Coronavirus Live News Updates: No home quarantine in Assam for COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

Coronavirus Live News Updates

No home isolation for patients with comorbidities: Assam CM

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Friday directed the state health department to not allow home isolation to COVID-19 patients of any age group with comorbidities. Sarma also discussed the issue of fixing private hospitals’ rate for treatment against coronavirus.

The state reported 4,548 new COVID-19 cases and 54 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma directs state health department to not allow home quarantine to Covid patients of any age group with comorbidities

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 4, 2021

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Maharashtra reports 14,152 new cases, 289 deaths

Maharashtra reported 14,152 fresh coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, according to the health department bulletin issued on Friday evening. The state recorded 289 new deaths in the same duration, of which 24 were in Mumbai. 

The daily COVID-19 tally has dropped from Thursday when the state clocked over 15,000 new cases.

Maharashtra reports 14,152 new #COVID19 cases, 289 deaths and 20, 852 recoveries in the last 24 hours

Active cases: 1,96,894
Total cases: 58,05,565
Total discharges: 55,07,058 pic.twitter.com/mEX2FhHspP

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2021

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Modi reviews inoculation drive, asks officials to reduce vaccine wastage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while reviewing the progress of India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, Friday asked officials to implement measures to bring down vaccine wastage.

“Government of India is actively working with vaccine manufacturers ad helping them in terms of facilitating more production units, financing and supply of raw materials,” the PMO said.

A statement released by the prime minister’s office said that the PM was briefed about the current availability of vaccines and roadmap for ramping it up. He was also apprised about the efforts undertaken to help various vaccine manufacturers ramp up production of vaccine.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Assam issues revised COVID-19 containment SOP

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) Friday issued a revised directive to control the movement of people in the state in view of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The order will be applicable throughout the state from 5 am on 6 June (Sunday) and will remain in force till 5 am on 16 June.

The directives will be applicable for both urban and rural areas across the state. According to the new order: 

1. There shall be total ban on movement of individuals from 1 pm to 5 am daily.

2. Restaurants and other eateries can entertain dine-in guests only up to 12 noon. Takeaway of food is allowed till 1 pm after which only home delivery of food will be allowed.

3. All inter-district transport services and movement of people to and from other districts shall remain suspended

New Covid-19 containment SOP issued by ASDMA effective from June 6th till 0500 Hrs June 16th 2021. Please cooperate with agencies of @mygovassam and @assampolice pic.twitter.com/GVRAx09Fn3

— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) June 4, 2021

Coronavirus Live News Updates

No decision on indemnity to foreign or Indian vaccine makers yet: Centre

No decision on granting indemnity to any foreign or Indian Covid vaccine-manufactures has been taken yet, the government said Friday, underlining these decisions are to be taken “in the interest of nation and people”. NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr VK Paul’s statement came over the issue of offering indemnity to Indian COVID-19 vaccine-manufacturers.

He said the issue has come up in the context of foreign companies, specifically Pfizer, and that the government is engaging with the US pharma major and others making such a demand.

“In principle, they (foreign manufacturers) expect indemnity to be given. This is what they have said has been the case all over the world. We have also checked with other countries and the World Health Organization. Yes, indeed they have supplied vaccines only after such indemnities have been given. This appears to be the fact. Particular companies have requested and we are in negotiation with them but there is no decision at the moment,” Paul said.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

SII gets DGCI’s nod to manufacture Sputnik V in India

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to the Serum Institute of India (SII) to manufacture the Sputnik COVID-19 vaccine in India for examination, test and analysis.

The Pune-based firm has collaborated with Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow in Russia for developing Sputnik V at its licensed Hadapsar facility.

“The DCGI has granted permission to the Serum Institute to manufacture the Sputnik Covid-19 vaccine in India for examination, test and analysis at its licensed Hadapsar facility with certain conditions,” an official source said.

The company had submitted an application to the DCGI in this regard on Thursday.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Over 33 lakh vaccines registered in 24 hrs: Centre

More than 33 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in India on Friday till 7 pm, as per latest data released by the Union health ministry. 

