Coronavirus Updates: Joe Biden expresses solidarity with India, says determined to support fight against COVID

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Maharashtra reports 48,700 new Covid-19 cases

The daily number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra dropped to 48,700 on Monday, taking the count of infections to 43,43,727 while 524 deaths pushed the toll to 65,284, the state health department said.

Maharashtra had reported the lowest number of infections in this month so far on April 1 (43,183 cases). On April 2, the state had added 47,827 infections.

With 2,22,475 new tests on Monday, the number of samples tested so far in Maharashtra rose to 2,59,72 018, the department said.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

US determined to support India in COVID fight: Biden tells Modi

US President Joe Biden on Monday conveyed solidarity with India in its fight against COVID-19 and asserted that his country was determined to support its efforts by quickly deploying resources such as therapeutics, ventilators and identifying sources of raw materials to be made available for the manufacture of Covishield vaccine, according to a statement.

Biden expressed the support of the US to India in a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the two leaders discussed the pandemic situation in their countries, including India’s ongoing efforts to contain a second wave of COVID-19 through expedited vaccination efforts, and ensuring supply of critical medicines, therapeutics and medical equipment.

Modi also informed Biden about India’s initiative at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a relaxation in the norms of the Agreement on TRIPS to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries, the statement said.

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US will share AstraZeneca vaccines with world

The US will begin sharing its entire pipeline of vaccines from AstraZeneca once the COVID-19 vaccine clear federal safety reviews, the White House told The Associated Press on Monday, with as many as 60 million doses expected to be available for export in the coming months.

The move greatly expands on the Biden administration’s action last month to share about 4 million doses of the vaccine with Mexico and Canada. The AstraZeneca vaccine is widely in use around the world but not yet authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The move comes as the White House is increasingly assured about the supply of the three vaccines being administered in the US, particularly following the restart of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot over the weekend.

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PM dials Joe Biden, thanks US for its support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday night spoke to US President Joe Biden over the evolving COVID situation in both countries. Modi also thanked Biden for providing help to India, by exported required raw material for vaccine manufacturing to Serum Institute of India

My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2021

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Noida records 15 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours 

Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar Monday recorded its highest single-day spike in COVID-linked deaths, with official data showing 15 people succumbed to the viral disease in 24 hours.

The district also recorded 655 new infections that pushed its overall tally of cases to 36,645, while the active caseload reached 6,300, according to the figures released by the UP Health Department for a 24-hour period.

On the brighter side, 406 patients got discharged during the period with the overall recoveries reaching 30,176 in the district, the fifth highest in the state, it showed.

Gautam Buddh Nagar now has a death toll of 169 with a mortality rate of 0.46 per cent. The recovery rate of patients dropped marginally to 82.34 per cent from 82.69 per cent the previous day, the numbers showed.

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Bihar reports 11,801 new cases, 67 deaths today

Total 11,801 more COVID cases were reported in Bihar Monday escalating the virus caseload to 4,15,397, with capital Patna being worst-hit in the state, health department bulletin said. The state saw 67 fresh casualties, taking the toll to 2222, it said.

Among the new cases, Patna’s share was a maximum of 2,720, while Saran had 568 infections, West Champaran (460), Saharsa (433) and Purnea (384).

Sheikhpura Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K Sharma tested positive and has self-isolated himself.

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Oxygen supply in Punjab is extremely critical, tweets Captain Amarinder Singh

Situation of Oxygen supply in Punjab is extremely critical due to rising #Covid19. Request Union Home Minister @AmitShah ji & Union Health Minister @drharshvardhan ji to urgently enhance daily quota & to ensure allotted Liquid Manufacturing Oxygen supplies are released to Punjab.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) April 26, 2021

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West Bengal logs record 15,992 new COVID-19 cases, 68 more deaths

West Bengal on Monday registered 68 deaths due to COVID-19, the highest so far in a single day, pushing the toll to 11,009, the health department said. The state also reported record 15,992 fresh infections, which took the tally to 7,59,942, the department said in its bulletin.

Kolkata alone accounted for 26 deaths and 3,868 new cases, the bulletin said. The number of active cases has risen to 94,949.

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Punjab govt orders weekend lockdown, extends night curfew

The Punjab government on Monday ordered a weekend lockdown and extended the night curfew by two hours in a bid to tackle the surge in coronavirus cases.

The government has also ordered the closure of shops by 5 pm.

“Due to continuous & rapid rise of #Covid19 cases in Punjab, Cabinet today has decided to impose daily lockdown from 6 PM to 5 AM and weekend lockdown from Friday 6 PM to Monday 5 AM. Urge you all to stay at home & step out only if absolutely necessary. Seek your full cooperation, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh in a tweet said.

“All shops will remain open till 5 pm from Monday till Friday,” said Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar addressing mediapersons after a cabinet meeting here.

