Coronavirus Updates: Narendra Modi directs officials to work closely with state govts to start oxygen plants at earliest

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Record 381 COVID-19 deaths in Delhi; positivity rate over 32%

Delhi logged a record 381 COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday, while the positivity rate stood at 32.72 percent, according to the latest bulletin issued by the city health department. This is the sixth day on the trot that Delhi has recorded over 300 deaths due to coronavirus.

It had reported 380 deaths on Monday, 350 on Sunday, 357 deaths on Saturday, 348 on Friday and 306 on Thursday, according to government data.

The national capital had recorded 20,201 cases on Monday, 22,933 on Sunday, 24,103 on Saturday, 24,331 on Friday, 26,169 on Thursday, and 24,638 on Wednesday.

The positivity rate was 35.02 per cent on Monday, 30.21 on Sunday, 32.27 per cent on Saturday, 32.43 on Friday, 36.24 on Thursday — the highest so far — 31.28 on Wednesday and 32.82 on Tuesday.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Nagaland to impose partial lockdown for a fortnight from 30 April

Nagaland cabinet Tuesday decided to impose partial lockdown with stricter rules in the state from April 30 to May 14 in view of the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, a government official said.

The cabinet also decided to impose a fine of Rs 200 on those not wearing a mask in public places, he said. The Neiphiu Rio government in the state decided to provide free vaccines to everyone above 18 years of age, he said.

“Fresh guidelines for the lockdown will be issued on April 29,” the advisor for IT, science and technology, Mmhonlumo Kikon said. During the partial lockdown schools, colleges, educational institutions and hostels will remain closed in the state. Online education will be permitted and encouraged, he said.

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Coronavirus LATEST Updates

CDC says many Americans can now go outside without a mask

US health officials say fully vaccinated Americans don’t need to wear masks outdoors anymore unless they are in a big crowd of strangers, and those who are unvaccinated can go without a face covering outside in some cases, too, reports The Associated Press

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the updated guidance on Tuesday in yet another carefully calibrated step on the road back to normal from the coronavirus outbreak that has killed over 570,000 people in the US.

For most of the past year, the CDC had been advising Americans to wear masks outdoors if they are within 6 feet of each other.

The change comes as more than half of US adults have gotten at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine, and more than a third have been fully vaccinated.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Maharashtra reports 66,358 new COVID-19 cases, 895 deaths

Maharashtra on Tuesday reported 66,358 fresh coronavirus positive cases and 895 fatalities, taking the tally of infections to 44,10,085 and the toll to 66,179, the state health department said. Mumbai recorded 3,999 new cases and 59 deaths, raising the overall tally to 6,35,483 and the toll to 12,920.

A total of 67,752 patients were discharged from hospitals in Maharashtra during the day, taking the number of recoveries to 36,69,548, a health official said.

Of the 895 fatalities, 392 occurred in the last 48 hours and 179 in the last week. While the rest 324 deaths had occurred in the period before the last week, these figures were added to the toll now, the official explained. Maharashtra is now left with 6,72,434 active cases, the official said.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Manipur BJP President tests COVID-19 positive

BJP Manipur unit president Prof S Tikendra Singh said on Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Singh told PTI over the phone that he has quarantined himself at his home at Nambol in Bishnupur district after he tested positive for COVID-19.

He said that his health condition is normal. The state BJP president requested all persons who came in contact with him in the last few days to take COVID-19 test.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Medical oxygen production being ramped up: Officials inform PM

The production of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) has risen to 8,922 MT per day and is expected to cross 9,250 MT by the end of the month, the government said on Tuesday, noting that it was only 5,700 MT in August last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was informed about the increasing production of the life-saving gas, whose shortage has been reported in several places amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, at a high-level meeting on Tuesday during which he asked officials to work closely with state governments to start PSA Oxygen plants at the earliest.

In the meeting on the prevailing COVID-19 situation, Modi reviewed the availability of medical infrastructure and directed officials to ensure rapid up-gradation of health facilities, the PMO said in a statement. Three empowered groups also made a presentation to the prime minister, it added.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

With over 32,000 cases, Kerala sees 255% increase in active cases

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said the state has witnessed a 255 percent increase in active cases in the last two weeks even as the southern state reported 32,819 cases, the highest ever single-day surge.

Vijayan, who met the media after the COVID-19 evaluation meet, said the government has decided to strictly implement the restrictions considering the grim situation in the state due to the rising numbers.

He also said the information about the presence of genetically modified viruses in the state is being taken seriously.

“The numbers of Covid-infected people and the rate of the disease spread continues unabated. There is the presence of the genetically mutant virus (double mutant variant) on a large scale. There has been a 255 percent increase in the active cases in Kerala in the last two weeks. The situation across the state is grim,” Vijayan said.

He said considering the rising numbers, the screening will be augmented at railway stations, airports, and in places where there is a large number of guest workers.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Haryana records 11,931 COVID-19 cases, 84 deaths

Haryana recorded its biggest single-day jump in coronavirus deaths as 84 people succumbed to the disease on Tuesday, even as 11,931 fresh cases pushed the state’s infection count to 4,47,754.

So far, the infection has claimed 3,926 lives in the state. According to a Health Department bulletin, 10 each died in Gurgaon and Hisar, nine in Ambala, eight each in Rohtak and Jind, seven in Fatehabad and six in Bhiwani district.

Among the districts that reported a big spike in cases are Gurgaon (3,684), Faridabad (1,330), Sonipat (940), Karnal (725), Hisar (642), Sirsa (621), Panipat (564) and Jind (561).