With that, the cumulative number of vaccine doses administered in the country reached 22.75 crore as on the 140th day of the vaccination drive (4 June). Of the total, over 2.59 crore beneficiaries belonged in the 18-44 age bracket.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Assam govt halts first dose of Covaxin due to shortage, says minister

The Assam government has stopped administering the first dose of Covaxin due to its shortage, and will accord priority to 1.50 lakh people who are due for the second dose of the jab, a state minister said on Friday.

The current stock of Covaxin in the state is 20,000 but “we will get 50,000 more doses within the next few days”, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Keshab Mahanta said.

He also urged those who are slated for the second dose to not panic as the gap between the two doses has been increased from 28 to 42 days, and said they will be inoculated within the stipulated time.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

BMC rejects nine vaccine supply bids; in talks with Dr Reddy’s for Sputnik V

All nine proposals received for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines for Mumbai have been rejected for lack of necessary documents, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Friday.

The civic body is now in talks with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, the distributor of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, and the firm has agreed to supply some doses on an experimental basis before June-end, it said in a statement. On 12 May, the civic body had invited global `Expression of Interest’ for supplying one crore vaccine doses.

The deadline was extended twice, on May 18 and May 25, before 10 suppliers submitted proposals. But one of them withdrew from the race before the deadline of 1 June, 2021.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Kerala reports 16,229 new cases, 135 deaths

Kerala logged 16,229 new COVID-19 cases and 135 deaths on Friday, taking the infection count in the state to 25,71,057 and the toll to 9,510. State health minister Veena George said the state had tested 1,09,520 samples and the test positivity rate was 14.82 percent. Meanwhile, 25,860 people recuperated from the disease, taking the total cured in the state to 24,16,639.

“Out of those found infected today, 89 reached the state from outside while 15,160 contracted the disease through their contacts.The source of infection of 913 are yet to be traced, while 67 are health workers,” the minister said in a release. Currently, there are 1,74,526 people under treatment for COVID-19 in the state.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Sikkim reports 353 new COVID-19 cases, 3 fatalities

Sikkim’s COVID-19 tally rose to 16,518 on Friday as 353 more people tested positive for the infection, while three fresh fatalities pushed the death toll in the Himalayan state to 266, a health bulletin said.

East Sikkim registered the highest number of new cases at 177, followed by West Sikkim (104), South Sikkim (65) and North Sikkim (7). Sikkim now has 4,250 active cases, while 11,766 people have recovered from the disease and 236 patients have migrated to other states so far.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Telangana logs 2,175 COVID-19 cases, 15 deaths

Telangana on Friday reported 2,175 COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to over 5.87 lakh, while 15 deaths took the toll to 3,346. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with253, followed by Nalgonda (178) and Khammam (144), a health department bulletin said.

Recoveries outnumbered the number of fresh cases with 3,821 people testing negative for the virus, taking the total number to 5,53,400. Active cases stood at 30,918. The total number of cumulative cases stood at5,87,664.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Delta variant counted for 60% of Delhi cases in April: Study

The rapid surge in cases during Delhi’s fourth COVID-19 wave was mainly driven by the Delta variant, which likely has immune-evasion properties and counted for 60 percent of the cases in April, according to a new study.

The Delta variant, B.1.617.2, is 50 percent more transmissible than the Alpha variant, B1.117, first discovered in the UK, say researchers from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB).

Prior infections, high seropositivity, and partial vaccination are insufficient impediments to the spread of the Delta variant, found the scientists. They traced the factors contributing to the scale and speed of the fourth wave that started in April in Delhi and compared them to the preceding three waves last year.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Goa sees 576 new COVID-19 cases, 17 deaths

With the addition of 576 new cases of coronavirus, the tally of infections in Goa reached 1,58,423 on Friday, an official from the state health department said. Apart from this, 17 patients died of the infection during the day, raising the toll to 2,727, he said.

The count of recoveries rose to 1,46,597 after 1,160 patients were discharged from hospitals, leaving the coastal state with 9,099 active cases, the official said. With 4,086 swab samples tested during the day, the total number of tests conducted in the state has gone up to 8,38,789, he added.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

NIOS cancels Class 12 exams in view of COVID-19

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has cancelled its Class 12 examination in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ announced on Friday.

“Keeping the safety and security of our students on priority, NIOS cancels class 12 examinations. Students will be evaluated based on objective criteria to be announced soon. This will benefit around 1.75 lakhs students,” the Minister tweeted.

