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Coronavirus LATEST Updates: Vaccination in Karnataka for people above 18 years of age will be delayed as the vaccine has not been supplied yet, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said on Friday. He was reacting to the Centre’s directive on allowing vaccinating people above 18 years from 1 May. “Our Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar has said clearly that the vaccine has not been supplied yet. We will vaccinate people once it arrives,” the chief minister told reporters on the sidelines of a function. He dismissed charges that it was a failure on the part of the government for not getting the vaccine beforehand. “Where is the question of failure? We had thought we would get the vaccine (on time) but there is a delay in the supply,” Yediyurappa said. The Delhi High Court, which was conducting a hearing on the issue of oxygen shortage in the National Capital, on Friday said that it was “fed-up of hearing of people dying every day”. A Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli has been taking up pleas from hospitals seeking an urgent supply of medical oxygen to treat their COVID-19 patients. “The aspect of oxygen shortage, if the need arises, will be looked into by this Court on Monday. We hope that the need doesn’t arise. Every day people are dying, hundreds of people. We are fed up of hearing every day - the hospitals, nursing homes,” the court was quoted as saying by LiveLaw. Submitting during a suo motu hearing in the Supreme Court on Friday, the Centre claimed that there there is “more than adequate stock of oxygen” to meet the requirements in the country and that “there is no need to panic”. “There is no shortage of medical oxygen in the country, supply being augmented for COVID-19 relief,” the Centre was quoted as saying by NDTV. The statement came in backdrop of hospitals in Delhi and in other cities sending out SOS messages for an urgent supply of oxygen, and reports documenting deaths in Delhi, Haryana allegedly due to the lack of oxygen. Making a presentation to the Supreme Court, the Centre Friday said there is more than adequate stock of oxygen to meet the demand and that there is no need to panic. The Madras high court on Friday refused to restrain the media from publishing oral observations made during court proceedings and blamed the Election Commission for the COVID-19 surge across the country. Rejecting repeated requests made by senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi on behalf of the commission, the first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy refused to grant any relief. The issue pertains to the observations made by the high court on 26 April while hearing a suo motu PIL to monitor Tamil Nadu’s preparedness in tackling the second wave of the COVID-19 cases. “Delhi represents people from the entire country. Centre has a special responsibility. Forget that somebody wasn’t able to lift the oxygen but you have to push through because you have to protect lives,” observed the top court. No state should clampdown information if citizens communicate their grievances on social media, the top court said Friday amid an unprecedented COVID-19 surge. The apex court stressed clampdown on information will be “treated as contempt if any citizens are harassed”. The Supreme Court on Friday warned the state governments against clampdown on information if citizens communicate their grievances on COVID-19 crisis on social media. As soon as the vaccines reach Delhi, we will make proper announcements. Only then people with appointments can start coming to the centres, said Kejriwal. A division bench comprising of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rekha Palli however directed that the police will be duty bound to conduct investigation in such cases, cooperation of which shall be given by public at large. The plea comes in light of the wide reportage of high court’s observation that the poll body was responsible for COVID-19 second wave and must face murder charges for the same. Of the total 1.87 crore COVID-19 cases in India, there are over 31 lakh cases that are currently active while, over 1.53 crore people have recovered after testing positive, according to health ministry’s latest data. With the death of 3,498 COVID-19 patients in the past 24 hours, the toll in the country climbed to 2,08,330 on Friday, said the Union health ministry. This takes the national fatality rate to 1.11 percent. In 1971, Sorabjee was designated senior counsel of the Supreme Court. He became the attorney general of India first from 1989-90 and then from 1998-2004. With more than 400 oxygen cylinders, nearly one million rapid coronavirus test kits, and other hospital equipment, a Super Galaxy military transporter landed at New Delhi’s International airport Friday morning. Still reeling under a deadly second wave of COVID-19, Maharashtra may witness a third wave of the infection in July-August, said health minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday. The grim prediction by Tope came on a day when Maharashtra, the state worst-hit by the pandemic in the country, recorded 66,159 fresh coronavirus cases and 771 fatalities. Speaking to reporters, he said, “As per epidemiologists, Maharashtra could witness a third wave of COVID-19 in July or August. Maharashtra is trying to be self-sufficient in terms of availability of medical oxygen by then.” “It has been said the state could reach to the plateau level of COVID-19 cases by the end of May. If it is hit by a third wave in July or August, it would increase the challenges before the state administration,” he said. He was speaking after taking part in a review meeting with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray where various aspects of COVID-19 management and vaccination were discussed. District collectors