The number of active COVID-19 cases in the state was 84,129. So far, 3,59,699 people have recovered and the state has a recovery rate of 80.33 percent, the bulletin said.

— PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Delhi will have 1,200 ICU beds by 10 May: Kejriwal

Terming the current wave of COVID-19 as dangerous and contagious, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the National Capital will have additional 1,200 ICU beds by 10 May. He said that a 500 ICU bed-facility will come up at Ramlila Maidan — one of the biggest grounds in the national capital — while another facility having similar capacity will be set up near the city’s GTB Hospital.

Earlier in the day, the chief minister visited both the sites to take stock of preparations with Health Minister Satyendar Jain and senior officers. He said 200 ICU beds are also being readied at Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Delhi’s Chhatarpur area.

— PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

COVID-19 surge: 60-day emergency leave for MP jail inmates

The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday decided to grant emergency leave of 60 days to certain inmates to manage prison numbers in view of a surge in COVID-19 cases in the state, an official said.

The 60-day emergency leave is granted to those prisoners who are taking benefits of general leave and following the conditions of parole, and the emergency leave can be granted on bond and bail application for general leave, a MP Jail Department order issued on Tuesday stated.

In November last year, the state government had ordered that inmates in jail for certain crimes are entitled for 300-day leave in one go in the time of pandemic and natural calamities. Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday reported 13,417 COVID-19 cases, which took the caseload to 5,25,407. It also reported 98 deaths in the last 24 hours.

— PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Gujarat reports spike of 14,325 cases

Gujarat on Tuesday reported   the highest number of 14,352 coronavirus positive cases in a day and a record 170 deaths, including 27 in Surat, the state health department said. With the addition of new cases, the count of infections in the state has gone up to 5,24,725 while the  toll reached 6,656, it said. Gujarat now had 1,27,606 active cases.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Allahabad HC directs UP govt to implement certain steps in seven cities

Allahabad HC directs Uttar Pradesh government to implement following steps in  Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Agra, Kanpur Nagar, Gorakhpur and Jhansi:  provide government hospitals will sufficient medicines and injections, including Remdesivir and ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply to hospitals,ncrease the number of ambulances, engage health workers on contract basis, and other staff like data feeders and computer operators should also be employed on likewise bases, it says, Major government hospitals in these cities should have health bulletins twice a day to apprise relatives of health updates of patients.

HC directs the UP government to take the following steps immediately in the cities of Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Agra, Kanpur Nagar, Gorakhpur and Jhansi👇#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/XCv4M9hh9j

— The Leaflet (@TheLeaflet_in) April 27, 2021

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Allahabad HC dismissed plan by UP govt to curb pandemic

According to the Leaflet, the Allahabad High court also dismisses the plan placed by the UP government to curb the pandemic, and said that seeing “Sursa like mouth” of the pandemic, the government must come with more stringent measure. “We make it clear that we will not tolerate any paperwork or public announcements to show account of the steps taken and its sufficiency as it is now an open secret that government had gone complacent due to weakening of virus impact by the end of 2020 in the state,” The Leaflet quotes the high court as saying.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Alllahabad HC issues notice to UP state election commission

Allahabad HC takes judicial notice of a news report that said that 135 teachers, shiksha mitras and  investigators who were assigned election duty have died, reports LiveLaw. The court says Election Commission and the UP Police didn’t do anything to save people on election duty from COVID-19.

The court issues show-cause notice to UP State Election Commission to explain why action may not be taken against it and its officials for not ensuring compliance with COVID-19 protocol during the Panchayat elections and to prosecute those responsible for such violations.

Allahabad HC takes judicial notice of a news report in @AmarUjalaNews that 135 teachers, shiksha mitras & investigators who were assigned election duty have died.

Court says Election Commission @ECISVEEP & @Uppolice did not do anything to save people on election duty from #COVID pic.twitter.com/BiCIK6COyK

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 27, 2021

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Over 9.23 lakh vaccine doses available with Maharashtra, claims Centre

 The ministry said that recently some media reports quoting some government officials from Maharashtra have pointed out that the state has exhausted vaccine doses, thereby adversely impacting the vaccination drive. “It is clarified that the total COVID vaccine doses received by Maharashtra as on 27 April (at 8 am) are 1,58,62,470. Of this, the total consumption, including wastage (0.22 pc), was 1,49,39,410.Balance of 9,23,060 doses is still available with the state for administration of vaccine doses to the eligible population groups. Furthermore, 3,00,000 doses of COVID vaccines are in the pipeline for delivery in the next three days,” the ministry stated.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Over one crore vaccine doses still available with states and UTs, says Centre

More than one crore vaccine doses are still available with states and Union Tterritories, and another 80 lakh doses will reach them in the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday.  The government of India has so far provided 15,65,26,140 vaccine doses to the states and UTs free of cost.

“The total consumption, including wastage, is 14,64,78,983 doses. More than 1 crore doses (1,00,47,157) are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. More than 80 lakh (86,40,000) doses will be received in addition by the states and UTs in the next three days,” the ministry stated.

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Air India to airlift 10,636 oxygen concentrators from several countries, says Hardeep Singh Puri

Air India is going to airlift 10,636 oxygen concentrators from several countries in the next seven days, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday.   “Air India is airlifting 10,636 oxygen concentrators manufactured by Philips. 636 (concentrators) already flown in from US. Consignments flying in every day. Will be completed within this week,” Puri said on Twitter.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Calcutta HC directs strict enforcement of ban on rallies and gatherings on 2 May

 The Calcutta High Court on  Tuesday directed all authorities to strictly enforce the ban imposed by the Election Commission on rallies and gatherings

on  2 May, the day of counting of votes and declaration of results of assembly elections in West Bengal and four other states. The EC counsel apprised the court that it has banned all public meetings and victory processions throughout India on the said date in the wake of soaring COVID-19 cases.