According to S.K. Prasad, Director (Evaluation, NIOS), students who are not satisfied with the assessment will be given the option to appear in a public examination or an On-Demand Examination (ODE) when the situation becomes conducive.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Delhi reports 523 new cases, 50 deaths

Delhi recorded 523 fresh COVID-19 cases and 50 fatalities on Friday, while the positivity rate stood at 0.68 percent, according to data shared by the health department here. According to the latest health bulletin, these new fatalities pushed the toll due to COVID-19 here to 24,497.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Pfizer vaccine expected soon, likely to be available for children too, says AIIMS chief

All India Institute of Medical Sciences chief Randeep Guleria has said that the coronavirus vaccine developed by pharmaceutical company Pfizer is expected to be available soon in India for adults, as well as children, News18 reported on Friday. The company is in talks with the Centre to roll out five crore doses between July and October this year.

In an interview to the news channel, Guleria said that emergency approvals have been granted to vaccines in the past based on clearances given by regulatory agencies of foreign countries and the World Health Organization.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Andhra Pradesh logs 10,413 new cases, 15,469 recoveries

Maintaining a steady rate of decline, Andhra Pradesh added 10,413 fresh cases of coronavirus in the 24 hours ending 9 am on Friday. At the same time, the infection recovery rate continued on an upward trajectory as 15,469 more patients got cured in a day.

The latest bulletin said 83 patients died of Covid-19 in the state in 24 hours. The state’s Covid-19 chart now showed 17,38,990 total positives, 15,93,921 recoveries and 11,296 deaths so far. The number of active cases came down to 1,33,773 now, the bulletin said.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Rajasthan governor asks govt to probe COVID-19 vaccine ‘wastage’

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra on Friday asked the state government to conduct a high-level inquiry into media reports on the alleged wastage of Covid vaccines. Mishra wrote a letter to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, drawing his attention towards news reports about the wastage of vaccines and seeking a high-level inquiry in the matter, an official release said.

He also asked the government to prepare an effective action plan to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the state and take action to make use of each dose of the vaccine as a protective shield for each person, the release added.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Punjab govt recalls order to supply vaccines to private hospitals

Soon after the Centre pulled up the Punjab government of selling Covaxin doses at over and above the prices they were procured from the Centre triggering allegations of ‘vaccine profiteering’, the order was withdrawn by the state government.

The Punjab government has now withdrawn the stock of controversial vaccines supplied to private hospitals. Principal Secretary Hussan Lal said that the government had supplied 40,000 doses and only less than 1,000 were administered by the private hospitals, reports News18 . “We have taken back the remaining stock," he said.

The order of providing one time limited vaccine doses to 18-44 years age group population through private hospitals is withdrawn. Private hospitals should return all vaccine doses available with them: Punjab Government pic.twitter.com/BXnNVgiB8o

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2021

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Priyanka Gandhi asks Centre to give injections for treatment of black fungus for free

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Friday asked the Centre to give injections for the treatment of mucormycosis, or “black fungus”, for free. She also asked the government to bring the fungal infection under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

म्यूकोर माइकोसिस (ब्लैक फंगस) के इंजेक्शन को लेकर गुहार मची हुई है।’दुनिया का दवाखाना’ की उपलब्धि होने के बाद भी हमें इस आपदा में बार-बार दवाइयों की कमी हुई है।

ज़िम्मेदार कौन है?

इंजेक्शन महँगा है, आयुष्मान योजना में कवर नहीं होता।

मोदीजी, कृपया इस दिशा में तुरंत कदम उठाइए। pic.twitter.com/bnc868diy7

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) June 4, 2021

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Bombay HC directs Maharashtra govt to pull up hospitals denying admission to COVID-19 suspects

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to take strict action against hospitals and medical centres that deny admission to deserving patients merely over lack of a positive RT-PCR COVID-19 test report.

In an order passed on Wednesday, a bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni said the state authorities must act against hospitals and medical centres that flouted guidelines issued by the state and Centre last month on admitting suspected COVID-19 patients.

The bench was referring to circulars issued by the state government and the Union government on 17 May and 8 May, respectively. The circulars direct hospitals or medical centres to not deny admission or medical aid to any patient on any count.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

India has to buy time to ensure high coverage of vaccination is achieved: Govt

India has to buy time to ensure that high coverage of vaccination against COVID-19 is achieved, the government said on Friday. If the containment measures, COVID-19 appropriate behaviour or vaccination pace slackens, cases can rise again, it said.

