the time being, it is not practical or possible.”

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Vaccines don’t prevent COVID but will help in keeping symptoms mild: Sangita Reddy

Vaccines don’t prevent coronavirus infections but will help in keeping the symptoms mild, Apollo Hospitals Joint MD Sangita Reddy said on Monday. In a series of tweets, Reddy also said she was going home today after being hospitalised for coronavirus infection. “After 500 days of dodging #COVID19 I tested +VE on 10 June. My initial reaction was of shock & dismay – Why me? I was careful & #vaccinated. Hospitalized with high fever I took the cocktail #Regeneron therapy within the early window period and it has made a dramatic difference,” she said. Highlighting the role of vaccines and timely diagnosis and treatment, she said, “The important point tp remember- vaccine dont prevent #COVID BUT help keep symptoms Mild.Timely diagnosis and treatment are  key to quick recovery”. “As I go home today and continue #self isolation under Med sup via #telemedicine My heartfelt gratitude to our #Nursing, Doc & #scientific com,” she noted.

Reddy has been emphasising that the government should move quickly to ramp up the availability of the COVID vaccine in the country by enhancing domestic production as well as increasing procurement from abroad.
PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Pune-based start-up develops mask that inactivates novel coronavirus

A Pune-based start-up has integrated 3D printing and pharmaceuticals to develop a mask which inactivates viral particles that come in contact with it, the Department Science and Technology said on Monday. Developed by Thincr Technologies India Private Limited, these masks are coated with anti-viral agents known otherwise as virucides. 

The coating has been tested and shown to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2, the DST said, adding the material used in it is a Sodium Olefin Sulfonate-based mixture, a soap-forming agent. 

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

No new case reported in Dharavi in 24 hours

 The slum colony of Dharavi in Mumbai did not report a single COVID-19 case in the past 24 hours, a clean slate feat in one of the world’s densest urban settlements achieved for the first time since 2 February, a civic official said on Monday.  Dharavi’s  infection tally stands unchanged at 6,861, while the active caseload is 13, comprising seven in hospitals and six in home isolation, he added. 

 The recovery count of the area, which reported its first case on 1 April last year, and a  single-day high of 99 on 8 April this year during the second wave, is 6,489.

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Delhi logs 131 new COVID-19 cases, 16 deaths

 The National Capital recorded 131 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest since February 22, and 16 fatalities on Monday while the positivity rate dropped to 0.22 percent, according to a health department bulletin.  Delhi had recorded 128 cases on 22 February . The 16 latest deaths are the lowest since 5 April, when 15 people had succumbed to the disease.

With the positivity rate remaining below 1 percent for two weeks, the Delhi government had on Sunday announced the partial lifting of curbs on restaurants and weekly markets from 14 June .

Educational institutes to remain closed in West Bengal

“Shops in shopping mall and complexes allowed to open between 11am-6pm with 50 percent work force. Sports activities can resumes without spectators. All education institutes and waterways to remain closed. Movement of private vehicles to remain suspended” announces West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. “Movement of people will be restricted between 9 pm and 5 am,” she says.

 According to News18,  restrictions will be relaxed from 16 June.

Bengal extends restrictions till 1 July, eases some curbs

West Bengal govt extends restrictions till July 1, essential services exempted, reports news agency ANI. “All govt offices will function with 25 percent strength. Private and corporate offices will remain open from 10 am to 4 pm with not more than 25 percent strength,” the news agency quotes Chief minister Mamata Banerjee as saying. “Restaurants with bars can open between 12 noon and 8 pm with 50percent seating capacity,” Banerjee says.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Large study finds COVID-19 shot about 90% effective, claims Novavax

Vaccine maker Novavax said on Monday that its shot was highly effective against COVID-19 and also protected against variants in a large, late-stage study in the US and Mexico. The vaccine was about 90 percent effective overall and preliminary data showed it was safe, the company said.

The company says it plans to seek authorisation for the shots in the US, Europe and elsewhere by the end of September and be able to produce up to 100 million doses a month by then.

