Coronavirus news Updates: States, UTs to receive over 4 lakh COVID-19 vaccines in next three days, says Centre

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Delhi to begin vaccination for students, others who want to go abroad from Monday 

The Delhi government will begin COVID-19 vaccination for students enrolled in foreign universities, sportspersons, as well as people travelling abroad for work in a special drive starting from Monday at Mandir Marg.

The second dose of Covishield and Covaxin can also be administered at this center only after 28 days, said deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.

विदेश जाने वाले छात्रों, खिलाड़ियों, नौकरी पर जाने वाले व्यक्तियों आदि के लिए विशेष वैक्सीनेशन केंद्र कल से मंदिर मार्ग पर शुरू हो रहा है.

इस केंद्र पर कोविशील्ड वैक्सीन की दूसरी डोज़ भी केवल 28 दिन बाद लगवाई जा सकती है. pic.twitter.com/moZBDJtQW7

— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) June 13, 2021

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G7 pledges over 1 billion vaccine doses to poor nations: Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Group of Seven wealthy nations have pledged over 1 billion coronavirus vaccine doses for poorer nations. Speaking at the end of a G-7 leaders’ summit in southwest England on Sunday, Johnson said the doses would come both directly and through the international COVAX programme.

The commitment falls far short of the 11 billion doses the World Health Organisation said is needed to vaccinate at least 70% of the world’s population and truly end the pandemic.

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Sputnik V to be available at Delhi’s Indraprastha Apollo Hospital from 15 June

Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V is likely to be available in Delhi from next week at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, with the tentative roll-out date scheduled for 15 June.

The first phase of the Sputnik V roll-out by Apollo Hospitals and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories had started on a pilot basis on 17 May in Hyderabad and on 18 May in Vishakhapatnam.

An Apollo Delhi spokesperson stated that they are expecting that the programme will begin on Tuesday 15 June, but can only be finalised when the consignment arrives, expected on Monday evening.

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UK scientists develop gadget that sniffs out COVID-19

Electronic devices may soon be used to identify the presence of infection in a crowded space using body odour profiles after scientists in the UK have tested a so-called “COVID alarm”. Early studies by scientists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Durham University show that COVID-19 infection has a distinct smell, resulting from changes in the volatile organic compounds (VOC) which make up the body odour, generating an odour “fingerprint” that the sensors can detect. 

Led by researchers from the LSHTM and biotech company RoboScientific Ltd with Durham University, the study tested devices with organic semi-conducting (OSC) sensors, which could potentially be used as a COVID-19 screening tool. These results are really promising and demonstrate the potential for using this technology as a rapid, non-invasive test with incredible accuracy. However, further testing is required to confirm if these results can be replicated in real-world settings, said Professor James Logan, Head of the Department of Disease Control at LSHTM, who led the study.

PTI

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Kerala logs 11,584 new cases, 206 deaths

Kerala reported 11,584  new cases of COVID-19 and 206 related deaths on Saturday.  With this, the total affected so far in the State to 26,98,214 and the toll of fatalities to 11,181.  State Health Minister Veena George said 94,677 samples were tested in the last 24 hours and the test positivity rate was 12.24 percent.

Meanwhile 17,856 people recuperated from the disease taking the total cured in the state to 25,93,625. Currently, there are 1,23,003 people under treatment.

PTI

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G7 leaders discuss Wuhan lab leak theory behind COVID-19 pandemic

 World leaders gathered at the G7 Summit in Cornwall discussed the possibility that a laboratory leak in central China’s Wuhan city may have a connection with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief saying all hypotheses behind the origins of the deadly disease remain in play. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that officials “compared notes” over the theory that the pandemic may have originated from a leak from a lab in Wuhan, calling for further investigations. However, he asserted that the UK’s “best information” remained that it “jumped” from animals to humans but admitted they did not have “all the answers”.

“That’s why internationally we wanted the review to be able to go into China to get all the answers, so that we have the full picture rather than these possible, potential, plausible options, Raab told Sky News’ on Sunday when asked about the issue. “But, on balance, we do not believe that it came from a laboratory. We think it is much more likely to have jumped from animal species,” he said.