Medical oxygen in any country cannot be unlimited, Centre tells SC

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that medical oxygen in any country cannot be unlimited and with the active and constant supervision and direct involvement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, it is augmenting the oxygen supply on a war footing to provide relief to COVID-19 patients, according to reports.

.According to PTI, the government said oxygen supplies available at any given time in the country are to be distributed to all the states, especially those which are critically burdened with high number of active COVID cases, in a balanced manner. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the sheer magnitude of this unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases itself bring with it certain inbuilt limitations in terms of available resources which need to be professionally augmented and utilised. 

According to Bar&Bench , the affidavit said a national plan for tacking the pandemic was already in place but added: “It is submitted that a national plan does not and cannot contain step by step instructions or specific directions for the day-to-day management by Government agencies in the situation of any particular and unforeseen disaster. It is submitted that a national plan designedly keeps the said aspects of executive decision making open in order to enable the Government statutory functionaries and all stake holders to take appropriate measures in dynamic and fast developing situations such as the present pandemic.”.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Kerala HC disposes pleas seeking lockdown on 2 May

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday disposed off pleas seeking a direction to declare lockdown in the state on 2 May, the date of counting of votes in the
state Assembly elections, accepting the assurances from the State government and Election Commission that only counting related activities will be allowed on that day.

PTI

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

Narendra Modi’s aunt dies during COVID-19 treatment in Ahmedabad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aunt Narmadaben Modi who was undergoing treatment for coronavirus infection died at the civil hospital in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, the family said. Narmadaben (80) lived in the New Ranip area of the city with her children.

“Our aunt Narmadaben was admitted to the civil hospital some ten days ago after her condition deteriorated following coronavirus infection,” said Prahlad Modi, the prime minister’s younger brother. “She breathed her last at the hospital today,” he told PTI.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

UP deputy CM Dinesh Sharma hospitalised days after he testing COVID positive

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma was admitted to a hospital on Tuesday, nearly a week after he tested positive for the coronavirus. Sharma informed about his hospitalisation in a tweet.

“A few days ago, I tested positive for COVID-19. After consultation with doctors, I was in home isolation. For better treatment, I have been hospitalised,” he tweeted in Hindi. The deputy chief minister was admitted to the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute (SGPGI) of Medical Sciences. The 57-year-old BJP leader and his wife tested positive for the coronavirus on April 21.

Sharma said, “I am confident that with your good wishes, and under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the war against corona will be won. By the grace of God, I will regain health and serve the people of the state with double energy.” 

मुझे विश्वास है की आप सभी की शुभकामनाओं से प्रदेश में शीघ्र मा० मुख्यमंत्री @myogiadityanath जी के सबल नेतृत्व में कोरोना के खिलाफ जंग जीता जा सकेगा तथा ईश्वर की अनुकम्पा से मैं स्वस्थ होकर पुनः दोगुनी ऊर्जा से सम्पूर्ण प्रदेशवासियों की सेवा में तत्पर हो सकूँगा।

— Dr Dinesh Sharma BJP (@drdineshbjp) April 27, 2021

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

COVID patient fails to get bed, dies; family attacks hospital staff, say police

Family members of a woman, who allegedly died due to COVID-19 after failing to get a bed at Apollo Hospital in south Delhi, attacked the staff of the private healthcare facility on Tuesday, police said.

However, they said no complaint has been filed in this regard so far. “The hospital received a woman in a critical condition at the emergency in the early hours of Tuesday. Immediate medical attention appropriate to her condition was given by a team,” the hospital’s spokesperson said in a statement.

“Given the paucity of beds, the family was advised to shift the patient to another facility with available beds. Unfortunately, the patient died around 8 am, following which her family members resorted to vandalism, destruction of hospital property and assault on our doctors and staff,” it said.

While the hospital deeply condoles the death of the patient, it is deeply shocked at the behaviour of the patient’s family against doctors and healthcare workers who are providing untiring services amidst the pandemic, the spokesperson said in the statement.

-PTI

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Action under NSA for spreading rumours on oxygen shortage, says Yogi Adityanath

According to reports , several SOS requests for oxygen cylinders and other support for COVID-19 inundate social media, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister insisted that there was no shortage of oxygen at any private or public COVID-19 hospital in the state.

While speaking to editors of different newspapers through a virtual conference, he stated that he had directed officials to take action under the National Security Act and the Gangsters Act against “anti-social elements” involved in “black-marketeering” of medicines, reports The Hindu

He has also asked them to “seize the property” of those spreading rumours and trying to “spoil the atmosphere”.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

No request made for COVID facilities in five-star hotel for judges: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday said it has not made any request for creating COVID-19 facilities for its judges, staff and their families in a five star hotel, reports PTI.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the news reports which said that 100 rooms of Ashoka Hotel in national capital have been converted into a COVID health facility for judges of Delhi High Court on its request, a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said,“No communication has been made to anyone in this regard”.

“We have not made any such request for taking over facilities of a five star hotel,” the bench said and directed the Delhi government to “take corrective steps immediately”.

In an order issued by the sub-divisional magistrate of Chanakyapuri on April 25, it was stated that the COVID facility at Ashoka Hotel will be associated with Primus Hospital.

