Coronavirus Updates: AAP govt rules out another lockdown as Delhi reports over 4,000 new cases, tally crosses 2 lakh

Coronavirus in Kerala LATEST Updates

First dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Kerala inaugurated 

The first dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Kerala, built by the Tata Group, was inaugurated here on Wednesday by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who said it was an excellent example of how Public Private Partnership can be put to good use.

Built by the Tata Group using prefabricated containers in just five months at a cost of Rs 60 crore, the 551 bed hospital has 36 ventilators for the patients.

The Chief Minister, who inaugurated the hospital through video conferencing, thanked the Tata Group for showing interest in the health sector of Kerala.

Coronavirus in Karnataka LATEST Updates

9,540 new COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, 128 deaths

Karnataka on Wednesday reported a spike of 9,540 COVID-19 cases and 128 fatalities, taking the total infection count to 4,21,730 and the toll to 6,808. The day also saw 6,860 patients getting discharged after recovery. Out of new cases reported on Wednesday, 3,419 were from Bengaluru urban alone.

Coronavirus in Gujarat LATEST Updates

Ahmedabad’s COVID-19 cases go past 33,000-mark

The COVID-19 tally in Ahmedabad district crossed the 33,000 mark and reached 33,037 on Wednesday with addition of 171 new cases, Gujarat health department said. The cumulative toll rose to 1,760 with four new fatalities, it said.

With 121 patients being discharged after treatment in the day, the number of recoveries rose to 27,145 in the district, the department said. Of the 171 fresh cases, Ahmedabad city contributed 149 patients while 22 cases were reported from rural areas. All four deaths occurred in the city.

Coronavirus in Goa LATEST Updates

Goa registers 621 new COVID-19 cases; total rises to 22,251

At least 621 persons tested positive for coronavirus in Goa, while six patients died of the infection on Wednesday, an official from the health department said. With the addition of 621 new cases, the tally in the coastal state rose to 22,251, the official said.

A total of 281 patients were discharged from hospitals, taking the number of recoveries to 17,156, he said. As many as 2,608 swab samples were tested, of which 1,502 were negative, 621 were positive and 485 reports are awaited, he said.

Coronavirus in Gujarat LATEST Updates

Gujarat’s COVID-19 case count goes up by 1,329, toll by 16

Gujarat’s coronavirus tally rose to 1,08,295 with the addition of 1,329 new cases on Wednesday, the state health department said. With 16 fatalities, the death toll rose to 3,152, it said.

As many as 1,336 patients were discharged during the day, which pushed the number of recovered cases to 88,815, the department said in its release.

With this, the state has achieved a recovery rate of 82.01 percent. Like Tuesday, the number of recovered cases exceeded the new cases on Wednesday.

-PTI

Coronavirus in Delhi LATEST Updates

COVID-19 has led to drop in average spend, says Satyender Jain

The COVID-19 pandemic-induced uncertainties has led to a “drastic” drop in the average spend of people, Delhi minister Satyendar Jain said on Wednesday and emphasized that there is need to work towards building consumer confidence to avoid a long-term downward spiralling effect on the industry.

The Industries minister also suggested that there may be a moratorium of no or minimal government interference for at least a year to help the industry get back to growth, said a Delhi government statement.

Jain asserted that Delhi government is committed to taking measures for ease of doing business to catalyse industrial growth, the statement said.

Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh LATEST Updates

AP records 10,418 COVID-19 cases, total count over 5.2 lakh

The Coronavirus graph of Andhra Pradesh continued its progression on a steep incline and reached 5,27,512 on Wednesday as 10,418 cases were added anew.

The latest bulletin said 9,842 patients had recovered in 24 hours ending 9 am on Wednesday, while 74 more succumbed to the pandemic in the state.

The number of active cases in the state rose to 97,271 after a total of 4,25,607 patients recovered and 4,634 died.

-PTI

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Rapper Raftaar tests positive for COVID-19, says feeling ‘fit and ‘fine’

Rapper Raftaar on Wednesday said he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently home quarantined. The 31-year-old rapper said he was supposed to start shooting for the latest season of MTV’s reality show “Roadies” and therefore got himself tested for coronavirus.

“I wanted to give you an update. I had to go for ‘Roadies’ and before that I had to test for COVID-19. Two of my tests were negative, but the result which came today was positive. “BMC has asked me to self-isolate. So I am home quarantining,” Raftaar shared in a video posted on his Instagram Story.

