Coronavirus Updates: Odisha announces weekend shutdown in 10 districts with high case load; schools, colleges to remain shut till 31 August

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Mumbai reports 903 new cases, 36 deaths

Mumbai on Tuesday recorded 903 new cases and 36 deaths, pushing the total number of cases rise to 77,197 including 28,473 active cases, 44,170 recovered cases and 4,554 deaths, reports ANI quoting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

More local trains for essential services staff from Wednesday

Central Railway and Western Railway will run additional 150 and 148 local services, respectively, in Mumbai from 1 July, reports PTI. Only essential staff including those of Centre, IT, defence, Raj Bhavan will be allowed and no general passengers will be allowed yet, the news agency quotes Railways minister Piyush Goyal as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

62 deaths, 2,199 new cases in Delhi today

Delhi reports 2,199 new COVID-19 cases and 62 deaths today, taking the total number of cases to 87,360  and toll to 2,742, reports ANI.

Delhi reports 2199 new #COVID19 cases and 62 deaths today. Total number of cases stands at 87360 including 5834 recovered/discharged/migrated cases, 26270 active cases&2742 deaths. 9585 RTPCR Tests&7594 Rapid antigen tests conducted today;total 531752 tests have been done so far. pic.twitter.com/jmaaNZ8s4z

— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates

Odisha announces weekend shutdown in 10 districts with high case load

With a surge in COVID-19 fatalities and infections in Odisha in June, the state government Tuesday announced weekend shutdown in 10 districts with high active caseloads, to prevent crowding during the easing of lockdown.The districts are: Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Cuttack, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Jharsuguda. A day after the Centre unveiled unlock 2.0 guidelines, Chief Secretary AK Tripathy said that schools, colleges, coaching centres and other educational institutions in the state will remain shut for teaching purposes till  31 August.. However, theatres, cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, bars, auditoriums and assembly halls will be closed till July 31, Tripathy said.

PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Complete lockdown on five Sundays in Karnataka

There will be a complete lockdown on five Sundays in Karnataka, starting from 5 July to 2 August, the state government’s Unlock-2 guidelines said on Tuesday. However, essential activities and marriages already fixed on these days shall be permitted, a Government Order. However, the number of guests should not exceed 50 in marriage-related gatherings, it said.The order issued by Chief Secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar by and large implements the Unlock 2 guidelines issued by the Centre, that will be in force until 31 July.

PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak in Punjab Latest Updates

Punjab and Haryana HC allows schools to collect fees ‘irrespective of offering online classes’

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday allowed private schools to collect tuition fee “irrespective of offering online classes” to students during the coronavirus lockdown period. Justice Nirmaljit Kaur also allowed schools to collect admission fee. The ruling came on a bunch of petitions filed by the Independent Schools’ Association, Punjab Schools Welfare Association, the Recognised and Affiliated School Association and other against the state of Punjab.All schools irrespective of whether they offered online classes during the lockdown period or not, are entitled to collect the tuition fee, the court said.

PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak in Telangana Latest Updates

Telangana records 945 new cases, seven deaths

As many as 945 new COVID-19 cases, 1,712 recoveries and seven deaths were reported in Telangana today. Total number of cases in the state is now 16,339, including 8,785 active cases, 7,294 discharged and 260 deaths, reports ANI quoting the state health department. 

945 #COVID19 cases, 1712 discharged & 7 deaths reported in Telangana today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 16339, including 8785 active cases, 7294 discharged & 260 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/JsctaGa1VR

— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

88 fresh cases in CRPF; total now 1,219

Eighty-eight more Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the overall infections in the country’s largest paramilitary force to over 1,200, officials said on Tuesday. As per latest data, out of the total 1,219 coronavirus cases in the force, 655 personnel have recovered and 555 are under treatment. There have been nine deaths from the disease in the force.

PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra reports 245 deaths, 4,878 new cases

Maharashtra reports 245 deaths and 4,878 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday. According to a bulletin released by the state health department, out of 245 deaths, 95 occurred in the last 48 hours and 150 are from the previous period. The total number of cases in the state reaches 1,74,761 including 75,979 active cases while the toll climbs to 7,855.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Gujarat Latest Updates

Gujarat reports 620 fresh cases, 20 deaths

In the last 24 hours, 620 fresh COVID-19 positive cases and 20 deaths have been reported in Gujarat, reports ANI quoting the state health department.. The state’s case count rises to 32,446 including 23,670 cured/discharged and 1,848 deaths.