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US to work around the clock to help India against COVID-19 surge: US Ambassador  to UN

The US will work around the clock to help India as it battles a devastating surge in COVID-19 cases and Washington is doing everything it can to help, including deploying raw materials for vaccines, ventilators, oxygen generation supplies, and financial support for vaccine expansion, the US Ambassador to the UN said on Monday.

“I want to take a moment to talk about the heartbreaking situation in India. The most recent spike of COVID-19 cases there has been devastating. The United States stands in solidarity with the people of India, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said during a closed virtual dialogue hosted by the United States, Argentina, Japan, Norway, and South Africa on Pandemic Preparedness and Response.”

She said the US is doing everything it can to help, including deploying raw materials for vaccines, as well as therapeutics, rapid diagnostic kits, ventilators, oxygen generation supplies, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USAID public health teams, and financial support for vaccine expansion.

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Delhi HC says not in agreement with Centre on availability of enough oxygen

The Delhi High Court Monday said it was not in agreement with the Centre that there is enough oxygen available to treat seriously ill COVID-19 patients in the national capital.

“Today there is a shortage (of oxygen). The Solicitor General says there is no shortage but we will not accept it because we have ourselves seen there is a shortage of oxygen,” said a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli.

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, said his submission was that there is enough oxygen if distributed properly and the issue was of transportation and not the supply.

“I have not said Delhi has enough oxygen. I am saying right now we have enough oxygen if distributed properly,” he said. During the hearing, petitioner advocate Rakesh Malhotra made the submission that there was a shortage of RT-PCR kits.

-PTI

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Maharashtra vaccinates over 5 lakh citizens today, tweets CMO

Calling it a “milestone” on Twitter, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s office also said that vaccination of 1.5 crore citizens will be achieved soon. The government said the state has “achieved a milestone in its COVID vaccination drive today”

Maharashtra has achieved a milestone in its COVID vaccination drive today

Over 5 lakh citizens vaccinated in a day!

Soon, the mark of 1.5 crore citizens vaccinated will be achieved

CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray & Health Minister @rajeshtope11 have congratulated the machinery

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 26, 2021

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Centre asks SII, Bharat Biotech to reduce rates for state, private procurement, says report

As per CNBC-TV18, the government has asked the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech to reconsider and reduce their vaccine prices for state and private procurement.

The Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has fixed the price of its COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, at Rs 600 per dose for state governments and at Rs 1,200 per dose for private hospitals.

The Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine maker in terms of volume, has announced a price of Rs 400 per dose for its COVID-19 vaccine, ‘Covishield’, for state governments and Rs 600 per dose for private hospitals.

#CNBCTV18Exclusive | Government asks @SerumInstIndia & @BharatBiotech to reconsider & reduce vaccine rates for state & private procurement. @TimsyJaipuria reports pic.twitter.com/Sng6BE2CMk

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) April 26, 2021

Obstructing oxygen tankers amounts to endangering human lives, says Delhi HC

 Obstructing cryogenic tankers carrying medical oxygen for COVID-19 patients will tantamount to endangering human lives, the Delhi High Court said on Monday, pointing out that the Rajasthan government must honour the orders not to cause any hindrance in transportation of the gas to other states.  Acting tough on black marketing in oxygen cylinders, reportedly being sold at Rs 1 lakh per unit here, the high court asked the Delhi government to take action against those indulging in it, saying distribution of gas cylinders is “your baby” and the state should work out an oxygen distribution plan.

PTI

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Centre exempts three sectors from ban non-medical use of liquid oxygen

A day after putting a ban on the use of liquid oxygen for non-medical purposes, the government on Monday allowed three sectors —ampules and vials, pharmaceutical and defence forces — to use the commodity.  Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla had on Sunday imposed a ban on the use of liquid oxygen for non-medical purposes, amid a scarcity of medical oxygen in many parts of the country, particularly in Delhi, that have been hit by a fresh wave of the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to states and Union Territories on Monday, Bhalla said that three sectors — ampules and vials; pharmaceutical and defence forces — have now been exempted from the ban order.

PTI

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Himachal Pradesh to provide oxygen supply to Delhi

The Himachal Pradesh government will arrange oxygen supply to Delhi, which is facing acute shortage of the life-saving gas for COVID-19 patients, from the hill state, an official spokesperson said on Monday.  Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, on the request of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has agreed to arrange emergency supply of oxygen to Delhi amid the COVID-19 crisis, he added.

In a letter written to his Delhi counterpart, Thakur said that the Himachal Pradesh government was “highly concerned” about the situation emerging in the national capital and would be more than happy to extend all possible help to the Delhi government. Thakur said that officers of the Delhi government may contact additional director of industries for arranging the supply of oxygen from the state.  Kejriwal, in a tweet, also thanked the chief minister for his help. 