Coronavirus in Delhi LATEST Updates

Delhi govt rules out another lockdown, health minister says economy can’t be ‘shut for eternity’

Despite a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases in the national capital over the last fortnight, the Delhi government has ruled out the possibility of another lockdown, with Health Minister Satyendar Jain asserting that the economy “cannot be kept shut for eternity” as livelihoods of millions depend on it.

The minister also asserted that “extreme caution and not panic” should be the response of the city, and people should exhibit greater alertness and responsibility in public places to deal with this health crisis.

In the first eight days of the month, Delhi registered 22,378 fresh coronavirus cases, including 3,609 fresh coronavirus cases on Tuesday, the highest single-day spike in 76 days, as the city moved towards two lakh-mark with over 4,618 deaths due to COVID-19 so far.

-PTI

Coronavirus in Maharashtra LATEST Updates

Dharavi’s reports 9 new cases today, takes total to 2,839

Dharavi, the largest slum in Mumbai, reported nine new coronavirus positive cases on Wednesday, which took the count of patients to 2,839, a senior civic official said.

Of the total number of cases, 2,470 patients have already recovered from the infection and discharged from hospitals, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said. The number of active cases in Dharavi climbed down to 99 on Wednesday.

-PTI

Coronavirus in Puducherry LATEST Updates

10 COVID-19 death reported in Puducherry, toll mounts to 347

Five women and as many men succumbed to COVID-19 in Puducherry on Wednesday while 341 more people contracted the virus, pushing the tally of infections to 18,084. A release from Health and Family Welfare department said 341 new cases were reported at the end of testing of 2,560.

Nine out of the total deaths on Wednesday occurred in Puducherry and the remaining one was reported from Karaikal region. Of the total 18,084 cases, 4,770 were active while 12,967 patients recovered and discharged so far.

The total number of fatalities climbed to 347 with 10 related deaths.

Coronavirus in Karnataka LATEST Updates

Metro Rail services commence on ‘Green Line’ in Bengaluru

As part of gradually restoring Metro rail operations,the Bangalore Metro Rail on Wednesday commenced services on another sector–the Green line– two days after resuming it on another one.

However, the services are yet to attract large number of passengers as most have apparently kept away due to Covid-19 apprehensions,according to officials.

Metro Rail officials said these trains will operate only during peak hours from 8 am to 11 am and 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

-PTI

Coronavirus in Maharashtra LATEST Updates

533 Maharashtra Police personnel test positive in past 24 hrs

As many as 533 policemen in Maharashtra test positive for the coronavirus in the last 24 hours. The force’s tally rises to 17,972. Three more deaths push the toll to 180.

Coronavirus in Tripura LATEST Updates

Tripura reports 582 new COVID-19 cases, 9 deaths today

As many as 582 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura on Wednesday, pushing the state’s tally to 16,739, a health official said. Tripura’s coronavirus death toll rose to 161 as nine more people succumbed to the infection, he said.

-PTI

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Tribal Affairs minister expresses joy as 6 members of Great Andamanese tribe recover 

Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda on Wednesday expressed happiness after six members of the dwindling Great Andamanese tribe, who tested positive for coronavirus, recovered and returned to their island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

It is indeed my proud pleasure to inform that six members of a vulnerable Tribal group from Andaman and Nicobar Islands who tested positive and were undergoing treatment, have recovered and returned back to their Island. God Bless them with many more years of healthy life.

— Arjun Munda (@MundaArjun) September 8, 2020

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Will continue India trails of AstraZeneca, says Serum

The Serum Institute of India says it will continue trials of the Oxford vaccine despite AstraZeneca pausing the study. “We can’t comment much on the UK trials, but they have been paused for further review and they hope to restart soon,” the institute says. “As far as Indian trials are concerned, it is continuing and we have faced no issues at all.”

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh LATEST Updates

UP CM calls for increasing contact tracing of COVID-19 patients in Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday called for increasing contact tracing of coronavirus patients in Lucknow, Kanpur and Allahabad.

According to the health department, the state reported 6,743 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, out of which, 887 cases were found in Lucknow, 431 in Kanpur Nagar, 306 cases in Allahabad, among other places.