The order also said that the facility was being set up on the request of the Delhi High Court.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates
 

Several staff of Sarita Vihar Apollo Hospital injured after violence at hospital

Several staff members of the Apollo Hospital in Sarita Vihar were injured after a scuffle between the staff and the family members of a patient who passed away, said reports . The hospital told India Today that a patient aged around 60 years old with breathing difficulties was brought to Apollo Hospital at around 3 am. As there were no ICU beds available, the patient was being given oxyegn therapy but passed away. The scuffle took place around 9 am, according to the report. According to The Hindu, a hospital spokesperson said seven to eight staffers, including doctors and security personnel were injured.

Delhi HC asks state govt to file affidavit on deaths due to oxygen shortage

“It is clear to us that GNCTD has to pull up its socks with respect to distribution of not only liquid oxygen but also oxygen cylinders, Bar&Bench quoted the Delhi HC as saying. " The court also directs the Delhi govt to supply oxygen to Hospitals from the refillers. “Refillers are having a field day and hospitals are being denied oxygen,” the court says and directs the state govt to file an affidavit on the deaths that took place on account of shortage of oxygen.  According to LiveLaw , the court directed the Delhi govt to file an affidavit on the status of stocks of liquid and gaseous oxygen with refillers by 10 am on Wednesday

Refillers are having a field day and hospitals are being denied oxygen: Court

Court directs GNCTD to file an affidavit on the deaths that took place on account of shortage of oxygen. #DelhiHighCourt

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) April 27, 2021

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Delhi HC issues contempt notice to oxygen refillers not present in hearing

Delhi High Court issues contempt notice to those oxygen cylinder refillers who were not present during the hearing today. The court says we are surprised that the order passed by the Delhi govt was not taken into consideration by cylinder refillers, reports ANI. According to the news agency, the court notes that D that it transpires that substantial quantity is supplied to cylinder refillers but there is no mechanism to monitor further supply from them.

According to Bar&Bench, the court took on record submission by hospitals on non supply of oxygen by Seth Air. “It is evident that Seth is diverting the supplies and probably selling in black market,” the court says and directs Delhi government to forthwith take control over the Seth unit along with the employees. it directs Seth to not obstruct.

Court directs Delhi Govt to forthwith take control over the Seth unit along with the employees.

Court directs Seth to not obstruct.

Venkateswara has a similar story to tell. Seth has supplied only 2.4 MT and Seth is not in the position to supply: #DelhiHighCourt

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) April 27, 2021

SII can supply Covishield to Maharashtra only after 20 May, says Rajesh Tope

Maharashtra Health Minister  Rajesh Tope on Tuesday said the state may receive its supply of ‘Covishield’ vaccine only after 20 May. Talking to reporters , Tope said the availability of anti-COVID-19 vaccines is still a challenge and the state needs a week’s quota delivered at one time in order to vaccinate maximum number of people. “The Serum Institute of India (SII) has informed the state government that it can supply the ‘Covishield’ vaccine only after 20 May,” he said.

Delhi govt’s system failed; black marketing of oxygen cylinders, medicines going on, observes HC

 The Delhi High Court Tuesday said the AAP government’s entire system has failed as black marketing of oxygen cylinders and crucial medicines for treating COVID-19 patients is going on, reports news agency PTI.  A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli observed it was not the time to become vultures. Are you aware of black marketing. Is it a good human gesture?, the bench said to oxygen refillers. The bench further said this is a mess that the state government has been unable to resolve. You have the power, take action against those engaging in black marketing of oxygen cylinders and medicines, it said.

According to Bar&Bench , during the hearing, Shakti Mukund hospital said its oxygen stock will end at 6. Another hospital also said there is a shortgae of remdesivir and oxygen,

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Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s niece and former MP Karuna Shukla dies of COVID-19

Congress leader and former MP  Karuna Shukla died of coronavirus in Raipur, her family members said on Tuesday. The niece of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee died at a private hospital on Monday night, they said.

PTI

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No point in debating number of COVID deaths, says Haryana CM

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar earlier during the day said there is no point in debating over the number of Covid deaths at the moment and the focus should be on ensuring that more affected people recover from the disease.

“Given the dangerous situation we are in now, we should not be playing with data now. We should instead focus on  people’s recovery and how they can be provided relief, ” Khattar was quoted as saying by ANI. While replying to questions on the number of COVID-19 deaths and data not being shared, he added, “Those who died will not come back if we create furore over it. We will try our best to save everyone. There’s no point debating if the number of deaths is actually more or less The point is whether we are improving the systems or not.”

The government is trying to improve the systems and no one knew a pandemic was coming, Khattar said and added that everyone’s co-operation was needed to fight against the pandemic.

#WATCH | Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar says, "Iss sankat (#COVID19) mein humko data ke saath nahi khelna hai. We should focus on seeing how people can recover. The dead won't resurrect with furore over it. There is no point in a debate over the number of deaths..." (26.04) pic.twitter.com/27Kh9k0r6c

— ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2021

Bombay HC seeks info from Maharashtra govt, BMC on condition of crematoriums

The bodies of COVID-19 patients  cannot be kept lying for hours waiting to be cremated, the Bombay High Court said on Tuesday, and asked the Maharashtra government and the BMC to inform it about the condition of crematoriums across the state and in Mumbai. A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and

Justice G S Kulkarni said in several crematoriums there is a waiting period before bodies are cremated and relatives of the victims are forced to queue outside the crematoriums.

PTI

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Kerala HC seeks Centre’s response on vaccine pricing policy

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday sought the response of the Central Government to petitions challenging the Centre’s new COVID-19 vaccination policy, repor_ t Bar&Bench. _ 

According to LiveLaw , issuing notice, the Court decided to seek responses from the private companies, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech on the matter of differential pricing alone and from the Centre on the differential pricing policy.