PTI

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Jammu and Kashmir extends curbs, announces relaxations in eight districts

Guidelines on COVID-19 containment in Jammu and Kashmir notified on 29 May, will continue to remain in force till further orders, according to an official order. However, some relaxations have been allowed in eight districts ( Poonch, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Shopian, Kulgam, Ganderbal and Bandipora) -barber shops, salons and parlours, standalone shops, outdoor bazaars and shopping complexes  permitted to open on all days except weekend; all government and private offices allowed to re-open without any restrictions subject to strict adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour. Lastly, wholesale trade of liquor will be allowed in the entire UT on all days except Saturday and Sunday.

Guidelines on #COVID containment in UT notified on 29 May, will continue to remain in force till further orders. Relaxations granted to few activities in 8 dists-Poonch, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Shopian, Kulgam, Ganderbal & Bandipora on significant improvements: Jammu & Kashmir Govt pic.twitter.com/cuCBRb5qFN

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2021

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Donation of one billion vaccine doses only a start, says IMF chief

The International Monetary Fund managing director says there’s a moral imperative for the world’s richest countries to back programmes to end the COVID-19 pandemic but the donation of excess vaccines is only the first step. Kristalina Georgieva’s comments in a virtual press conference at the Group of Seven summit Sunday came after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he hoped G-7 leaders would agree to provide at least 1 billion vaccine doses for poorer countries. 

Humanitarian groups have welcomed the donations, but are calling for money, increased production and logistical support to help developing countries where the virus is still raging.

AP

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No clarity on COVID-19 vaccine procurement, say private hospitals; seek proper guidelines

 Several private hospitals across the country said they have no clarity on procuring COVID-19 vaccines under the new policy announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that it has led to the vaccination being put on hold at their centres. The hospitals have sought a proper mechanism and a single-window system to be put in place for procurement of vaccine doses. They also claimed that they had approached the vaccine manufacturers — Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India (SII) — and also state governments, but to no avail.

Elaborating the problems faced by private hospitals, SCL Gupta, medical director, Batra Hospital said, “The problem is that there is no clarity on how we will be procuring the vaccines. When we ask the state government officials, they say wait till 21 June stating that the policy is not yet clear. The Central government also has asked us to wait. We have approached the companies too, but they are also not clear on the methodology of procurement, he said.

PTI

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Doctor beaten up after COVID-19 patient’s death in Latur; four held

A doctor was allegedly attacked by four persons after the father of their friend died while undergoing treatment against coronavirus at a government hospital in Latur city of Maharashtra, police said on Sunday. The incident occurred at Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical Sciences Institute during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, they said. 

The four accused, identified as Shubham Dilip Nakade (25), Shriniwas Govindrao Dhobe (25), Akash Pramod Shete (20), Namdev Hanumant Shinde (29), have been arrested, police sub-inspector Kiran Pathare said. The accused used abusive language against Dr Amit Varma (24) and thrashed him alleging that he didn’t treat their friend’s father properly, he said, adding that the doctor did not suffer any serious injury in the incident. 
 

PTI

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Jharkhand registers zero fresh COVID-19 fatality for first time during second wave

Jharkhand on Sunday did not report any fresh coronavirus death for the first time during the ongoing second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, but 239 new cases pushed the state’s tally to 3,43,304, a health bulletin said. East Singhbhum district registered the highest number of new cases at 51, followed by 27 in Ranchi and 23 in Hazaribag, it said.

The state now has 3,966 active cases, while the coronavirus toll remained unchanged at 5,082.

PTI

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Only two new cases in Mumbai’s Dharavi

According to the BMC, only two cases of COVID-19 were been reported in Mumbai’s Dharavi today and there are a total of 13 active cases in the area. Meanwhile, 10 active cases were recorded in Dadar, which has 160 active cases while Mahim has 139.

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5,000 Pakistani refugees to get COVID-19 jabs in MP’s Indore

About 5,000 Pakistani refugees from the Hindu Sindhi community living in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore will be administered COVID-19 vaccines, an official said on Sunday. The representatives of the Pakistani refugees from the Hindu Sindhi community had recently requested the administration for anti- coronavirus inoculation, District Immunization Officer Dr Praveen Jadia told PTI. 

“This demand has been accepted following the state government’s approval. These Pakistani refugees will now be able to receive anti-coronavirus jabs at the city’s vaccination centres by showing their passport as the identity card,” he said. 