and divisional commissioners also took part in the virtual meeting. During the discussion, the chief minister stressed on setting up 125 PSA (pressure swing adsorption (PSA) plants (for generating medical oxygen) at the earliest for treating patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection," Tope said. District collectors were told the government will not tolerate any complain about non-availability of oxygen when the state is hit by a third wave, said the health minister. Maintaining that the current requirement of oxygen is being met through local generation as well as supplies from the Centre, he said Maharashtra is facing a shortage of 10,000 to 15,000 vials of Remdesivir, used to treat critical COVID-19 patients. Though there is a shortage, we have asked doctors to use it judiciously. Extra doses could lead to grave side effects, he said. Tope said the chief minister informed the meeting that he has told business houses and corporates that if they spend on setting up COVID-19-related facilities, that money will be considered as CSR expenditure. “They can avail all benefits related to CSR spendings and this will also ease financial burden on the state,” the health minister said. We will try to set up oxygen generator plants, arrange oxygen concentrators as well as provide medical equipment such as CT scan and MRI machines to districts where these facilities are not available," he said. Districts such as Hingoli, Jalna, Parbhani, Osmanabad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Washim and Gadchiroli will get tele-medicine services where COVID-19 patients with other health issues can seek consultancy from doctors based in major cities, Tope said. Maharashtra, which has so far reported 45,39,553 coronavirus cases and 67,985 fatalities, is under lockdown-like restrictions till 15 May.
Coronavirus Updates: Tripura govt sounds alert after cases with three COVID-19 strains are detected
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: However, Yediyurappa dismissed charges that it was a failure on the part of the government for not getting the vaccine beforehand
 "Coronavirus Updates: Tripura govt sounds alert after cases with three COVID-19 strains are detected")
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Tripura govt sounds alert after three strains of COVID-19 are found in the state
The Tripura government has sounded an alert after the double mutant strain of coronavirus and those of Britain and African variants were found in the state, officials said on Friday. The state government has decided to hold full-fledged virus tests for passengers entering the state via airways, trains and roadways and quarantine the infected amon them, the officials said.
Imediately after the receipt of the test results of outsiders by the state government, Tripura health secretary J K Sinha held a virtual meeting on Thursday with district magistrates, superintendenst of police and the chief medical officers of all the eight districts and asked them to take all precautions and strictly maintain the COVID-19 norms, officials said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Willing to pay vaccine manufacturers ‘in one go’, but doses yet to be made available: Uddhav Thackeray
“There is a limitation to the production of vaccines in the country. We are willing to pay them the entire amount in one go, but vaccines are yet to be made available,” said Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday.
“We are starting vaccination from May 1 For the 18-44 age group. This will be based on the vaccine supplies we are getting. We have very limited stocks. There is no need to crowd the centres,” he added.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Bengal govt shuts down malls, restaurants, gyms; bazaars to remain open for limited hours
The West Bengal government on Friday ordered shutdown of all shopping malls, beauty parlours, restaurants, bars, sports complexes, gyms, spas and swimming pools in the state with immediate effect until further orders, amid the surge in COVID-19 cases.
According to the order, all forms of social, cultural, academic, entertainment-related gatherings and congregations have been prohibited in the state for the time being. Bazaars, market places will be allowed to operate twice every day — from 7 am-10 am and 3 pm-5 pm.
Activities related to the electoral counting processes and victory rallies will be guided by the Election Commission protocols, the order said. Medical shops, medical equipment outlets, grocery stores, along with home delivery services, have been kept out of the order’s purview. “The restrictions will be in place till the administration reviews the situation again,” a senior official told PTI.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Fortis Healthcare to begin third-phase vaccination in north India from tomorrow
Fortis Healthcare said it would commence coronavirus vaccination for adults at all its centres in north India from Saturday, while the drive would start in other cities as soon as supplies were made available by the authorities. Apart from Fortis, Apollo Hospitals will also begin the third phase of the inoculation drive after the Centre opened up vaccination for all adults.
“Fortis will administer COVID vaccines for 18+ at its centres across North India from tomorrow. Fortis centres in other cities will commence vaccination as soon as supplies are made available by the authorities,” a statement said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Vaccination of people above 18 in Karnataka may be delayed: BS Yediyurappa
Vaccination in Karnataka for people above 18 years of age will be delayed as the vaccine has not been supplied yet, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said on Friday. He was reacting to the Centre’s directive on allowing vaccinating people above 18 years from 1 May.