The court declined to pass interim orders as the Supreme Court is also seized of the matter and posted the matter for first week of May.

Delhi HC pulls up state govt on order directing hospitals to attend to emergency patients in 10 minutes

During the hearing in the Delhi HC, Advocate Alok Agarwal, appearing for Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, raises the issue about a Delhi Govt’s order that hospitals have to attend to all emergency patients within 10-15 minutes and give them oxygen and medicines. “We cannot take more patients in after the Delhi govt order. We don’t have medicines. These will lead to more legal medical issue later,” he argues, according to Bar&Bench. Advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi govt, says the order directs hospitals to attend patients in triage area within 10 minutes and in case of non availability of the facility, patient should be referred to other hospital.  The court pulls up the Delhi govt saying, “Generally to issue such orders in not called for. Doors of the hospitals are open. This proceeds on assumption that hospital are not going their jobs,” and adds that the order is putting unnecessary pressure on hospitals. Mehra submits order should be seen as an advisory as patients were complaining about being denied treatment.

We are not serving any useful purpose. We are unnecessarily putting pressure of hospitals.. you think doctors, nurses are sitting idle.. is that the position according to you? What was the ocassion to issue? : Court

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) April 27, 2021

Venkateshswara Hospital running out of oxygen, Delhi HC informed

During a hearin gon the COVID-19 situation in the Delhu High Court, advocate Sachin Puri informs the court that Venkateswara Hospital is to run out of oxygen. and the nodal officer is not answering his call, according to Bar&Bench. The court observes that this is a constant complaint and implies there is truth in it.

Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for Delhi Government, tells court that he will talk with officers and ensure the Venkateshwara hospitals gets oxygen supply

Venkateswara Hospital is to run out of oxygen. Nodal officer is not answering his call : Adv Sachin Puri

This is constant complain. Which means there is truth in it : Court @CMODelhi

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) April 27, 2021

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Mukhtar Ansari tests positive, in isolation in Banda district jail

Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari tested positive for coronavirus and has been kept in isolation in the district jail in Banda, officials said on Tuesday. 

  Mukhtar Ansari was found COVID positive in a rapid antigen test on Saturday, which was confirmed in an RT-PCR test on Sunday, Chief Medical Officer N D Sharma said.   He has been kept in isolation at Barrack No. 16 in the jail. 

A team of doctors is monitoring his health, Banda Government Medical College Principal Mukesh Kumar Yadav said, adding that despite testing positive for the infection, Ansari did not show symptoms.   Jail Superintendent Pramod Tripathi said his condition is normal.

PTI

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Ireland to send 700 oxygen concentrators to India

Ireland on Tuesday joined a growing list of countries helping India tide over the coronavirus crisis as it announced sending 700 oxygen concentrators and other medical supplies to the country.   The Irish embassy in New Delhi said the oxygen concentrators are expected to reach India by Wednesday morning. 

“Ireland is sending 700 oxygen concentrators to India to help healthcare workers in providing timely aid to patients. The concentrators are expected to reach India by Wednesday early morning,” it said.

PTI

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Gujarat HC points to oxygen shortage in state

During the hearing the in the Gujarat High Court, Justice Karia pulled up the state government, asking “What will happen on 1 May when the number of COVID positive would be double? What steps are you going to take? This is the way the system is working? What is your preparation for the future? NOTHING.”, reports _LiveLaw.  “_You are talking only about Ahmedabad, what about Gujarat?”, he asks.

Chief Justice Vikram Nath observed that there is oxygen shortage in many other parts of the state and says the court is not happy with the state government’s reponse and says various issues like that of 108 amubalances and of display boards have not been solved." As of today there is a scarcity of oxygen, people are forced to pay 10 times to get oxygen. Everything is on paper, nothing on ground reality. Everybody needs to be attended," LiveLaw quotes Justice Karia as saying.

CJ: Why can't the Government issue advisory to the hospitals?

Justice Karia: A person who is not going from a 108 ambulance to the hospital, how can we deny them the treatment?

Each hospital should display how many beds are available.#COVID19 @CMOGuj @vijayrupanibjp pic.twitter.com/PC0bPwysQR

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 27, 2021

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Gujarat govt’s affidavit doesnt represent ground reality, says HC

During a hearing on the suo moto proceedings on the surge in COVIDD-19 cases in Gujarat, the High Court raps the state government, says the affidavit submitted by it paints a rosy picture and is not in touch with the ground reality. “We can’t sit on the ivory towers. The state has to take steps to break the chain,“LiveLaw quotes Justice Karia as saying. The chief justice of the Gujarat High Court says that there should be an assurance from the State Government that no patient is unattended, adding that it would be alright even even if they could be given treatment outside the hospitals. " With the limited resources we have, the problem is going to rise. We cant be mute spectators to the problem,” the chief justice says.

Justice KARIA: State's affidavit is painting a rosy picture, and is not in touch with the ground reality. We can't sit on the ivory towers. The state has to take steps to break the chain. pic.twitter.com/gxbJXOFXkp

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 27, 2021

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Allahabad HC again requests Uttar Pradesh to impose two-week lockdown

The Allahabad High Court, while hearing the suo moto case on the COVID-19 situation, again requested the Uttar Pradesh government to impose a two-week lockdown, if things are not in control, reports _Bar&Bench. “T_here is a shortage of doctors, there is a shortage of staff, oxygen, there is no L1, L2. Everything is good on paper, but the fact is that there is shortage. With folded hands, we request you to exercise your discretion,” the court said.

The AAG submits that the state government will get back to the court on all aspects discussed during the hearing.

