Coronavirus Latest Updates: The Centre on Sunday banned the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes except in nine specified industries in view of the shortage of the essential public health commodity in several states amid a spike in COVID-19 infections. The decision will come into effect from April 22. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal writes to the Centre requesting 700 metric ton of oxygen every day. The COVID-19 caseload of West Bengal, where an eight-phase Assembly election is underway, soared to 6,59,927, while 28 fatalities pushed the state’s coronavirus toll to 10,568 In view of the alarming rise in the number of coronavirus infections being reported daily, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on April 18 that a night curfew will be imposed across the state from 9 pm to 5 am Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleges the National Capital’s quota of oxygen supply has been diverted to other states. Tamil Nadu government on Sunday announced a statewide night curfew from 10 pm to 4 am, beginning 20 April. Uttar Pradesh on Sunday registered the highest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases with 30,596 new cases. The total caseload rose to 8,51,620. The state also recorded the highest number of casualties, with the disease claiming 129 more lives. Northern Railway GM Ashutosh Gangal said, “Northern Railway has 463 COVID coaches. We have already written letters to Chief Secretaries of the states where these coaches can be deployed so that if they have requirement they can approach us.” “These coaches are primarily meant for isolation and also if the need arises for very mild cases. These are not meant for serious cases,” he added. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting supply of 5.4 crores more vaccine doses, steady supply of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab medicines and supply of oxygen as soon as possible. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday reportedly wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and recommended ways to curb the new COVID-19 wave that has gripped the country, reports said. “The government should publicise what are the firm orders for doses placed on different vaccine producers and accepted for delivery over the next six months. If we want to vaccinate a target number in this period, we should have enough orders in advance…” Singh said. In view of the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in the National Capital, all the benches of the Delhi High Court shall take up “extremely urgent matters” filed this year only, with effect from Monday, 19 April, the court said in an official order. The daily coronavirus positivity rate in India in the last 12 days has doubled to 16.69 percent, while the weekly positivity rate has increased to 13.54 percent in the past month, the Union health ministry said on Sunday. India took only 92 days to reach the mark of 12-crore vaccinations, the fastest country to do so, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. It is followed by the US which took 97 days and China which took 108 days. At least six COVID-19 patients died in the ICU of the Government Medical College Hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol due to low pressure in medical oxygen supply, the facility’s dean, Dr Milind Shiralkar, said on Sunday. The incident took place on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. The other critical patients are safe, he said, adding that experts have been called and the causes are being ascertained. “Coronavirus cases are increasing rapidly and it is worrying that the positivity rate has recorded an increase and become nearly 30 percent in the past 24 hours; it was around 24 percent in the 24 hours before that,” said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Amid a steep rise in COVID-19 cases, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare a national health emergency. The former Union minister also called on the Election Commission to declare a moratorium on election rallies in view of the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhiy said he is suspending all his public rallies in West Bengal in light of the coronavirus situation. The National Testing Agency, in a notice, said it has decided to postpone the JEE-Main 2021 April session, in view of the coronviurs situation and taking into account safety and well-being of candidates and exam functionaries. The revised dates will be announced later and at least 15 days before the examination, the notice said. Under the leadership of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, it has been decided to cancel Class 10 board exams and suspend the Class 12 board exams for the protection and safety of students in view of the coronavirus pandemic, said state education minister Arvind Pandey. A record single-day rise of 2,61,500 coronavirus infections has taken India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,47,88,109, while active cases have surpassed the 18-lakh mark, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The toll increased to 1,77,150 with a record 1,501 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The country on Saturday recorded a frightening single-day spike in COVID-19 cases with over 2.34 lakh fresh infections, crossing the two lakh-mark for the third straight day, as demands for increased supply of oxygen cylinders, vaccine doses and Remdesivir were raised by 11 states and UTs, including Delhi, where the pandemic situation was described as “worrisome” by the chief minister. As India’s COVID-19 tally inched towards the 1.50 crore-mark and the toll climbed above 1.75 lakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union health Harsh Vardhan held meetings to review measures taken by states for prevention, containment, and management of the recent surge. In the meeting to review the preparedness of the public health response to the COVID-19 situation, Modi called for close coordination with states to defeat the virus as also for utilization of the entire national capacity to ramp up vaccine production. Reiterating that there is no substitute to testing, tracking and treatment, Modi said all necessary measures must be taken to ramp up the availability of hospital beds for COVID-19 patients, and also asked local administrations to be proactive, sensitive to people’s concerns. He also reviewed the status of supply of Remdesivir and other medicines, and called for speeding up the installation of approved medical oxygen plants. Earlier in the day, the prime minister also appealed that participation in the ongoing Kumbh Mela be kept symbolic in view of the unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases. The Hindu religious gathering in Haridwar has been at the centre of controversy amid fears that it could be a super spreader event with lakhs of devotees attending the event without following the COVID-19 protocols. During the meeting with Vardhan, health ministers of 11 states and Union Territories (UTs) demanded increased supply of medical-grade oxygen cylinders and Remdesivir in hospitals. The states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, which have been reporting an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, attended the meeting. Many of them raised the issue of dovetailing the medical oxygen supply lines and capping of prices of essential drugs like Remdesivir which has been sold in the black market at exorbitant prices. The double mutant strain in Maharashtra was a key point of concern. The Delhi government requested additional beds in Central government hospitals as was done in 2020 to help tide over the emergent health crisis, the ministry said in a statement after the meeting. The notification of the home ministry, granting permission to states to utilize up to 50 percent of their annual allocation of State Disaster Response Fund, and that of the Union health ministry, allowing utilization of unspent pending balance under