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Coronavirus Live News Updates: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday announced a new naming system that it devised for so-called variants of interest and variants of concern, the forms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with important mutations. Mumbai’s civic body, the BMC, issued a ‘break the chain’ order on Monday. According to the order, a few restrictions in place to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission have been relaxed. Maharashtra on Monday reported 15,077 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest since March 15, taking the caseload to 57,46,892, while 184 more deaths pushed the toll to 95,344, the state health department said. Chief Economic Adviser KV Subramanian on Monday said the overall impact of the second wave of COVID-19 on the country’s economy is not likely to be large but cautioned about an uncertainty surrounding the pandemic going ahead. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday that the national capital will receive its first consignment of Sputnik V vaccine after 20 June. Amid shortage in supply of vaccines to fight coronavirus pandemic, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday wrote to his counterparts in all non-BJP ruled states and requested them to make a “united effort" to demand the Centre to procure Covid-19 vaccines and distribute them at free of cost. India’s economy grew by 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020-21, restricting the full-year contraction to 7.3 percent, official data showed on Monday. Delhi on Monday recorded 648 fresh Covid cases, the lowest since 18 March, and 86 new deaths. Chairperson of COVID-19 working group under National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, Dr NK Arora, says India may soon begin testing the feasibility of a regimen that mixes two different COVID-19 vaccines to see if it helps boost the immune response to the virus. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Monday announced that the ‘corona curfew’ imposed in the state will be extended till 10 June. Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers DV Sadananda Gowda announced on Monday that 30,100 vials of amphotericin-B have been allocated to all the states/UTs to treat patients suffering from the black fungus infection. The Supreme Court on Monday posed questions to the Centre on the COVID-19 vaccine procurement policy and need for mandatory registration on the CoWIN app for people to get vaccinated, without keeping in mind the “digital divide”. The apex court observed that the policy makers must have an ear to the ground. “How are you answering the digital divide? How are you ensuring that the migrant workers are able to get vaccinated?” the apex court was quoted by The Times of India as asking Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday announced the extension of the COVID-19 lockdown in the state till 8 June. “In view of the corona infection, it has been decided to extend the lockdown by one week i.e. till June 8, 2021. But additional discount is being given for business. Everyone wear mask and maintain social distance,” he said. The Supreme Court asked the Centre for the rationale behind the dual price policy in a hearing on issues related to COVID-19 on Monday. The apex court said “there needs to be one price for vaccines across the nation” and also pulled up the Centre on procurement of vaccines and mandatory registration on CoWIN app. The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of a plea for the cancellation of CBSE and ICSE Class 12 board exams to 3 June, “noting that competent authorities are examining all aspects and are likely to take a decision which will be placed before the court,” LiveLaw reported. The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a petition seeking a stay on the construction work of the Central Vista Redevelopment project in Delhi. The petitioner had stated that the construction work must be halted in view of the second COVID-19 wave. “The DDMA order in question nowhere prohibits construction work. The legality of the project has been upheld previously by the Supreme Court itself. They are supposed to complete the work by November, 2021. Time is of essence in the contract. The work has to be completed. “This is a motivated petition preferred by the petitioner and not a genuine petition. The petition is dismissed with a cost of Rs.1,00,000,” the court’s order said. India’s COVID-19 recovery rate rose to 91.60 percent with 2,38,022 discharges in the span of 24 hours, the Union health ministry said on Monday. The weekly positivity rate is currently at 9.04 percent and daily positivity rate at 9.07 percent. The daily positivity rate has been less than 10 percent for seven consecutive days. India reported 1,52,734 new COVID-19 cases, 2,38,022 discharges and 3,128 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday morning. The country has been registering a gradual decline in the number of new cases this week. On Sunday, 1.6 lakh new cases were reported. Total cases: 2,80,47,534 Total discharges: 2,56,92,342 Death toll: 3,29,100 Active cases: 20,26,092 The Maharashtra government on Sunday extended the lockdown-like curbs till 15 June and also announced that relaxations will be granted depending upon the COVID-19 positivity rate and availability of oxygen beds. In municipal corporations or regions of districts with less than 10 percent COVID-19 positivity rate and where the availability of occupied oxygen beds will be less than 40 percent, all the establishments/shops engaged in essential commodities and services that are presently opened from 7 am to 11 am can now remain open from 7 am to 2 pm, the government