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

West Bengal extends lockdown in containment zones till 31 July

The West Bengal government extended the lockdown measures in containment zones till 31 July. According to the order, schools, colleges, cinema halls, swimming pools, gyms, entertainment parks, social, political religious and other large congregation shall remain prohibited till 31 July. While all other restrictions and relaxations remain, the order allowed 50 guests for marriage related functions and morning walks in parks between 5.30 am to 8.30 am outside containment zones or affected areas.

Lockdown measures in containment zones stand extended up to July 31. Schools, colleges, cinema halls, swimming pools, gyms, entertainment parks, social, political religious and other large congregation shall remain prohibited till July 31: West Bengal Govt #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/TjZZ46RxzJ

— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Dharavi reports six new cases

With six new patients, coronavirus case count in Dharavi area of Mumbai rises to 2,268, reports PTI quoting the MCGM.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka reports 947 new cases, 503 from Bengaluru

Karnataka reports 947 new  cases including 503 cases from Bengaluru Urban, taking the total number of cases to 15242. The COVID-19 toll rises to 246 after 20 deaths were reported today, reports ANI quoting the state health department.

Karnataka reports 947 new #COVID19 positive cases including 503 cases from Bengaluru Urban, taking the total number of cases to 15242. Death toll rises to 246 after 20 deaths were reported today: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/qAu9EyGsGU

— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates

 Kerala records 131 new cases

As many as 131 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Kerala on Tuesday, taking the number of active cases to 2,112. A total 2,304 have recovered till now, with 75 recovering today.

131 persons have tested positive for #COVID19 in the state today. Number of active cases stand at 2112, total 2304 have recovered till now: Kerala Health Department pic.twitter.com/sWcQeRe2f2

— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India’s recovery rate inching close to 60%

With 2,15,125 active COVID-19 cases and 3,34,821 cured cases, India’s recovery rate has increased to 59.07 percent amongst COVID-19 patients, the health ministry said. Recovered COVID-19 cases are now 1 lakh 20 thousand more than the number of active cases, the ministry said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi govt extends it water bill waiver scheme 

In wake of Covid-19 outbreak, the water bill waiver scheme of Delhi Jal Board has been extended by three months and will now end on 30th Sept 2020. This will benefit those who have not been able to avail the scheme due to lockdown restrictions: AAP MLA Raghav Chadha pic.twitter.com/m1eFxN96WB

— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Over 4,500 Maharashtra Police personnel tested positive for COVID-19

4,861 police personnel of Maharashtra Police have tested positive for COVID-19, Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh said. “Of these 3,699 have recovered and 59 have tragically succumbed,” ANI quoted him as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi Metro to remain closed until further notice

Delhi Metro services will remain closed for commuters until further notice, in view of the ‘Unlock 2’ guidelines issued by the government, officials said on Tuesday.  The Delhi Metro has been closed since 22 March when the ‘Janata Curfew’ was observed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Subsequently, the nationwide lockdown was announced which came into effect from 25 March. “Delhi Metro services will remain closed for commuters until further notice, in view of the guidelines issued by the government,” a senior official said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

West Bengal seeks MHA’s permit to run Metro for essential workers

Rajiva Sinha, West Bengal Chief Secretary, wrote a letter to Ajay Bhalla, Home Secretary stating, “Kindly give MHA’s consent for relaxing norms for Kolkata to run a bare minimum number of Metro train to carry people associated with essential services as a very special case”.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Fitch cuts India growth projection to 8% for FY22; economy to shrink by 5% this fiscal

Fitch Ratings on Tuesday cut India’s growth forecast for 2021-22 fiscal to 8 per cent from 9.5 per cent projected last month. It, however, retained its projection of Indian economy contracting by 5 per cent in the current fiscal. Indian economic growth stood at an estimated 4.2 per cent in 2019-20.