AP

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Total lockdown announced in 17 panchayats in Dakshina Kannada district

The Dakshina Kannada  administration has announced a total lockdown in 17 gram panchayats in the district where more than 50 Covid-19 cases

are reported. District deputy commissioner K V Rajendra said the complete lockdown will be in force in Neermarga and Konaje in Mangaluru taluk, eight villages in Belthangady, five villages in Sullia and two in Kadaba from 9 AM on Monday to 9 AM on 21 June.

Only those in the medical sector, milk supply, petrol bunks and other emergency services will be allowed to move in the villages and outside. Task forces are deployed in the sealed villages who will provide essential items to the residents on payment basis, he said.

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Recruitment for clinical trial of Covaxin in 6-12 age group to start at AIIMS Delhi from tomorrow

The recruitment for the clinical trial of the country’s first indigenously-developed COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, among children in the age group of 6-12 years will begin at the AIIMS in Delhi from Tuesday. This will be followed by the clinical trial of children in the age-group of 2-6 years.

The enrolment of children volunteers aged 12-18 years at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has been completed and they have been given the first dose of Covaxin. “The recruitment process for the clinical trial of Covaxin among children in the age group of 6-12 years will begin from Tuesday,” Dr Sanjay Rai, Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine at the AIIMS, told PTI.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had granted permission for conducting the phase 2/3 clinical trial of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin among children aged two to 18 years on 12 May.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Ajit Pawar directs Kolhapur admin to ramp up COVID-19 testing in district

As the COVID-19 positivity rate in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district remaining higher, state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday directed the administration to ramp up testing and warned residents against lowering their guard. Pawar and state Health Minister Rajesh Tope conducted a review meeting of the pandemic situation in the western Maharashtra district.

“In the first wave of the pandemic, the district administration did a commendable job by controlling the infection. However, the positivity rate in the district in the current second wave is still at the higher side. The review meeting discussed measures like the requirement of drugs etc  to check the transmission,” Pawar told reporters. He said authorities were directed to ensure that COVID-19 patients get admitted in institutional quarantine rather than remaining in home isolation.

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Additional 1,06,300 vials of Liposomal Amphotericin B allocated to states and UTs, says Centre

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers DV Sadananda Gowda said that to ensure significant availability of Liposomal  Amphotricin B, additional 1,06,300 vials of the drug have been allocated across all the states/UTs and Central Institutions on Monday. The minister further said that a total of 53,000 vials of Conventional Amphotericin B have also been allocated to all the states/UTs and Central Institutions today.

“Additional 9,400 vials of Liposomal Amphotericin B have been allocated to Karnataka today. So far, total 49,870 vials of the drug have been made to the state. Besides this, 4,680 vials of  conventional Amphotericin B have also been allocated to Karnataka today,” he said in another tweet

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Odisha records 4,339 new COVID-19 cases, 44 more deaths

Odisha reported 4,339 new  COVID-19 cases on Monday, taking the tally to 8,56,121, a Health Department official said. Forty-four more people died in the state, pushing the toll to 3,346, he said. In the last 24 hours, 7,733 people recovered. So far, 7,96,799 patients have recovered in the state. There are 55,923 active cases in the state at present.

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Karnataka CM announces Rs 1L ex-gratia to BPL families who lost an adult to COVID-19

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa announces ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh to every below-poverty line family which lost an adult member to COVID-19 “Every BPL family which has lost an adult member due to Covid-19 would be provided an ex-gratia of Rs. 1 lakh. Our government stands in full solidarity with the families affected by the pandemic and will extend all possible support to ensure their well-being,” he said on Twitter.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Noida Police arrests 61 for farmhouse party violating COVID-19 norms

The Noida Police has arrested 61 people, including 15 women, for allegedly partying at a farmhouse in violation of restrictions imposed to combat COVID-19, officials said on Monday. The arrests were made following a raid on the property in Sector 135, under the Expressway police station limits, on Sunday night, they said.

A pool party was being held at the Green Beauty farmhouse in the Yamuna floodplains area in Sector 135 in violation of the COVID-19 protocols. A total of 46 men and 15 women were arrested, a police spokesperson said.