PTI

जयराम जी, आपकी इस मदद के लिए तहे दिल से शुक्रिया https://t.co/lJtJ5XYkWE

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 26, 2021

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Agra hospital accuses tehsildar of obstructing oxygen supply

A private hospital in Agra on Monday asked permission from the authorities to shut its COVID facility, accusing a tehsildar of obstructing the supply of oxygen cylinders.  Chauhan Hospital and Eye Care in a letter to the CMO alleged that Tehsildar Preeti Jain seized 15 of the 30 oxygen-filled cylinders from their facility and accused her of causing obstruction in its supply every day.

PTI

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Consider complete lockdown on 1 and 2 May, Madras HC tells Puducherry and TN

 The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments to consider declaring complete lockdown for two days on 1 and 2 May 1, when counting of votes polled in the  6 April Assembly elections will be taken up. The first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy gave the suggestion while passing further interim orders on an issue relating to alleged shortage of Remdesivir drug, ventilators and beds and diversion of oxygen cylinders to other states. Based on newspaper reports, the judges took up the issue by themselves.

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Centre asks SII, Bharat Biotech to lower price of COVID-19 vaccines: Report

The Central government on Monday asked the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech to lower prices of their COVID-19 vaccines amid criticism from various states who objected to profiteering during such a major crisis. The issue of vaccine pricing was discussed at a meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. Now the two companies are expected to come up with revised pricing for their vaccines.

The Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has fixed the price of its COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, at Rs 600 per dose for state governments and at Rs 1,200 per dose for private hospitals. The Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine maker in terms of volume, has announced a price of Rs 400 per dose for its COVID-19 vaccine, ‘Covishield’, for state governments and Rs 600 per dose for private hospitals. Both vaccines are available to the central government at a rate of Rs 150 per dose.

PTI

Shops and restaurants in Kerala to operate till 7.30 pm

According to reports, the maximum number of people who will be allowed to attend a wedding in Kerala has been reduced from 75 to 50 persons (duration of two hours) and 20 for funerals. Shops and restaurants allowed to function only till 7:30 pm while home delivery and take away can continue till 9 pm. All social political, religious and cultural gatherings have been prohibited till further orders.

Kerala government imposes restrictions to curb the spread of COVID19; Cinema halls, malls, gyms, clubs, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks & bars to remain shut, until further orders, only essential services & emergency services permitted on
Saturdays & Sundays pic.twitter.com/K8JukovBuG

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

No lockdown in Kerala, restrictions to be imposed

After an all party meeting, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state government has decided against a complete lockdown but certain restrictions will be imposed, according to reports. Weekend curbs will continue, he said.  Additionally, theaters, malls, gyms, clubs, sports complexes, swimming pools, tourist parks, bars, foreign liquor stores will have to be shut temporarily, according to the CMO.

CM said we'll have to live with #COVID19 for much longer. As mutant strain increases risk of spread, weekend restrictions will continue. Theaters, malls, gyms, clubs, sports complexes, swimming pools, tourist parks, bars, foreign liquor stores will have to be shut temporarily.

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) April 26, 2021

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Implement intensive, local, focused containment framework, MHA tells states

 With a large part of the country battling a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the Centre Monday asked all states and Union Territories to implement an intensive, local and focused containment framework, stressing on specific districts and areas to snap the chain of transmission. In a communication to all states and UTs, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla reiterated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s 25 April advisory on containment strategy and said the district authorities should be sensitised on the strategy for imposing restrictions and it should be widely disseminated to the public and to the field functionaries for their effective implementation.

Bhalla said that in the recent past, a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases has been observed along with high positivity rate. Considering this unprecedented spike, he said, there is an urgent need for states and UTs to consider strict COVID management and control measures, in the surge areas to bring the situation under control. 

PTI

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Adhere to COVID-19 norms, then blame govt, Bombay HC advises citizens

 Citizens should practice  restraint and discipline amid the surge in COVID-19 cases before blaming the government, the Aurangabad bench of Bombay
High Court said on Monday while passing several directions on the pandemic.“We as citizens should show some loyalty to our place and sensibility before blaming the government. Residents need to practice restraint and discipline,” Justice Ravindra  Ghuge said. 

“We see youngsters, girls and boys, loitering outside without any purpose. People are travelling on bikes on triples and sometimes even four persons without helmets and masks,” the court said. The court said any person stepping outside shall have to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth.

PTI

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Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital receives 64 refilled oxygen cylinders: Official

Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Monday evening received 64 refilled oxygen cylinders, which are used while transporting critically ill COVID patients, after waiting for three days, officials said.   Earlier, hospital sources had said that it was on beg and borrow mode. The SGRH has just received 64 refilled oxygen cylinders, an official of the hospital said at 4.20 pm. The hospital had also received 10 tonnes of liquid oxygen around 11.40 am. In the morning, the medical facility said it had 4,000 cubic metres of oxygen left which would last for eight hours.