said in an order. For districts and corporations having more than a 20 percent positivity rate and where over 75 percent of oxygen beds are occupied, the borders of such districts will be closed and no person will be allowed to enter or exit in such districts. The exceptions will be death from a family, medical reason and emergency services or services related to such situations. Instead of implementing the ‘Break the chain’ order uniformly in the state, the restrictions will now be relaxed or made more stringent till 7 am of 15 June by taking into account the positivity rate in the municipality jurisdiction and areas of districts, and the availability of oxygen beds at various places, the government said. As per the census of 2011, the municipal corporations that are having a population of more than 10 lakh will be considered as the independent administrative unit for curbing the spread of COVID-19. Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivali, Vasai Virar, Pune, PimpriChinchwad, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Nashik corporations will be treated as the administrative units. Barring the jurisdiction of these corporations, the rest of the part of the district will be counted as a separate administrative unit, it said. The decision for keeping open all the shops and establishments that do not fall in the essential category will be taken by the local disaster management authority (LDMA) but their timings will be at uniformity with those shops and establishment falling in the essential group, as per the order. Similarly, the shops will remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays. In such regions, along with the essential commodities, the non-essential goods and services can also be distributed through the e-commerce system. However after 3 pm, except for medical services and medical-related emergency, there will be restrictions on commuting and traffic, it said. Besides the offices that are working for the pandemic-related services, all other government offices can function with the attendance of 25 percent of employees. If the chief of any of these departments needs the attendance of more than 25 per cent, they can take permission from the disaster management authority, the order said. All the agricultural work and equipment-related shops will be open on the working days till 2 pm. Considering the monsoon and sowing period, the local disaster management authority can give the permission to increase the timings of such agriculture-related goods and service providers or can also give a nod to remain open on Saturdays and Sundays, the order said. Addressing the people of the state through social media, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said the daily coronavirus case count in the state is on the decline, but these numbers are close to the last year’s peak levels. Thackeray announced that the lockdown-like restrictions currently in force in the state since mid-April, have been extended by a fortnight till June 15. He said he was taking a district-wise review of the coronavirus situation and curbs will be made stricter where the numbers are on the rise, while some relaxations will be given where the case count is on the decline. As of Sunday, Maharashtra’s tally of COVID-19 cases stood at 57,31,815 and the overall death toll is 94,844. The state has 2,71,801 active cases, as per the state health department.
Coronavirus News Updates: WHO announces new labels for COVID variants: strains found in India to be called Delta and Kappa
Coronavirus News Updates: Each variant will be given a name from the Greek alphabet, in a bid to both simplify the public discussion and to strip some of the stigma from the emergence of new variants
 "Coronavirus News Updates: WHO announces new labels for COVID variants: strains found in India to be called Delta and Kappa")
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Reports of certificates not issued post-Covid vaccination incorrect, unfounded: Centre
The Union health ministry on Monday dismissed as incorrect and unfounded media reports claiming that certificates were not issued to some people post COVID-19 vaccination.
“There have been some unfounded media reports on no certificates issued post Covid vaccination. These reports are incorrect and are not supported by full information on the matter,” the ministry said.
The CoWIN platform facilitates registration, scheduling of appointments, vaccination and certification of beneficiaries during the COVID-19 vaccination process, it said.
Even though a beneficiary is registered online or on-site on CoWIN, the most important step after the person gets the jab is to update the status on the platform on the day of the vaccination, it said.
If it is not possible to update the status on the same day, the data entry of that session can be done the next day till 5 pm on CoWIN portal, the ministry said in a statement.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Close to commit over $1 billion to Moderna for booster vaccine: Cipla to Govt
Seeking fast-track approvals to bring Moderna’s single-dose COVID-19 booster vaccine in India expeditiously, Cipla has requested the government for indemnification and exemptions from price capping, bridging trials and basic customs duty, while stating that it is close to committing over USD 1-billion as advance to the US major, sources said on Monday.
Commending the government for its efforts to increase the vaccine availability in the country for achieving effective protection against COVID-19, the Indian pharma giant has said its discussions with Moderna on the COVID-19 booster vaccine are nearing finalisation and for that, they are seeking the “partnership and support of the government to make this programme successful”.
