Coronavirus LATEST Updates: “Saturday and Sunday will see restrictions similar to lockdown. Only essential services and emergency travel to be allowed. There is a cap of 75 people indoor and 150 outdoor for marriages and a maximum of 50 people for funeral services,” Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan was quoted as saying by The Times of India. Union Minister of State Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said that the Centre has approved new manufacturing sites for the remdesivir drug, used in treatment of COVID-19 patients. Hospitals in several states have been facing a shortage of the drug, in addition to other medical resources like oxygen. “Very soon, 3 lakh vial/day will be produced . Monitoring is being done on daily basis. We would not leave any stone unturned to supply remdesivir,” he said. Dr Arvinder Singh Soin, a surgeon with the Medanta Hospital, the Reliance Foundation Hospital, and the Moolchand Healthcare Hospital, on Friday criticised the “oxygen politics” for creating a shortage of the crucial resource being used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Hospitals across the country, including in the National Capital, have been facing a severe shortage of medical oxygen and are tweeting SOS messages to the Centre to replenish their oxygen stocks before they run out. Several hospitals have moved the Delhi High Court over Thursday and Friday seeking urgent supply of oxygen for their COVID-19 patients. Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said that there has been no firm response from the Centre to the demand for uniform pricing of coronavirus vaccines. He also said that the Serum Institute of India has informed that it can provide Covishield vaccine to the state only after 24 May as the Centre has booked all the production till that date. Tope was speaking to reporters after participating in a virtual meeting held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the states worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic. “All the major states have demanded ‘one nation-one rate’ for vaccine, but received no firm response from the Centre,” he said. “We have examples of Israel or the UK where vaccination was carried out at a large scale. If the rates are reduced, we could buy more vaccines. If the demand is not met, the state will take responsibility of people under the poverty line only while others as well as corporates will have to take the vaccine on their own,” said the health minister. The Andhra Pradesh chief minister’s office released a statement saying a night curfew will be imposed from 24 April, and will be in force everyday from 10 pm to 5 am, reports said. The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to provide the COVID-19 vaccine free of cost to all above the age of 18, the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement on Friday. Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday called the new vaccination policy, which opened vaccination for people above the age of 18 and asked the state governments to procure the vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers, “unfair”. He demanded that the Centre must assist the state governments in funding the massive inoculation drive set to begin from 1 May. Five coronavirus patients undergoing treatment in the ICU of a private hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur city died allegedly after the stock of medical oxygen at the facility got over, a police official said on Friday. The incident took place during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday at Galaxy Hospital, PTI quoted City Superintendent of Police (Kotwali area) Dipak Mishra as saying. “Five COVID-19 patients died in the ICU of the hospital after the stock of the medical oxygen got over according to the family members of the deceased,” he said. The police personnel, who were patrolling the area reached the hospital at night on receiving a message about the outcry of family members outside the facility. “They complained that their loved ones died due to the lack of oxygen supply as the stock got exhausted,” the CSP said. The hospital was waiting for the supply of 10 oxygen cylinders late at night on Thursday, but the vehicle transporting them broke down. After review meetings on the availability of medical oxygen in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Centre is “working to reduce the travel time and turnaround time” of medical oxygen tankers, The Times of India reported. “For this, Railways has started Oxygen Express. Empty oxygen tankers are also being transported by the Air Force to reduce one way travel time,” the report added. During the meeting, Modi also all the states to “work together and coordinate” to provide medicines and oxygen to each other. With two more hospitals in the National Capital, Bram Healthcare and Batra Hospital, moving the Delhi High Court over the shortage of medical oxygen to treat their COVID-19 patients, the list of hospitals in the National Capital seeking relief from the court grew on Friday. The petition will be heard by Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli. Earlier in the morning ANI quoted the Director-Medical of the hospital as saying that ‘25 sickest patients died in past 24 hours at the hospital. Oxygen will last another two hours. Need Oxygen to be airlifted urgently.’ Laying the importance of a national COVID-19 plan, Arvind Kejriwal on Friday urged the Central government to give direction to chief ministers on ensuring smooth movement of oxygen tankers. The decision of the top court to take cognisance of the issue even as high courts have issued various directions to combat the mismanagement of the pandemic was heavily criticised by senior lawyers. Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 67,013. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh with 34,254 fresh infections, while Kerala reported 26,995 new cases, the heath ministry said. The number of people who have recuperated from the novel coronavirus surged to 1,36, 48,159 on Friday, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.15 percent, the health ministry stated. Registering a steady increase, the active cases increased to 24,28,616 on Friday comprising 14.93 percent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 83.92 percent. With the death of 2,263 more COVID-19 patients in the past 24 hours, the toll in the country crossed 1.86 lakh on Friday, said the Union health ministry. Earlier on Thursday, the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital had said their oxygen stock could last till 10 am on Friday. “Many more patients with high flow need got admitted to the hospital. Almost 40 patients are extra,” the official said. The incident comes as Maharashtra battles the second wave of coronavirus and witnesses an unprecedented surge in infections. Over 67,000 new infections wee reported on Thursday. The total number of vaccinations against COVID-19 has crossed 13.5 crore in the country with more than 30 lakh vaccine doses administered on Thursday till 8 pm, the health ministry said. The total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stood at 13,53,46,729, according to a provisional report compiled at 8 pm. The beneficiaries include 92,41,384 healthcare workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose, 59,03,368 HCWs who have taken the second dose, 1,17,27,708 frontline workers (FLWs) who have received the first dose and 60,73,622 FLWs who have taken the second dose. Besides, 4,55,10,426 and 18,91,160 beneficiaries in the 45-60 age group have taken the first and the second dose respectively, while 4,85,01,906 and 64,97,155 people aged above 60 have been administered the first and the second dose. A total of 30,16,085 vaccine doses were given on Thursday (till 8 pm), the 97th day of the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive. The beneficiaries included 18,33,828 who were vaccinated for the first dose and 11,82,257 who received the second dose, the ministry said, adding that the final report for the day would be compiled by late night. The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on 16 January with HCWs getting inoculated. The vaccination of FLWs started from 2 February. The next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 1 March for those above 60 years of age and people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. The vaccination of all citizens aged above 45 started from 1 April. On Monday, the government decided to expand the vaccination drive by allowing everyone above 18 years of age to be vaccinated from 1 May.
Coronavirus Updates: Kerala govt imposes weekend restrictions, only 'emergency travel' allowed
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: ‘There is a cap of 75 people indoor and 150 outdoor for marriages and a maximum of 50 people for funeral services,’ Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said read more
 "Coronavirus Updates: Kerala govt imposes weekend restrictions, only 'emergency travel' allowed")
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Kerala govt imposes weekend restrictions
“Saturday and Sunday will see restrictions similar to lockdown. Only essential services and emergency travel to be allowed. There is a cap of 75 people indoor and 150 outdoor for marriages and a maximum of 50 people for funeral services,” Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Prepare list of oxygen plants, revive closed units to augment supply: MHA to states
The Centre on Friday directed all states to prepare a list of oxygen producers in their respective jurisdiction and asked them to take steps for the revival of closed units to augment supply to meet the increased demand amid a surge in COVID-19 infections.
In a letter to states, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) also said that instances of vehicles carrying oxygen being stopped still continued and directed them to ensure uninterrupted supply and transport of the essential public health commodity. With a view to make available additional tankers for movement of oxygen, the home ministry is coordinating lifting of high capacity tankers from abroad, including Singapore and the UAE, by Indian Air Force transport planes.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Centre says 3 lakh vials of remdesivir to be produced per day
Union Minister of State Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said that the Centre has approved new manufacturing sites for the remdesivir drug, used in treatment of COVID-19 patients. Hospitals in several states have been facing a shortage of the drug, in addition to other medical resources like oxygen.
“Very soon, 3 lakh vial/day will be produced . Monitoring is being done on daily basis. We would not leave any stone unturned to supply remdesivir,” he said.
Since 12th April, 25 new manufacturing sites for #Remdesivir's production have been approved.
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 23, 2021
Production capacity is now ramped up to ≥90 lakhs vials per month, earlier it was 40 lakhs vials/month.(1/2)
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Bangalore Metro will stop trains on weekends, says report
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Friday said that it will not operate trains on weekends, in line with the Karnataka government’s weekend restrictions till 4 May, The Indian Express reported.
“However, during weekdays from Mondays to Fridays, trains will begin operations as usual at 7 am. However, the last service from terminal stations such as Nagasandra, Silk Institute, Mysuru Road, and Baiyappanahalli stations will begin at 7.30 pm. All trains operating during the last service daily, during weekdays, will have connection trains at the Kempegowda Metro Station at Majestic as well,” the report said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
China says ‘in communication’ with India to help combating second wave
China on Friday said it “firmly supports” the Indian government and the people in their fight against the coronavirus pandemic and is in communication with New Delhi on its offer to provide support and help to deal with the surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing that China expresses sincere sympathies to India over the deteriorating coronavirus situation in the country recently.