PTI

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Delhi records 255 new cases, 23 deaths

Delhi records 255 new COVID-19 cases, 376 recoveries and 23 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 14,31,139, toll to 24,823 and recoveries to 14,02,850, according to a health bulletin. The National Capital now has 3,466 active cases, The positivity rate rises marginally to 0.35 percent from 0.30 percent on Saturday. According to the bulletin, 72,751 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours and 83,286 beneficiaries were vaccinated in the same  duration.

Delhi records 255 new COVID cases (positivity rate - 0.35%), 376 patient discharges, and 23 deaths in the last 24 hours

Active cases: 3,466
Total discharges: 14,02,850
Death toll: 24,823 pic.twitter.com/wo2wtlkfSi

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2021

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MK Stalin announces more relaxations in 27 TN districts; tea shops to reopen from tomorrow

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday announced more relaxations in as many as 27 districts of the state which includes permission for tea shops to reopen from 14 June. Barring 11 districts, seven in western and four in Cauvery delta regions respectively, the fresh relaxations would be applicable in the rest of 27 districts including Chennai and other nearby districts.

Tea shops can function from 6 AM to 5 PM and only takeaway services are permitted, Stalin said in a statement and appealed to people to use vessels and avoid using plastic bags to take home the hot beverage. “Sweet and savoury shops are also permitted to be open from 8 am till 2 pm and only parcel services are allowed.” Restaurants and bakeries have already been allowed to function.

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Only asymptomatic customers to be allowed in weekly markets, say DDMA guidelines

The Delhi government on Sunday said weekly markets, barring those in containment zones, will be allowed to open between 4 pm and 10 pm for one week. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), which issued standard operating procedures for weekly markets, said only asymptomatic customers will be allowed in them. Pregnant women, children aged below 10, elderly aged above 65 and persons with comorbidities have been advised to stay home.

Stall owners and customers have to maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet, and use face masks and hand sanitisers.  Spitting will be strictly prohibited. Large gatherings are not allowed.

PTI

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Full-vaccinated Assam govt employees to attend office from tomorrow

The Assam government on Sunday instructed all its employees who have recieved both the doses of COVID-19 vaccine to attend office from Monday, 14 June.

All COVID-19 protocols are to be strictly followed, the government added in its order.

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Odisha logs 4,469 new COVID-19 cases, 45 more deaths

Odisha on Sunday reported 4,469 new COVID-19 cases, taking the state’s tally to 8,51,782, a Health Department official said. Forty-five more deaths pushed the toll to 3,302, he said.

Of the new infections, 2,546 were reported from quarantine centres, while the rest 1,923 were local contact cases. Khurda district, where state capital Bhubaneswar is located, reported the highest 612 new cases, followed by Cuttack (413), Jajpur (370) and Balasore (318).

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Puducherry records 402 COVID-19 cases

There was a slight dip in COVID-19 cases in Puducherry with the Union Territory recording 402 cases and seven deaths, taking the caseload to 1,12,528 and the toll to 1,684. The UT had reported 442 cases on Saturday. Recoveries outnumbered fresh cases with 809 people being discharged from hospitals, taking the active cases to 5,331. In all, 1,05,513 have recovered from the disease so far. Puducherry and Karaikal regions accounted for three deaths each and Mahe, one, Health and Family Welfare Services Director S Mohan Kumar said in a release.

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Sixty-five kids test positive in Maharashtra’s Osmanabad

At least 65 children have tested positive for coronavirus in Osmanabad district of Maharashtra over the last four days, as per the data shared by the district civil hospital. As per the data, the COVID-19 positivity rate and fatality rate are falling in the Osmanabad district but COVID-19 patients in the age group of 0 to 18 years are found in the district for the first time.

Out of the 119 patients found in the district on 9 June, 25 were children between the age group of 0 and 18. Of the 109 patients found on 10 June,  19 were children. On 11 June, 123 infections were detected, of whom 21 were children. This shows that on an average 18 percent of children tested positive. However, no child suffering from coronavirus in the district has died, as per the data shared by authorities.

