Coronavirus Updates: Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma tests positive for COVID-19, says report

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

4,308 new COVID-19 cases in Delhi today

The Delhi government said that 4,308 new COVID-19 cases and 28 deaths, and 2,637 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours. The total cases in the national capital rise to 2,05,482 including 4,666 deaths and 1,75,400 recovered/discharged/migrated. Active cases are 25,416.

“9,004 RTPCR/CBNAAT/True Nat tests and 49,336 Rapid antigen test conducted today. A total of 19,62,120 tests done so far,” the statement added.

Coronavirus in China Latest Updates

China approves first nasal spray COVID-19 vaccine for trials

China has approved for trials its first nasal spray vaccine to combat the novel coronavirus that has claimed over 904,000 lives and infected more than 27 million people globally, official media here reported on Thursday.

China’s only nasal spray vaccine against the coronavirus is expected to start phase I clinical trials in November, and it is recruiting 100 volunteers.

It is the only vaccine of its type approved by China’s National Medical Products Administration, the state-run Global Times reported.

The vaccine is a collaborative mission between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland that involves researchers from the University of Hong Kong, Xiamen University, and Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

3,349 new COVID-19 cases in Kerala

The Kerala government said that 3,349 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Thursday. Active cases now at 26,229; also 72,578 patients have recovered so far in the state.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

Kolkata Metro to run trains on 13 Sept for NEET students

Kolkata Metro on Thursday said that it will resume operations on 14 September from 8 am. A total of 110 trains will run at an interval of 10 minutes. Only Smart card passengers allowed to travel.

Additionally, the statement said that the Metro will also operate on 13 September only for NEET aspirants and their parents.

Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates

AstraZeneca says COVID-19 vaccine still possible this year: Report

AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot on Wednesday expressed hopes that a vaccine against the novel coronavirus developed by the pharmaceutical company would be ready by the end of 2020 or early 2021, despite having to pause clinical trials, ANI reported.

“Earlier this week, the UK-Swedish company reportedly froze the trials after discovering that one participant was sick with transverse myelitis,” the report said.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

BS Yediyurappa instructs officials to bring down COVID-19 death rate

Cautioning about high number of COVID-19 cases being reported from the state, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday asked the district administrations to work towards bringing down the death rate.

He said providing immediate treatment to those with COVID-19 symptoms and saving the lives of those infected is his government’s priority. Yediyurappa also instructed officials to see to it that there are no issues or complaints regarding relief to those affected by the recent floods triggered by heavy rains in the state.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi govt to continue using plasma therapy in COVID-19 treatment, says report

News18 reported that the Delhi government will continue to include plasma therapy in the treatment for COVID-19 patients, despite the ICMR data not proving that the method is beneficial for patients.

The report quoted Delhi’s health minister Satyendar Jain as saying so on Thursday “despite clinical trials not proving whether plasma therapy can help people fighting the infection.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

257 MPs to sit in Lok Sabha main hall, 172 in gallery

Lok Sabha Speaker was quoted by The Times of India as saying that the seating arrangement has been decided thus: “257 members will sit in the Lok Sabha main hall and 172 will be seated in the visitors’ gallery. Remaining 81 members will seated in Rajya Sabha Hall,” the report said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Om Birla says seats allocated to parties in both Houses

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said, “Seats have been allocated to different parties proportionally in the two Houses of the Parliament as per their respective strengths. Members above 60-65 years have been advised to sit in galleries.”

His statement comes as MPs are gearing up for the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, which is set to begin on 14 September, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Om Birla says 62% of Parliament operations have been made digital

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that the Parliament will go “100 percent digital eventually”, in the run up to the Monsoon Session set to begin on 14 September.

“For the first time in the history of Parliament, all members have sent their questions through online medium. We have successfully made 62% of our operations digital,” he added.

He said, “All members will undergo COVID-19 testing. Attendance of parliamentarians will be recorded through a mobile app. Session will commence from 14 September. It’s challenging for us amid pandemic but we’ve to prove ourselves to people to whom we are accountable.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Serum Institute of India pauses trials of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine

The Serum Institute of India, which has partnered with Oxford University and AstraZeneca in the development of a coronavirus vaccine, said that it has paused trials of the vaccine in India a day after its UK counterparts announced that they were also stopping trials.

Serum Institute of India said, “We are reviewing the situation and pausing India trials till AstraZeneca restarts the trials. We are following DCGI’s instructions and will not be able to comment further on trials.”

The development came after a volunteer in the human trials of the vaccine in the UK developed an “unexplained illness”, reports said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Don’t take coronavirus lightly; people need to wear face masks: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged people not to take coronavirus lightly and follow the rule of wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing till scientists develop a vaccine.

“I have certain expectations from you. That is to follow the rule of wearing a mask and Do Gaj ki Doori (a distance of two yards). Be safe and remain healthy. Take care of senior citizens in the family. These things are important. Do not take coronavirus lightly,” said Modi.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tripura Latest Updates

Tripura reports 535 more COVID-19 cases, six new deaths

As many as 535 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura on Thursday, pushing the state’s total to 17,274, a health official said.