“The Chinese government and people firmly support the Indian government and people in fighting the coronavirus,” he said. “China is ready to provide support and help according to India’s need, and is in communication with the Indian side on this. We believe that the Indian people will defeat the virus at an early date,” Zhao added.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
‘Wasn’t trained for oxygen politics in med school’: Doctors react to shortages in hospitals
Dr Arvinder Singh Soin, a surgeon with the Medanta Hospital, the Reliance Foundation Hospital, and the Moolchand Healthcare Hospital, on Friday criticised the “oxygen politics” for creating a shortage of the crucial resource being used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Hospitals across the country, including in the National Capital, have been facing a severe shortage of medical oxygen and are tweeting SOS messages to the Centre to replenish their oxygen stocks before they run out. Several hospitals have moved the Delhi High Court over Thursday and Friday seeking urgent supply of oxygen for their COVID-19 patients.
Sorry but we weren't trained for Oxygen politics in medical school. Only how to save lives.
— Dr. Arvinder Singh Soin (@ArvinderSoin) April 23, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
France, EU express ‘solidarity’ as India faces second COVID-19 wave
As India battles a massive spike in coronavirus cases amid an oxygen shortage, the European Union (EU) and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the country on Friday and offered their support to it in dealing with the situation. “I want to send a message of solidarity to the Indian people, facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. France is with you in this struggle, which spares no-one. We stand ready to provide our support,” Macron said.
His message was posted on Twitter by French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain.
President of the European Council Charles Michel said India and the EU will discuss possible cooperation in fighting the pandemic at a virtual summit between the two sides on 8 May.
❝I want to send a message of solidarity to the Indian people, facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. France is with you in this struggle, which spares no-one. We stand ready to provide our support.❞
— French Embassy in India 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceinIndia) April 23, 2021
— President Emmanuel Macron
The #EU stands in solidarity with Indian people amidst resurgent #COVID19 pandemic.
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) April 23, 2021
The fight against the virus is a common fight.
We will discuss our support and cooperation at EU-India Leaders’ meeting on 8 May with @narendramodi and @antoniocostapm
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Real-time countrywide updates of COVID-19 resources:
With the hospitals facing severe shortages of a variety of medical resources required in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, citizens came together to collate and share resources on ICU/ventilator beds, oxgyen supply, remdesivir and other drugs, and plasma.
Click here for one such website with real-time updates of statewide resources.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Woman demands ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh after husband posted at Safdarjung hospital dies of COVID-19
A woman, whose husband was deployed as a guard in the OPD of Safdarjung Hospital during the pandemic and died due to COVID-19, has moved the Delhi High Court seeking ex gratia payment of Rs 50 lakhs in terms of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package.
Justice Prathiba M Singh issued notice to the Centre, Delhi government and New India Assurance Company Ltd seeking their stand on the woman’s plea which also seeks an insurance scheme for health workers fighting COVID-19, and Rs one crore in terms of the scheme of the Delhi government.
According to the petition, thewoman’s husband died due to COVID-19 on June 14 last year while deployed as a guard outside the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the Safdarjung Hospital.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Maharashtra to receive Covishield doses only after 24 May, says govt quoting SII
Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said that there has been no firm response from the Centre to the demand for uniform pricing of coronavirus vaccines. He also said that the Serum Institute of India has informed that it can provide Covishield vaccine to the state only after 24 May as the Centre has booked all the production till that date.
Tope was speaking to reporters after participating in a virtual meeting held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the states worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
“All the major states have demanded ‘one nation-one rate’ for vaccine, but received no firm response from the Centre,” he said. “We have examples of Israel or the UK where vaccination was carried out at a large scale. If the rates are reduced, we could buy more vaccines. If the demand is not met, the state will take responsibility of people under the poverty line only while others as well as corporates will have to take the vaccine on their own,” said the health minister.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Uddhav Thackeray demands addtional oxygen for Maharashtra
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday asked the Centre for additional supply of medial oxygen, adequate stock of vaccine doses and the permission to import remdesivir to tackle the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Uttarakhand also announces free vaccine for people over 18 yrs
Uttarakhand chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat on Friday announced that people in the 18-45 age group will be inoculated against COVID-19 for free in the state from 1 May.
Uttarakhand joined the ranks of states like Andhra Pradesh, among others, who have announced that people will not be charged for the vaccine doses.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Night curfew to be imposed in Andhra Pradesh from 24 April
The Andhra Pradesh chief minister’s office released a statement saying a night curfew will be imposed from 24 April, and will be in force everyday from 10 pm to 5 am, reports said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Andhra Pradesh to provide vaccine free of cost from 1 May
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to provide the COVID-19 vaccine free of cost to all above the age of 18, the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement on Friday.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Amarinder Singh terms onus on states to inoculate 18+ population as ‘unfair’
Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday called the new vaccination policy, which opened vaccination for people above the age of 18 and asked the state governments to procure the vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers, “unfair”.