“Our Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar has said clearly that the vaccine has not been supplied yet. We will vaccinate people once it arrives,” the chief minister told reporters on the sidelines of a function. He dismissed charges that it was a failure on the part of the government for not getting the vaccine beforehand.
“Where is the question of failure? We had thought we would get the vaccine (on time) but there is a delay in the supply,” Yediyurappa said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Apollo, Max hospitals to begin vaccination from tomorrow at limited centres
The Apollo and Max Hospitals in Delhi “will start vaccinating those between 18 and 44 across the country from Saturday” NDTV reported.
“Apollo continues to participate in the world’s largest preventive vaccination drive. Vaccines available at limited Apollo hospitals for >18 from 1 May. Pre-Registration mandatory on COVIN app. Stay safe
“Realizing the criticality of vaccinating the citizens to mitigate the impact of the second wave of Covid infections, Apollo Hospitals has taken the initiative and made arrangements to procure the vaccines directly from the manufacturers, as per the government directive,” the Apollo group said in a press statement.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
People are cooperating so cases haven’t increased: Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that more stringent restrictions may not be necessary because “people are co-operating”.
“But we also need to keep an eye on the numbers. We would have reached 9.5 – 10 lakh if we had gone at that pace (of active cases). But you cooperated, followed rules. I understand that it is easy to put these restrictions in place, but difficult to follow,” he was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
“I had promised the restrictions would perhaps impact livelihood, but I assured it would not impact it. I am open to taking suggestions from other states that may have done better in some aspects, nothing wrong in following what has worked for them,” he added.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Centre plans jumbo container-based COVID hospitals near industries producing gaseous oxygen
The government is planning to set up jumbo container based COVID-19 hospitals near industries which produce gaseous oxygen in order to increase the number of oxygen-supported beds amid a surge in coronavirus cases. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Piyush Goyal said steel plants have raised the production of by-product liquid oxygen so that the demand for the essential public health commodity could be met.
New oxygen plants are being set up in different parts of the country while production capacity of existing plants have been increased, he said at a press conference.
“Jumbo container based COVID-19 hospitals using gaseous oxygen will be set up near industries which produce mainly gaseous oxygen. With this, oxygen beds can be increased as much as possible,” Goyal said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Uttar Pradesh to start inoculating 18-plus people in 7 districts tomorrow
Uttar Pradesh government said that it will start vaccinating people between the ages of 18 to 45 in seven districts from Saturday, reports said. While the third phase of inoculation is set to begin from Saturday, several states have flagged a shortage of doses and said that they will be unable to start the vaccination drive.
The government will conduct vaccination in Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut and Bareilly, NDTV reported.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
West Bengal govt says third phase of inoculation will begin when state receives doses
“Vaccination drive for those between 18 to 44 years of age will begin as and when the State receives the vaccine doses. Vaccination of those above 45 years will continue,” the West Bengal government said on Friday, a day before the third phase of inoculation is set to begin.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Xi Jinping writes to Narendra Modi, offers help to fight COVID-19 surge
Chinese president Xi Jinping on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation with India to fight the pandemic and provide support and help to deal with the current surge of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Xi sent a message of sympathy to Modi over the COVID-19 pandemic in India, the official media here reported.
“I am very concerned about the recent situation of COVID-19 pandemic in India. On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, as well as in my own name, I would like to express sincere sympathies to the Indian Government and people,” the message read.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
‘The State has failed in protecting fundamental rights’: Delhi HC
In the hearing on the oxygen crisis in the National Capital, the Delhi High Court on Friday made stinging observation on the government machinery as a whole and said that the State had “failed the people”.
The Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli made the observation after an advocate, who was presenting arguments before the court, stated that his brother had passed away due to the lack of availability of an ICU bed.
“We’ve been informed during hearing that Counsel’s brother in law Mr Sharma has passed away. We only want to say that the state has failed in fulfilling its fundamental obligations of protecting the fundamental rights,” the Bench said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Vaccine centres in Mumbai closed till 2 May due to shortage of doses, says BMC
The BMC on Thursday tweeted that all vaccination centres in Mumbai, including the BKC Jumbo vaccination centre, will be shut for three days due to shortage of doses. This implies that the city, one of the worst-hit by COVID-19, will miss the 1 May starting date for the third phase of inoculation for people between 18 and 45 years of age.