 The Supreme Court had on20 April stayed the Allahabad High Court order directing the Uttar Pradesh Government to impose strict restrictions till 26 April in five cities amid the surge in COVID-19 cases.Earlier, the state government had also said there would not be a complete lockdown in the five cities.

Justice Varma: There is a shortage of doctors, there is a shortage of staff, oxygen, there is no L1, L2. Everything is good on paper, but the fact is that there is shortage. With folded hands, we request you to exercise your discretion.#allahabadhighcourt #uttarpardesh

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) April 27, 2021

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Night curfew in Assam from 8 pm to 5 am till 1 May 

Night curfew imposed in Assam from 8 pm to 5 am, the order comes into immediate effect and will remain in place till May 1st. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/NawUPxHRBV

— ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2021

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SC asks Centre rationale behind COVID-19 vaccine pricing

Hearing the suo moto case on COVID-19 management, the Supreme Court directed the Central government to apprise the court on total availability of oxygen and also the rationale behind vaccine pricing.

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India’s COVID-19 tests ‘inaccurate’ as returning flyers test positive: Western Australia premier

Premier of the Western Australia state Mark McGowan on Tuesday alleged that COVID-19 tests conducted in India for returning travellers were either inaccurate or unreliable which are impinging on the integrity of the system and causing some issues in Melbourne.

McGowan’s remarks came after authorities in Western Australia said that four people in hotel quarantine in Perth tested positive for coronavirus following their return from India.

McGowan told a local TV channel: “I have just been advised at this morning’s emergency management team meeting that 78 of the 79 passengers on this flight had been in India recently. Our expectation is the number of positive cases from this group of people will grow and potentially grow significantly. We obviously have a problem with India. Some of the tests conducted in India either aren’t accurate or aren’t believable, and clearly that’s causing some issues here, McGowan said.

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SC asks states to file affidavits on medical infra by Thursday

Hearing the suo moto case on COVID19 management, Supreme Court directed state governments to file affidavits by Thursday on state infrastructural facilities. The top court fixed the matter for the hearing on Friday.

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Oxygen tankers from Thailand arrive in India

Another consignment of containers for the transportation of medical oxygen has arrived in India from Thailand, the Union home ministry said on Tuesday. This is the third consignment of empty oxygen containers flown to the country in the IAF’s transport aircraft amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and a subsequent increase in demand for medical oxygen.

“Some glimpses of airlift of oxygen containers from Bangkok by IAF last night. The airlift is being coordinated by MHA. It will enhance oxygen availability amid current COVID19 surge,” a home ministry spokesperson said in a tweet, sharing pictures of the oxygen containers being loaded into an IAF aircraft.

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Gujarat announces night curfew in nine more cities

The Gujarat government on Tuesday decided to impose night curfew in nine more cities of the state in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus. With this, the night curfew is now being enforced in 29 cities of Gujarat.

The night curfew from 8 pm to 6 am was already in place since April 7 in 20 cities, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Vadodara.

“Now, the state government has decided to enforce the night curfew in nine more cities – Himmatnagar, Navsari, Veraval, Valsad, Porbandar, Botad, Viramgam, Chhotaudepur and Palanpur – from 28 April,” an official release said.

The state government also announced new restrictions in these 29 cities, including closure of restaurants, swimming pools, cinema halls, shopping complexes and water parks, till 5 May.

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Shortage of oxygen, poor testing mar pandemic management in Kashmir

The Kashmir region is wracked by low supplies of oxygen and poor testing that has marred the COVID management as it sees an increasing number of deaths in the hospitals here. In the rural areas, there is no oxygen facility and the low supplies at the hospitals in Srinagar was a major worry, said doctors.

Authorities have admitted that the situation was challenging given the rise in the number of cases. Across Jammu and Kashmir for a population of nearly 1.2 crore, there are only 600 ventilators. In Srinagar city, as per official figures, there is an availability of only 13,000 litres of oxygen per minute which, the medical experts say, was too low to cater to the ongoing rise in the cases.

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SC can’t stay mute during national crisis, says apex court 

During national crisis, the Supreme Court cannot be a mute spectator. The issues which travails state boundaries is what this court will look into and thus Article 32 jurisdiction has been assumed, said the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The top court is hearing a suo motu case pertaining to the COVID-19 crisis in the country. 

The bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud said the apex court will not supplant the role of High Courts as they have a “unique role to play in the states at a time of national crisis.” 

SC will supplement the work of HCs and deal with national level issues while HCs to deal with state issues, it said.

Justice Chandrachud: we are not preventing the HC from exercising their power under 226 we intend to play a complimentary role and help in issues they are not able to look into

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) April 27, 2021

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Maharashtra reports 524 new COVID-19 deaths

Of the new COVID-19 fatalities registered in the past 24 hours, ten states have accounted for 77.3 percent, said the Union health ministry on Tuesday. Maharashtra reported the highest with 524 fatalities and followed by 380 deaths in Delhi.

“The national cumulative fatality rate (CFR) has been falling and it currently stands at 1.12 percent,” the ministry said. In a span of 24 hours, a total 2,771 deaths were reported.

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Maharashtra, UP and Delhi among 10 states to report 69.1% of new cases

Ten states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, reported 69.1 percent of the new COVID-19 cases registered in a day, the health ministry said on Tuesday.

Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Rajasthan are also among the 10 states that reported 69.1 percent of the new cases.

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Govt imports 20 cryogenic tankers, allocates them to states

The Centre has imported 20 cryogenic tankers of 10 MT and 20 MT capacity and allocated them to states to address the shortage of oxygen tankers in the country as it deals with spiralling cases of COVID-19.