PTI

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Four patients die at hospital in Maharashtra’s Thane; kin allege oxygen shortage

At least four COVID-19 patients died at a private hospital in Thane in Maharashtra on Monday with their family members alleging the shortage of medical oxygen as the cause. However, the hospital management has said the deceased patients were in critical condition.

Maharashtra minister and NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad said the state government has constituted a committee to probe the death of the four patients at the hospital. “The state government has directed Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) commissioner Pankaj Ashiya to probe the incident and submit a report,” he told reporters after visiting the hospital. When asked about the probable cause behind the death of the four patients, Awhad said 35 patients were admitted in the ICU of the hospital and had a disruption in oxygen supply been the cause it would have affected all the patients and not only four of them.

Meanwhile, kin of the deceased created a ruckus at the entrance of the hospital alleging that the shortage of oxygen killed the four patients. The situation was brought under control by police personnel who rushed to the spot.

PTI

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Tamil Nadu govt opposes ‘differential’ pricing for COVID-19 vaccines

Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami on Monday wrote to the Centre opposing the “differential price mechanism” for the COVID-19 vaccine.

He “asked the Centre to procure and supply the entire required quantity of vaccine for administering it to all age groups including from 18-45,” Deccan Herald reported.

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Advisable to wear masks at home, says VK Paul

NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul on Monday said that people must start wearing masks at home, “within the family”, given the exponential rise in cases.

“We used to recommend this when going out, but this would not be a bad practice.Stay with your family,  please don’t go out unnecessarily,  within the family please wear mask and please don’t invite people home,” he said.

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Randeep Guleria says judicious use of oxygen is ‘very important’

“We have to reduce the number of cases and use hospital resources optimally. The judicious use of oxygen is very important. Right now, there is an unnecessary panic,” said AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria, in a press conference with the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

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Maharashtra has highest active caseload, says Centre

The Union Health Ministry on Monday stated that Maharashtra has the highest active caseload with 7,00,207 active cases currently, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

“Most of the states have crossed their highest reported daily cases during September last year,” the ministry added.

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Pace of COVID-19 vaccination should not slow down, says VK Paul

NITI Aayog member VK Paul says the pace of COVID-19 vaccination should not be slowed and dispels rumours that women on their menstrual periods should not take the vaccine. “The vaccine can be taken during periods. This is no reason to postpone vaccination,” ANI quotes him as saying.Our vaccines are working well, he says.

Most states have crossed peak in previous wave, saya health ministry

Joint secretary of the Union Health Ministry, Lav Agrawal  eight states Maharashtra, UP, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have over one lakh active cases.  Most states have crossed the peak in September during the previous wave, he said and said the growing cases were a cause of concern,

Agarwal said 14.19 crore vaccine doses have been administered.  He said  that a national average of over 87 percent of healthcare workers and average of 79 percent of Frontline workers have got at least one dose of covid vaccine and added that  over 36 percent (national average) of those above 60 have also got the 1st dose.

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No shortage of oxygen supply, says MHA

During a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation, Additional Secretary in the MHA says there is enough oxygen supply in the country but transportation is a challenge. He also appeals to hospitals to ensure judicious use of oxygen.

A total of 9103 MT of Medical Oxygen was produced on 24 April, he said, adding  “Our production capacity was only 7259 MT; but with the continuous and combined efforts of the Centre, State/UTs and Industries, the capacity has been increased.”

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Bombay HC directs to increase testing in Marathwada

The Aurangabad bench of Bombay HCenquires whether it is true that the stock of COVID-19 vaccines has been exhausted, to which the counsel for the state government responds that there were no vaccines available on Saturday and Sunday but that they are being procured, according to reports.

According to LiveLaw, the court orders Divisional Commissioner Aurangabad or district Collectors, to issue press releases after 7pm, each day, to indicate the Covid treatment facilities available at the hospitals in the districts. It also order that rapid antigen tests and RT PCR tests be increased and adequate supply of vaccines should be ensured.

Court - Divisional Commissioner Aurangabad or district Collectors, to hold issue press releases after 7pm, each day, to indicate the Covid treatment facilities available at the hospitals in the districts.#Aurangabad #BombayHC #Covid19 #Maharashtra

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 26, 2021

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Five COVID-19 patients die at Hisar hospital, kin allege oxygen shortage

 Five COVID-19 patients, including one from Delhi, died at a private hospital in Hisar on Monday with relatives of the deceased holding a protest attributing their death to alleged grave shortage of medical oxygen shortage at the facility.  Police said they were verifying the allegations of oxygen shortage after relatives of some of the deceased held a protest outside the facility. The hospital administration was, however, not available for making comments on the matter.

Three of the patients who died at the hospital hailed from Haryana’s Hisar district, one belonged to Delhi and other one was from Punjab.