In its June update of Global Economic Outlook, Fitch projected Indian economy to grow 5.5 percent in 2022-23.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Punjab Latest Updates

Punjab HC says all schools entitled to collect fees

Punjab High Court today ordered that all schools irrespective whether they offered online classes during lockdown or not, are entitled to collect tuition fee. However, schools shall restrain themselves from increasing fee for 2020-21 year and adopt same fee structure as of 2019-20, ANI reported.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam Latest Updates

41 fresh cases reported in Assam

A quinquagenarian brought dead to a hospital here has tested positive for COVID-19, raising the death toll in Assam to 12, while 41 new cases pushed the total tally to 7,835 on Tuesday, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The city resident was brought dead to Guwahati Medical College Hospital on June 22. His samples were sent for examination and it was found that he had contracted the viral disease, the minister said

Coronavirus Outbreak in European Union Latest Updates

EU to lift travel restrictions partially for citizens of 15 nations; US, India unlikely to make it

The European Union on Tuesday is announcing a list of nations whose citizens will be allowed to enter 31 European countries, but most Americans are likely to be refused entry for at least another two weeks due to soaring coronavirus infections in the US. As Europe’s economies reel from the impact of the coronavirus, southern EU countries like Greece, Italy and Spain are desperate to entice back sun-loving visitors and breathe life into their damaged tourism industries. More than 15 million Americans are estimated to travel to Europe each year, while some 10 million Europeans head across the Atlantic.

Infection rates in Brazil, Russia and India are high too, and they are also unlikely to make the cut.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

PM reiterates importance of precautions in national address, credits taxpayers, farmers for being enablers of free food grain scheme

Narendra Modi, in his national address focussed on reminding people that the norms of social distancing, using masks and observing hygiene are still equally important and warned them against becoming lax. However, the key takeaway from the speech was the extension of Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana till the end of November so that at least basic food security is ensured for the poor in these times. Modi also thanked the taxpayers and the farmers for being the support system that could enable the government to ensure over 80 crore people can have access to free food.

Never claimed coronil could cure COID-19: Patanjali Ayurveda

We never told the medicine (coronil) can cure or control corona, we said that we had made medicines and used them in clinical controlled trial which cured corona patients. There is no confusion in it: Acharya Balkrishna, CEO Patanjali pic.twitter.com/LfPCxML0jg

— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Modi says taxpayers, farmers enablers of schemes like free food grain for poor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked the tax payers saying, “You have faithfully filled taxes, fulfilled your obligation, so today the poor of the country is able to cope with such a big crisis. I would like to greet every farmer, every taxpayer of the country very heartily, along with every poor person. I bow to them.”

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

One Nation One Ration Card being worked out, scheme will benefit the poor: Modi

“We are planning to bring ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’. Now a ration card is also being arranged for the whole of India. The biggest benefit of this will be to those poor colleagues who leave their village and go elsewhere for employment or other needs,” Modi said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Over 80 cr people to get free food grain till Diwali and Chhath pooja: Modi

“We have more work during and after the rainy season, mainly in the agriculture sector. There is a slight slowness in other sectors. gradually, the atmosphere of festivals starts to build from July. This time of festivals also increases the needs, the expenses also. Keeping all these things in mind, it has been decided that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana should now be extended till Diwali and Chhath Puja, that is, by the end of November,” Modi said.

PM extends Gareeb Kalyan Ann Yojna till 30 November

Prime Minister extended the Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Ann Yojna till 30 November in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the scheme, over 80 crore people are entitled to free five kilos of free wheat or rice, and an additional one kilo of any one pulse per family. The scheme was launched in March after the imposition of lockdown to ensure that loss of livelihoods and restriction on movement should not compound the issue of hunger amongst India’s poorest

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Timely lockdown saved lakhs of lives: Narendra modi

“In comparison to other countries across the globe, India is still in a very stable situation in the battle against Covid-19. Timely decisions and measures have played a great role,” Modi said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Prime Minister says citizens have become careless with COVID-19 precautions since Unlock 1

Prime Minister, in his national address, said that people have become more irresponsible and careless about COVID-19 prevention guidelines since the start of Unlock 1.0. He reiterated the importance of social distancing and wearing masks and warned people against letting down their guard against the pandemic.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Modi’s address to begin shortly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address will start streaming live on all his social media channels shortly.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Meanwhile… Patanjali tweaks its ‘coronil’ claim, says image of coronavirus on package used for representation

Patanjali, yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s inhouse ayurvedic medicine manufacturing unit, has been in the eye of a storm eversince it claimed to have developed a medicine labelled Coronil, that can cure coronavirus. The government authorities sprung into action and asked Patanjali to give details of trials and evidence about it claims. However, now Patanjali has told the Uttarakhand government that it has not manufacture a ‘Corona kit’ but has used the virus’ image merely for representational purposes. 