He demanded that the Centre must assist the state governments in funding the massive inoculation drive set to begin from 1 May.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Haryana BKU says farmers shouldn’t be forced to get tested or vaccinated
Haryana BKU leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni has said there should be no compulsion on the protesting farmers to get themselves tested or vaccinated and if health workers tried to force them, they will not allow them to enter.
A few days ago, Haryana’s Home and Health Minister Anil Vij had said that the farmers sitting at Haryana’s borders with Delhi will be tested and vaccinated.
Sonipat, along with Gurgaon and Faridabad, is among Haryana districts which are witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases.
“If they try to force us, then we will not even allow them to enter (the protest site),” said Chaduni, adding that testing or vaccination should be left to farmers’ choice.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Harish Salve recuses himself as amicus curiae in SC’s suo motu case on medical shortages
The Supreme Court allowed senior advocate Harish Salve to withdraw as amicus curiae for the suo motu case related to the dearth of essential supplies and services, including oxygen, hospital beds, vaccine and drugs, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde, who is demitting office as the CJI Friday itself, however, said that it was pained at reading what some senior lawyers had to say on Salve’s appointment as amicus in the matter, adding that it was a “collective decision” of all the judges at the bench.
Salve then also mentioned that there is an allegation of conflict of interest while lamenting that the bar in India is divided on the basis of clients.
“I did not know our Bar is divided among industries we appear for. Please allow me to recuse with all humility. I appeared for Vedanta since I was informed ten minutes before mentioning…I don’t want any sideshow. The language of the narrative now is very different,” a report in Bar and Bench quoted Salve as saying.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Amarinder Singh orders recruitment of 400 nurses, 140 technicians
Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday ordered the immediate recruitment of 400 nurses and 140 technicians to government medical colleges.
“He will soon write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking direction to PGI Satellite Centres and Military Hospitals in Punjab to provide COVID-19 beds to citizens,” the CMO said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Uttar Pradesh records highest single-day spike for second consecutive day
Uttar Pradesh on Friday recorded the highest single-day spike of 37,238 COVID-19 cases, which took the total caseload to 10,13,370. Additionally, the toll rose to 10,737, with 196 new deaths in the state.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Five COVID-19 patients die due to oxygen shortage in MP’s Jabalpur
Five coronavirus patients undergoing treatment in the ICU of a private hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur city died allegedly after the stock of medical oxygen at the facility got over, a police official said on Friday. The incident took place during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday at Galaxy Hospital, PTI quoted City Superintendent of Police (Kotwali area) Dipak Mishra as saying.
“Five COVID-19 patients died in the ICU of the hospital after the stock of the medical oxygen got over according to the family members of the deceased,” he said.
The police personnel, who were patrolling the area reached the hospital at night on receiving a message about the outcry of family members outside the facility. “They complained that their loved ones died due to the lack of oxygen supply as the stock got exhausted,” the CSP said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
‘Industrial oxygen being diverted to meet immediate needs’: Narendra Modi
Addressing chief ministers on the availability of medical oxygen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Centre is making “continuous effort” to increase oxygen supply and production.
All concerned departments and ministries of government are also working together. Industrial oxygen has also been diverted to meet immediate requirements," The Times of India quoted the PMO as saying.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Railways, IAF roped in to aid oxygen supply, says Narendra Modi
After review meetings on the availability of medical oxygen in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Centre is “working to reduce the travel time and turnaround time” of medical oxygen tankers, The Times of India reported.
“For this, Railways has started Oxygen Express. Empty Oxygen tankers are also being transported by the Air-Force to reduce one way travel time,” the report added.
During the meeting, Modi also all the states to “work together and coordinate” to proide medicines and oxygen to each other.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Railways says coordinating to supply oxygen to Delhi
“States like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi have requested us for the movement of liquid oxygen by rail wagons. We are coordinating with the Delhi govt very closely. We have asked them to keep their tankers ready,” Suneet Sharma, Chairman Railway Board, was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Two more hospitals move Delhi HC over oxygen shortage
With two more hospitals in the National Capital, Bram Healthcare and Batra Hospital, moving the Delhi High Court over the shortage of medical oxygen to treat their COVID-19 patients, the list of hospitals in the National Capital seeking relief from the court grew on Friday.
The petition will be heard by Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Zydus Cadila’s antiviral drug receives emergency use approval from DCGI
Zydus Cadila’s antiviral drug ‘Virafin’ received emergency use approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for the treatment of moderate COVID-19 patients, reports quoted the company as saying on Friday.