Requesting the government to provide confirmation on four critical points — exemption from price restriction, indemnification, bridging trial waiver and basic customs duty exemption, Cipla has said such an assurance will help make this significant financial commitment of more than USD 1 billion (over Rs 7,250 crore) advance to Moderna for its booster vaccine in India, sources privy to the development said.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
WHO announces new labels for COVID Variants of interest and concern
WHO has assigned simple labels for key variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using letters of the Greek alphabet.
These labels were chosen after wide consultation and a review of many potential naming systems. WHO convened an expert group of partners from around the world to do so, including experts who are part of existing naming systems, nomenclature and virus taxonomic experts, researchers and national authorities.
WHO will assign labels for those variants that are designated as Variants of Interest or Variants of Concern by WHO. These will be posted on the WHO website.
These labels do not replace existing scientific names (e.g. those assigned by GISAID, Nextstrain and Pango), which convey important scientific information and will continue to be used in research.
The labels don’t replace existing scientific names, which convey important scientific information and will continue to be used in research. No country should be stigmatized for detecting and reporting Covid variants: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Technical lead COVID-19 at WHO pic.twitter.com/odcQW4J3Kf
— ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2021
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Tamil Nadu reports 27,936 new COVID-19 cases, 478 deaths
Tamil Nadu on Monday reported 27,936 new coronavirus cases andthe state capitals daily count is 2,596, according to the Health Department.
With the death of478people — 220 in private hospitals and 258 in government-run ones –the tally rose to24,232
The total number of people testing positive till date increased to 20,96,516and the number of active cases, including isolation, as on today remains at3,01,781.
The number of patients discharged today after treatment stands at31,223, and the total recoveries rose to17,70,503.
Chennai accounted for 2,596 new cases, 3,990 recoveries and 91 fatalities.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
BMC eases COVID curbs in Mumbai
The BMC on Monday eased restrictions in Mumbai as the city recorded 676 new COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total recoveries in the city stand at 5,570 while there are 22,390 active cases, according to latest update. Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Monday reported 15,077 new COVID-19 cases and 184 deaths.
Under the state’s ‘Break the Chain’ order, all shops selling essential items will be allowed to be open between 7 am and 2 pm from Monday till June 15. Presently they are permitted to remain open between 7 am to 11 am. The order also permitted the distribution of non-essential items along with essential ones under e-commerce.
While shops selling non-essential items in the city will be allowed to stay open only on weekdays, in such a manner that shops on right side of the road will open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while shops on the left side open on Tuesday and Thursday. “Next week, the shops on the left side of the road will be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while the shops on the right will be open on Tuesday and Thursday," the order stated, adding that the same arrangement will continue for the weeks ahead.
2/3
— मुंबई पोलीस - Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) May 31, 2021
3. Delivery of essentials and non-essentials through E-Commerce is permitted.
4.Only essentials movement, medical and other emergencies, and food delivery will be permitted after 3pm. https://t.co/MqZdCw4Pe0
Coronavirus Latest Updates
States/UTs to have nearly 12 crore COVID vaccine doses in June: Govt
Nearly 12 crore COVID vaccine doses will be available to states and union territories in June 2021 enabling them to ramp up inoculation, the Centre informed them on Monday.
In a review meeting held through video conferencing, the states and UTs were also exhorted to proactively increase engagement with private hospitals on COVID vaccinations and take up non-health facility based settings and nearer to home vaccination centres for the elderly and differently-abled.
They were advised to constitute a dedicated team of 2-3 members to regularly coordinate with vaccine manufacturers and private hospitals for timely supplies of vaccine, a health ministry statement said.
In the meeting with administrators from states and UTs on the progress of vaccination, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan assured them that the central government will provide the states and UTs with the available buffer stock to urgently replenish their depleting supplies so that the vaccination drive continues at a steady pace, it said.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Japan to extend its emergency aid to India
Japan is extending its emergency aid of nearly $14.8 million, which includes additional medical supplies, to India to help its friend fight the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Japanese foreign ministry.