#MyBMCVaccinationUpdate
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) April 29, 2021
Owing to non-availability of vaccine stock, no vaccination will be conducted at any Govt/BMC/Pvt CVC for the next 3 days (30 Apr-2 May)
All efforts are being made to make more stock available & resume the drive
We urge Mumbaikars to cooperate with BMC https://t.co/sqqp1m7daE
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Uttarakhand govt says third phase of inoculation to start after first week of May
Uttarakhand became the latest state to defer the start of the third phase of inoculation, set to begin on Saturday, as the allocated vaccine doses were yet to reach them.
“Centre has allotted around 1,22,000 doses of Covishield and around 42,000 doses of Covaxin to Uttarakhand for vaccination of those above 45 years. Vaccination drive for 18-45 age group will start after first week of May, after we receive the vaccines,” Uttarakhand Health Secretary Amit Negi was quoted as saying by ANI.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Take steps to reduce cost of COVID-19 treatment: HC to govt
Observing that the COVID-19 situation in Kerala is serious, the Kerala High Court on Friday directed the State government to take steps to cut the cost of treatment for the virus at private hospitals. The court gave this direction while considering a plea seeking a directive to introduce affordable universal rates
for COVID-19 treatment.
Expressing concern over exorbitant amounts charged by the private hospitals, the court directed the government to discuss the matter with the managements of the hospitals and inform its decision to the court by next Tuesday. Counsel for the government informed the court that it would consider further reducing the rates. The counsel submitted that the government had last year announced the rates at which the private hospitals could admit and treat COVID-19 positive cases.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
‘Fed-up of hearing of people dying every day’: Delhi HC in hearing on oxygen shortage
The Delhi High Court, which was conducting a hearing on the issue of oxygen shortage in the National Capital, on Friday said that it was “fed-up of hearing of people dying every day”. A Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli has been taking up pleas from hospitals seeking an urgent supply of medical oxygen to treat their COVID-19 patients.
“The aspect of oxygen shortage, if the need arises, will be looked into by this Court on Monday. We hope that the need doesn’t arise. Every day people are dying, hundreds of people. We are fed up of hearing every day – the hospitals, nursing homes,” the court was quoted as saying by LiveLaw.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Cricketer Jaydev Unadkat to contribute 10% of IPL salary for procuring medical resources
In a tweet on Friday, Unadkat said, “I am contributing 10% of my IPL salary towards providing essential medical resources for those in need. My family will make sure it reaches the right places. Jai Hind!”
I am contributing 10% of my IPL salary towards providing essential medical resources for those in need. My family will make sure it reaches the right places. Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/XvAOayUEcd
— Jaydev Unadkat (@JUnadkat) April 30, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
‘No shortage of medical oxygen in the country’, Centre tells SC
Submitting during a suo motu hearing in the Supreme Court on Friday, the Centre claimed that there there is “more than adequate stock of oxygen” to meet the requirements in the country and that “there is no need to panic”.
“There is no shortage of medical oxygen in the country, supply being augmented for COVID-19 relief,” the Centre was quoted as saying by NDTV.
The statement came in backdrop of hospitals in Delhi and in other cities sending out SOS messages for an urgent supply of oxygen, and reports documenting deaths in Delhi, Haryana allegedly due to the lack of oxygen.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Reviewed COVID-19 situation in Council of Ministers meeting, says Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday tweeted that he had reviewd the dire COVID-19 situation and that he discussed steps like “coordination with the states and augmenting medical capacities” to alleviate the severity of shortages across the country.
Reviewed the COVID-19 situation during the Council of Ministers meeting. Discussed the various steps being undertaken including coordination with the states, augmenting medical capacities and boosting oxygen availability. https://t.co/0k4fZDDws3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Isolation hitting mental health of COVID-19 patients, say experts
Undergoing treatment in isolation without the presence of family members or loved ones can leave a negative impact on the mental health of COVID-19 patients as they may lose hope of recovering from the illness, medical experts feel. They say that the presence of family members and regular interaction with them should be made an integral part of the coronavirus treatment standards as it has a therapeutic effect on the patients.
“Not permitting close family members to stay with or visit COVID-19 patients is cruel and inhumane, as infected persons often lose hope of recovering when they feel they are struggling alone,” said Dr Indrajit Khandekar of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS) in Wardha.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Keep politics aside and talk to Centre to resolve oxygen shortage, SC to Delhi govt
The Supreme Court asked the Delhi government on Friday to adopt a cooperative attitude with the Centre in getting essential COVID-19 medical supplies and oxygen cylinders. “Please adopt a cooperative attitude at the time of a human crisis. Politics is during election and not at the present situation,” the top court observed.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Focus on COVID-19 measures, concerns over media sensationalism can wait: Madras HC to EC
The Madras High Court on Friday observed that the Election Commission should be concerned about implementation of COVID-19 measures rather than focusing on “murder charge” comment and media sensationalism.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Parties, media and citizens must follow COVID norms on 2 May: Madras HC
Madras High Court Chief Justice accepted a request made by advocate Ajay Francis Loyola to impose a ban on the bursting of firecrackers on the day of the counting of votes in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on 2 May.