Data sharing is going on with the WHO to give recognition to Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, the government said, adding that India was pursuing it and wanted to achieve it as soon as possible.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Jharkhand reports 10 more COVID-19 deaths, 427 new cases

Jharkhand reported 10 more COVID- 19 fatalities pushing the death toll to 5,021 while the coronavirus tally climbed to 3,39,930 as 427 more people tested positive for the infection, a health department bulletin said on Friday.

Ranchi, East Singhbhum and Simdega districts reported two deaths each followed by one death each from Bokaro, Dhanbad, Hazaribag and Ramgarh. Jharkhand now has 7,537 active COVID-19 cases, while 3,27,372 patients have recovered from the virus.

Altogether, 86,48,503 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in Jharkhand, including 51,125 on Thursday, it added. However, the mortality rate remained at 1.47 percent, higher than the national average of 1.20 percent.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

No decision yet on indemnity for vaccine manufactures, says health ministry

Addressing a press conference, NITI Aayog Member VK Paul said a decision on indemnity the issue for either foreign or local vaccine manufacturers was yet to be made. Paul said that the virus has been suppressed for the time being but it had the potential to pose a problem in the future. “We have to buy time to cover our population,” he said while stressing on the need to vaccinate the maximum possible population, reports The Hindu.

This comes after vaccine manufacturers  Moderna and Pfizer said they are ready to supply their COVID-19 vaccines to India provided the Government of India gives them indemnity against any liabilities from the usage of their vaccines.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Over 60% elderly population received at least one dose so far, says Centre

“Over 60% of elderly population has received at least one dose of COVID19 vaccine,” the Union health ministry said on Friday. 

“As per Our World in Data, the number of people who have received at least one dose of vaccine in India is 17.2 crore. We have overtaken the US in terms of the number of people in our country who have received the first dose of vaccine,” sadi Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

UK regulator approves Pfizer vaccine for 12 to 15 year age group

Britain’s medicines regulator said Friday the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is safe for adolescents aged 12 to 15 after a “rigorous review”, following similar assessments in the EU and US, reports AFP

“We have carefully reviewed clinical trial data in children aged 12 to 15 years and have concluded that the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective in this age group and that the benefits of this vaccine outweigh any risk,” said June Raine, head of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

#BREAKING UK regulator approves Pfizer vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds pic.twitter.com/YcoZLxlEzT

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 4, 2021

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Consistent increase in recovery rate, says Centre

The Union Health Ministry on Friday said that there has been a consistent increase in recovery rate which currently stands at 93.1 percent.  “There has been a continuous decrease in districts reporting more than 100 average daily new cases,” Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry said during a briefing on the Covid-19 situation.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Almost 68% decline in cases since peak on 7 May, says Centre

“Less than two lakh cases since 28 May, an almost 68 percent decline in cases since the highest reported peak on 7 May, the Union health ministry said on Friday. It also stated that 66 percent of cases were from 5 states.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

377 districts seeing less than 5% positivity rate, says Centre

Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry, on Friday during a routine media presser on the COVID19 situation said that there has been a continuous decrease in districts reporting more than 100 average daily new cases. “257 districts reporting more than 100 daily cases,” he said.

“There has been a consistent increase in recovery rate, currently at 93.1 percent,” he added. He highlighted that 377 districts have been reporting less than five percent case positivity currently.

WATCH LIVE📡

Media briefing by @MoHFW_INDIA on current #COVID19 situation in the country at National Media Centre, #NewDelhi#Unite2FightCorona #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/NQI1U2hYZi

— #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) June 4, 2021

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Visas of stranded foreigners extended till 31 August

The visas of foreign nationals, stranded in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have been extended by the government till August 31 on gratis basis or free of charge.

The Union Home Ministry said that due to the non-availability of normal commercial flight operations on account of the pandemic since March, 2020, a number of foreign nationals who came to India prior to that date on valid Indian visas got stranded in the country.

Keeping in view the difficulties being faced by such foreign nationals in getting their visas extended due to the lockdown, the Home Ministry had issued an order on June 29, 2020 conveying that the Indian visa or stay stipulation period of such foreign nationals expiring post 30 June, 2020 shall be deemed to be valid until 30 more days from the date of resumption of normal international flight operations, on gratis basis.