“Contact tracing has an important role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection. This work should be conducted in a systematic and effective manner. In Lucknow, Prayagraj and Kanpur, contact tracing should be increased,” a statement quoted the chief minister as saying. He was speaking at a COVID-19 review meeting here.

He said the state government was committed to protect the people from the infection and provide better treatment to all.

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, UP account for 61% of India’s active case

The Union health ministry says Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu account for 61% of the total active cases in the country.

#IndiaFightsCorona

60% of the total cases are recorded only in 5 states.

Of the total 89,706 new cases, which have been reported in the last 24 hours, Maharashtra has alone contributed more than 20,000 and Andhra Pradesh has contributed more than 10,000. pic.twitter.com/jnLx6OToKN

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 9, 2020

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Journalist Rana Ayyub tests positive for COVID-19

Journalist Rana Ayyub tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday,. She took to Twitter to share her test result and inform that she was has found a hospital bed in Navi Mumbai.

I have got a hospital bed. To each one of you who reached out and to those who made this possible, my gratitude https://t.co/CqMHlc3wQT

— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) September 9, 2020

Coronavirus in Europe LATEST Updates

EU reserves 200 million more coronavirus vaccines

The European Commission announced Wednesday it has reached a deal with a sixth pharmaceutical firm, this time BioNTech-Pfizer, to reserve a further 200 million doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

“Our chances to develop and deploy a safe and effective vaccine have never been higher, both for Europeans here at home, or for the rest of the world,” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said.

“To defeat coronavirus anywhere, we need to defeat it everywhere.”

-AFP

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Lockdown not an attack on coronavirus, but on poor: Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the lockdown was not an attack on coronavirus but on the poor people and proved to be a “death sentence” for the unorganised sector as it “finished” jobs and small businesses. Everyone should stand against the attack, he said.

“The lockdown was not an attack on corona. The lockdown was an attack on the poor of India. It was an attack on the future of our youth,” Gandhi said in a video series on the lockdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The lockdown was an attack on labourers, farmers and small shopkeepers. It was an attack on our unorganised sector. We have to understand this. We all have to stand against this attack,” he said. “Whatever was done in the name of Corona was the third attack on the unorganised sector,” he also said.

This is the fourth part of the video series launched by the former Congress president on the economy and the lockdown.

-PTI

Coronavirus in Delhi LATEST Updates

Arvind Kejriwal directs authorities to take steps to prevent spread of COVID-19 in Delhi

Amid a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday directed medical superintendents and senior officials to take every possible step to prevent the spread of the virus in the city.

The chief minister held a review meeting with Health Minister Satyendar Jain, Chief Secretary Vijay Dev, senior officials and medical superintendents of Delhi government-run hospitals.

Had a review meeting with Health Minister, Chief Secretary, senior officials and MS of govt hospitals.

I have directed all MS and authorities to take all possible steps to prevent the spread of Corona and assured the hospitals of full support in this regard. https://t.co/JV3KkYE7wA

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 9, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Over Rs 10 cr released during COVID-19 period, says transport ministry

A sum of Rs 10,339 crore has been released during COVID-19 period under the simplified payment process as envisaged in ambitious Aatm-Nirbhar Bharat scheme. Another sum of Rs 2,475 crore is being processed and likely to be released soon," ANI quoted Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Thane reports over 1.36 lakh COVID-19 cases

With the addition of 1,392 fresh cases of COVID-19, the tally in Maharashtra’s Thane district has reached 1,36,429, an official told news agency PTI. Apart from this, the district also recorded 24 fatalities on Tuesday that has taken the toll to 3,774, the official said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Haryana Latest Updates

Haryana education minister tests COVID-19 positive

Haryana Education Minister Kanwar Pal said on Wednesday that he has tested positive for coronavirus. He requested all those who might have come in his contact during the past few days to isolate themselves and get their tests done.

“After some symptoms, I got my Covid test done and it returned positive. I request all those who might have come in my contact to isolate themselves and get their tests done,” the minister tweeted.

The minister’s aide said that Kanwar Pal’s report came positive in the morning and he was currently in Chandigarh.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

More than 11.5 lakh COVID-19 samples tested in past 24 hrs: health ministry

Over 11.5 lakh COVID-19 samples have been tested for the first time in single day, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday. So far, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has tested over 5 crore samples. 

#IndiaFightsCorona

India continues to scale new heights in COVID-19 tests.