National Health Mission as on 1 April, 2021 for COVID management purposes, were reiterated, it said. Describing the pandemic situation in the National Capital, which reported 24,000 COVID cases on Saturday with positivity rate jumping to the highest-ever 24 percent, as “very serious and worrisome”, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said oxygen stock, and drugs like remdesivir and tocilizumab drugs for patients were in short supply. He said that the number of beds are also running out fast and the Delhi government is trying to increase beds on a large-scale in the coming days. “The cases of COVID-19 are rising fast in Delhi. In the last 24 hours, around 24,000 fresh cases have been reported. Within a day, the number has gone up from around 19,500 to around 24,000. So, the situation is very serious and worrisome,” Kejriwal said. This is the highest single-day surge in the National Capital till date. Kejriwal also instructed all district magistrates to check with laboratories about pendency of samples before giving them more to test, in order to prevent any delay in test report. He said some labs in the city have been taking more samples than their capacity, because of which results are getting delayed by 3-4 days. According to the Union health ministry, 10 states —Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan — reported 79.32 percent of the new cases. Sixteen states and UTs — Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal — are displaying an upward trajectory in daily new cases, it said. The ministry said five states — Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala — cumulatively account for 65.02 percent of India’s total active cases. Maharashtra alone accounts for 38.09 percent of the total active caseload of the country. Meanwhile, the cumulative number of COVID19 vaccine doses administered in the country nearly reached 12 crore on Saturday as part of the world’s largest vaccination drive. The number of active coronavirus cases in the country has surpassed the 16-lakh mark, according to the Union health ministry. With many states reporting shortage and black marketing of remdesivir injection, used in the treatment of COVID-19, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) said pharmaceutical companies have reduced the price following the government’s intervention. Drug companies like Cadila Healthcare, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Cipla have cut the prices of their respective brands of remdesivir injection (100 mg/vial). The antiviral drug is used in the treatment of COVID-19. Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Sadananda Gowda hailed the decision taken by the drug companies. In a tweet, he said: “In a huge relief to people in this crucial time, after govt’s intervention, the price of Remdesivir is now reduced! I am grateful to pharma companies for standing along with PM Narendra Modi’s fight againt Covid.” Many states and UTs also took steps to ensure adequate supply of medical oxygen to their hospitals grappling with demand due to the spurt in the COVID cases. While the Jammu and Kashmir administration constituted a committee to ensure adequate and timely supply of medical oxygen to all hospitals, the Goa government announced a ban on the export of oxygen cylinders and ordered that the stock of this life-saving gas meant for the industry be diverted to health services. Meanwhile, the Congress Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the opposition party, accused the central government of “colossal mismanagement” in the war against the COVID pandemic and cautioned of an “unprecedented catastrophe” unless urgent corrective measures are taken. Also on Saturday, the global toll from the coronavirus surged past three million people, according to the John Hopkins University.
Coronavirus Updates: Railways to run ‘Oxygen Express’ trains to meet demand; UP, Delhi, Gujarat register record spike in cases
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: The decision will come into effect from 22 April and the move comes in view of shortage of the essential public health commodity in several states amid a spike in COVID-19 cases read more
 "Coronavirus Updates: Railways to run ‘Oxygen Express’ trains to meet demand; UP, Delhi, Gujarat register record spike in cases")
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Gujarat sees highest spike with 10,340 COVID-19 cases in day; 110 die
Gujarat recorded 10,340 fresh coronavirus positive cases in the last 24 hours, the highest spike in a day, taking the number of infections beyond 4 lakh to reach 4,04,569, the state health department said on Sunday. The state also saw the highest 110 fatalities during the day, taking the toll to 5,377, it said in a release.The number of active cases in Gujarat has risen to 61,647.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Govt bans supply of oxygen to industries to meet demand from COVID-19 patients
The Centre on Sunday banned the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes except in nine specified industries in view of shortage of the essential public health commodity in several states amid a spike in COVID-19 infections. The decision will come into effect from April 22.
In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said that in view of the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases and resultant rapid demand for medical oxygen, particularly in high-burden states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, the central government-constituted Empowered Group-II has reviewed the supply of oxygen for industrial use in order to divert the same to meet the rising demand for medical oxygen in the country and save precious lives.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Covaxin production to increase 10 times by September: Harsh Vardhan
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said there will be a 10 times rise in Covaxin vaccine production by September while the manufacture of remdesivir jabs, an anti-viral drug against COVID-19, will be doubled to 74.1 lakh each month by May.
In a series of tweets, he also said all support is being extended to states to fight COVID-19 and an uninterrupted supply of oxygen and enhancement of healthcare infrastructure is being ensured.
Enhancing & pacing up supply of medical #oxygen
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) April 18, 2021
🔹Oxygen supply for industrial purposes prohibited except few select industries
🔸Special trains ‘Oxygen Express’ to transport oxygen cylinders & liquid medical oxygen
🔹Green corridors to facilitate fast movement of these trains pic.twitter.com/iC5xZaN1oL
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Telangana sees 5,093 cases, 15 deaths; govt seeks increase in Remdesivir production
The daily COVID-19 cases in Telangana has breached the 5,000-mark by registering 5,093 fresh infections, the highest ever so far, pushing the aggregate to over 3.51 lakh. The toll climbed to 1,824 with 15 more fatalities.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 743, followed by Medchal Malkajgiri (488) and Rangareddy (407), a government bulletin said on Sunday providing details as of 8 PM on April 17.
Telangana Health Minister Etela Rajender said the state government requested drug manufacturers such as Dr Reddy’s laboratories and Hetero to step up production of Remdesivir to meet the present requirements.
“Remdesivir manufacturing has also come down (in recent times). We requested Remdesivir manufacturers to boost production and from tomorrow onwards the production level is likely to be increased,” Rajender told reporters.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Madhya Pradesh sees record spike with over 12,000 new cases
Madhya Pradesh on Sunday reported 12,248 COVID-19 cases, the state’s highest single-day spike so far, taking the tally above four lakh, an official said. The state’s caseload stands at 4,08,080, including 4,557 deaths, 66 of which took place in the last 24 hours, he said.