However, such foreign nationals have been applying for an extension of their visas or stay stipulation period on a monthly basis, the Home Ministry said in a statement.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Kerala govt presents ‘health-oriented’ budget, announces Rs 20,000 crore COVID package

Announcing a COVID revival package of Rs 20,000 crore, the second Pinarayi Vijayan government on Friday presented a ‘health-oriented’ budget promising food, livelihood and free vaccination to all besides making significant allocations to agriculture and poverty eradication.

An additional Rs 1,500 crore was earmarked for providing free vaccination to all aged above 18 years and purchasing allied equipment for the inoculation drive, a proclaimed policy of the Left government which came to power after achieving a resounding victory in the April 6 assembly polls.

A six-pronged strategy was announced to tide over the pandemic-induced ‘health emergency’ in Kerala and prepare it to fight against the possible third wave of the virus infection in future. Despite the state reeling under acute financial crisis, Finance Minister K N Balagopal opted not to impose any fresh taxes in his maiden budget for the 2021-22 fiscal.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Pfizer jab produces less antibodies against Delta variant of COVID: Lancet study

People fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are likely to have more than five times lower levels of neutralising antibodies against the Delta variant first identified in India compared to the original strain, according to research published in The Lancet journal.

The study also shows that levels of these antibodies that are able to recognise and fight the virus are lower with increasing age, and that levels decline over time, providing additional evidence in support of plans to deliver a booster dose to vulnerable people.

It supports current plans in the UK to reduce the dose gap between vaccines since they found that after just one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, people are less likely to develop antibody levels against the B.1.617.2 variant as high as those seen against the previously dominant B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant, first found in Kent.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Goa govt targets to inoculate entire population in 18-44 age group by 30 July

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said the state has set a target of vaccinating the entire population in the age group of 18 to 44 years by July 30.
Speaking to reporters here, the chief minister urged citizens eligible for vaccination to cooperate and get themselves inoculated.

“I want people who are eligible for vaccination to get themselves inoculated. Goa has set a target of July 30 to vaccinate the entire population in the age group of 18 to 44 years,” he said.

“I want Goa to be the first state in the country to complete 100 percent vaccination (for the people above 18 years),” Sawant said.

The state has prioritised phase-wise vaccination for parents with young children, differently-abled, seafarers, operators of motorcycle taxis, taxis, and rickshaws, the chief minister said.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Gujarat allows offices to function at 100% staffing from 7 June

The private and government offices will be allowed to function with 100 percent staffing from 7 June, the Gujarat government said on Friday.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Centre caps price of oxygen concentrators

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped the trade margin for oxygen concentrators at 70 percent, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said on Friday.

“NPPA has capped the trade Margin up to 70 percent on price to distributor (PTD) level on oxygen concentrators,” the ministry said.

The order will be applicable up to 30 November this year, subject to review. The ministry said that the trade margin rationalisation approach has been taken keeping in mind the need for oxygen due to the pandemic, invoking extraordinary powers under Para 19 of the DPCO, 2013.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Ashok Gehlot asks Centre for timely supply of black fungus drug

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday asked the Centre to supply Amphotericin B injections used for the treatment of black fungus in a time-bound manner.  “Like Remdesivir injections, the Central government has taken the responsibility of allocating Amphotericin B injection to states. But the states are not getting the injections on time which is causing a lot of trouble to the patients,” he said in a tweet in Hindi.

“If this injection is given to the patient in time, then their life can be saved,” he added. 

Gehlot appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan to ensure the availability of Amphotericin B injections so that patients can be treated on time.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Ladakh reports 113 fresh COVID-19 cases, two deaths

Ladakh has recorded two more coronavirus-related fatalities and 113 fresh cases, taking the infection tally to 18,854 and the death toll to 193, officials said on Friday. Both deaths have been reported from Leh. Leh has so far registered 139 fatalities and Kargil 54, officials said, quoting a bulletin released by the directorate of health services.