PTI

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Aurangabad bench of Bombay HC hears suo moto plea

The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay HC took suo moto cognisance of coronaviurs situation and issues faced by COVID-19 victims in Marathwada region of Maharashtra, according to reports. According to LiveLaw, during the hearing the court said it wants citizens of eight districts in the region to carry Aadhar card while stepping out of their houses during weekend curfew.

Court - Whoever is riding a motorbike will wear a helmet with a mask. Even inside the four-wheeler. Register offenses against these violators. #COVID19 #Maharashtra#Aurangabad #BombayHC

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 26, 2021

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Twitter starts COVID-19 SOS resources page

Twitter on Monday said people requiring access to resources like hospital beds and food could turn to its COVID-19 SOS: Resources page which will update in real time as people put out their emergency tweets. It also started the COVID-19: Know the facts page to  find information verified by official sources amid the conflicting information around anti coronavirus vaccines. In a series of tweets its also said Twitter also informed about the  COVID-19 India LIVE page and  COVID-19: How to Protect Yourself page.

If you need a list of SOS resources - access to hospital beds, oxygen, food - please look at the COVID-19 SOS: Resources page. This will update in real-time as people put out their emergency Tweets. pic.twitter.com/D40Zx6Nk1z

— X India (@XCorpIndia) April 26, 2021

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HD Deve Gowda calls for curtailing election victory celebrations

In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda has also called for curtailing election victory celebrations, and postponement of all byelections and local elections by six months as part of measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. All large public gatherings should be banned for the next six months, the JD(S) supremo said in the letter.

During this period, Gowda said, the Election Commission can evolve new rules for conduct of safe elections, and simultaneously, the vaccination programme has to be accelerated. He assured the prime minister that he will support all constructive decisions and initiatives that the Union government may take under his leadership, to contain the pandemic, spread the vaccination programme, and save lives.

PTI

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EC the most irresponsible institution, says Madras HC

The Madras High Court on Monday came down hard on the Election Commission and called it the “the most irresponsible institution” for the alleged spread of the second wave of Covid-19 in the country. In stinging remarks, the court said EC officials may be booked under murder charges too. The  bench said that by allowing the political parties to take out rallies and meetings, it had paved the way for the resurgence of the second wave of Covid-19.

“You are the only institution that is responsible for the situation today. No action against political parties taking rallies despite every order of the Court. Your election commission should be put up on murder charges probably!”  Bar&Bench quotes the chief justice as saying.

According to PTI, the judges also orally warned that they would not hesitate to stop the counting of votes on 2 May.

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Karnataka to provide free COVID-19 vaccines  for 18-45 age group at govt hospitals

The Karnataka Cabinet on Tuesday also decided to provide COVID-19 vaccinations free of cost at government hospitals for those between 18-45 years of age. The health department will draw the guidelines required.
   

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa also clarified that there is no shortage of oxygen and said the Centre has increased the daily quota from 300 metric tonnes to 800 metric tonnes. 

PTI

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China’s state-run airline suspends cargo flights rushing COVID-19 medical supplies to India

China’s state-run Sichuan Airlines has suspended all its cargo flights to India for 15 days, causing major disruption to private traders’ efforts to procure the much-needed oxygen concentrators and other medical supplies from China despite Beijing offering “support and assistance” to the country to deal with the latest surge of COVID-19 cases. In a letter to the sales agents on Monday, the Sichuan Chuanhang Logistics Co. Ltd, the company which is part of the Sichuan Airlines said the airline has suspended its cargo flights on six routes, including Xian to Delhi, amid hectic efforts by private traders from both sides to procure oxygen concentrators from China.

In the letter seen by news agency PTI, the company said in the face of sudden changes in the epidemic situation (in India), in order to reduce the number of imported cases, it is decided to suspend the flights for the next 15 days.

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Australia to send oxygen, ventilators, PPE to India in immediate support package

Australia will send oxygen, ventilators and personal protective equipment to India as part of an immediate support package to the country which is battling with the latest surge of the COVID-19 cases, Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Monday. The federal government was in the process of considering what it could send to help, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation news channel quoted Hunt as saying.

“India is literally gasping for oxygen,” the federal health minister said. And while we can assist with the national medical stockpile, their particular request is for assistance with regards to the physical supply of oxygen. That will be one of the things we are looking at, in particular with the states, the minister said. The federal government also confirmed to send oxygen, ventilators and personal protective equipment to India as part of an immediate support package to be announced on Tuesday, according to the report. However, Australia would not send vaccines.

PTI

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BJP candidate Parno Mittra tests positive

BJP candidate Parno Mittra on  Monday said she has tested positive for COVID-19. Mittra, an actor by profession, is the BJP candidate from Baranagar in North 24 Parganas where the election was held on 17 April. “I wish to share an important update with everyone. I have tested COVID positive. I request whoever has been in, or come into, contact with me in the last 7 days, please do quarantine yourselves, get tested and take care. Lastly, please continue to be safe and wear mask,” she said.