Over 11.5 lakh tests conducted in the last 24 hour.https://t.co/Vn2LXxEWPR pic.twitter.com/w0A8m6yEWl

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 9, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

Rajasthan records seven more COVID-19 deaths, toll at 1,171

Rajasthan recorded seven more fatalities due to the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the toll in the state to 1,171, according to a health department bulletin.

The state also reported 728 new cases taking the total number of infected people to 94,854. As per the bulletin, 76,624 people have been discharged after treatment till now

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Over 45,000 international passengers request Delhi airport for quarantine exemption

Delhi airport’s online portal has received approximately 45,288 applications from international passengers since 8 August to avail exemption from seven-day institutional quarantine, said its operator DIAL on Wednesday.

The government had said last month that from 8 August, if any arriving international passenger has a negative report from an RT-PCR test done 96 hours prior to the journey, he or she need not undergo institutional quarantine in India. Delhi airport had launched an online portal for this purpose.

Over 78,700 international passengers submitted their self-declaration form through the portal, the DIAL said in a press release.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Nearly 18,000 cops in Maharashtra test COVID-19 positive

With 533 more cops testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Maharashtra, the overall count in the police force has risen to 17,972 on Wednesday. The death of three more police personnel has increased the COVID-19 toll to 180.

“Total number of positive cases in the police force rises to 17,972, including 3,523 active cases, 14,269 recoveries and 180 deaths so far,” said the Maharashtra Police.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates

COVID reaches community spread phase in Himachal 

Shimla Chief Medical Officer Surekha Chopra said the recent data of COVID-19 cases established community spread of the virus.

“The coronavirus cases are increasing day by day and neither their index cases nor travel history is being found which establishes its community spread,” she added.

The COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh, with just about 70 lakh population, have reached 7,832, according to the data provided by the state health department till Tuesday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Five states contribute 60% of total COVID-19 cases: health ministry

The health ministry on Wednesday said that 60 percent of the total 43.7 lakh COVID-19 infections in India were reported in five states. This included Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

The number of people recovered from COVID-19 in India has surged to 33,98,844, further improving the recovery rate to 77.77 percent, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.69 percent, the Union Health Ministry said Wednesday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

More than 20,000 new COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra: health ministry

Maharashtra reported more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases alone of the total 89,706 fresh infections reported in past 24 hrs, said the health ministry on Wednesday. This was followed by Andhra Pradesh for recording more than 10,000 cases.

Sixty percent of the total cases are recorded only in five states, said the health ministry.

60% of the total cases are recorded only in 5 states. Of the total 89,706 new cases, which have been reported in the last 24 hours, Maharashtra has alone contributed more than 20,000 and Andhra Pradesh has contributed more than 10,000: Ministry of Health pic.twitter.com/0Ab5xilXf9

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2020

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

Illinois university quarantines all student body

Bradley University in central Illinois had directed its entire student body to quarantine for two weeks because of clusters of COVID-19 on campus and is reverting to remote learning, officials announced Tuesday.

Officials of the private university said they have linked a spike of the coronavirus to off-campus gatherings. The Peoria university is requiring students to limit nonessential interactions, stay in their off-campus apartments, residence halls and take classes remotely beginning Tuesday.

The Associated Press

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Plasma therapy ineffective in reducing COVID-19 mortality: ICMR study

Convalescent plasma therapy (CP) as a treatment for COVID-19 has no effect in reducing mortality, a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found. 

“CP was not associated with reduction in mortality or progression to severe COVID-19,” the study said, published in Medrxiv, a pre-print server for health sciences. The study has not been peer-reviewed yet.

Coronavirus in Mexico Latest Updates

Mexico warns setback in tests could delay vaccine

The Latin American roll-out of a potential COVID-19 vaccine made by AstraZeneca could be set back after the biotech company announced a pause in tests, the government of Mexico, which is involved in developing the drug alongside Argentina, said Tuesday. 

Pausing vaccine trials “is not an unusual occurrence… and as a consequence the vaccine’s arrival may be delayed” across the region, said Hugo Lopez Gatell, Mexico’s undersecretary for health, at a press conference on the latest development.

AFP

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

Svanidhi Samvaad scheme is for street vendors’ businesses hit by lockdown: PM

The lockdown due to COVID-19 has affected the businesses of street vendors. The purpose of this ‘Svanidhi Samvaad’ scheme is that those people can start afresh and begin their work again easily, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Centre had launched the PM SVANidhi scheme on 1 June, 2020, to help poor street vendors, impacted by coronavirus, to resume livelihood activities.