The court said it hoped that political parties, media and citizens at large will follow the COVID-19 protocols on the day of counting of Assembly election votes. It added that leaders of political parties should keep their rank and file in check and prevent bursting of crackers.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Delhi L-G Anil Baijal tests COVID-19 positive
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday. He said he has mild symptoms and has isolated himself.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Madras HC dismisses EC’s request to refrain media from reporting court observations
The Madras high court on Friday refused to restrain the media from publishing oral observations made during court proceedings and blamed the Election Commission for the COVID-19 surge across the country.
Rejecting repeated requests made by senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi on behalf of the commission, the first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy refused to grant any relief.
The issue pertains to the observation made by the court on 26 April during hearing of a suo motu PIL initiated by the court to monitor Tamil Nadu’s preparedness in tackling the second wave of the pandemic.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Delhi represents the nation, Centre has special responsibility towards it: SC on oxygen shortage
The Supreme Court on Friday observed that the Central Government has a special responsibility as far as the needs of citizens of Delhi are concerned. “Delhi represents the nation and there is hardly any one ethnically Delhite. You have a special responsibility as the Centre,” said Justice DY Chandrachud while hearing the suo moto case pertaining to COVID-19 related issues.
The Supreme Court was hearing Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on the issue of oxygen shortage across the country. The hearing will be continued after lunch.
During the hearing, the SG claimed there is no oxygen shortage overall but unavailability in some areas, for instance Delhi. He said that the oxygen supply might be deficient in the National Capital due to inadequate lifting of supplies.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
SC asks Centre to send 200 MT of oxygen to Delhi immediately
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to give 200 metric tonnes of oxygen to Delhi straight away and that it “has an important responsibility as far as citizens of Delhi is concerned.”
“If you are aware of the requirement of 700 MT to Delhi, why did you supply only 480 MT? If there is a 200 MT deficit then you should give that straight away to Delhi. Centre has an important responsibility as far as citizens of Delhi is concerned,” the top court said.
"Delhi represents the nation and there is hardly any one ethnically Delhite. Forget about someone not lifting oxygen. You have to push through since you have to save lives Mr Solicitor. You have a special responsibility as the Centre", Justice Chandrachud.
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 30, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Aaj Tak journalist Rohit Sardana passes away after testing COVID-19 positive
Senior journalist Rohit Sardana passed away on Friday after being infected with the novel coronavirus, according to journalists who shared the news on Twitter. The Aaj Tak anchor had tweeted that he had tested positive for COVID-19 on 24 April.
More terrible news friends. Well known Tv news anchor Rohit Sardana has passed away. Had a heart attack this morning. Deep condolences to his family. RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) April 30, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Even medical professionals not getting hospital beds: SC
Taking stock of the COVID-19 situation in the country, the Supreme Court Friday observed that even doctors and healthcare workers were receiving beds and said the situation looked “grim”.
The apex court said directed hostels, temples, churches and other places be opened for converting them as COVID-19 care centres.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
SC questions govt over pricing of vaccines
Questioning the Central government on pricing of COVID-19 vaccines, Justice DY Chandrahud said, “Why is the government not buying 100 per cent of doses since it’s the best place to determine equity and disburse? Why should there be two prices for the Centre and the states… what is the rationale.”
Why cannot the national immunization program policy be followed? Why is procurement centralised, but distribution decentralised, asked the top court.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Clampdown of info on COVID-19 will be treated as contempt of court, warns SC
The Supreme Court on Friday warned the state governments against clampdown on information if citizens communicate their grievances on COVID-19 crisis on social media. “We will treat it as a contempt of court if such grievances is considered for action,” stressed the apex court.
“If citizens communicate their grievances on social media, we do not want clampdown on information. Let us hear the voices of citizens. We will teat this as contempt if any citizen is harassed if they want bed or oxygen we are in human crisis,” Justice DY Chandrachud said during the hearing.
Justice DY Chandrachud led three-judge bench of Supreme Court is hearing suo motu case regarding supply of essential medicines, drugs, vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Justice Chandrachud: we don't want any clampdown of information. we will treat it as a contempt of court if such grievances is considered for action. let a strong message go to all the states and DGP of states. clampdown of info is contrary to basic precepts.