“When administered early on during COVID, Virafin will help patients recover faster and avoid much of the complications. Virafin will be available on the prescription of medical specialist for use in hospital/institutional setup. In the multicentric trial conducted in 20-25 centers across India, Virafin had shown lesser need for supplemental oxygen, clearly indicating that it was able to control respiratory distress and failure which has been one of the major challenges in treating COVID-19. The drug has also shown efficacy against other viral infections,” the company said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Several hospitals in Gujarat’s Rajkot flag shortage in oxygen
Several COVID-19 hospitals in Rajkot district of Gujarat have said that they have been facing acute shortage of medical oxygen, with some of them even expressing fear that the paucity of this life-saving gas might even result in death of patients if the situation does not improve.
Ironically, the Gujarat government had recently claimed in the high court that adequate medical oxygen was available in the state. In Rajkot city, two critical patients admitted to Kundan Hospital died after the facility ran out of oxygen as alleged by their family members, even as the hospital management has denied the charge.
“The hospital did not have any oxygen for almost two hours during the night. Two COVID-19 patients lost their lives due to oxygen shortage. For the last three days, relatives have been arranging oxygen cylinders for the patients as the hospital was not interested,” a relative told reporters on Friday.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Centre, AIIMS issue new guidelines for care of COVID-19 patients
The Union Health Ministry has issued an updated ‘Clinical Guidance for Management of Adult COVID-19 Patients’, recommending emergency use authorisation of remdesivir for patients with moderate to severe diseases, requiring supplemental oxygen, within 10 days of onset of symptoms.
The guidelines issued by AIIMS, ICMR-COVID-19 National Task Force and the Joint Monitoring Group (DGHS) under the ministry stated that tocilizumab (a drug that modifies the immune system or its functioning) may be considered in patients with significantly raised inflammatory markers and not improving despite use of steroids with there being no active bacterial/fungal/tubercular infection.
They also recommended off-label use of convalescent plasma only in the early moderate disease, preferably within seven days of symptom onset, stating that “no use after seven days” and only on availability of high titre donor plasma.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Bengal BJP announces free vaccine if voted to power
The BJP in West Bengal promised free vaccines if the party is voted to power in the ongoing Assembly polls. This, after the saffron party and the Congress had labelled a similar promise made by the ruling TMC as a “gimmick”.
In January 2021, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had announced free vaccines for the Bengal electorate. In response, West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh had said, “The Centre has announced free priority vaccination for frontline workers across the country. The TMC government is trying to take credit of it. The state government would distribute the vaccines supplied by the Centre and say it is providing free inoculation, just like renaming other central schemes.”
As soon as BJP government comes to power in West Bengal, COVID-19 vaccine will be provided free of cost to everyone. pic.twitter.com/gzxCOUMjpr
— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) April 23, 2021
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Modi chides Arvind Kejriwal at COVID-19 review meet for ‘protocol break’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday while interacting with chief ministers of 10 states that have reported highest COVID-19 cases, interrupted Arvind Kejriwal to object ‘protocol break’ after the Delhi CM’s office televised the closed-door meeting.
“My belief is that if there is a national plan against COVID-19 then the centre and all state governments can work together in that direction. Our departed souls,” Kejriwal said, but stopped as Modi Modi cut in.
“What is happening is strictly against our tradition, our protocol… that some Chief Minister is showing a live telecast of an in-house meeting. This is not appropriate, we should always maintain restraint,” he chided the Delhi chief minister, who then apologized.
Kejriwal replied: “Ok sir, we will be careful in future.”
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Body of COVID-19 patient falls off moving ambulance in Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha
As India battles a second COVID-19 wave raising more fears about its overwhelmed health care system a video from Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha has emerged on social media where an ambulance can be seen taking away dead bodies when suddenly a body fell from the moving vehicle onto the road.
The video was shared on social media by many journalists. In Vidisha, people have alleged that dead bodies are not being handed over to them.
Shocking! In Vidisha people are alleging that dead bodies are not being handed over to them, an ambulance is taking away a deadbody people noticed after the dead body fell from the ambulance as the driver panicked! @ndtv @ndtvindia @manishndtv @GargiRawat pic.twitter.com/RGVkcM0bAt
— Anurag Dwary (@Anurag_Dwary) April 23, 2021
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Oxygen tanker headed from Panipat to Sirsa goes missing
A tanker carrying liquid oxygen, which was travelling from Panipat to Sirsa in Haryana, has gone missing after which police have registered a case and launched investigations. Panipat police said on Friday a case has been lodged on the complaint of district drug controller.
After being filled with liquid oxygen from Panipat plant on Wednesday, the truck had left for Sirsa, but it did not reach the destination, Station House Officer (SHO), Matlauda, Panipat, Manjeet Singh said. “We are investigating the matter,” he said. The demand for medical oxygen has escalated due to a surge in coronavirus cases.