Mittra is among the slew of candidates, cutting across party lines, to be diagnosed with COVID-19 amid the elections. Three candidates have also died of COVID-19 in the state in the middle of the elections.

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Two week lockdown in Karnataka from 27 April

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa announced that the entire state, including Bengaluru city will be placed under a full lockdown for two weeks starting from 9 pm on 27 April, said reports. According to The Indian Express, the chief minister clarified that essential shops will be allowed to operate between 6 am to 10 am. Public transport will not be allowed during the lockdown, while the movement of goods vehicles will be permitted. Agriculture, manufacturing sector, construction activities will be permitted while garment factories will remain closed, according to the report. Detailed guidelines are yet to be released..

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Tamil Nadu to allow Sterlite to produce oxygen, bars operating other units

An all-party meeting convened by the Tamil Nadu government on Monday resolved to allow Vedanta’s Sterlite Industries in Tuticorin to produce oxygen for a four-month period amid surging Covid cases, paving the way for the partial reopening of the copper smelter closed in 2018 over pollution concerns. The unit was sealed by the state government in May 2018, days after 13 agitators were killed in police firing during a violent anti-Sterlite protest in the southern district.

On Monday, the Chief Minister K Palaniswami-chaired meeting, attended by main opposition party DMK among others, resolved to allow Sterlite produce oxygen from its plant in Tuticorin, days after Vedanta moved the Supreme Court in this connection. “As per the Supreme Court directive, power supply may be allowed for Vedanta’s Sterlite Industries in Tuticorin for four months to repair and operate oxygen producing and related equipment only,” the meeting resolved. The period may be extended later but “at no cost” shall other activities like copper manufacturing and running the co-generation plant shall be allowed and the “power supply shall be cut after this period (four months) by TANGEDCO,” it added.

PTI

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Hold meeting with suppliers, hospitals, Delhi HC tells state govt

Delhi High Court tells the state’s chief secretary to hold meeting with suppliers hospitals, nursing homes in order to ensure that the supply of oxyehn is carried out in “a good practicable way”. “The best way to run a system is through people who run the system. You may not have all details,” LiveLaw quotes the court as saying.

The court further tells the Delhi govt to take required information at minimum information but not to doubt anybody. “In today’s time to expect someone to keep filling forms.. please don’t do that,’ the court says.

Court: You need transparency so please take whatever information you want, at minimum intervals but please don't doubt anybody.

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 26, 2021

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Rohtak’s PGIMS hospital stops admission of new patients citing oxygen shortgae

The PGIMS hospital in Rohtak has stopped admission of new COVID-19 patients till further orders, saying it is faced with a “shortage” of medical oxygen.
Medical Superintendent, Dr Pushpa Dahiya, said on Monday that nearly 330 COVID-19 patients are currently admitted to the Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, a tertiary care centre,

“We have stopped the admission of new patients till further orders. It was on Sunday evening that we sensed acute shortage of oxygen cylinders. We had to manage patients who were already admitted, most of them require high flow oxygen with some on ventilator support,” Dahiya told PTI over phone.

She said the hospital was facing issues in oxygen supplies from the plant in Hisar. The hospital also gets liquid oxygen supply from a plant in Bhiwadi in Rajasthan, from where supplies are getting late in recent days after there has been a surge in demand everywhere with rising coronavirus cases.

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar said there was no shortage of oxygen. The DC, however, told PTI over phone that he would look into the issue after he was told that PGIMS has stopped admitting new COVID patients.

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Why hasn’t oxygen allocation been reworked, Delhi HC asks Centre

During the hearing on oxygen supply in the National Capital, advocate Rahul Mehra suggests that Inox should pick up oxygen from suppliers, either on humanitarian grounds or the Centre orders, according to LiveLaw. When asked by the court about the feasibility, advocate Siddharth Jain submits that the company has converted Liquid Nitrogen tankers to Liquid Oxygen, but doesn’t have the supply chain to do this. " I am willing to extend help by picking from Panipat but I need clear instructions on whom to supply to in Delhi. The Delhi Govt also has to ask other suppliers to step up," LiveLaw quotes him as saying.

The court pulls up the Centre, saying that Inox is being held up despite having a supply chain. “Why haven’t you reworked your allocation? 21 lives have been lost,” it asks. Mehta argues that its not because of non supply from the Centre, to which the court says that the oxygen supply is not reaching Delhi. “It’s not my job,” says Mehta to which the court counters, “It is both of your jobs.”

HD Deve Gowda writes to Modi 

Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with suggestion on handling COVID-19 pandemic, including decentralistion of health administration and COVID management, setting up war rooms at all district headquarters apart from state capitals, pricing vaccines keeping in mind the poorest of the poor and clear messaging on vaccines. He also suggests that deadline be set for people to get vaccinated once states are confident about their vaccine  stocks.