Out of the new cases, 91 were recorded in Leh and 22 in Kargil, they said. The total number of COVID-19 active cases in Ladakh has come down to 1,505, including 1,290 in Leh and 215 in Kargil district.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Delhi HC seeks stands of Centre, govt on plea for CBI probe into deaths at Jaipur Golden Hospital

The Delhi High Court on Friday sought the stand of the Centre and the city government on a plea seeking a CBI probe into the death of 21 Covid patients at the Jaipur Golden Hospital here last month allegedly due to oxygen shortage.

Justice Rekha Palli issued a notice to the Union ministries of home and health and the Delhi government seeking their response by August 20 on the plea filed by the families of some patients who died on the intervening night of 23 and 24 April.

The plea, filed through advocate Utsav Bains, contends that the cause of death of the patients was respiratory failure due to insufficient supply of oxygen and not comorbidities, as stated by a Delhi government committee in its report.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Four-member panel formed to look into deaths due to shortage of oxygen: Manish Sisodia

The Delhi government has formed a four-member expert committee to look into the deaths due to the shortage of oxygen during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and is awaiting the lieutenant governor’s approval, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said on Friday. During the second wave of coronavirus, there was an oxygen crisis and there were reports that the oxygen shortage led to deaths at some hospitals, Sisodia said in an online briefing.

“We took the issue seriously and took a decision to form a four-member committee to look into the matter. It is a committee comprising medical experts. We have sent the file for the L-G’s approval,” he said.

“This committee will meet twice a week and will look into each case and decide whether the death happened due to the shortage of the life saving gas. As soon as the L-G approves the file, this committee will start functioning,” he said.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Odisha cancels Class 12 exam

The Odisha government on Friday cancelled the Class 12 board examination conducted by Council of Higher Secondary Education this year, in view of the ongoing pandemic situation.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Odisha reports 7,729 new COVID cases, 39 more deaths

Odisha on Friday reported 7,729 new COVID-19 cases and 39 more deaths, a Health Department official said. The state has so far recorded 7,98,699 cases and 2,912 deaths, he said. In the last 24 hours, 10,343 people recovered, taking the total recoveries to 7,13,055.

There are 82,679 active cases in the state at present, the official said. Of the new infections, 4,331 were detected at the quarantine centres and the rest 3,398 were local contact cases.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Kerala allots Rs 1,000 cr to buy vaccines for 18-45 age group

Rs 1000 cr set apart to purchase vaccines for those aged above 18 yrs, Rs 500 cr to procure allied equipment, Rs 50 cr for special isolation blocks for infectious diseases in medical colleges & 10-bed isolation ward in hospitals & special pediatric ICUs: Kerala Finance Minister

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Kerala announces Rs 20,000 crore to address health, economic issues due to second wave

“In the early days of pandemic, a package of Rs 20,000 crore was announced. In wake of second wave, another package of Rs 20,000 crore is being announced to address emerging health, social, and economic challenges,” said Kerala finance minister KN Balagopal during the Budget announcement in Assembly.

“The package provides Rs 2,800 crores for health emergencies, Rs 8,900 crores for direct disbursement to people and Rs 8,300 crores for various loans and interest subsidies aimed at financial revival,” he added.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Indian scientists innovating at same pace as international bodies: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday at the CSIR meeting said that Indian scientists were on par with the international science community in innovation. Modi also lauded scientists at the CSIR meeting for making made-in-India Covid vaccine in a year.

“India used to wait for years to get hold of innovations achieved outside, now our scientists working at same quick pace,” he said.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Delta variant ‘primary’ cause behind second COVID-19 wave, says NCDC

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and INSACOG were quoted by The Times of India on Friday said that the Delta variant of COVID-19, which was first detected in India, was the primary cause behind the second wave.

“B.1.617 variant and its lineage B.1.617.2 were primarily responsible for surge in cases with high transmissibility of 50 percent, more than Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), as per study by INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequencing Consortia ) & National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),” the report said.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Narendra Modi addresses scientists, researchers at CSIR

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the faculty at CSIR and lauded the progress made by scientists in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the CSIR society meeting. https://t.co/mjk9YyDYrP

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2021

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Punjab govt responds to SAD’s accusation on vaccine distribution:

“I don’t have control over vaccines. I just look over treatment, testing, sampling of COVID-19 and vaccination camps.  We will definitely set up an inquiry, I can inquire the matter myself,” said Punjab health minister BS Sidhu on SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s allegation.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Karnataka announces decision to hold Class 10 exams in July

Karnataka primary and secondary education minister S Suresh Kumar on Friday said that the state government will hold Class 10 examinations in the third week of July. Meanwhile, the government cancelled second year PUC exams.