The recovery count rose to 3,34,947 after 7,495 people were discharged during the day, leaving the state with 68,576 active cases, he added. The state has recorded 1,12,569 cases and 571 deaths in April so far, the official said.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Kejriwal writes to Centre over oxygen supply ‘diversion’
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal writes to the Centre requesting 700 metric ton of oxygen every day, as per ANI.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal writes to Union Commerce & Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, requesting him to ensure uninterrupted supply of 700MT of oxygen on daily basis & restoration of supply of 140MT of oxygen by INOX, one of the major supplier to various hospitals in Delhi. https://t.co/gAxaRWCqJj pic.twitter.com/iSty7A84hf
— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
49 Kumbh returnees test COVID-19 positive in two day in Gujarat
A total of 49 people, who returned to Gujarat after taking part in the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, have tested coronavirus positive in two days, officials said on Sunday.
Of the 533 people who were tested at Sabarmati Railway Station of the city on Saturday and Sunday, as many as 49 persons were found positive in the rapid antigen test conducted by the civic health teams, a statement by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) said.
All the infected persons were shifted to Covid Care Centres in the city, it said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Maharashtra sees highest 68,631 COVID-19 cases in day
Maharashtra on Sunday reported the highest spike of 68,631 fresh coronavirus positive cases while 503 patients succumbed to the infection, the state health department said. With this, the cumulative caseload in the state mounted to 38,39,338 while the death toll reached 60,473.
Maharashtra is now left with 6,70,388active cases. Of the 503 fatalities, 210 deaths had occurred in the last 48 hours, the department said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Multiple rallies to be held in Bengal tomorrow as state sees highest spike of 8,419 COVID-19 cases
The COVID-19 caseload of West Bengal, where an eight-phase assembly election is underway, soared to 6,59,927 as the state registered its highest single-day spike of 8,419 fresh infections on Sunday, a health bulletin said. Twenty-eight fresh fatalities pushed the state’s coronavirus death toll to 10,568, it said.
Even as the state reports a rise in cases, As per News18, three rallies and a road show will be held by Amit Shah tomorrow. While JP Nadda will hold two road shows, a public meeting and a town hall meeting tomorrow.
Mamata Banerjee will be also holding three rallies on Monday while her nephew Abhishek is slated to hold four rallies also tomorrow.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
VK Singh takes to Twitter to seek help for bed in hospital for COVID-19-hit person
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways V K Singh on Sunday took to Twitter to seek help for a COVID-19-infected person who was unable to find a bed in any hospital in his constituency Ghaziabad. Singh in his tweet quoted a message where he had been tagged, along with others.
The Union minister’s tweet came at a time when India is grappling with spiralling number of COVID-19 cases as well as related deaths, forcing many state governments to put in place restrictions on the movement of people.
However, Singh later clarified that he is not related to the person by blood and his tweet was for the district administration to reach out to the infected person.
@dm_ghaziabad please check this out https://t.co/7Yupvc4p7h
— Gen VK Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) April 18, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Ensure movement restrictions do not hamper vaccination exercise: Centre to states
The Union Health Ministry has asked states and union territories to ensure that restrictions on movement imposed by them for COVID-19 control do not adversely impact the inoculation exercise.
In a letter to states and UTs, Additional Secretary in the Health Ministry Manohar Agnani said that in view of rising COVID-19 cases, various measures are being undertaken to control the spread of coronavirus infection which also includes curfews and partial/complete lockdown in some states and districts for variable periods.
Similarly, for management of coronavirus infected patients certain hospitals are being earmarked as dedicated COVID-19 hospitals for management of only COVID-19 cases.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Bihar imposes night curfew
In view of the alarming rise in the number of coronavirus infections being reported daily, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on April 18 that a night curfew will be imposed across the state from 9 pm to 5 am.
During this time, all shops selling vegetables, fruits, eggs, and meat will have to be shut by 6 pm and restaurants and small eateries will be operational only for home delivery and take away services till 9 pm.
Additionally, the Bihar government has also extended the closure of schools, colleges, and coaching centres till May 15. No examination will be held by any state-run school or university in this period.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Karnataka reports 19,067 cases and 81 deaths
Karnataka saw 19,067 new coronavirus cases and 81 related deaths on Sunday, taking the gross to 11.61 lakh and toll to 13,351, the health department said. Bengaluru alone contributed 12,793 fresh infections and 60 deaths in the last 24 hours, the biggest ever on a single day.
Due to the spiralling infections for the past one month, the state has now 1,33,543 active cases including 620 in the ICU. According to the health bulletin, so far 10,14,152 patients have been discharged including 4,603 on Sunday.
Mysuru emerged as another major hotspot after Bengaluru with 777 cases and three deaths.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Mamata writes to PM seeking adequate supply of COVID vaccines in Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to ensure an adequate supply of COVID vaccines, medicines and oxygen to the state, which has been reporting a sharp spike in fresh infections.
In her two-page letter to the prime minister, Banerjee said that vaccines, medicines and oxygen are of paramount importance to contain the second COVID wave.
Noting that vaccination is of top importance in densely populated West Bengal and particularly Kolkata, she, however, lamented, “Unfortunately for us, the supply of vaccines from the Centre has been scarce and erratic, which is negatively affecting our vaccination programmes.”
Claiming that West Bengal is one of the best performers in vaccination in the country, she said that the state is, however, now suffering due to an uncertain supply of vials from the Centre.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Leave election management, start COVID management: Raghav Chadha to PM
Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Raghav Chadha on Sunday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the COVID-19 situation in the country and asked him to “leave election management and start corona management”.
At a press conference, he took a jibe at the prime minister and said the fast pace in which coronavirus cases are increasing in the country, the BJP’s poll rallies too are increasing at the same rate.
“Looking at the deteriorating corona situation in the country, I want PM Modi to leave election management and start corona management,” the AAP MLA said.
“Elections will come and go, please save human lives first,” he added.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Delhi’s quota of oxygen diverted to other states, alleges CM
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleges the National Capital’s quota of oxygen supply has been diverted to other states.