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Visuals from COVID-19 vaccination drive in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri:

J&K | Vaccination drive in progress in Rajouri's Dhar village. "We began with 45+ age group & are also vaccinating 18+ age group now. These are far-flung areas where our team goes from ward to ward walking for 4-5 hours. 90% vaccination completed so far,"says Sarpanch Aijaz Ahmed pic.twitter.com/clLcpr8eZy

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2021

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Detailed order of latest Delhi ‘unlock’:

The order will come into effect in Delhi from 5 am on Monday till 5 am on 21 June or further orders, whichever is earlier, the government said.

Prohibited/restricted activities to come into effect in Delhi from 5 am tomorrow till 5 am on 21st June or further orders, whichever is earlier, as follows - pic.twitter.com/aJ5no3XqQR

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2021

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Schools, colleges to remain closed till 30 June in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh government has extended the closure of all schools and colleges till 30 June, in view of a surge in coronavirus cases, according to a media report. On 17 March last year, Bangladesh had closed all schools to contain the spread of coronavirus. All examinations were cancelled. 

In a notification on Saturday,  the Ministry of Education said all primary, secondary, higher secondary and college-level institutions, including Ebtedayee and Qawmi madrasas, would remain closed till 30 June, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported. Last month, Education Minister Dipu Moni said in-class teaching could be reopened on June 13, based on a review of the virus outbreak.

“The COVID-19 situation worsened in some districts and many areas have been locked down. Considering the safety of students, teachers, staff and guardians, and upon the advice of COVID-19 technical committee, the shutdown has been extended,” the newspaper quoted the notification.

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Tamil Nadu govt announces more relaxations:

The Tamil Nadu government announced more relaxations in lockdown restrictions. The revised guidelines will come into effect from Monday.

“Tea shops are allowed to open from 6 am to 5 pm for takeaways in 27 districts. Construction companies are allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity,” News18 reported.

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Private offices to function at 50% capacity from 9 am to 5 pm in Delhi

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced guidelines for the functioning of private and government offices.

“In government offices, there will be 100 percent attendance of group A officers and 50 percent for the rest. Private offices will run on 50 percent capacity from 9 am to 5 pm,” he said.

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Restrictions that continue in Delhi:

– Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain closed. Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious festival gatherings are prohibited. Swimming pools, stadiums, sports complexes, cinema theaters, multiplexes will also be closed, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.

– Spas, gyms, yoga institutes, public parks and gardens will remain closed.

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One weekly market to be allowed in each zone; visitors barred from religious places in Delhi

Arvind Kejriwal said religious places will be opened in Delhi but no visitors will be allowed.

“Weekly market allowed but only one market per zone. Weddings are not allowed in public places like banquet halls or hotels, only at the court or in homes with not more than 20 people. Only 20 people allowed at funerals.

“50 percent capacity allowed in Delhi Metro as well as buses. In autos, e-rickshaws, or taxis, not more than 2 passengers allowed to ensure social distancing,” he added.

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Delhi restaurants to open with 50% capacity from tomorrow: Kejriwal

“Restaurants will be allowed to open at 50 percent seating capacity. We will observe this for one week, if cases increase, stricter restrictions will be imposed, otherwise, it will be continued,” said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday.

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Arvind Kejriwal announces new relaxations in Delhi

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced new relaxations in lockdown restrictions in the National Capital on Sunday.

“After 5 am tomorrow, all activities will be allowed except some activities that will be prohibited and some activities that will be done in a restricted manner. A detailed order will be issued,” Kejriwal said in a press briefing on Sunday. 

News18 reported that schools, colleges, educational institutes will remain shut; sports, religious gatherings will not be allowed and swimming pools, sports complex, multiplexes will remain closed.

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Pakistan restricts travellers from 26 countries, including India

Pakistan has placed strict restrictions on travellers from 26 countries, including India, to contain the spread of Covid-19 cases in the country. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), a nerve centre to synergise effort against Covid-19 has placed these countries in the “C category” and revised the inbound air/land travel categories with an immediate effect, a Pakistani daily reported

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Centre says 1.53 cr vaccine doses available with states, UTs

Over 26 crore Covid vaccine doses doses provided to states/ UTs so far. More than 1.53 crore doses are still available with the states/UTs to be administered. Additional, more than 4 lakh vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the states/UTs within the next 3 days, says Union government

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Statewise COVID-19 deaths:

The 3,303 new deaths on Sunday include 1,966 from Maharashtra, 374 from Tamil Nadu, 171 from Kerala and 144 from Karnataka.