Tripura’s coronavirus toll rose to 167 after six more patients succumbed to the infection, he said.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Health ministry issues guidelines on preventive measures during exams

Health Ministry issues Revised SOP (standard operating procedure) on preventive measures to be followed while conducting examinations to contain the spread of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/kIMfZlGnDH

— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

No lockdown in Bengal on 12 Sept : Mamata Banerjee

The West Bengal government cancelled the proposed lockdown on 12 September, in view of NEET 2020 examination scheduled on Sunday, said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The decision was taken to remove any travel related anxieties of students appearing for NEET, said Mamata.

The West Bengal government had declared lockdown in the state on 7, 11 and 12 September.

A large number of candidates had faced difficulty in reaching the exam centres during the JEE (Main) examination held from  1-6 September.

GoWB had initially announced a statewide lockdown on Sep 11th & 12th. Considering the NEET 2020 examination scheduled on 13th, we have received numerous requests from the student community on lifting lockdown norms on 12th, helping ease their travel to examination centres. (1/2)

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) September 10, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Five states contribute to 60% case load

Five states are contributing 60 percent of total coronavirus cases in India, according to reports. Maharashtra stood at the top with 21.6 percent cases. It is followed by Andhra Pradesh (11.8 percent), Tamil Nadu (11 percent), Karnataka (9.5 percent) and Uttar Pradesh at 6.3 percent.

Coronavirus in Mumbai Latest Updates

Mumbai Mayor tests positive for COVID-19

Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation at her residence. She also said in a Twitter post that she is not exhibiting symptoms and her household members are also being tested.

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

New York to mark 9/11 anniversary amid pandemic

With crime on the rise, shops and apartments increasingly vacant and homeless people on the sidewalks, New York on Friday will mark the 19th anniversary of the 11 September, 2001 terrorist attacks in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and a bitter fight with the White House.

The city will hold its annual ceremony in memory of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the bloodiest terrorist attack in US history. Instead of reading out the roll call of the dead, this year the families of victims have recorded themselves. But they will still be present at the “Ground Zero” memorial. The site museum will also open for the first time since the novel coronavirus brought the city to a standstill in March. 

Agence France Presse

Coronavirus Outbreak in Arunachal Pradesh LATEST Updates

147 new COVID-19 cases push Arunachal’s total to 5,545

As many as 147 people, including 17 security personnel, have tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the northeastern state’s total to 5,545 on Thursday, a senior health official said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra LATEST Updates

244 Maharashtra cops test COVID-19 positive in 24 hours

With 244 more cops in Maharashtra testing positive n the past 24 hours, the total number of confirmed cases in the police force climbed to 18,216 on Thursday. Four more deaths in the department took the toll to 184. 

“Total number of positive cases in the police force rise to 18,216, including 3,576 active cases, 14,3456 recoveries and 184 deaths till date,” said Maharashtra Police.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi LATEST Updates

Delhi Metro resumes operation of Red, Violet and Green lines after 172-day hiatus

Delhi Metro’s Red Line, Violet Line and Green Line resumed services on Thursday after being closed for 172 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

Yellow Line and Rapid Metro were the first to reopen on Monday, followed by Blue Line and Pink Line on Wednesday.

“Seven lines of the Delhi Metro network are now open! Thank you dear commuters for following the safety guidelines and helping us maintain good service. #MetroBackOnTrack,” the DMRC tweeted after the three new lines resumed services.

Services on Red Line, Violet Line and Green Line resumed at 7 am, officials said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

Check a visual comparison of COVID-19 situation in India, US

The United States remains the world’s worst-affected country, with deaths exceeding 190,000 and cases exceeding 6.3 million. Brazil is in second place in terms of deaths, but India is second in terms of total cases recorded.

The death of more than 1,100 COVID-19 patients in the past 24 hours saw India’s toll increase from 73,890 to 75,063 on Thursday, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Telangana LATEST Updates

Telangana registers 1.5 lakh COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 cases in Telangana crossed 1.5 lakh with the addition of 2,534 new infections while 11 more deaths pushed the toll to 927, the state government said.

The total number of infections in the state now stands at 1, 50,176 with 32,106 active cases, a government bulletin said on Thursday, providing data as of 8 pm on Wednesday.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 327, followed by Rangareddy (195), Nalgonda (149) and Medchal Malkajgiri (132) districts, the bulletin said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Jharkhand LATEST Updates

Jharkhand’s COVID-19 cases nears 57,000

After 1,601 more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Jharkhand, the overall count climbed to 56,897 on Thursday. The state’s COVID-19 toll was at 512 after nine more fatalities were registered.