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Rahul Gandhi blames Centre for oxygen shortage, lack of ICU beds
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Friday slammed the Centre over the prevailing COVID-19 crisis in the country and the oxygen shortage in several hospitals across cities. “Corona can cause a fall in oxygen level but it’s oxygen shortage and lack of ICU beds which is causing many deaths. GOI, this is on you.”
Corona can cause a fall in oxygen level but it’s #OxygenShortage & lack of ICU beds which is causing many deaths.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 23, 2021
GOI, this is on you.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Mamata alleges West Bengal’s oxygen being diverted to UP
The oxygen that was supposed to reach West Bengal has been diverted to Uttar Pradesh. The supply chain is being manupulated by BJP states. Where will we get our oxygen from," asked West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday.
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States must jointly negotiate uniform vaccine price with manufacturers: Chidambaram
Terming the Centre’s decision to allow multiple prices for vaccines “discriminatory”, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Friday suggested states to jointly form a price negotiation committee to work out a uniform rate with the manufacturers.
Chidambaram also accused the central government of having abdicated its responsibility and surrendering to corporate profiteering. “The central government’s decision to allow multiple prices for vaccines is discriminatory and regressive. States must unanimously reject the decision.
“The best way forward is for the state governments to jointly form a Price Negotiation Committee and offer to negotiate a uniform price with the two vaccine manufacturers,” the Congress leader said in a series of tweets.
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Amit Malviya slams Delhi CM over oxygen crisis
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya took a swipe at Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for raising concern over oxygen shortage in the National Capital during PM’s COVID-19 review meet on Friday.
“Arvind Kejriwal is a disaster. He goes to a meeting with the prime minister unprepared. He has no idea about things that have already been put in place to ease oxygen supply in the capital, was uninformed on vaccine prices. How will he save Delhi?
He is a disgrace as Delhi’s CM,” tweeted Malviya.
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Chairman of Ganga Ram Hospital denies report on death of patients from lack of oxygen
The chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Friday dismissed the media reports of “25 sickest patients” dying in the hospital in the past 24 hours due to lack of oxygen.
“False reports that they died due to lack of oxygen. When O2 pressure lowered in ICU beds, patients were given O2 manually. Didn’t let anyone die without oxygen,” said the chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
He further added, “Inox told us after getting state govt’s NOC, they’ll supply 9000-10,000 cubic meters of oxygen daily.”
Earlier in the morning ANI quoted the Director-Medical of the hospital as saying “25 sickest patients have died in past 24 hours at the hospital. Oxygen will last another two hours. Need Oxygen to be airlifted urgently.”
False reports that they died due to lack of O2. When O2 pressure lowered in ICU beds, gave patients O2 manually. Didn't let anyone die without O2. Inox told us after getting state govt's NOC, they'll supply 9000-10,000 cubic meters of O2 daily: Chairman, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital pic.twitter.com/CwEVHPKFwe
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2021
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Mamata skips Centre’s COVID-19 meet with CMs
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee skipped Friday’s meeting of CMs with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the COVID-19 situation, sources said.
Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay represented the state at the review meeting, which was held via video conference, they said.
Mamata had earlier skipped a few similar meetings as she was busy campaigning for the ongoing Assembly elections.
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Huge shortage of oxygen in Delhi, Kejriwal tells PM
With top hospitals in Delhi reporting an acute shortage of oxygen, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday raised the concern in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“There is a huge shortage of oxygen in Delhi. Will people of Delhi not get oxygen if there is no oxygen-producing plant here?” Kejriwal said.
Raising the issue of problems faced during transportation of oxygen tankers, Kejriwal said, “Please suggest whom should I speak to in Central government when an oxygen tanker destined for Delhi is stopped in another state.”
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COVID-19 national plan need of the hour, says Kejriwal
Laying the importance of a national COVID-19 plan, Arvind Kejriwal on Friday urged the Central government to give direction to chief ministers on ensuring smooth movement of oxygen tankers.
Speaking at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meet on COVID-19 situation, the Delhi chief minister also proposed that state governments must get COVID-19 vaccines at similar rates as Centre.
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People are dying from lack of oxygen, law and order no reason to stop reopening plant: SC to TN govt
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Tail Nadu Government to clarify its stand on reopening of sterlite plant of Vedanta Ltd, which was shut down for violation of environmental laws, to produce medical oxygen during the COVID-19 crisis.
Expressing discontent over state government’s opposition to re-open the plant citing law and order situation, the CJI said, “When people are dying, Tamil Nadu cannot say you cannot open because of law and order issue. It is not about Vedanta or any other company. State government cannot make such an argument.”