India reported the lowest daily new coronavirus infections in 50 days with 1,52,734 cases, taking the country’s total tally to 2,80,47,534. The death toll climbed to 3,29,100 with 3,128 daily deaths, said the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.
The Government of Japan decided to extend Emergency Grant Aid of approximately 14.8 million US dollars to India in response to the current surge of COVID-19 infections in India, Japan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
Japan stands with India, our friend and partner, in her efforts to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic through this additional emergency assistance, and hopes that Japan’s assistance will contribute to alleviating and containing the COVID-19 situation in India, it said.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
‘Corona curfew’ in Madhya Pradesh with relaxations to continue till June 15
The “corona curfew” in Madhya Pradesh with eased restrictions will remain in force till June 15, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Monday.
“Infection has been controlled, but the crisis is yet not averted. We need to be cautious..The corona curfew will continue in the state till June 15 with several relaxations,” Chouhan told a COVID-19 review meeting and later in his televised address to the people.
He said the crisis management groups will decide about the exemptions from the restrictions and review the situation every third day.
Chouhan said a “Janata curfew” will be in place from 10 pm on Saturday to 6 am on Monday. Also, the night curfew will remain in force in the entire state from 10 pm to 6 am every day.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Maharashtra logs lowest caseload since 15 March
Maharashtra on Monday reported 15,077 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest since March 15, taking the caseload to 57,46,892, while 184 more deaths pushed the toll to 95,344, the state health department said.
On March 15, the state had reported 15,051 cases as it hurtled towards a devastating second COVID-19 wave. The daily count was also a sharp drop from 18,600 infections registered on Sunday. Recoveries far exceeded new infections.
As many as 33,000 patients were discharged from hospitals during the day, pushing the number of recovered cases to 53,95,370, a statement from the health department said.
The state now has 2,53,367 active cases, it said.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Gujarat sees 18 COVID-19 deaths, lowest since 7 April
Gujarat on Monday reported 1,681 new coronavirus positive cases while 4,721 patients recovered and 18 people died, the lowest such number in a day after April 7, the state health department said.
With the new additions, the tally of infections in Gujarat rose to 8,09,169 and recoveries to 7,66,991. The death toll now stands at 9,833, it said.
The case recovery rate in Gujarat has improved to 94.79 per cent, leaving the state with 32,345 active cases.
At 327, Vadodara district recorded the highest number of new cases, followed by Ahmedabad with 270 infections, Surat 217, Rajkot 127, Junagadh 88, and Jamnagar 65 etc
Coronavirus Latest Updates
India records 5.63% of total deaths in one month
India reported more than 88.82 lakh coronavirus infections in May alone during the raging second wave of COVID-19, accounting for 31.67 percent of the over 2.8 crore cases reported in the country so far and making it the worst month of the pandemic.
The month of May also saw 1,17,247 fatalities due to the disease, which is around 35.63 percent of the total 3,29,100 deaths recorded so far.
The daily cases peaked on May 7 when the country registered 4,14,188 infections in a span of 24 hours, while daily deaths were the highest on May 19 with India reporting 4,529 fatalities due to COVID-19.
The daily new cases remained below three lakh since May 17 and the country has recorded less than two lakh daily new cases for four consecutive days. The active cases had peaked on May 10 at 37,45,237.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Restrictions on standalone shops eased in Pune city
The Pune Municipal Corporation has allowed standalone shops dealing in non-essential items to remain open on weekdays between 7am and 2pm from Tuesday, officials said.
Liquor shops have also been permitted to operate during this time segment, the civic move coming amid a decline in the coronavirus positivity rate in Maharashtra’s second-largest city, they added.
However, the order issued in this regard by PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar said shops in malls etc will not be allowed to open, while e-commerce sites have been permitted to home deliver essential as well as non-essential products.
Shops selling essential items have been allowed to operate between 7am and 2pm on all days.
The order also laid down that people would not be allowed to move around after 3pm except for medical purposes.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Second wave impact on impact on economy not likely to be large, says economist
Commenting on the GDP numbers, Chief Economic Adviser K V Subramanian said the impact of the second wave of COVID-19 on the economy is not likely to be large but it is difficult predict if the country would achieve double-digit growth in the current fiscal.