“The fresh infections have taken the number of active cases in the state to 15,726, while 40,659 people have recovered from the disease so far,” according to the state health department.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra LATEST Updates

Thane records 1,964 new COVID-19 cases, 36 deaths

With the addition of 1,964 coronavirus positive cases, the overall count in Thane district of Maharashtra reached 1,38,393, an official said on Thursday. With the death of 36 patients, the fatality count in the district went up to 3,810 on Wednesday, the official added.

The recovery rate of Thane city dropped to 86.61 percent on Wednesday from 90 percent.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

More than 1,100 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours takes fatality rate to 1.68%

With the death of more than 1,100 COVID-19 patients in the past 24 hours, the toll increased from 73,890 to 75,063 on Thursday, according to latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

This takes the COVID-19 fatality rate to 1.68 percent.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

India’s COVID-19 recovery rate at 77.74%

Of the total confirmed COVID-19 cases there are 34,71,784 recoveries registered in India, according to the latest data released by the Union health ministry. This takes the recovery rate to 77.74 percent as on Thursday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

India records over 44.65 lakh COVID-19 cases

India registered 95,735 fresh COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours taking the overall count to 44,65,864 on Thursday, said the Union health ministry. The COVID-19 toll reached 75,062 with the death of 1,172 patients.

“Total case tally stands at 44,65,864 including 919018 active cases, 3471784 cured/discharged/migrated and 75062 deaths,” said the health ministry.

Coronavirus Outbreak in United States LATEST Updates

Over 750 Tennessee students, staff test COVID-19 positive

Tennessee reported on Wednesday that 756 students and staff have tested positive for the coronavirus at schools across the state, with more than half the districts reporting.

The Tennessee Department of Education said data on cases across all districts was supposed to be released Tuesday but was delayed because of technical difficulties.

Officials now hope to have full reporting from all districts by 22 September. The cases reported Wednesday include 514 students and 242 staff.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam LATEST Updates

Assam reports over 1.33 lakh COVID-19 cases

A total of 2,243 COVID-19 cases were reported in Assam on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases to 1,33,066 in the state, said Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The total number of cases includes 1,01,239 recoveries, 396 deaths and 31,428 active cases in the state.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India LATEST Updates

Over 5.29 cr COVID-19 samples tested: ICMR

At least 5,29,34,433 COVID-19 samples have been tested so far, said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), adding that over 11.29 lakh samples were tested on Wednesday alone.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Ladakh LATEST Updates

Forty fresh COVID-19 infections in Ladakh 

Ladakh registered 40 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday and 41 patients were cured and discharged, ANI quoted the Department of Information and Public Relations Leh, Ladakh as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates

Global COVID-19 toll crosses 9 lakh

The global toll from the coronavirus passed 900,000 on Wednesday since the respiratory disease first appeared in China last year, as worldwide cases exceeded 27.7 million, according to an AFP tally.

The United States remains the world’s worst-affected country, with deaths exceeding 1,90,000 and cases exceeding 6.3 million. Brazil is in second place with more than 1,27,000 deaths followed by India with nearly 74,000 dead.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Utttar Pradesh LATEST Updates

Three new COVID-19 deaths in Muzaffarnagar 

Three more women from Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district succumbed to novel coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the toll to 37, officials said. The three COVID-19 patients were under treatment at a hospital in Meerut.

The deceased include an 85-year-old woman from Muzaffarnagar city, 70-year-old woman from a village and a 50-year-old woman from Jansath town here, they said.

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates

Serum Institute gets DCGI notice over Oxford COVID-19 vaccine trial suspension in abroad

The central drug regulator has issued a show-cause notice to Serum Institute of India (SII) for not informing it about pharma giant AstraZeneca pausing the clinical trials of the Oxford vaccine candidate for COVID-19 in other countries and also for not submitting casualty analysis of the “reported serious adverse events”.

The show-cause notice was issued following reports that human trials of the most promising COVID-19 vaccine candidate, being developed by the University of Oxford, have been put on hold after a UK participant had an adverse reaction to it.

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates  

COVID-19 can directly invade brain, reveals new study 

Headaches, confusion and delirium experienced by some COVID-19 patients could be the result of the coronavirus directly invading the brain, according to a study published Wednesday.

The research is still preliminary – but offers several new lines of evidence to support what was previously a largely untested theory.

According to the paper, which was led by Yale immunologist Akiko Iwasaki, the virus is able to replicate inside the brain, and its presence starves nearby brain cells of oxygen, though the prevalence of this is not yet clear.

S Andrew Josephson, chair of the neurology department at the University of California, San Francisco, praised the techniques used in the study and said “understanding whether or not there is direct viral involvement of the brain is extraordinarily important.”

– AP

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra LATEST Updates  

With nearly 28,000 COVID-19 deaths in Maharashtra, fatality rate at 2.87%

Maharashtra reported 23,816 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday taking the overall count of confirmed cases in the state to 9,67,349.

According to a bulletin of Maharashtra Health Department, the COVID-19 toll stood at 27,787 after 325 deaths were reported on Wednesday. The case fatality rate is at 2.87 percent.