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Centrally protected monuments and museums under ASI to open from 16 June

All centrally protected monuments/sites and museums under the Archeological Survey of India will be opened from 16 June, says ASI.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

UK PM expected to delay COVID lockdown end by 4 weeks to 19 July 

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce a four-week delay to an end to all legal lockdown restrictions in the country when he makes a statement later on Monday in relation to so-called Freedom Day, which was set for 21 June. The last and fourth stage of the lockdown roadmap is now expected around 19 July instead amid a worrying spike in cases of the Delta variant, which experts fear will result in greater hospitalisations in the coming weeks.

On Sunday, the UK recorded 7,490 new cases of COVID-19 and eight deaths, with the seven-day average for cases up 49 percent compared with the seven days before. 

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Over 1.4 crore vaccine doses still available with states and UTs, says health ministry

More than 26.68 crore (26,68,36,620) COVID-19 vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far and over 96,490 vaccine doses will be received by them within the next three days, said the Union health ministry on Monday. 

Of the total vaccine doses provided so far, the total consumption, including wastages is 25,27,66,396 doses (as per data available at 8 am on Monday) and more than 1.40 crore (1,40,70,224) vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs, the ministry stated.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Uttarakhand extends COVID curfew till 22 June

Covid curfew in Uttarakhand has been extended till 22 June and old SOPs will be followed with some changes, news agency ANi quotes state minister Subodh Uniyal as saying. “People from Chamoli, Rudraprayag,  and Uttarkashi are now allowed to visit Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri-Yamunotri respectively only with negative RT-PCR report,” Uniyal said. According to the Uttarakhand Press Information Bureau, negative RT-PCR report will continue to be mandatory for those coming to Uttarakhand from other states. Markets will open three days a week, while sweet shops will open five days a week. It has also been decided to open  the revenue court, with 20 people.  Also, 50 people will be allowed at both weddings and funerals, ANI quotes the minister as saying. Auto-rickshaw such as Vikram can ply  in cities.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Germany records lowest daily new cases in nearly nine months

Germany has recorded its lowest number of new daily coronavirus infections in nearly nine months, and officials are floating the possibility of loosening mask-wearing rules.

The Robert Koch Institute, the national disease control center, said Monday that 549 new cases were reported over the previous 24 hours. It’s the first time since 21 September that the figure has been under 1,000, though it’s typical for numbers over the weekend to be relatively low because fewer tests are conducted and reported. Germany has reported more than 3.7 million cases since the pandemic began. Another 10 deaths brought the country’s toll to 89,844.

AP

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Arunachal Pradesh logs 134 new COVID-19 cases

Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a dip in COVID-19 cases as 134 people tested positive for the virus, pushing the coronavirus tally to 31,282, an official said on Monday. The state had reported 298 cases on Sunday. The COVID-19 toll in the state rose to 145 as two more persons succumbed to the disease in the past two days, State Surveillance Officer Dr Lobsang Jampa said. The Capital Complex Region continued to report high number of fresh cases with 35, followed by West Kameng (19), Anjaw (18), Changlang (15) and Lower Subansiri at 11.

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Apollo joint MD says antibody cocktail made ‘dramatic difference’ in recovery

Apollo Joint MD Sangita Reddy said taking the Regeneron antibody cocktail treatment for COVID-19 recovery made a “dramatic difference” 

“The important point to remember is that vaccines don’t prevent COVID-19 but help keep symptoms. Timely diagnosis and treatment are key to quick recovery,” she tweeted.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

COVID-19-induced lockdown curbs ease, traffic jam returns in Bengaluru

Traffic snarls returned to Bengaluru as the lockdown curbs imposed more than a month ago to contain COVID-19 were eased on Monday. Hundreds of vehicles coming from the neighbouring Hosur in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu were seen stuck in long queues at Attibele in Bengaluru.

The chaotic traffic extended up to Bommanahalli and Silk Board Junction. There was a chock-a-block at Freedom Park, Seshadripuram, Malleswaram, Town Hall, Richmond Road and KempeGowda Road right in the middle of the city as well.

Banashankari and areas near Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) too saw traffic jams.