The Economic Survey 2020-21 released in January this year had projected GDP growth of 11 per cent during the current financial year ending March 2022.
Observing that there is a need to enhance pace of vaccination, Subramanian said it would help lowering likelihood of another COVID-19 wave.
The Indian Council for Research in International Economic Relations’ (ICRIER) Alok Sheel said the provisional estimate of 2020-21 GDP numbers are slightly better than expected, but are unlikely to change the big picture.
“These numbers would need to be counter-balanced by likely downgrades of current GDP growth estimates for 2021-22. The consensus number for this is now down to below 10 per cent on account of the severity of the second wave of COVID-19,” he said, citing IMF’s April projection of 12.5 per cent growth.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
12 crore doses of vaccine to be available to states/UTs in June 2021: Centre
Nearly 12 crore doses of the Covid-19 vaccine will be available to states and union territories next month, the Health Ministry said on Sunday. In May, 7,94 crore doses were available for vaccination.
In a statement, the ministry said that the total availability of vaccines is going to increase further in June. Nearly 11,95,70,000 vaccine doses will be available to States and UTs in June 2021 enabling them to ramp up the vaccination numbers.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Rajasthan reports 68 coronavirus deaths, 1,498 new case
Rajasthan recorded 68 COVID-19 deaths and 1,498 new cases on Monday, taking the total number of fatalities and case tally to 8,385 and 9,39,958 respectively, a health bulletin stated.
Jaipur reported the highest number of 18 deaths followed by Udaipur (eight), Bikaner and Sriganganagar (five each), according to the bulletin.
Of the fresh positive cases, the maximum of 220 cases were reported from Jaipur while 135 and 127 persons were tested positive in Alwar and Jodhpur, respectively.
A total of 8,88,919 people have recovered from the infection across the state and the number of active cases at present is 42,654.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
COVID-19 curbs extended till 9 June in Chandigarh
The Chandigarh administration on Monday extended the coronavirus-induced restrictions till the morning of June 9, but allowed more relaxations such as reopening of barbers and salons. It also extended the shop opening time by an hour. All shops will now be allowed to open from 9 am till 4 pm, from earlier till 3 pm.
“After detailed discussions, it was decided to continue the existing restrictions until 6 AM on 09/06/2021 (Wednesday), according to an official release. The decision was taken in a COVID-19 review meeting chaired by Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore.
All sports facilities will be opened for sportspersons who can utilise the infrastructure by strictly following Covid protocol, according to the release. However, swimming pools and gyms will continue to remain closed.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Kerala CM writes to 11 non-BJP CMs over vaccine procurement
Amid shortage in supply of vaccines to fight coronavirus pandemic, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday wrote to his counterparts in all non-BJP ruled states and requested them to make a “united effort" to demand the Centre to procure Covid-19 vaccines and distribute them at free of cost.
The letter was written to the Chief Ministers of 11 states such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Wrote to 11 CMs in the spirit of Cooperative Federalism. Quite unfortunate that Centre absolves itself of its duty to procure vaccines, ensure free universal vaccination. United effort to jointly pursue our genuine demand is the need of the hour, so that Centre acts immediately. pic.twitter.com/ILvEFYSpRu
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) May 31, 2021
Coronavirus Latest Updates
HSC exams more important for students than SSC: Maharashtra tells HC
The Maharashtra government on Monday told Bombay High Court that SSC (Class X) and HSC (Class XII) exams could not be compared as the latter was a relatively more important milestone for students as their careers depended on it.
The state government, in an affidavit, said SSC exams for this year were cancelled amid the coronavirus outbreak after considering the safety of students, teachers, parents and other stakeholders.
The affidavit, by the state’s School Education and Sports department deputy secretary Rajendra Pawar, was in response to a PIL filed by a professor, Dhananjay Kulkarni, challenging the April 19 decision of the state government to cancel Class X exams this year.
The HC, on May 20, had come down heavily on the state government saying it was making a mockery of the education system, and had directed it to file its affidavit on the plea. The HC also sought an explanation as to why the state government was holding Class XII exams.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Greenpeace India writes to WTO to end patent rights on COVID-19 vaccines
Greenpeace India on Monday urged the World Trade Organization (WTO) to waive intellectual property and patent rights on Covid vaccines, saying equity and access gaps in inoculation rates of rich and poor countries is costing lives.