Del facing acute shortage of oxygen. In view of sharply increasing cases, Del needs much more than normal supply. Rather than increasing supply, our normal supply has been sharply reduced and Delhi’s quota has been diverted to other states.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 18, 2021
OXYGEN HAS BECOME AN EMERGENCY IN DEL
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
No COVID-19 patient in Maharashtra died due to oxygen shortage: Rajesh Tope
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Sunday said that no COVID-19 patient died in the state-run hospitals due to the shortage of medical oxygen. He also said most of the COVID-19 fatalities have occurred due to the delay on part of patients in seeking proper medical treatment.
Tope termed “false” the media reports that the shortage of medical oxygen resulted in the death of COVID-19 patients in some parts of the state. “I have received reports from (government) hospitals in the state. No COVID-19 patient died due to the shortage of oxygen in these hospitals,” he told reporters.
Earlier this week, kin of 10 COVID-19 patients who died at two hospitals in Palghar district neighbouring Mumbai had alleged that a shortage of oxygen led to the deaths.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Andhra Pradesh sees 6,582 fresh cases, 22 deaths
Andhra Pradesh reported 6,582 fresh cases of coronavirus, 2,343 recoveries and 22 deaths in the last 24 hours ending 9 AM on Sunday. The active COVID-19 caseload has increased to 44,686, a bulletin said.
The chart showed 9,62,037 positive cases, 9,09,941 recoveries and 7,410 deaths so far. Chittoor district crossed the one-lakh mark and reached 1,00,254 today after adding 1,171 fresh cases in the 24 hours.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Raw material shortage, COVID surge posing threat to Bengal
Jute millers in West Bengal are keeping their fingers crossed as they apprehend that some units may down their shutters due to the prevailing shortage of raw materials and the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak could add to their woes, officials of an industry body said on Sunday.
Budge Budge jute mill has already announced a suspension of work, attributing problems in production with the raw material supply crunch, they said.
“There is a shortage of 5-7 lakh bales of raw jute in the system and the price is over Rs 8,000 a quintal.
Production cut and closure of mills seem imminent post- election,” Indian Jute Mills Association chairman Raghav Gupta told PTI.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Goa sees 951 COVID-19 cases, records 11 deaths
Goa on Sunday reported 951 COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths, the highest in a single day, taking the tally and toll to 67,212 and 883 respectively, an official said.
So far, 59,277 people have recovered, including 531 on Sunday, leaving Goa with an active caseload of 7,052, he added. With 3,256 samples being examined on Sunday, the number of tests in Goa went up to 5,92,007, the official added.
Goa’s COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 67,212, new cases 951, death toll 883, discharged 59,277, active cases 7,052, samples tested till date 5,92,007.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Tamil Nadu announces statewide night curfew
Tamil Nadu government on Sunday announced a statewide night curfew from 10 pm to 4 am, beginning 20 April. As per the new restrictions, the government has banned inter and intra-state travel during night curfew and full lockdown to be imposed on Sundays across the state.
Even Class 12th board exams have been also postponed.
As per Hindustan Times, during the Sunday lockdown, essentials such as milk shops and pharamacies will function. Restaurants would be allowed to function from 6am-10 am, 12 pm-3 pm and 6pm-9 pm.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Railways to run ‘Oxygen Express’ to meet high demand
The Indian Railways will run ‘Oxygen Express’ over the next few days to transport liquid medical oxygen and oxygen cylinders across the country, the national transporter said on Sunday. Amid spiralling coronavirus cases in the country, the demand for medical oxygen in the country has gone through the roof.
Empty tankers will begin their journey from Kalamboli and Boisar railway stations in and near Mumbai on Monday to load liquid medical oxygen Vizag, Jamshedpur, Rourkela and Bokaro, officials said. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra governments had earlier approached the Railways Ministry to explore whether liquid medical oxygen tankers could be moved by the rail network.
On the receipt of the request from the two states, the Railways immediately explored the technical feasibility of transportation of liquid medical oxygen. It has to be transported through roll-on-roll-off service with road tankers placed on flat wagons.
“Since the first empty tankers will move on April 19, we hope to begin operations of Oxygen Express over the next few days. We would be able to send oxygen wherever there is such demand. Green Corridor is being created for fast movement of Oxygen Express trains,” an official said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Uttar Pradesh reports highest spike of 30,596 COVID-19 cases
Uttar Pradesh on Sunday registered the highest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases with 30,596 new cases. The total caseload rose to 8,51,620.
The state also recorded the highest number of casualties, with the disease claiming 129 more lives.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
‘No link between poll crowds and COVID-19 surge’: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday claimed that there was “no link” between the campaign rallies, that were held in the five poll-bound states over February and March, and the surge in COVID-19 cases.
He was quoted by The Times of India as saying, “We carried out studies to see if there was any link between election rallies and new COVID-19 cases but studies have shown that not a single case has been reported from any of the rally venues. In my constituency, a rally was held at Suwalkuchi on 4 April and not a single COVID-19 cases been reproted from there so far.”
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Kerala governor asks universities to postpone offline exams
Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Sunday requested Vice-Chancellors of various universities to postpone all offline examinations due to the soaring COVID-19 cases amid calls by the Congress to cancel all the examinations.
According to Raj Bhavan sources, Khan asked university managements to come out with fresh dates based on the virus situation in the state.
Senior Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Ramesh Chennithala came out against conducting the examinations when the country was witnessing the second COVID-19 wave. “With Kerala reporting 13,000 + new virus cases, it is irresponsible that the 6th Semester B.A/B.Sc exams of Kerala University are still scheduled from April 19. Could the University & Govt please postpone or cancel these exams? “, Tharoor tweeted.
With Kerala reporting 13,000 + new Covid cases, it is irresponsible that the 6th Semester B.A/B.Sc exams of Kerala University are still scheduled from 19th April. Could the University & Govt please postpone or cancel these exams? @KeralaGovernor @CMOKerala @keralauni
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 17, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Manish Sisodia reviews COVID-19 facilities in Delhi
The Delhi government also filed against four airlines for failing to check the RT-PCR test reports of passengers arriving from Maharashtra, PTI reported. These cases have been filed under the Disaster Management Act.