“No student will fail in class 10th and 12th. Evaluation will be according to grades,” Kumar said.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

Over 1.93 cr vaccine doses available with states, UTs: Centre

The Union Health Ministry on Friday said that over 24 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been provided to the states and UTs so far.

“More than 1.93 crore doses still available with states/UTs to be administered,” the statement added.

Coronavirus Live News Updates

US says 25 mn vaccines set to be distributed ‘imminently’

“25 mn (vaccines) will go out imminently. Distribution depends on manufacturer, but it’s not as simple as putting stamp on envelope & sending it around world. There’re logistical challenges but we’re moving quickly to get them to destination countries,” said US State Department spokesperson Ned Price.

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Rahul Gandhi calls for protection against violence for doctors

Doctors need protection from Coronavirus as well as BJP governments’ callousness.

Save the saviours!

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 4, 2021

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Arvind Kejriwal to review preparation for third wave today

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called two meetings on Friday to discuss preparations for the possible third wave of coronavirus. “The CM will meet the expert committee at 11 am and the  preparation committee at 3 pm, the CM’s office said in a tweet. 

The Delhi government had on 27 May set up a 13-member committee to prepare an action plan for a possible third wave of COVID-19 after assessing the current status and projected requirement of the health infrastructure such as hospitals, oxygen plants and drug supplies in the city.

Another eight-member expert committee was set up to devise a strategy for mitigation and management of the third wave of COVID-19.

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Active COVID-19 cases are 16.35 lakh: Centre

Total cases: 2,85,74,350
Total discharges: 2,65,97,655 
Toll: 3,40,702 
Active cases: 16,35,993 

Total vaccination: 22,41,09,448

Coronavirus Live News Updates

India reports 1.32 lakh new COVID-19 cases today

The Union Health Ministry’s update on Friday said that India reported 1.32 lakh new cases, 2,713 new deaths, and 2.07 lakh new recoveries in the last 24 hours.

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SAD accuses Punjab govt of selling vaccines to private hospitals

SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday accused the Punjab government of selling COVID-19 vaccine to private hospitals.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is available but the Punjab government is selling it to private hospitals. Punjab government is getting vaccines at Rs 400 but selling them to private hospitals at Rs 1060. And private hospitals is administering vaccine on higher prices,” he added.

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ICMR says 20.75 lakh COVID-19 tests conducted yesterday

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that as many as 35,74,33,846 samples have been tested in the country so far, including 20,75,428 samples tested on Thursday.

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India’s vaccine production capacity can be ‘game-changer’: US

The US State Department on Friday said that India’s vaccine manufacturing capacity can be a “game-changer” beyond its borders.

“The increased manufacturing capacity in India, volume of capacity that is – has the potential to be a game-changer beyond India’s borders and that’s precisely why this arrangement was reached and announced in the context to Quad,” said spokesperson Ned Price.

“We’ve spoken of focus on increased manufacturing in India but also bilateral support provided as means to help. A 100 million dollars, hundreds of millions of dollars in total – half-billion dollars, I believe, 500 million – been put towards this, including by the US government.

“Secretary Blinken, Gayle Smith, Kurt Campbell and others have led effort to galvanize private sector to chip in. Together between US government contributions nd private sector contributions, we’ve seen half a billion dollars in support go to India in its time of need,” he added.

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Academics write open letter to Opposition on preparations for COVID-19 third wave

More than 185 academics, including noted historians Romila Thapar and Irfan Habib and economist Kaushik Basu, have written an open letter to the Opposition parties suggesting to use their influence to ensure the Central and state governments prepare for a possible third wave of the coronavirus.

Noting that the visuals of deceased lying on roads during the second wave and bodies floating in rivers have pricked the world’s collective conscience, they said it was heartwarming that amidst the pandemic, most political parties are “willing to work in a non-partisan manner in the peoples’ interest”.

“Yet, despite the offer to cooperate and work with the Union government, it is shocking that the Government of India has neither welcomed the suggestions, nor created a truly national task force comprising all parties, state governments, experts and civil society to tackle the unprecedented situation India is facing,” it said.