In reply to our notice, Patanjali said no 'Corona Kit' has been packaged by them. Patanjali has printed a representative pic of Coronavirus on 'Coronil' packaging. Samples of 'Coronil & 2 other drugs have been taken for testing: YS Rawat, Licence Officer, Uttarakhand Ayurved Dept pic.twitter.com/TFjJy148kV

— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Hopefully, PM will accept Congress’ suggestions, says Rahul Gandhi

Ahead of Narendra Modi’s address to the nation, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter saying that the coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected the poor, and the working-class citizens. He highlighted that the Narendra Modi-led Centre had multiple times dismissed the Congress’ Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) scheme to help the country, saying that the Centre “doesn’t have money.”

Rahul re-iterated the need for NYAY yojana, urging the Centre to consider the Congress party’s suggestions to help fight the pandemic. “Hopefully, the PM will definitely accept these suggestions in the interest of the country,” the tweet read. 

उम्मीद है देश हित में इन सुझावों को PM ज़रूर मानेंगे।

यही सच्ची देश सेवा भी है और राष्ट्र भक्ती भी। pic.twitter.com/kQc2hgol0S

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Focus on handling row with China, COVID-19: Shiv Sena to Centre

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday said people were fed up of the war of words between the BJP and Congress over the border standoff with China, and the government should focus on handling the row with the neighbouring country and the coronavirus crisis.

An editorial in Sena mouthpiece ‘’Saamana’’ said “China has been adamant and will never change”, and the need is to forget the past, tackle the fresh crisis and create a new future for the country.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Modi chairs meeting to review efforts taken for finding COVID-19 vaccine in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparations being undertaken for vaccination against COVID-19, as and when a vaccine is available, reports ANI.

The Prime Minister directed officials to evaluate various technology tools to ensure efficient and timely vaccination in due course of time. Modi also directed that detailed planning for such large scale vaccination should be undertaken immediately.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Pvt medical colleges in Bengaluru to allot 50% beds for COVID-19 treatment

Private medical colleges in Bengaluru have agreed to provide about 4,500 beds for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said on Tuesday. The government has agreed to include private doctors and paramedical staff involved in the treatment of coronavirus patients under insurance coverage.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam Latest Updates

Rs 933 cr distributed to 28,000 MSMEs in Assam under PM’s COVID-19 package

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday said Rs 933 crore has been provided as assistance to 28,000 MSME units in the state under the Rs 3,00,000 crore package announced for the sector by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sonowal also said that his BJP-led government has launched a special scheme for providing free houses to the labourers of Assam’s tea industry. “We have already disbursed Rs 933 crore to 28,000 MSME units across the state,” he told PTI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Andhra Pradesh Latest Updates

Andhra reports 704 new cases, 7 deaths in last 24 hrs

704 COVID-19 cases and seven deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours. Total confirmed cases in the state now stand at 14,595, including 7,897 active cases, 6,511 recoveries and 187 deaths.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Jama Masjid to re-open from 4 July

The historic Jama Masjid, which had closed earlier this month due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the city, will reopen for congregational prayers (namaz) from 4 July, Shahi Imam of the mosque Syed Ahmed Bukhari said on Tuesday. The mosque was closed on 11 June in view of the “critical” conditions in the city due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, till 30 June.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra writes to Railways to allow govt employees to travel by local trains

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday requested Railways to allow employees of various Central Government Offices/Establishments, High Courts, and Public Sector Banks to travel by local trains. The final decision in this regard will be taken by Railways, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

UP govt deferring COVID tests, claims Akhilesh

The Uttar Pradesh government is avoiding COVID tests, making it difficult to assess the current situation in the state, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav claimed on Tuesday. As a result of this, it is also difficult to assess when the disease will reach its peak in Uttar Pradesh, he said on Twitter.

“Uttar Pradesh is suffering from a law and order problem besides coronavirus. As corona tests are being deferred, the exact situation is unknown, and it is difficult to assess when the disease will reach its peak,” Yadav said in a tweet in Hindi.

“The government should disclose how it will prepare to fight the disease when it peaks,” he added.

उप्र इस समय कोरोना के साथ-साथ क़ानून-व्यवस्था की भी बिगड़ी हालत का शिकार है.

जिस प्रकार ‘कोरोना-टेस्ट’ टाले जा रहे हैं, उसके कारण वास्तविक स्थिति का पता नहीं चल रहा है और ‘कोरोना-पीक’ कब आएगा कहा नहीं जा सकता, तो फिर सरकार बताए कि ‘कोरोना-पीक’ से लड़ने की तैयारी वो कैसे करेगी. pic.twitter.com/QSeY366RCa

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) June 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

67 new cases reported from Maharashtra Police

In Maharashtra, 67 police personnel test positive for the virus in past 24 hours. So far, 59 police officials have died of the virus in the state and 4,810 have contracted the virus, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Aamir Khan’s staff members test positive, actor tests negative

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan on Tuesday said that a few members of his staff have tested positive for coronavirus. The actor added that he has tested negative for COVID-19 infection.