I wrote a letter to Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji yesterday offering a few suggestions to tackle the pandemic. This is a national crisis and we need to fight it as one nation. We should support all constructive measures taken to save lives and reduce suffering.@PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/jHEZFZLalP

— H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) April 26, 2021

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There is enough oxygen if distributed properly, says SG

Senior Advocate Sachin Dutta appearing for Jaipur Golden Hospital tells the court that the hospital was supposed to get 3.6 MT (oxygen) at 5 pm, but didn’t receive the supply. “The Delhi govt’s bureaucratic department has completely failed, they don’t understand the supply chain and disrupt it. Let me deal with my supplier, let them not come in the way,” LiveLaw quotes Dutta as saying. Mehra interjects and accuses Dutta of attempting to politicize everything and malign the Delhi govt.

the SG suggests that Delhi govt take initiative and hold virtual meetings with hospitals as the queues are long. “I’m nobody to suggest but you take hospitals and suppliers on this call,” he says and adds that there is enough (oxygen) if it is distributed properly.

Centre to procure and distribute oxygen equitably, says Delhi HC

“.Long and short is that this request is for tankers.. and so far as oxygen is concerned, we will say Centre will look into it and procure it and distribute it equitably,” Bar&Bench quotes the court as saying.The court adds that the Centre can appeal to all industrialists who may be willing to come forward. The Solicitor General tells the court that the Centre has issued direction that whoever has oxygen, each drop will come to it for medical use. “Jindal cannot have any additional capacity,” he says.

Centre can make an appeal to all industrialists who may be willing to come forward: Court

Centre has issued direction that whoever has oxygen, each drop will come to it for medical use. Jindal cannot have any additional capacity: SG Mehta

— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) April 26, 2021

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State govts can procure tankers but not oxygen, says Tushar Mehta

During a hearing on a plea on the coronavirus situation and issue of oxygen supply in the National Capital, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the procurement of oxygen has to be at the national level only, reports LiveLaw. Mehta refers to a letter by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to industrialist Sajjan Jindal and says “Procurement has to be be at national level else there will be complete chaos. State govt can procure tankers but not oxygen.” When the counsel for the Delhi government advocate Rahul Mehra submits that the letter was for tankers and and spare oxyegn, if any, Mehta says even spare oxygen must come to the Union govt only.

Court: Consider these to be request for tankers and not oxygen filled tankers.

Sr. Adv. Rahul Mehra: Yes, this letter is for tankers... and oxygen, only if any spare.

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 26, 2021

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Oxygen tanker stuck in UP reaches medical college in MP’s Sagar

A tanker carrying oxygen from Bokaro in Jharkhand reached a medical college in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district on Monday under police escort from

the Uttar Pradesh border, officials said. On Sunday, the Madhya Pradesh administration dialled senior officials of the Uttar Pradesh government after the

tanker carrying oxygen for hospitals in Sagar was allegedly held up during transit through UP.

“The tanker carrying 14 MT (metric tonnes) of oxygen reached the Government Bundelkhand Medical College on Monday morning for providing the life-saving gas to COVID-19 patients,” Sagar district panchayat’s CEO and nodal officer for oxygen Dr Icchit Garhpale told PTI.

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Beds at Radhan Soami Satsang Beas to be increased to 5,000, says Kejriwal

Kejriwal said efforts were on a large scale to increase the number of oxygen beds. Kejriwal said he had visited the centre at Radha Soami Satsang Beas and it had opened for patients at 10 am. “There are 150 beds today which will be increased to 500 beds in the next one-two days, to 2000 later and thereafter to 5,000 beds, Kejriwal said. A 200-bed ICU is also being made over there and in a similar way oxygen bed facilities are being made in Delhi,” he added.

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Kejriwal appeals to Centre, vaccine manufacturers to reduce prices of vaccines

“One vaccine manufacturer has said that they’ll provide the jabs to state govts at Rs 400 while another has put the price at Rs 600 for states while Central government will procure both at Rs 150,” said Kejriwal.

“I’m of the opinion that there should be one price for all governments for the vaccine,” he said.“This is a time which is not appropriate for making profit but to help humanity. Centre has capped prices of various medicines, state govts has put caps on hospital prices. At a time when country is fighting against COVID-19, I appeal to vaccine manufacturers that they reduce the price to Rs 150.  The rest of our lives remain for the making of profit.  I also appeal to the Centre to cap and reduce the prices” he said.

Delhi govt to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to those above 18 yrs of age, announces Kejriwal

The Delhi government has decided that those above 18 years of age will be given free COVID-19 vaccine, announced Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. 