“4.5 lakh street vendors were registered in Madhya Pradesh, with more than 4 lakh vendors having been given identification and vendor certification,” the press note stated.

#COVID19 lockdown affected the businesses of street vendors. The purpose of this ‘Svanidhi Samvaad’ scheme is that those people can start afresh and begin their work again: PM Modi https://t.co/0YnEECS27m

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

SC refuses to entertain pleas seeking deferment of NEET exam

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a batch of pleas seeking deferment or cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) scheduled for 13 September.

A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said that authorities will take all necessary steps for conducting the NEET-undergraduate exam amid the COVID-19 pandemic for admission in medical courses.

“Sorry, we are not inclined to entertain,” the bench said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha LATEST Updates

Over 1.35 lakh COVID-19 cases in Odisha

Odisha has reported 3,748 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,35,130 on Wednesday. Of the total, there are 1,02,185 recoveries and 32,312 active cases, said the state health department.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

Centre issues SOP for partial reopening of schools for Classes 9-12 from 21 Sept

In the backdrop of the ongoing ‘Unlock 4’, partial resumption of activities in schools for students of Classes 9-12 will be allowed from 21 September, the union health ministry said on Tuesday.

However, only schools outside the containment zones will be allowed to open. Assemblies, sports and events, which can lead to overcrowding, are strictly prohibited in the schools that are opting to start operations.

The government also said that online or distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.

“Students of Class 9 to 12 shall be permitted to visit their school on voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/guardians. Such visits and teacher – student interaction must be organized in a staggered manner,” stated the guidelines issued by the health ministry.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

India records over 10 lakh COVID-19 cases in less than two weeks; total at 43.7 lakh

More than 10 lakh people have tested positive for the coronavirus in India in less than two weeks with the total caseload exceeded over 43.7 lakh on Wednesday. Testing has been ramped up to more than 10 million daily, with cumulative testing exceeding five crore.

India has the second-most reported cases in the world and the third-most reported deaths behind the United States and Brazil.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Arunchal Pradesh LATEST Updates

With 221 new COVID-19 cases, Arunachal Pradesh reports highest single-day spike

Arunachal Pradesh reported 221 fresh COVID-19 infections for first time in single day, taking the overall count to 5,402 on Wednesday. Of the new cases, 59 security personnel have also tested positive in the state. 

One more fatality has taken the northeastern state’s coronavirus toll to nine, a health official said.
The fresh infections have pushed Arunachal Pradesh’s caseload to 5,402, State Surveillance Officer Dr L Jampa said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra LATEST Updates

Maharashtra’s COVID-19 toll at 27,407

Of the total 73,890 COVID-19 deaths in India, Maharashtra has reported the maximum at 27,407 followed by 8,012 in Tamil Nadu, 6,680 in Karnataka, 4,618 in Delhi,4,560 in Andhra Pradesh, 4,047 in Uttar Pradesh, 3,677 in West Bengal, 3,133 in Gujarat and 1,990 in Punjab.

So far, 1,609 people have died of COVID-19 in Madhya Pradesh, 1,164 in Rajasthan, 916 in Telangana, 854 in Haryana, 815 in Jammu and Kashmir, 765 in Bihar, 569 in Odisha, 496 in Jharkhand, 407 in Chhattisgarh, 378 in Assam,  372 in Kerala and 360 in Uttarakhand.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

Of 1,115 new COVID-19 deaths, 380 in Maharashtra alone

Of the 1,115 fresh COVID-19 deaths in India, 380 are from Maharashtra, 146 from Karnataka, 87 from Tamil Nadu, 73 from Andhra Pradesh, 71 from Uttar Pradesh, 67 from Punjab, 57 from West Bengal, 25 from Haryana, 20 from Madhya Pradesh, 19 from Delhi,14 each from Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand, 13 each from Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala and Rajasthan.

Twelve fatalities each have been reported from Chhattisgarh, Puducherry and Uttarakhand, 11 from Goa, 10 from Telangana, nine from Tripura, eight from Assam, five from Himachal Pradesh, four each from Bihar and Chandigarh, two from Sikkim, while Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur have registered one fatality each.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

India reports more than 1,000 COVID-19 deaths per day since over a week

Although India has a low death rate from COVID-19 disease, nearly 1,000 deaths have been recorded every day from across the country for the last nine days. On Wednesday, the toll due to the infectious disease has risen to 73,890 with 1,115 more fatalities.