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Centre invites bids for delivery of Covid vaccines to remote areas by drones

The government has invited bids for delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and drugs to remote areas and those with difficult terrains in select locations of the country by drones to ensure last-mile coverage. 

The ICMR plans to engage Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operators who are able to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations in fixed pre-defined flight paths, deliver medical supplies payload at select locations in India and return to the command station.

According to the specifications, UAVs should be able to cover a minimum aerial distance of 35 km, able to take off vertically and carry a minimum payload of 4 kg.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Tamil Nadu extends lockdown till 21 June

The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday extended the coronavirus-induced lockdown till 21 June, while announcing some relaxations in 27 districts of the state.

Beauty parlours, government parks and playgrounds, farming equipment repair and pump set repair shops, opticians, TASMAC shops, handicraft shops, electronic repair shops, mobile repair shops, administrative wings of schools and colleges will be allowed to remain open.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Haryana extends lockdown till 21 June, but eases some norms

The Haryana government extended the statewide coronavirus-induced lockdown till 21 June and also announced some relaxation after the state reported a decline in daily COVID-19 cases.

However, norms were relaxed for the operation of shops, malls and restuarants. Religious places can allow 21 persons in the premises at a time and the same number of people can attend funerals, weddings and other functions. Corporate offices can operate with 50 percent staff.

All colleges, coaching institutions, ITIs, libraries and training institutes (both government and private) shall remain closed till further order in the state.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Daily positivity rate under 10% for 21st consecutive day

A total of 14,92,152 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Sunday, taking the total number of such examinations in the country so far to 37,96,24,626, it stated, adding that the daily positivity rate was recorded 4.72 per cent.

It has stayed below 10 percent for 21 consecutive days, the ministry said. The weekly positivity rate has also reduced and stands at 4.54 percent.

Recoveries outnumbered daily new cases for the 32nd consecutive day in the country. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has surged to 2,81,62,947, while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.27 percent, the data stated.

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Students traveling abroad to get 2nd Covishield dose at Delhi centre

A dedicated vaccine facility for administering second doses of the Covishield vaccine to those who need to travel abroad for studies, work and sport events will be functional from Monday.

The centre at Mandir Marg’s Navyug School will conduct vaccination for those who need to travel internationally before 31 August.

Vaccines at this centre will also be available to those who have completed 28 days after their first Covishield dose. Currently, the vaccine is being administered at an interval of 12-16 weeks. Those eligible will have to use their passport as an ID document and carry documents to prove their foreign travel reason.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

CISF to take over security of Bharat Biotech’s campus in Hyderabad

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will take over security of the Hyderabad campus of Bharat Biotech, the manufacturer of made-in-India Covid vaccine Covaxin, from  14 June 14, according to reports.

A 64-member team of the CISF will secure the registered office and plant of the company located at Genome Valley in the Shameerpet area in Hyderabad.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Free COVID-19 vaccine drive for Noida street vendors from today

Aspecial campaign for free anti-coronavirus vaccination for street-side vendors would begin in Noida from Monday.

In Noida, officials said the inoculation would be done for registered vendors and will take place at the Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra. Currently there are around 3,700 registered street vendors in Noida, Noida Authority’s officer on special duty Indu Prakash Singh told PTI.

The vaccination would be done free of cost during the special campaign between 10 am and 4 pm at the Kala Kendra in Sector 6, Noida

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Delhi Unlock: Restaurants to reopen with 50 percent seating

The AAP government will allow restaurants to open at 50 percent capacity, while markets will open from 10 am to 8 pm from Monday.

“Private offices will run on 50 percent capacity from 9 am to 5 pm. In government offices, there will be 100 percent attendance of group A officers and 50 percent for the rest. Essential activities will continue,” Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.

However, schools, colleges, cinema halls, and gyms will remain shut. Swimming pools, stadiums, sports complexes, cinema theaters, multiplexes will also remain closed

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

India reports lowest daily cases in 72 days

India reported 70,421 new COVID-19 infections over the past 24 hours, the lowest since 31 March, data from the health ministry showed.

The COVID-19 tally stands at 2,95,10,410, of which 9,73,158 are active cases. In the same period, 3,921 deaths were recorded, taking the toll to 3,74,305.