Delhi government had last week announced that it will be mandatory for anyone travelling to Delhi from Maharashtra to carry a negative RT-PCR report dated 72 hours prior to arrival. Travellers without a negative report will be placed in quarantine for a period of 14 days.
Reviewed the arrangements at Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre in Chattarpur.
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) April 18, 2021
This centre will add over 5,000 beds for Corona patients. Our teams are working hard to ensure at least 500 beds to be operational by Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/TCtVshiXAT
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Seventy-five isolation coaches available in Delhi, says Railways
The Northern Railway on Sunday said that 50 COVID-19 isolation coaches are ready to be deployed at the Shakur Basti station in Delhi, and around 25 coaches will be available at Anand Vihar
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Northern Railways says 463 COVID-19 coaches ready
“Northern Railway has 463 COVID coaches. We have already written letters to Chief Secretaries of the states where these coaches can be deployed so that if they have requirement they can approach us,” said Northern Railway GM Ashutosh Gangal.
“These coaches are primarily meant for isolation and also if the need arises for very mild cases. These are not meant for serious cases,” he added.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Five die in fire at COVID-19 hospital in Raipur; probe ordered
Authorities have ordered an investigation after five coronavirus patients died in a fire at the COVID-19 ward of a private hospital in Chhattisgarh’s capital city Raipur, police said on Sunday.
Raipur Collector Dr S Bharathi Dasan has ordered an investigation into the incident. Officials have been directed to conduct safety check at coronavirus hospitals in the city. The fire broke out at Raipur’s Rajdhani hospital on Saturday, police said.
“Five coronavirus patients died in the incident. One was charred to death and the others died due to suffocation,” a police official said, adding a case of negligence will be registered against the owners of the hospital.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP leaders ‘from outside’ of being responsible for COVID-19 surge
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said BJP leaders “from Delhi” who are bringing “outsiders” for campaigning, without COVID-19 tests, are responsible for the spike in coronavirus cases in the state.
The Trinamool Congress supremo also blamed the Election Commission (EC) for curtailing her campaigning time, for the ongoing Assembly polls, by five days while turning a blind eye to her plea to club the last three phases of the polls in the wake of the surge in coronavirus cases.
“Leaders from Delhi are bringing in outsiders infected with the virus during campaigning without bothering to conduct COVID-19 tests. I am not saying being infected with the virus is a crime. But the reckless act of the BJP has triggered the sudden rise in the number of coronavirus cases in recent times,” the chief minister said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Mamata Banerjee asks Centre for 5.4 cr vaccine doses
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting supply of 5.4 crores more vaccine doses, steady supply of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab medicines and supply of oxygen as soon as possible.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Narendra Modi requesting supply of 5.4 crores more vaccine doses, steady supply of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab medicines & supply of oxygen as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/mHYnjTn73x
— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Bhupinder Singh Hooda, wife Asha test COVID-19 positive
Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his wife Asha Hooda tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. The 73-year-old Congress leader and his wife are in Delhi and they will get themselves admitted to a hospital in Gurgaon as a precautionary measure, party MLA B B Batra told PTI.
“Hooda had mild fever on Saturday. Later, he and his wife got themselves tested for COVID-19 and their report was positive,” he said. When contacted, Hooda told PTI over phone that he had fever but was feeling okay. He said that his and wife’s COVID-19 test reports have come positive.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Karnataka govt says ‘stringent measures’ being considered
Karnataka health minister K Sudhakar on Sunday underlined the need for more stringent action in Bengaluru in view of rising coronavirus cases leading to speculations about lockdown in the coming days. “There is a need for more stringent measures in Bengaluru. This is my clear opinion and the same will be communicated to the Chief Minister for discussion,” Sudhakar told reporters in Bengaluru after meeting Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who is undergoing treatment in a private hospital for COVID-19.
To a question if he discussed imposing lockdown in Bengaluru with the chief minister, Sudhakar said, “I have discussed with him regarding it. Tomorrow after the all-party meeting, the Chief Minister may support stringent measures.”
The minister’s statement came ahead of the all-party meeting on Monday.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Manmohan Singh suggests measures to curb COVID-19 surge, in letter to Narendra Modi
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday reportedly wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and recommended ways to curb the new COVID-19 wave that has gripped the country, reports said_._
“The government should publicise what are the firm orders for doses placed on different vaccine producers and accepted for delivery over the next six months. If we want to vaccinate a target number in this period, we should have enough orders in advance…” Singh said.
Ex-PM Manmohan Singh writes to Prime Minister Modi, suggests measures to tackle #COVID19 surge across India pic.twitter.com/D5iN0L9BQU
— NDTV (@ndtv) April 18, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Delhi govt requests Railways to deploy COVID-care coaches at two stations
The Delhi government has urged the Railways to arrange up to 5,000 beds by deploying COVID-care coaches at the Shakur Basti and the Anand Vihar stations in view of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the National Capital.
In a letter to Railway Board chairman Suneet Sharma, Delhi chief secretary Vijay Kumar Dev said there has been a tremendous increase of COVID-19 cases in Delhi in the recent past, resulting in high number of serious cases requiring treatment in hospitals.
“In the GNCTD, as of now, the facilities at government and private hospitals available are getting strained and there is an urgent need for more number of COVID bed facilities to cope up with the ever increasing demand of COVID-19 patients who require admissions in hospitals,” he said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Maharashtra home minister warns of action against COVID-19 curbs violation
Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil on Sunday warned of action against those violating the restrictions imposed by the state government to contain
the spread of COVID-19. “In order to curb the rising number of COVID-19 infections, curfew order and restrictions should be effectively followed. Action will be taken against those who violate orders,” Walse Patil tweeted.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Kejriwal writes to Modi, requests Centre to reserve 7,000 beds for COVID patients
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about prevailing #COVID19 situation in the national capital
— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2021
He appealed to PM regarding urgent supply of oxygen & reservation of 7,000 beds out of central govt's 10,000 beds for COVID-infected patients pic.twitter.com/wagPVKyjBD
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Delhi High Court curtails functioning amid rise in cases
In view of the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in the National Capital, all the benches of the Delhi High Court shall take up “extremely urgent matters” filed this year only, with effect from Monday, 19 April, said an official order. “Other pending routine/non-urgent matters and the matters filed/listed between 22.3.2020 and 31.12.2020 shall not be taken up and shall be adjourned “en bloc” as per the dates already notified,” the order further stated.