“We will make an effort to ensure that it is purchased soon and administered at the earliest to people and are making a plan to this effect. We have given approval for the purchase for 1.34 lakh vaccine doses today,” said Kejriwal, adding that vaccination has emerged as a significant solution as far as COVID is concerned.

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Set up more testing centres, HC tells Delhi govt

The Delhi High Court on Monday requested the AAP government to set up more testing centres in view of the rise in COVID-19 cases in the national capital which is recording over 24,000 fresh infections for the last few days.

A bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh also asked the Delhi government to put in place necessary infrastructure to streamline the sample collection process.

The direction was issued by the court after several lawyers told the bench that they were facing difficulty in getting tested as labs were saying they will carry out sample collection after 2-3 days.

PTI

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Kejriwal visits ITBP’s COVID care facility at Chhatarpur

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the ITBP’s Radha Soami COVID care facility in Chhatarpur and thanked the Union government for providing doctors and medical staff at the centre which has 500 oxygen-supported beds.

He said 200 ICU beds will be arranged at the facility.

Visited the Radha Saomi facility this morning. 500 oxygen beds start today. More beds will be added in the next few days. We will also start 200 ICU beds here. Grateful to Babaji for helping us. Thank you Central govt for providing doctors and medical staff of ITBP. pic.twitter.com/23j4uNewsa

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 26, 2021

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Landmarks across UAE lit up with tricolour to support India’s battle against COVID-19

Prominent iconic buildings, including the Burj Khalifa, in the UAE were lit up with the tricolour to show solidarity with India as it grapples with a growing COVID-19 crisis.

India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,73,13,163 while active cases have crossed the 28-lakh mark. The death toll increased to 1,95,123 with a record 2,812 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) headquarters and the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, in Dubai were lit up with the colours of the Indian flag in solidarity with India as it responds to a second COVID-19 wave, the official WAM news agency reported.

PTI

⭐️As #India battles the gruesome war against #COVID19 , its friend #UAE sends its best wishes

🌟 @BurjKhalifa in #Dubai lits up in 🇮🇳 to showcase its support#IndiaUAEDosti @MEAIndia @cgidubai @AmbKapoor @MoFAICUAE @IndianDiplomacy @DrSJaishankar @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/9OFERnLDL4

— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) April 25, 2021

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Maharashtra reports 66,191 new cases; Delhi 22,933

In the past 24 hours, Maharashtra has reported 66,191 cases, Uttar Pradesh has recorded, 35,311 cases,and Delhi has recorded 22,933 new cases.

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14,02,367 samples tested in past 24 hours

According to the ICMR, 27,93,21,177 samples have been tested up to 25 April with 14,02,367 samples being tested on Sunday.

Coronavirus LATEST Update

Active cases rise to 28,13,658

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 28,13,658 comprising 16.25 percent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 82.62 percent.  

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,43,04,382. The case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.13 percent, the data stated.

Coronavirus LATEST Update

3,52,991 cases reported in past 24 hours

According to official figures, the country has reported 3,52,991 COVID-19 cases and 2,812 deaths in the past 24 hours.

4,211 COVID-19 cases, 46 deaths reported in Thane

With the addition of 4,211 new cases of coronavirus, the tally in Maharashtra’s Thane district has reached 4,50,587, an official said on Monday.

These new cases were reported on Sunday, he said.

The virus also claimed the lives of 46 more people, raising the death toll in the district to 7,278, he said.

The COVID-19 mortality rate in Thane is 1.62 percent, he added.

PTI

‘Devastated to see COVID crisis in India’: Sundar Pichai

Devastated to see the worsening Covid crisis in India. Google & Googlers are providing Rs 135 Crore in funding to @GiveIndia, @UNICEF for medical supplies, orgs supporting high-risk communities, and grants to help spread critical information.https://t.co/OHJ79iEzZH

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) April 26, 2021

US Defense Secretary directs Pentagon to provide support to Indian healthcare workers

US Defense Secretary Austin Lloyd has directed the Pentagon to provide all necessary support to Indian healthcare workers battling the worsening coronavirus situation in the country.

The move comes soon after US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris directed towards mobilisation of American resources to assist India to tackle the unprecedented health crisis in the wake of the deadly second wave of coronavirus.

“The men and women of the Department of Defense stand by our Indian partners in their hour of need. We are in this fight together,” Austin said in a statement on Sunday. Austin was the first high-level Biden administration’s official to visit India last month.

PTI

Coronavirus LIVE Updates

Nearly 3.5 lakh COVID-19 cases reported on Sunday

On Sunday, India logged a record 3,49,691 new coronavirus infections in a day taking its total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,69,60,172, while active cases crossed the 26-lakh mark.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates

Biden, Harris assure India of assistance

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have assured India and its people of providing all assistance, including urgently sending necessary medical life-saving supplies and equipment, to help the country combat the deadly coronavirus crisis.

“Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need,” Biden said in a tweet.

PTI