In an open letter to the WTO, it also said India is facing a massive shortage of vaccines and the WTO’s decision on intellectual property and patent rights on vaccines could either strengthen the fight against the Covid pandemic or lead to a battle that cannot be won.
The letter comes ahead of the WTO TRIPs (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Council meet from June 8-9.
“Nine out of 10 people in developing countries may not receive a vaccine in 2021. India is facing a massive shortage of COVID-19 vaccines necessary to tackle the pandemic. The decisions by the WTO and the member delegates will either strengthen the fight against the pandemic or condemn a large section of the world’s population to fight a losing battle against it,” said the Greenpeace letter addressed to WTO director general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
France to send additional COVID-19 medical supplies to India
France announced on Monday that it will send additional medical supplies, including around 16 large oxygen generation plants, to India to support the country’s fight against the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement was made by the French embassy days after French President Emmanuel Macron held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. French ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said there cannot be a global victory against the coronavirus without India.
This is the “largest solidarity operation” that France has carried out since the outbreak of the pandemic and it reflects the long-standing, two-way solidarity between the two countries that lies at the “heart of our strategic partnership”, the French embassy said.
It said a special cargo plane with 10 oxygen generation plants will reach India in mid-June and another plane will follow.
-PTI
Coronavirus Latest Updates
India’s GDP grows 1.6% in Jan-Mar; shrinks 7.3% in 2020-21
India’s economy grew by 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020-21, restricting the full-year contraction to 7.3 percent, official data showed on Monday.
The fourth-quarter growth was better than the 0.5 percent expansion in the previous October-December quarter of 2020-21. The gross domestic product (GDP) had expanded by 3 per cent in the corresponding January-March period of 2019-20, according to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
In 2020-21, the Indian economy contracted by 7.3 percent against 4 percent expansion in 2019-20, showing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NSO had projected a GDP contraction of 7.7 percent in 2020-21 in its first advance estimates of national accounts released in January this year.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Delhi records lowest case count since 18 March
Delhi on Monday recorded 648 fresh Covid cases, the lowest since 18 March, and 86 new deaths. According to a health bulletin, the positivity rate in the national capital also fell below 1%. The positivity rate is at 0.99 percent and the city’s toll climbed up to 24,273 and the caseload rose to 14,26,240.
🏥Delhi Health Bulletin - 31st May 2021🏥 #DelhiFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/Cn1wW2yfEd
— CMO Delhi (@CMODelhi) May 31, 2021
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Complete shutdown in Lakshadweep extended by a week
The Lakshadweep administration on Monday announced extension of the complete shutdown for seven more days, beginning May 31, considering the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the islands. The complete shutdown was first announced on May 24 for a week.
Lakshadweep District Collector S Asker Ali, in an order, also announced a night curfew in five islands, including Kiltan, Chetlath, Bitra, Kadmath and Agatti.
He said the present situation made it necessary to regulate movement of people, enhance testing capacity, ensure strict enforcement of prescribed containment strategies, focus on surveillance and strict observance of standard COVID-19 protocol to prevent further spread of the virus as per the latest guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
‘Zero vaccine policy acting like dagger in Mother India’s heart’: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the central government has a “zero vaccine policy” which is acting as a “dagger in Mother India’s heart”.
He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over media reports which claimed that post-COVID the unemployment rate was in double digits in May this year.
“The zero vaccine policy of the Modi government is acting like a dagger in Mother India’s heart. Sad truth,” Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.
“One man and his arrogance + One virus and its mutants,” he said in another tweet, citing a report that claimed that “97 percent of Indians are poorer post-COVID”.
Gandhi has been critical of the Modi government’s handling of the COVID pandemic and its vaccine policy.
Modi Govt’s non vaccination strategy is a dagger in Bharat Mata’s heart.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 31, 2021
Tragic truth.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Lockdown extension to be decided on 4 or 5 June after considering COVID situation: Karnataka CM
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Monday said the decision on the future of lockdown was likely on 4 or 5 June, after discussion with experts and depending on the COVID-19 situation in the state. The state is currently under lockdown till 7 June.