In view of an upsurge in #COVID19 cases in NCT of Delhi, Delhi High Court, with effect from April 19, will take up extremely urgent matters filed in the year 2021 only pic.twitter.com/bUWhTXaIj2
— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Second COVID wave could spark greater uncertainty, says NITI Aayog vice chairman
The country needs to prepare for “greater uncertainty” in terms of consumer as well as investor sentiments due to the second wave of coronavirus infections, and the government will respond with fiscal measures as and when required, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Sunday. While acknowledging that the present situation has become far more difficult than it was in the past due to rising coronavirus infections, Kumar remained hopeful that the country’s economy will grow 11 percent in the current fiscal ending 31 March, 2022. India is grappling with spiralling number of COVID cases as well as related deaths, forcing many state governments to put in place restrictions on movement of people. According to Kumar, India was on the verge of defeating COVID-19 completely but some new strains from the UK and other countries have made the situation far more difficult this time around. “Apart from their direct impact on some sectors like the services sector, the second wave will increase the uncertainty in the economic environment which can have wider indirect effects on economic activities. So, we need to prepare for greater uncertainty, both in consumer and investor sentiments,” Kumar told PTI.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Will not hold any major rally amid rise in COVID-19 cases, says Bengal minister
Days after the Left Front said it would not hold any large-scale public meetings in Bengal amid the steep hike in COVID-19 cases, state minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, fielded by the TMC from the prized Bhawanipur seat, said on Sunday that he, too, would desist from organising any major rally. Chattopadhyay, who has been entrusted with the job of retaining the Bhawanipur seat after its sitting MLA and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee decided to contest the polls from
Nandigram, is the first candidate from the ruling party to have made such a claim. “With the rise of Covid cases, I have decided not to hold any Central Rally in Bhawanipur AC for upcoming election campaign, which I have always held in previous elections. Requesting everyone to Wear Mask and stay safe,” he tweeted.
PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
COVID-19 positivity rate doubles to 16.69% in 12 days, says Centre
The daily coronavirus positivity rate in India in the last 12 days has doubled to 16.69 percent, while the weekly positivity rate has increased to 13.54 percent in the past one month, the Health Ministry said on Sunday. India reported a record 2,61,500 new coronavirus cases and 1,501 deaths on Sunday, while active cases have surpassed the 18-lakh mark, the ministry data stated. Ten states — Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan — reported 78.56 per cent of the new infections, it said. “The daily positivity rate in the last 12 days has doubled from eight percent to 16.69 percent,” the ministry said in a statement. “The national weekly positivity rate has increased from 3.05 percent to 13.54 percent in the last one month.” Chhattisgarh reported the highest weekly positivity rate at 30.38 percent, followed by Goa at 24.24 percent, Maharashtra at 24.17 percent, Rajasthan at 23.33 percent and Madhya Pradesh at 18.99 percent, according to the ministry.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
No deaths due to oxygen shortgae, claims Shadol DM
According to news agency ANI, Shadol DM Satendra Singh, refuted reports of six COVID-19 patients dying at a hospital in Shadol due to oxygen shortage and said the deaths occurred as the patients were critical due to comorbidities. “Nobody died of oxygen shortage. Only 6 deaths were reported till 8 am. They were critical due to comorbidities. We have sufficient supply of oxygen,” the news agency quotes him as saying.
MP: 12 #COVID19 patients died allegedly due to oxygen shortage last night in Shahdol medical college.
— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2021
Nobody died of oxygen shortage. Only 6 deaths were reported till 8 am. They were critical due to comorbidities. We have sufficient supply of oxygen: Satendra Singh, DM, Shahdol pic.twitter.com/Sgw6DId1Rq
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
India took only 92 days to reach 12 crore vaccinations, claims MoS Health
“India took only 92 days to reach 12 crore vaccinations, the fastest country across the world. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have administered more than one crore vaccines each,” said Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey. The minister added that 79 percent of the new cases are being reported from 10 states.
The Union health ministry said that India is followed by the US which took 97 days and China which took 108 days. Cumulatively,12,26,22,590 vaccine doses have been administered through 18,15,325 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am. These include 91,28,146 healthcare workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 57,08,223 HCWs who have taken the seconddose,1,12,33,415 FLWs who have received the first dose and 55,10,238 FLWs who have taken the second dose. Besides, 4,55,94,522 and 38,91,294beneficiaries aged more than 60 have been administered the first and second dose respectively and 4,04,74,993 and10,81,759 beneficiaries aged 45 to 60 years have taken the first and second dose respectively. Eight states account for 59.5 percent of the total doses given so far in the country.
India took only 92 days to reach 12 crore vaccinations, the fastest country across the world.
— Ashwini Kr. Choubey (@AshwiniKChoubey) April 18, 2021
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh alone have administered more than 1 Crore vaccines each.
79% of New Cases are being reported from 10 States.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Six die due to low pressure oxygen at hospital in MP’s Shahdol
At least six COVID-19 patients died in the ICU of a government hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol due to low pressure in medical oxygen supply, an official said on Sunday. The incident took place at the Government Medical College Hospital in Shahdol on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. “Out of 62 patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward of the medical college’s COVID-19 centre, six patients died due to low pressure of liquid oxygen late last night,” the facility’s dean, Dr Milind Shiralkar, said. The other critical patients are safe, he said. “Experts have been called and the causes are being ascertained,” he said.
Shiralkar said the liquid oxygen supply at the hospital was running out by late Saturday evening. Suppliers were being contacted constantly, but the vehicle did not reach till late night, due to which the pressure of oxygen supplied to the patients was reduced, he said. The official said there was shortage of oxygen supply since the last few days.
PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Centre asks ministries, PSUs to dedicate hospital beds for COVID-19 management
“The Government of India has written to all Central Ministries and PSUs under them to dedicate their hospital beds for COVID-19 Management in States/UTs,” said the Union health ministry in a tweet and shared a letter written by Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan. “This will go a long way to address the shortage of beds being reported from some states,” it said.
The Union health ministry has advised all central Ministries to issue instructions to the hospitals under their control or their PSUs to set-up exclusive dedicated hospital wards or separate blocks within the hospitals for COVID-19 Care, as was done last year, it said.
1.#Unite2FightCorona
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) April 18, 2021
Govt of India has written to all Central Ministries & PSUs under them to dedicate their Hospital beds for #COVID19 Management in States/UTs.
This will go a long way to address the shortage of beds being reported from some States. pic.twitter.com/RQkJoGh5Lc
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Fifty-nine more PSA plants will be installed by April-end, says ministry
Thirty-three of the 162 PSA plants have been installed — five in Madhya Pradesh, four in Himachal Pradesh, three each in Chandigarh, Gujarat and Uttarakhand; two each in Bihar, Karnataka and Telangana; and one each in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, the health ministry said. Fifty-nine more PSA plants will be installed by April-end, while 80 more will be installed by May-end. In addition to these, states have requested for more than 100 such additional plants, which are also being sanctioned, it said. “The entire cost of 162 PSA oxygen plants amounting to Rs 201.58 crore has been borne by the central government. This also includes 7-year maintenance cost to start from 4th year onwards after three years of warranty,” the ministry said in a series of tweets.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Centre sanctions installation of 162 PSA plants in public health facilities, says health ministry
The Centre has sanctioned installation of 162 pressure swing adsorption (PSA) plants in public health facilities in all states, the Health Ministry said on Sunday, as demand of medical oxygen goes through the roof amid spiralling coronavirus cases in the country. The PSA plants manufacture oxygen and help hospitals become self-sufficient in their requirement for medical oxygen, while also reducing the burden on the national grid for its supply of medical oxygen. A total of 162 PSA oxygen plants have been sanctioned by the government for installation in public health facilities in all states, the ministry tweeted. “These will augment medical oxygen capacity by 154.19 MT.”
PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Delhi govt will arrange more than 6,000 oxygen beds in 2-3 days, says Kejriwal
Delhi government will prepare over 6,000 oxygen beds in the next 2-3 days at Yamuna Sports Complex, Commonwealth Games Village and at various schools, Kejriwal said. The COVID-19 facility at Radha Soami Satsang Beas will be reopened, the chief minister added. “There is a shortage of ICU beds but there is a limit on how many beds we can increase. But it has been seen that patients require high flow oxygen and we are arranging high flow oxygen in various hospitals,” he said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Around 25,000 new cases reported in Delhi in 24 hours, says Kejriwal
Over 25,000 COVID-19 cases were reported in Delhi in last 24 hours, said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The chief minister said there are 10,000 hospital beds in the National Capital, including that of Central government. Of the total hospital beds, 1,800 are currently reserved for COVID-19 patients, Kejriwal said and requested the Centre to reserve 7,000 of 10,000 beds run by it in view the serious situation and provide oxygen supply immediately.
ANI inputs
Around 25,000 #COVID19 cases reported in Delhi in last 24 hours. There are 10,000 beds in Delhi, incl that of central govt. Of which, 1,800 beds currently reserved for COVID. I request Centre to allot 7,000 of 10,000 beds in view of severe COVID cases: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/bJnFFd6CYZ
— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Less than 100 ICU beds left in Delhi, says Kejriwal
“Coronavirus cases are increasing rapidly and it is worrying that the positivity rate has recorded an increase and become nearly 30 percent in the past 24 hours; it was around 24 percent in the 24 hours before that,” said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Beds reserved for COVID are rapidly getting over and less than 100 ICU beds are left in Delhi and there is a shortage of oxygen as well, he added. “Spoke to Dr Harsh Vardhan yesterday and Amit Shah ji this morning regarding lack of beds and informed them that we’re in dire need”, ANI quotes him as saying.
“We are constantly in touch with the Centre and getting help from it,” he said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Manish Sisodia urges Centre to increase oxygen supply to Delhi
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday said Delhi has been facing a shortage of medical oxygen and the city government has requested the Centre to immediately increase its supply to the National Capital. “The quota of oxygen allocated to Delhi is turning out to be very less due to the increased consumption which is much more than the average,” Sisodia, who is also the nodal minister for COVID-19 management in Delhi, tweeted. He said several hospitals have informed that their stock of medical oxygen will be over soon. “The Delhi government has demanded that the Centre increase the city’s quota of oxygen immediately,” Sisodia said in another tweet in Hindi.
सामान्य से कहीं अधिक खपत के कारण दिल्ली के लिए आवंटित ऑक्सिजन की सप्लाई काफ़ी कम पड़ रही है. कुछ अस्पतालों से सूचना मिल रही है कि उनके पास ऑक्सिजन का स्टॉक अब बहुत सीमित समय के लिए बचा है.
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) April 18, 2021
दिल्ली सरकार ने भारत सरकार से दिल्ली के लिए ऑक्सिजन का कोटा तुरंत बढ़ाने की माँग की है.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Rahul Gandhi suspends all public rallies in West Bengal
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said he is suspending all his public rallies in West Bengal in light of the coronavirus situation. “I would advise all political leaders to think deeply about the consequences of holding large public rallies under the current circumstances,” he said.
The Election Commission had on Friday curtailed the campaigning time for the West Bengal Assembly elections from 10 pm to 7 pm and extended the silence period from 48 hours to 72 hours in each of the remaining three of the eight phases of the polls. West Bengalo Saturday registered its highest single-
day spike of 7,713 new cases, taking the tally to 6,51,508, a bulletin released by the state health department said. The toll rose to 10,540 with 34 COVID-19 fatalities, it added.