Khan took to Twitter to issue a statement that reads, “Hello everyone, this is to inform you that some of my staff have tested positive. They were immediately quarantined, and BMC officials were very prompt and efficient in taking them to a medical facility. I would like to thank the BMC for taking such good care of them, and for fumigating and sterilising the entire society. The rest of us have all been tested and found negative."

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

94 new cases emerge in Rajasthan, total at 17,754

Rajasthan reported 94 COVID-19 cases, 27 recovered & 4 deaths on Monday as of 10:30 am. Total number of cases in the state is now at 17,754, including 3,397 active cases & 409 deaths, according to the latest update from the state Health Department.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

750 containment zones in Mumbai

The total number of containment zones in Mumbai stands at 750 as of Tuesday, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Recently, the BMC had announced that it will start sealing slums and congested areas in the north Mumbai region, where a spike incases was witnessed.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

53 more BSF personnel test positive for COVID-19

In the last 24 hours, 53 more Border Security Force (BSF) personnel tested positive for COVID-19 and 4 have recovered. There are 354 active cases and 659 personnel have recovered till date, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Over 86 lakh samples tested for COVID-19 so far, says ICMR

The Indian Council of Medical Research says a total of 86.08 lakh samples have been tested for Covid-19 so far. Of these, 2.10 lakh samples were tested on Monday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu remains worst-hit

With 1,69,883 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu (86,224) and Delhi (85,161).

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India reports 18,522 new cases, 418 deaths in past 24 hours

India recorded 18,522 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the overall count to 5,66,840, according to the figures by the health ministry. The toll from the virus has now risen by 418 and is now 16,893. Over 3.3 lakh people have recovered so far.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Pandemic not even close to over, says WHO chief

The COVID-19 pandemic is not even close to being over, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing on Monday, reports Reuters.

Tedros noted that, six months after China first alerted the WHO to a novel respiratory infection, the grim milestones of 10 million confirmed infections and 500,000 deaths had been reached.“Most people remain susceptible, the virus still has a lot of room to move,” he said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Narendra Modi to address nation at 4 pm today

As India’s moves into the second phase of the Unlock, and the standoff with China in eastern Ladakh continues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation at 4 pm on Tuesday. This would be Modi’s sixth address to the nation since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The prime minister had last addressed the nation on 12 May where he had announced a ₹20-lakh-crore financial package to boost the economy recovering from coronavirus-induced lockdown.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Gilead prices COVID-19 drug remdesivir at $2,340 per patient in developed nations

Gilead Sciences Inc on Monday priced its COVID-19 antiviral remdesivir at $2,340 per patient for wealthier nations and agreed to send nearly all of its supply of the drug to the United States over the next three months, reports Reuters.

The price tag is slightly below the range of $2,520 to $2,800 suggested last week by U.S. drug pricing research group the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) after British researchers said they found that the cheap, widely available steroid dexamethasone significantly reduced mortality among severely ill COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

Highest single-day spike of 624 COVID-19 cases in West Bengal

West Bengal recorded the highest single-day spike of 624 fresh COVID-19 cases yesterday, taking the state’s total to 17,907, while 14 more people succumbed to the disease raising the death toll to 653, a health bulletin said, reported PTI.

The number of active cases is now 5,535, according to the bulletin. Since June 28, 526 patients were discharged from different hospitals in the state after they recovered from the disease.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Global COVID-19 cases now at 1.2 crores, toll at 5 lakh

Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the world stand at 1.2 crores, according to the Johns Hopkins University CSSE. This figure includes COVID-19 patients who have recovered and the overall global toll which stands at 5 lakh.

With over 25.6 lakh reported cases to date, the United States is the worst-affected country in the world. The US is followed by Brazil, Russia, India and the United Kingdom.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India’s first COVID-19 vaccine gets DCGI nod for human clinical trials

The country’s ‘first’ indigenous COVID-19 vaccine COVAXIN, developed by city-based Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR and NIV, has got the nod for human clinical trials from the Drug Controller General of India, the company said on Monday.

The Phase I and Phase II clinical trials of the vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, approved after pre-clinical studies demonstrated safety and immune response, would start across the country next month.