In early August India became the third country in the world to pass two million cases.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

India’s COVID-19 recovery rate nearly at 77.8%

With 33,98,845 COVID-19 patients being cured, India’s recovery rate increased to 77.77 percent on Wednesday. While, the fatality rate stood at 1.69 percent after nearly 74,000 patients succumbed to the highly infectious disease.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

India reports over 43 lakh COVID-19 cases

India’s COVID-19 cases exceeded 43 lakh on Wednesday after 89,706 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours. The COVID-19 toll climbed to 73,890 after 1,115 new deaths were recorded.

Of the total, there are 8,97,394 active cases, 33,98,845 cured/discharged/migrated and 73,890 deaths, said the health ministry on Wednesday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu LATEST Updates

Over 8,000 COVID-19 deaths in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu recorded 5,684 positive cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the overall count to 4,74,940. Among these, Chennai reported 988 positive cases, bringing the city’s total to 1,43,603. 

Tamil Nadu recorded 87 deaths on Tuesday, putting the state toll at 8,012. 84 of them had succumbed due to comorbidities. The state discharged 6599 patients following treatment, putting the total number of recoveries at 4,16,715.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi LATEST Updates

Blue and pink lines of Delhi Metro resume services after 171-day COVID hiatus

Delhi Metro’s Blue Line and Pink Line resumed services with curtailed operation timings on Wednesday after being closed for 171 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

Trains are to operate in batches of four-hour each from 7-11 am in the morning and 4-8 pm in the evening in the first.

“The Blue and Pink lines resumed services today. Slowly and steadily, Delhi Metro will be back to take you places! #MetroBackOnTrack,” the DMRC tweeted.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

More than 5.18 cr COVID-19 samples tested: ICMR

Over 5.18 crore COVID-19 samples have been tested till now, said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), adding that 11,54,549 samples were tested on Tuesday alone.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam LATEST Updates

Assam registers 1.30 lakh COVID-19 cases, 378 deaths

As many as 2,579 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Assam on Tuesday, taking the total number of positive cases to 1,30,823 in the state. The total number of cases includes 99,073 recoveries, 378 deaths, and 31,369 active cases, said State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi LATEST Updates

Visuals from Rajiv Chowk metro station

As part of stage-I of resuming metro services, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) restarts operations on its Blue Line on Wednesday, ANI reported.

Delhi: As part of stage-I of resumption of metro services, DMRC resumes operations on its Blue Line today; visuals from Rajiv Chowk metro station.

A commuter says, "It's a good decision to resume metro services; COVID19 norms being followed so it feels safe to travel" pic.twitter.com/thlhAM7R8b

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Telangana LATEST Updates

Telangana reports 1.47 lakh COVID-19 cases

With nearly 2,500 new COVID-19 infections in Telangana, the overall count in the state climbed to 1,47,642 on Wednesday. Of the total, there are 31,654 active cases.

“2,479 fresh COVID-19 cases, 2,485 recoveries and 10 deaths reported in Telangana on 8 September,” said the state health department.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Russia LATEST Updates

Russia vaccine ‘passes early trial test’

Early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine showed encouraging results when details were published Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness.

Russia announced in August that its vaccine, named “Sputnik V” after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval. 

This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous. 

Russia denounced criticism as an attempt to undermine Moscow’s research and a Russian investor claimed vindication when Britain’s prestigious Lancet published research that showed patients in early tests developed antibodies with “no serious adverse events.”

– AFP

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates

AstraZeneca pauses COVID-19 vaccine trial after participant develops unexplained illness

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Tuesday it had “voluntarily paused” a randomized clinical trial of its coronavirus vaccine in what it called a routine action after a volunteer developed an unexplained illness.

The company, which is developing the drug alongside the University of Oxford, is a frontrunner in the global race for a Covid-19 vaccine. 

“As part of the ongoing randomized, controlled global trials of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine, our standard review process was triggered and we voluntarily paused vaccination to allow review of safety data by an independent committee,” a spokesperson said.

“This is a routine action which has to happen whenever there is a potentially unexplained illness in one of the trials, while it is investigated, ensuring we maintain the integrity of the trials.”