In view of the Covid situation, I am suspending all my public rallies in West Bengal.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 18, 2021
I would advise all political leaders to think deeply about the consequences of holding large public rallies under the current circumstances.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Declare a national health emergency, Kapil Sibal tells Modi
Amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare a national health emergency. The former Union minister also called on the Election Commission to declare a moratorium on election rallies in view of the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. “COVID-19 infections faster than recoveries. Modiji: Declare a National Health Emergency. Election Commission: Declare a moratorium on election rallies. Courts: Protect people’s lives,” Sibal tweeted.
A record single-day rise of 2,61,500 coronavirus infections has taken India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,47,88,109, while active cases have surpassed the 18-lakh mark, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The country has recorded over 2 lakh cases consecutively for the last four days
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Mandatory 14-day quarantine for Delhi residents returning from Kumbh Mela
Delhi residents who have visited the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar from 4 April or are planning to do so will have to undergo compulsory 14-day home quarantine on their return and upload their personal details, ID proof and dates of departure and arrival back to Delhi at the website www.delhi.gov.in. on an official website, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority said in an order. The ongoing Kumbh Mela has been at the centre of controversy amid fears that it could be a superspreader event with lakhs of devotees attending the event as the second wave of the coronavirus surges uncontrollably. “All residents of Delhi who have visited or are going to visit Kumbh 2021 at Haridwar, shall be required to compulsory home quarantine themselves for 14 days on arrival to Delhi,” said the order issued by Vijay Dev, Chief Secretary and chairperson on executive committee of DDMA. If a person returning from Haridwar Kumbh fails to upload his particulars on the Delhi government portal, he will be sent to institutional quarantine centre for 14 days by district magistrates concerned, the order said. Violators of the DDMA order will be liable to be proceeded against under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and other legal provisions, it added.
PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Telangana reports 5,093 new coronavirus cases, 15 deaths
COVID-19 cases in Telangana breached the 5,000-mark with 5,093 fresh infections, the highest ever in a single day spike pushing the tally to over 3.51 lakh, while the toll rose to 1,824 with 15 more fatalities. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 743, followed by Medchal Malkajgiri (488) and Rangareddy (407), a government bulletin said on Sunday providing details as of 8 pm on 17 April. The total number of cumulative cases stood at 3,51,424 while with 1,555 patients being cured, the total recoveries were at 3,12,563. The state has 37,037 active cases and over 1.17 crore samples have been tested.
PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
NTA postpones JEE-Main-2021 April Session
The National Testing Agency, in a notice, said it has decided to postpone the JEE-Main 2021 April session, in view of the coronviurs situation and taking into account safety and well-being of candidates and exam functionaries. The revised dates will be announced later and at least 15 days before the examination, the notice said. The April session of entrance exam was scheduled to be held from 27-30 April. The February and March sessions have been completed.
Union education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank shared the notice on Twitter and said," I would like to reiterate that the safety of our students and their academic career are the education ministry’s and my prime concerns right now."
📢 Announcement
— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) April 18, 2021
Given the current #covid19 situation, I have advised @DG_NTA to postpone the JEE (Main) – 2021 April Session.
I would like to reiterate that safety of our students & their academic career are @EduMinOfIndia's and my prime concerns right now. pic.twitter.com/Pe3qC2hy8T
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Uttarakhand cancels Class 10 board exams, postpones Class 12 exams
Under the leadership of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, it has been decided to cancel Class 10 board exams and suspend the Class 12 board exams for the protection and safety of students in view of the coronavirus pandemic, said state education minister Arvind Pandey. He urged people to abide the COVID-19 directions issued by the state and Central governments.
प्रिय विद्यार्थियों एवं प्रदेशवासियों,
— Arvind Pandey (@TheArvindPandey) April 18, 2021
यशस्वी मुख्यमंत्री श्री @TIRATHSRAWAT जी के कुशल नेतृत्व में प्रदेश में कोरोना महामारी के दृष्टिगत परीक्षार्थियों की सुरक्षा और बचाव हेतु उत्तराखण्ड विद्यालयी शिक्षा परिषद की कक्षा 10वीं की बोर्ड परीक्षाओं को निरस्त करने … 1/3 pic.twitter.com/0XAC7SvLGb
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Four COVID-19 patients dead in fire at Raipur hospital; probe ordered
Authorities have ordered an investigation after four coronavirus patients were killed in a fire at the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur city, police said on Sunday. Raipur Collector Bharathi Dasan has ordered an investigation into the incident. Officials have been directed to conduct safety check at all coronavirus hospitals in the city. The fire broke out at Raipur’s Rajdhani hospital on Saturday, police said. “Four persons died in the incident, one from fire injuries and three due to suffocation,” a police official said, adding a case of negligence will be registered against the owners of the hospital. The fire broke due to short-circuit in a fan and spread in other wards, police said.
PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Total of 26,65,38,416 samples tested so far, says ICMR
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 26,65,38,416 samples have been tested up to 17 April, with 15,66,394 samples being tested on Saturday.
COVID-19 Testing Update. For more details visit: https://t.co/dI1pqvXAsZ @MoHFW_INDIA @DeptHealthRes #ICMRFIGHTSCOVID19 #IndiaFightsCOVID19 #CoronaUpdatesInIndia #COVID19 #Unite2FightCorona pic.twitter.com/zmuMNwJBok
— ICMR (@ICMRDELHI) April 18, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Modi to chair meeting at 11 am to review COVID-19 situation in Varanasi
At 11 AM, Prime Minister @narendramodi will be chairing a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in Varanasi.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 18, 2021
The meeting will be attended by top officials, local administration and doctors who are involved in fighting COVID in Varanasi.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
India records single-day spike of 2,61,500 new cases and 1,501 deaths
A record single-day rise of 2,61,500 coronavirus infections has taken India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,47,88,109, while active cases have surpassed the 18-lakh mark, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The toll increased to 1,77,150 with a record 1,501 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase for the 39th day in a row, the active cases stand at 18,01,316, comprising 12.18 percent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has dropped to 86.62 percent, the ministry said.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,28,09,643, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.20 percent, the data stated.
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