“After 4 or 5 June, I will discuss with them (experts), also looking at how the (COVID) situation improves by then, we will take a decision,” Yediyurappa told reporters.
Earlier in the day, Health Minister K Sudhakar had said a decision on the future of lockdown has to be taken on a scientific basis as it is aimed at saving lives and that the Chief Minister will take a final call after examining the report from experts and discussing with cabinet colleagues.
“Till late last night they (state’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Committee, consisting of experts) have held discussions, they will submit me the report today, I will discuss it with the Chief Minister today itself. Most probably the Chief Minister may discuss it with the cabinet and take a final decision,” he said.
According to reports, TAC has recommended to the government to extend the lockdown at least for one more week.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Delhi likely to get Sputnik V in June, says Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi is likely to receive the first consignment of Sputnik V, the Russian COVID-19 vaccine, in June, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday, while stressing that vaccination is key to the fight against coronavirus. The chief minister also said the city currently has around 944 cases of mucormycosis or black fungus, including 300 at the central government-run hospitals.
He inaugurated a free walk-in vaccination facility for journalists and their families at Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya at DDU Marg in ITO. “We have started this vaccination facility for journalists and their families. There was a demand from journalists to start a special vaccination facility for them. The vaccines are being administered to those who are in the 18-44 age group as well as those aged above 45.
“I urge all journalists to come in large numbers and get vaccinated. You can protect yourself from coronavirus only through vaccination,” he told reporters.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Stricter curbs in Mumbai if heavy traffic continues: Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday expressed concern over the heavy vehicular traffic in Mumbai and warned that the lockdown-like curbs will be made stricter if such a situation continues.
“I myself cross-checked my speech made last night. I did not say that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted,” Thackeray said.
Mumbai will have to be put under stricter curbs if such a situation continues, the CM said while speaking in suburban Bandra at the inauguration of the trial run of two Metro lines and bhoomipujan of the elevated road and vehicular underpass to connect the airport.
When completed, these projects will put Mumbai on a faster pace amid the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, Thackeray said.
Coronavirus Latest Updates
India may start tests on mixed vaccines in few weeks
Chairperson of COVID-19 working group under National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, Dr NK Arora, says India may soon begin testing the feasibility of a regimen that mixes two different COVID-19 vaccines to see if it helps boost the immune response to the virus, reports ANI.
As per Business Today, he also said that approximately eight vaccines may be mixed and matched in the process, including Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V
Coronavirus Latest Updates
Centre allocates additional 30,100 vials of Amphotericin-B to states/UTs, says Union minister
The government has allocated 30,100 vials of Amphotericin-B to states and Union Territories (UTs), Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers DV Sadananda Gowda said on Monday.
Amphotericin-B is used to treat Mucormycosis, also known as Black Fungus, which damages the nose, eyes, sinuses, and sometimes even the brain. “Additional 30,100 vials of #Amphotericin-B have been allocated to all the States/UTs and Central Institutions today,” Gowda tweeted.
The government has allocated 5,900 vials to Maharashtra, followed by 5,630 vials to Gujarat as part of the fresh allocation. States like Andhra Pradesh (1,600), Madhya Pradesh (1,920), Telangana (1,200), Uttar Pradesh (1,710), Rajasthan (3,670), Karnataka (1,930), Haryana (1,200) also received additional vials to counter the disease.
Last week, the government had allocated 29,250 additional vials of Amphotericin-B drug to states and Union Territories (UTs),
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Delhi Police fines over 1,000 people in a day for not wearing face masks
The Delhi Police fined 1,080 people on Sunday for not wearing face masks, officials said on Monday. According to police data, on March 30, 920 people were fined for not wearing masks and 19 for not maintaining social distancing. On 31 March, 1,091 were fined for not wearing masks and 16 others for violating social distancing norms.
On Sunday, 108 people were also fined for not maintaining social distancing, the officials said.
“The Delhi Police has issued over one lakh challans to people during lockdown for not wearing masks and violating social distancing etc. We urge people not to come out of their homes unnecessarily and follow Covid appropriate behaviour despite the fact that the cases are declining and the process of unlocking has started,” Delhi Police Additional Public Relations Officer (PRO) Anil Mittal.