A total of  3,70,384 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,08,333 from Maharashtra, 32,788 from Karnataka, 29,280 from Tamil Nadu, 24,800 from Delhi, 21,735 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,812 from West Bengal, 15,503 from Punjab and 13,311 from Chhattisgarh.

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Active COVID-19 cases fall by 54,531

Active cases have decreased by 54,531 in the last 24 hours to take the tally to 10,26,159. Recoveries have been outnumbering the daily new cases for the 31st consecutive day now.

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Thane district sees 432 new COVID-19 cases, 23 deaths

With the addition of 432 fresh coronavirus positive cases, the infection count in Thane district of Maharashtra mounted to 5,24,704, an official said on Sunday. These new cases were reported on Saturday, he said.

With 23 more patients succumbing to coronavirus, the death toll in the district rose to 10,221. The mortality rate now stands at 1.94 percent, he added. The details of the recovered and under-treatment patients were not provided by the district administration.

In neighbouring Palghar district, the COVID-19 case count has gone up to 1,13,416 while the death toll is 2,398, he said.

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ICMR says 19 lakh COVID-19 tests conducted yesterday

The Indian Council of Medical Research (IMCR) said that a total of 37,81,32,474 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to 12 June, 2021.

Of these, 19,00,312 samples were tested on Saturday.

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WHO chief says vaccine need is much more than pledges by G7 members

The head of the World Health Organisation has welcomed the vaccine-sharing announcements coming out of the Group of Seven summit but says we need more, and we need them faster.

“The challenge, I said to the G-7 leaders, was that to truly end the pandemic, our goal must be to vaccinate at least 70% of the world’s population by the time the G-7 meets again in Germany next year,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters Saturday at the summit in southwest England.

“To do that, we need 11 billion doses,” Tedros said, adding that it was essential for countries to temporarily waive intellectual property protections for coronavirus vaccines.

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At G7, Narendra Modi suggests ‘One Earth, One Health’ approach to fight COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for following a “one earth, one health” approach to effectively deal with the coronavirus pandemic globally, and sought the support of the G7 grouping to lift patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines, during a virtual address at an outreach session of a summit of the bloc.

Calling for global unity, leadership, and solidarity to prevent future pandemics, Modi also emphasised on the special responsibility of democratic and transparent societies to deal with the challenge, according to an official statement. In his address, Modi sought the support of the G7 countries for a proposal moved at the WTO by India and South Africa, for patent waiver on Covid related technologies.

“The prime minister committed India’s support for collective endeavours to improve global health governance. He sought the G7’s support for the proposal moved at the WTO by India and South Africa for a TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) waiver on Covid related technologies,” the statement said.

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Lowest single-day new number of COVID-19 cases in 71 days

With 80,834 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, India reported its lowest daily figure in the last 71 days, the Centre said.

The daily positivity rate is at 4.25 percent, which is less than 10 percent for 20 consecutive days. The recovery rate rose to 95.26 percent in last 24 hours, with 1,32,062 recoveries recorded.

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India reports 80,834 new COVID-19 cases today, lowest new figure in 71 days

India on Sunday reported 80,834 new COVID-19 cases, 1,32,062 discharges, and 3,303 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said.

Total cases: 2,94,39,989
Total discharges: 2,80,43,446  
Toll: 3,70,384
Active cases: 10,26,159

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Salons, weekly markets likely to reopen in Delhi from next week

With the COVID-19 situation improving in Delhi, authorities are expected to give more relaxations and allow reopening of salons and weekly markets from next week, sources claimed on Saturday. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had last week announced reopening of markets, malls and Delhi Metro services among other relaxations, saying more activities would be allowed if the Covid situation continued to improve in the city.

“There is a likelihood of the Delhi government announcing more relaxations like reopening salons and weekly markets from next week. Reopening of cinema halls, gyms and allowing dining at restaurants are also under consideration,” a source claimed.

Phased reopening of Delhi had started with allowing construction and manufacturing activities from 31 May, in view of declining numbers of coronavirus cases and positivity rate.