A Bench led by CJI SA Bobde has asked the state government to file its affidavit in the matter by Monday.
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Harish Salve recuses as amicus curiae from COVID-19 suo moto case in SC
Senior Advocate Harish Salve recused himself on Friday as the Amicus Curiae in the suo moto case on COVID-19 crisis taken up by the Supreme Court. The hearing was on issues related to oxygen supply, drug supply, vaccine policy in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I don’t want the case to be heard under a shadow that I was appointed because of my school friendship with the CJI. I did not know our bar was divided between advocates who appear for industries and against it. I don’t want aspersions to be cast”, stated Salve.
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Maharashtra, UP, Delhi and seven more states account for 75% of new COVID-19 cases
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Rajasthan reported 75.01 percent of the new COVID-19 cases registered in a day, the Union health ministry said on Friday.
India added a record 3,32,730 new coronavirus cases in a span of 24 hours, taking the country’s infection tally to 1,62,63,695, according to the data updated on Friday.
Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 67,013. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh with 34,254 fresh infections, while Kerala reported 26,995 new cases, the ministry said.
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SC begins hearing suo moto case on COVID-19 crisis
Supreme Court on Friday began hearing the suo motu cognisance case on COVID19 crisis and the rising cases. It will also examine the judicial power of high courts to declare lockdown in states..
A three-judge bench consisting of CJI SA Bobde, Justices L Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra Bhat, is hearing the case.
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AIIMS Delhi to stop contact tracing of exposed healthcare workers
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has decided to discontinue contact tracing of exposed healthcare workers and quarantine of asymptomatic contact amid the current COVID-19 situation that has led to insufficient resources and shortage of staff.
Only symptomatic healthcare workers (HCWs) will be tested and only those testing positive will be isolated and managed as per the clinical condition.
“In view of the current situation of COVID-19 leading to insufficient resources for contact tracing, and shortage of staff, the risk assessment and contact tracing of exposed HCW and quarantine of asymptomatic contacts should be discontinued. Only symptomatic HCW should be tested and only those testing positive be isolated and managed as per the clinical condition,” the AIIMS said.
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In Photos: With 3.32 lakh new COVID-19 cases, India reports highest daily surge
With a record single-day rise of 3,32,730 new coronavirus infections, India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,62,63,695, said the health ministry on Friday.The toll increased to 1,86,920 with a record 2,263 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Registering a steady increase, the active cases increased to 24,28,616 comprising 14.93 percent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 83. 92 percent.
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Modi begins COVID-19 review meeting with CMs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a COVID-19 review meeting on Friday with the chief ministers of states reporting maximum number of coronavirus cases.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a meeting with the Chief Ministers of high burden states, over the prevailing #COVID19 situation pic.twitter.com/u91CKrGOLJ
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2021
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PM condoles death of patients in Maharashtra hospital, offers Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for kin of victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday condoled the loss of lives in a blaze at a private hospital in Maharashtra’s Palghar district and approved an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the victims.
Thirteen COVID-19 patients died in the blaze at the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Virar, police said.
There were 90 patients in the hospital, 18 of them in the ICU, when the fire broke out after a blast in the AC unit, an official said. The dead include five women and eight men.
“The fire at a COVID-19 hospital in Virar is tragic. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” Modi was quoted as saying by the Prime Minister’s Office
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Oxygen supplies reach Max Hospital in Delhi’s Saket
An oxygen carrying vehicle reached Max Hospital, in Delhi’s Saket on Friday after the hospital sent an SOS to the Delhi government. “Another oxygen carrying vehicle has reached Max Smart Hospital,” said DCP South.
“We have received emergency supplies at Max Saket and Max Smart which will last another two hours. We are still awaiting more supplies, said the hospital in a statement.
SOS - Less than an hour's Oxygen supplies at Max Smart Hospital & Max Hospital Saket. Awaiting promised fresh supplies from INOX since 1 am. @drharshvardhan @msisodia @PMOIndia @ArvindKejriwal @PiyushGoyal @SatyendarJain over 700 patients admitted, need immediate assistance 🙏🏼
— Max Healthcare (@MaxHealthcare) April 23, 2021
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IAF roped in to transport oxygen tanks
Two IAF C-17 and IL-76 aircrafts were roped in to airlift big oxygen tankers from their place of use to the filling stations across the country to speed up the distribution of much needed oxygen.
#WATCH Indian Air Force (IAF) roped in to transport oxygen tanks#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/7TqLdwYOlh
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2021
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Canada bans passenger flights from India for 30 days due to COVID-19 surge
The Canadian government has banned all passenger flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days due to the unprecedented spike in COVID-19 cases in the region, the longest country-specific travel ban imposed by Canada.