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Karnataka govt mulling lifting lockdown curbs in a phased manner, says govt
The Karnataka government is contemplating to unlock the lockdown in a phased manner by easing restrictions provided COVID-19 infections in Bengaluru come down to less than 1,000 a day, Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka said.
“I have given my opinion to Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa about unlocking the lockdown in a phased manner by opening one after another sector,” Ashoka told reporters in Chikkaballapura.
Replying to a query on lifting the restrictions on 7 June when the current lockdown which is in effect since 10 May comes to an end, Ashoka said there is a request from some sectors to lift curbs stage by stage.
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COVID-19 survivor in Gujarat ends life over fear of mucormycosis
An 80-year-old man from Ahmedabad who had recovered from coronavirus allegedly died by suicide out of fear of contracting the mucormycosis infection, police said on Monday. Mucormycosis, also known as the black fungus, is a serious infection which has been found in several COVID-19 patients in various states.
According to police, the victim used to live with his wife at the Aman Apartments in Paldi area of the city. He allegedly consumed a pesticide on the terrace of his apartment on Thursday and died at a private hospital on Saturday, Paldi police station’s inspector J M Solanki said.
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Centre says 30,100 vials of anti-fungal drug sent to states
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Sadananda Gowda on Monday announced that additional 30,100 vials of Amphotericin-B have been allocated to all the states/UTs and Central Institutions.
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Delhi will receive Sputnik V vaccine after 20 June: Arvind Kejriwal
“We will get a batch of Sputnik V vaccine doses after 20 June. Currently, it is in importing phase, I think its production will begin in August in India,” Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday.
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Curfew in Andhra Pradesh extended till 10 June
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Monday announced that the ‘corona curfew’ imposed in the state will be extended till 10 June.
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Relaxations in curfew in 61 Uttar Pradesh districts from Tuesday
The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday extended the relaxations announced in the coronavirus curfew to six more districts from June 1, allowing shops and markets outside the containment zones to open for five days a week. The relaxations will be applicable to a total of 61 districts from Tuesday, while 14 districts with an active COVID-19 caseload of over 600 have been kept outside the purview of the order for the time being.
“The relaxations were announced in 55 districts on Sunday, which has now been increased to 61 (of the state’s 75 districts). According to latest reports, the active caseload has fallen below 600 in Sonbhadra, Deoria, Baghpat, Prayagraj, Bijnore and Moradabad, and the relaxations will be applicable in these six districts as well,” an official spokesperson said here.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with senior officials, he added.
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SC pulls up Centre over digital process for vaccination
“You keep on saying the situation is dynamic but policy makers must have their ears on ground. You keep on saying ‘digital India, digital India’ but the situation is actually different in rural areas. How will an labourer, from Jharkhand get registered in Rajasthan? Tell us how you will address this digital divide,” the bench sought to know from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was representing the Centre.
It added, “You must smell the coffee and see what is happening across the country. You must know the ground situation and change the policy accordingly. If we had to do it, we would have done it 15-20 days back.”
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‘How are you ensuring that migrants are vaccinated?’: SC to Centre
The Supreme Court on Monday posed questions to the Centre on the COVID-19 vaccine procurement policy and need for mandatory registration on the CoWIN app for people to get vaccinated, without keeping in mind the “digital divide”. The apex court observed that the policy makers must have an ear to the ground.
“How are you answering the digital divide? How are you ensuring that the migrant workers are able to get vaccinated?” the apex court was quoted by The Times of India as asking Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre.
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Vietnam to test all 9 million residents in Ho Chi Minh
Vietnam plans to test all 9 million people in its largest city for the coronavirus and imposed more restrictions Monday to deal with a growing COVID-19 outbreak.
People in Ho Chi Minh city are only allowed to leave home for necessary activities and public gatherings of more than 10 people are banned for the next two weeks, the government announced.
Prior to the order, the city, also Vietnam’s economic hub, shut down non-essential business last Thursday when cases started to increase.
State newspaper Vietnam News said the city authority is planning to test its entire population with a testing capacity of 100,000 samples a day.
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Chattisgarh govt announces Rs 5 lakh aid for kin of journalists who succumbed to COVID-19
The Chhattisgarh government announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for kin of journalists who died due to COVID-19. The state government will also reimburse the money to journalists who were admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19.
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