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) April 30, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
India will receive first shipment of 75,000 Remdesivir vials today: Centre
The first import consignment of 75,000 Remdesivir vials to arrive in India on Friday, said the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers on Friday.
Public sector firm HLL Lifecare has ordered 4,50,000 vials of Remdesivir from US-based Gilead Sciences and Egyptian firm Eva Pharma. Gilead is expected to dispatch 75,000 to 1,00,000 vials in the next one or two days and another 1,00,000 by 15 May.
EVA pharma will supply approximately 10,000 vials initially followed by 50,000 vials every 15 days or till July, said the Centre.
Government of India has started importing the vital drug Remdesivir from other countries to ease out the shortage of Remdesivir in the country. The first Consignment of 75000 vials will reach India today: Government of India
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Delhi ordered 67 lakh vaccines from SII, Bharat Biotech: Kejriwal
We have ordered a total of 67 lakh Covid-19 vaccines from both the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech. The administration has requested them to supply the doses over the course of the next three months, Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday.
He reiterated that the state government is hoping to vaccinate all adults in Delhi against coronavirus within the next three months.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Kejriwal says no vaccines in Delhi yet, asks people not to queue outside centres tomorrow
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal urged people not to queue outside vaccine centres on Saturday and said that 3 lakh doses of Covishield will arrive on Saturday or day after. “We’ve not received the vaccines yet. We are in touch with the companies and hope that we will get 3 lakh Covishield vaccines by tomorrow or day after. Please don’t queue up outside vaccination centres tomorrow,” said Kejriwal.
As soon as the vaccines come, we will make proper announcements. Only then people with appointments can start coming to the centres, he said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Need of the hour to release oxygen concentrators: Delhi HC
During the hearing of Delhi’s oxygen crisis, the high court took note of the news reports stating that the oxygen concentrators were being sold on black market at an exorbitant price and were seized from North Delhi’s Shastri Nagar by the police.
The division bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said that it is the “need of the hour that concentrators are released at earliest”.
“We direct the state to take immediate steps in this regard in terms of our order passed yesterday. Let complaince be reported at 1 pm,” said the court.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Delhi HC orders immediate release of 170 oxygen cylinders resized by police
The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the state authorities to immediately release 170 oxygen concentrators and COVID-19 medical supplies seized from the possession of patients or their attendants. “It is the need of the hour that the oxygen cylinder are released,” said the court.
A division bench comprising of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rekha Palli however directed that the police will be duty bound to conduct investigation in such cases, cooperation of which shall be given by public at large.
The high court is hearing the case on oxygen shortage in the National Capital.
Court directs for these 170 oxygen concentrators to be released in terms of its order from yesterday.
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 30, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
COVID-19 curbs comes into force in Goa
People stayed indoors and streets wore a largely deserted look on Friday as a four-day-long lockdown came into force in Goa to bring down the rising COVID-19 cases in the coastal state.
The COVID-19-related curbs came into force at 9 pm on Thursday and will remain applicable till 6 am on Monday (3 May). The state government has said all essential services would be allowed to function during the period.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Maharashtra may see COVID-19 third wave in July-August: Rajesh Tope
Still reeling under a deadly second wave of COVID-19, Maharashtra may witness a third wave of the infection in July-August, said health minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday.
The grim prediction by Tope came on a day when Maharashtra, the state worst-hit by the pandemic in the country, recorded 66,159 fresh coronavirus cases and 771 fatalities.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, he said, “As per epidemiologists, Maharashtra could witness a third wave of COVID-19 in July or August. The state is trying to be self-sufficient in terms of availability of medical oxygen by then.”
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
‘Image tarnished’: EC moves Madras HC over court’s blame for second COVID-19 wave
The Election Commission moved the Madras High Court on Friday seeking directions to be issued to media houses to refrain from reporting oral observations and comments made in the court during hearing.
The plea comes in light of the wide reportage of high court’s observation that the poll body was responsible for COVID-19 second wave and must face murder charges for the same.
The Election Commission in its plea said, “The media reports have tarnished the image of the EC as an independent constitutional agency that is entrusted with the constitutional responsibility of conducting elections.”
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
PM Modi to chair COVID-19 meet with Cabinet ministers today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting with Union Council of Ministers to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the country on Friday. The meeting, which is expected to begin at 11 am, will also be attended by top government officials besides Union ministers, sources have said.
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