As mapping of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) from manufacturing plants to different states is a dynamic process and transportation of medical oxygen through cryogenic tankers is becoming a bottleneck in making available LMO from the eastern part of the country to other parts, 20 cryogenic ISO containers of capacity 20 MT and 10 MT have been imported to augment the transportation of oxygen, the Union health ministry said on Tuesday.

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Delhi hospitals say situation better, reopen admissions

After days of scrambling for oxygen, hospitals in Delhi on Tuesday said they are in a comparatively better situation in terms of supply and have reopened admissions.

Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the National Capital, medical facilities across the city and its suburbs put out desperate pleas for help on social media and other platforms last week, flagging their dwindling stock of oxygen.

Dr DK Baluja, medical director of Jaipur Golden Hospital said the hospital has enough supply to last the day.

“We are in a very comfortable situation today. The daily requirement of oxygen is 3.6 metric tonnes and we have about six tonnes available which will last for the entire day. It is quite a comfortable situation.” The hospital also thanked the Delhi government and the Indian Railways for supplying oxygen to it.

COVID-19 Daily Tracker: India registers 3,23,144 new cases and 2,771 deaths

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SC allows Vedanta’s Sterlite plant to reopen to produce oxygen 

The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the decision taken by the Tamil Nadu government to allow re-opening of Vedanta-owned Sterlite copper smelting plant in Thoothukudi, for four months for oxygen production.

The bench said that the order was passed only in view of the national need for oxygen. The order will not create any equities in favour of Vendanta.

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Rajnath Singh approves hiring of additional contractual staff by ECHS clinics

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved hiring of additional contractual staff in 51 medical facilities being run under the ex-servicemen contributory health scheme (ECHS) across the country.

The approval was given as part of a policy decision to augment military health infrastructure in view of the coronavirus crisis in the country.

The defence minister’s office said the temporary hiring of additional contractual staff over and above the authorised strength in 51 clinics will ensure availability of adequate medical staff during night hours.

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French pharma Sanofi to produce Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

The French pharmaceutical company Sanofi will help manufacture the Moderna coronavirus vaccine beginning in September, joining other companies assisting with production of one of the three vaccines now approved in the US.

Under the agreement announced Monday, Sanofi will handle final manufacturing steps, including filling, inspecting and labeling vaccine vials and packaging them. The deal involves up to 200 million doses of Moderna’s two-shot vaccine.

Sanofi will do the work at its existing manufacturing plant in Ridgefield, New Jersey.

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SC begins hearing plea to reopen Sterlite plant for oxygen supply

Supreme Court Tuesday is hearing a petition seeking reopening of Vedanta’s Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadu for production of oxygen to be used for treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said produced oxygen should be given to the Centre for allocation to various states, ANI reported.

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Australia temporarily bans passenger flights from India until 15 May

Australia on Tuesday announced a temporary ban on direct passenger flights from India, as the South Asian nation grapples with a massive surge in coronavirus infections.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the suspension would remain in place until at least 15 May due to “clearly present” risks of travel from India, leaving thousands of Australians — including high-profile cricketers — stranded.

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ITBP COVID Centre with 500 oxygen beds begins functioning in Delhi

A COVID care centre with 500 oxygen-supported beds run by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) began functioning in Delhi from Monday with the admission of at least 110 patients, officials told PTI.

The facility named Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel COVID Care Centre (SPCCC) has been opened in view of Delhi registering a sharp rise in coronavirus cases, shortage of oxygen beds and its healthcare system creaking under the pressure. The facility is located at the Radha Soami Beas campus in Chhattarpur area of south Delhi.

The border guarding force has been designated by the Union Home Ministry as the nodal agency to run it. “The SPCCC has started functioning. About 110 patients have been admitted till now,” ITBP spokesperson Vivek Kumar Pandey said.

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India’s COVID-19 recovery rate drops to 82.5%

With 2,51,827 patients being cured of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged over 1.45 crore on Tuesday. 

With this, the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 82.54 percent.

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India’s active COVID-19 caseload nears 29 lakh

The active COVID-19 caseload in India increased to 28,82,204 on Tuesday comprising 16.34 percent of the total infections, according to the health ministry’s latest data update.

India registered 3,23,144 fresh COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours, taking the overall count to 1,76,36,307 on Tuesday.

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No victory procession on or after 2 May: EC

No victory procession after the counting on 2nd May shall be permissible. Not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned, said the Election Commission on Tuesday.

No victory procession after the counting on 2nd May shall be permissible. Not more than 2 persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned: EC pic.twitter.com/fT3T3wvHUj

— ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2021

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Five-star hotel in Delhi to be used as health facility for HC judges, judicial staff

The authorities have directed for converting 100 rooms of Ashoka Hotel in Lutyens’ Delhi into a COVID health facility for high court judges, judicial staff and their families.

In an order issued by the sub-divisional magistrate of Chanakyapuri on Sunday, it was stated that the COVID facility at Ashoka Hotel will be associated with Primus Hospital.

The hospital will run the facility at Ashoka Hotel and also handle the biomedical waste disposal. The staff of the hotel will be provided all protective gear and given basic adequate training, stated the order.

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Delhi’s Ganga Ram hospital receives two tonnes of oxygen

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here received two tonnes of liquid medical oxygen on Tuesday morning, an official from the hospital said. The official asserted that they are in a “better situation” as compared to “the last few days” when the hospital in central Delhi faced a crisis due to severe shortage of the life-saving gas.

The hospital said it has 6000 cubic metres of oxygen in storage tanks which may last for 10 hours.