The flight ban took effect from midnight Thursday, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said on Thursday.
A number of countries like the UK, Australia and Singapore have banned travel to and from India due to surge in coronavirus infections.
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India’s COVID-19 toll breaches 1.86 lakh
With the death of 2,263 more COVID-19 patients in the past 24 hours, the toll in the country crossed 1.86 lakh on Friday, said the Union health ministry. With this, the national fatality rate increased to 1.15 percent.
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India records 3.32 lakh new COVID-19 cases
In a record high, India registered at least 3.32 lakh fresh coronavirus infections and 2,263 fatalities in the past 24 hours, said the Union health ministry on Friday.
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Narendra Modi lines up three COVID-19 meetings today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday chair several crucial marathon meetings via video conference to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the country and ways to strengthen the virus containment strategy. The meetings were scheduled after the prime minister cancelled his election rallies in West Bengal.
Firstly at 9 am, an internal meeting will be held where Modi will review the Covid-19 related situation across the country. At 10 am, he will interact with the chief ministers of those states, which are severely hit by coronavirus pandemic.
Later at 12.30pm, he will hold a comprehensive meeting with some leading oxygen manufacturers from the country to review the oxygen supply.
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Russia to send oxygen and Remdesivir to India in next 15 days, says report
Russia has offered to supply medical oxygen and Remdesivir to India, reported the Economic Times on Friday. The imports are likely to begin in the next 15 days.
Moscow has said it can supply 300,000-400,000 Remdesivir injections per week, which would be increased. Talks are on to begin oxygen supplies by ship soon, officials said.
Hospitals in India have been reporting dwindling supplies of oxygen due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. Stocks of antiviral drug Remdesivir, used to treat the disease, have also been running out.
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Music composer Shravan Rathod dies at 66 after COVID-19 complications
Composer Shravan Rathod, of popular music director duo Nadeem-Shravan, passed away on 22 April due to COVID-19 related complications, his son said. Rathod was 66.
The composer was admitted to SL Raheja hospital in a “critical” condition after testing positive for COVID-19 . He breathed his last in the hospital.
“He passed away around 10.15 pm tonight. Please pray for his soul,” his son, musician Sanjeev Rathod, told PTI.
The musician had been under observation at the hospital for a few days.
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‘Two hours of oxygen left,’ Delhi’s Ganga Ram Hospital sends SOS
Oxygen storage in Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital will last for another two hours and lives of 60 critical patients will be at risk, said the Director-Medical of the hospital on Friday.
25 “sickest patients” have died in the past 24 hours at the Ganga Ram hospital in Delhi, a statement from the hospital said.
“25 patients have died in past 24 hrs at the hospital. Oxygen will last another two hours. Ventilators and Bipap not working effectively. Need Oxygen to be airlifted urgently. Lives of another 60 sickest patients in peril,” said the director-medical.
Last night this tanker containing 20 tons of oxygen helped 8 hospitals with urgent supplies- Gangaram, Ambedkar, Deep Chand, GTB, LNJP, Deen Dayal and Balaji.#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/sYHJvdRQfi
— Runjhun Sharma (@Runjhunsharmas) April 23, 2021
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UAE restricts travel from India as COVID cases surge
On a day when India recorded the world’s highest daily tally of 3,14,835 new COVID-19 infections, the UAE banned travel from the country for ten days.
The travel ban will come into effect from 11.59 pm on Saturday, 24 April, and is subject to review after 10 days, the Gulf News reported.
As per the new rules, passengers arriving from India will not be allowed to enter the UAE unless they have spent 14 days in other countries. However, departure flights will continue to operate and the ban will not extend to UAE citizens, diplomatic passport holders and official delegations.
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Maharashtra hospital fire toll rises to 13
Thirteen people have died after a fire broke out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) around 3 am on Friday. 21 patients including those in critical condition have been shifted to another hospital, said Dr Dilip Shah, official, Vijay Vallabh COVID care hospital, Virar.
Maharashtra | 13 people have died in a fire that broke out at Vijay Vallabh COVID care hospital in Virar, early morning today pic.twitter.com/DoySNt4CSQ
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2021
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At least 13 die in fire at ICU ward of COVID-19 hospital in Maharashtra
At least thirteen COVID-19 patients died in a fire at a hospital in Maharashtra’s Virar, about 70 km from state capital Mumbai. The fire broke out in the ICU of the hospital around 3 am, hospital officials said.
The incident comes as Maharashtra battles the second wave of coronavirus and witnesses an unprecedented surge in infections. Over 67,000 fresh cases were reported Thursday.
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