“We received two tonnes of liquid medical oxygen at 6 am on 27 April. Yesterday, we had received a tanker carrying 10 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen. We are in a better situation as compared to the last few days and we hope this continues,” said the official.

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Retired doctors, paramedical staff can be roped in to increase staffing: Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that in the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, retired doctors and para-medical staff can be roped in to increase manpower in hospitals.

He also said that work should be done to double the number of COVID beds, and the beds should be increased in all the districts.

“Many of those who had emerged victorious in the battle against COVID-19 are willing to serve the patients. In this context, in order to increase the manpower at hospitals, experiences of retired doctors, lab technicians and para-medical staff along with retired personnel of the armed forces can be availed,” he said at a virtual high-level review meeting.

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EC says no to victory procession in five states on and after 2 May vote counting

The Election Commission has banned all victory processions on the day of counting of votes (2 May) – or even after – to the five states amid COVID-19 surge, reported ANI .

Detailed order to be released soon.

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First Oxygen Express with 70 tonnes of oxygen reaches Delhi

The first Oxygen Express train for Delhi carrying around 70 tonnes of the life-saving gas reached the National Capital early Tuesday morning, officials said.

This oxygen will now be disbursed by the Delhi government to various hospitals, they said.

“#OxygenExpress has reached Delhi from Raigarh, Chhattisgarh with Oxygen for patients in the capital. Indian Railways is leaving no stone unturned in our collective fight against COVID-19, and ensuring sufficient availability of life-saving resources across the country,” tweeted Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.

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France to send medical supplies to India

France on Tuesday announced a “solidarity mission” for India under which it will send oxygen generation plants, ventilators and other medical supplies to support the country in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said it is carrying out an exceptional solidarity mission in support of the Indian people, who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Coordinated by the ministry’s Crisis and Support Centre and carried out by the Embassy of France in India, the mission will involve shipping by air and sea freight by the end of this week,” the ministry said in a statement.

French ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain said the “massive solidarity mission” is being supported by French companies present in India and the European Union.

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At 3.23 lakh, India sees drop in daily COVID-19 cases from Monday

Tuesday is the seventh straight day when India’s daily COVID-19 tally remained above 3 lakh (over 3.23 lakh on Tuesday) and deaths crossed the 2,000 mark for the eighth consecutive day.

However, the daily count is lower than Monday, when India reported an increase of 3.53 lakh cases.

With 2,766 fatalities on Monday, April witnessed 34,595 deaths so far of which 17,333 deaths were reported in the last seven days.

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India reports 2,771 COVID-19 deaths in a day

With the death of 2,771 more COVID-19 patients in a day, the toll in the country increased to 1,97,894, said the Union health ministry in its latest data. This takes the national fatality rate to 1.12 percent.

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Over 3.23 lakh new COVID-19 cases in India

India registered 3,23,144 fresh COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours, taking the overall count in the country to 1,76,36,307 on Tuesday, said the Union health ministry.

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First shipment of medical aid arrives from UK 

The first shipment of vital COVID-19 medical supplies from the United Kingdom arrived in India on Tuesday. The supplies included 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators, ANI reported.

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Over 28.09 cr COVID-19 samples tested so far: ICMR

According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), at least 28,09,79,877 COVID-19 samples have been tested up to 26 April, with 16,58,700 samples being tested on Monday alone.

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Karnataka to impose lockdown from today

The Karnataka government has announced a two-week total lockdown and curfew from today (Tuesday, 27 April). The announcement comes a day after the state reported its highest single-day rise of over 34,000 new cases.

On Sunday, Karnataka reported 34,804 new COVID-19 cases, taking its total cases to 13.39 lakh. While the state deaths toll rose to 14, 426 with a total of 143 deaths reported yesterday.

In a press briefing after the cabinet meeting, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa, announced that the entire state, including Bengaluru, will see a full lockdown for two weeks starting from 9 pm on 27 April.

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US to share 60 mn AstraZeneca vaccines with world after safety check

The United States plans to share 60 million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines with the world as they become available, US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy said in Washington.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is widely in use around the world but has not yet been authorised by the US Food and Drug Administration.

“US announces plan to share AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses with the world. Sixty million doses to be shared as they become available,” Murthy said in a tweet on Monday.

A similar tweet also came from Andy Slavitt, White House Senior Adviser, COVID Response.

Read full article here…

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RECAP: With 380 deaths, Delhi records highest COVID-19 toll till date

Delhi recorded the highest single-day rise in its COVID-19 toll with 380 people succumbing to the infection on Monday, while the positivity rate stood at over 35 percent, according to the latest bulletin issued by the city health department.

The capital recorded over 20,201 fresh cases. With the these cases, the national capital’s cumulative COVID-19 tally has climbed to over 10.47 lakh and the toll stands at 14,628, the bulletin said.

The positivity rate stood at 35.02 per cent, it added.

The tally of active cases in the city is at 92,358. A significant number of patients, 22,055, recovered from the infection in the last 24 hours, the bulletin said.

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RECAP: Bengal logs record 15,992 new COVID-19 cases, 68 deaths

West Bengal on Monday registered 68 deaths due to COVID-19, the highest so far in a single day, pushing the toll to 11,009, the health department said.

The state also reported record 15,992 fresh infections, which took the tally to 7,59,942, the department said in its bulletin.

Kolkata alone accounted for 26 deaths, followed by North-24 Parganas at 11, South-24 Parganas at seven, Hooghly at five and Malda at four. Of the 68 deaths, 45 were due to comorbidities and COVID-19 was just “incidental”.