Coronavirus LATEST Updates: In view of a spike in COVID-19 cases, a tender will be floated to import 50,000 metric tonnes (MT) of medical oxygen, while its sources and production capacity has been mapped to match the requirement of 12-high burden states, the Centre said on Thursday. Uttarakhand registers a record of 2,220 new cases on Thursday, taking its total count of infections since the beginning of the pandemic in January last year to 1,16,244, PTI reports. Delhi recorded 16,699 fresh COVID-19 cases with a sharp rise in the positivity rate to over 20 per cent, and 112 fatalities on Thursday, according to data shared by the health department. As per the latest data, Maharashtra has reported 61,695 new COVID-19 cases, taking the state’s tally to 36,39,855. The state also logged in 53,335 recoveries and 349 deaths in the last 24 hours. Night curfew will return to all over Odisha and weekend shutdown will be clamped in urban centres in 10 districts bordering Chhattisgarh The Centre has decided to postpone the NEET PG 2021 exam which was earlier scheduled to be held on 18 April in view of the surging COVID-19 cases across India. The International Baccalaureate (IB) on Thursday cancelled its examinations across the country following a surge in COVID-19 cases. Uttar Pradesh on Thursday reported 114 coronavirus deaths and 22,439 fresh cases, its record daily infection numbers since the outbreak of the pandemic, according to an official. Kerala Agriculture Minister V S Sunil Kumar has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time in seven months. India’s drug regulator will make a decision on applications seeking approval for restricted emergency use of foreign-produced vaccines within three working days from the date of submission, the government said on Thursday. A total of 1,701 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Haridwar Kumbh Mela area from April 10 to 14 confirming fears that one of the world’s largest religious gatherings may contribute further to the rapid rise in coronavirus cases. All schools in Uttar Pradesh will be closed till May 15 while board exams for classes 10 and 12 have been postponed till May 20 in view of rising COVID-19 cases, the state government said on Thursday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has written a letter to the Centre, urging to consider the COVID-19 pandemic as a natural calamity, so that the government can use the state disaster response fund (SDRF) to provide financial assistance to the affected people. Meanwhile, the Gujarat CMO tweeted that the state government has decided to postpone the Class 10,12 board exams in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and added that new dates will be announced after reviewing the coronavirus situation on 15 May. A total of 1,701 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Haridwar Kumbh Mela area from 10 to 14 April confirming fears that one of the world’s largest religious gatherings may contribute further to the rapid rise in coronavirus cases. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announces weekend curfew in Delhi to curb COVD-19 spread, essential services to be allowed during curfew. Kejriwal informed that curfew passes to be issued to those rendering essential services. The decision by the CBSE was taken after a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While CBSE has canceled the class 10 exams, the exams for class 12 have been postponed till further notice. On Thursday, it was the fifth straight day of India recording over 1.5 lakh new cases and the ninth straight of over one lakh cases. While the United States took 21 days to reach the daily count of two lakh daily cases from one lakh per day, India reached that grim milestone in just 11 days. In a record high, India on Thursday registered 2,00,739 fresh COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours, taking the overall count over 1.40 crore, said the Union health ministry. With the death of over 1,038 new COVID-19 patients, the total fatalities rose to 1,73,123 on Thursday, said the Union health ministry in its latest data. India’s tally of more than 1.4 crore COVID-19 cases is the second-highest globally, behind the United States and ahead of Brazil’s. Asserting that the government is committed to ensuring adequate availability of COVID-19 vaccines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for harnessing the combined power of community groups, political parties and NGOs in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Interacting with governors and lieutenant governors of all states and union territories through video conference, Modi urged them to actively engage in ensuring that social institutions collaborate seamlessly with state governments. Modi said the feeling of “Janbhagidari” (people’s participation) that was seen in curbing the virus last year needed to encouraged now as well and added the role of governors becomes all the more critical to achieving this. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan also participated in the virtual interaction on the issue of the COVID-19 situation and ongoing vaccination drive in the country. It took place amid an astronomical rise in the COVID infections across the country in the last few weeks that has seen India gallop past its last year peak with a number of states reporting new highs daily. In his comments, Modi asserted that the government is committed to ensuring adequate availability of vaccines and highlighted that India has become the fastest nation to reach the landmark of 10 crore vaccinations. Noting the positive impact of “tika utsav” (vaccination festival) in the last four days, he said that in this period, the vaccination drive was expanded and new vaccination centres also came up. “Narendra Modi suggested that governors can actively engage to ensure that social institutions collaborate seamlessly with the state governments towards micro containment. He said their social network can help ensure an increase in the capacity of ambulances, ventilators and oxygen in hospitals. Along with spreading the message about vaccination and treatment, governors can also spread awareness about AYUSH-related remedies,” an official statement said. The prime minister noted that youths being our workforce are an important part of the economy, and said it is important to ensure that they follow all protocols and precautions. Governors’ role is also critical in ensuring the greater engagement of our students in university campuses towards this “Janbhagidari”. There is a need to focus on better utilization of facilities at university and college campuses, he said, adding that like the last year NCC and NSS have a key role to play this year as well. “Governors are an important pillar of Janbhagidari in this battle and their coordination with state governments and guidance to the institutions of state will further strengthen the nation’s resolve,” he said. Discussing the rise in the cases, Modi said the country stands to gain from the last year’s experience and improved healthcare capacity. The country has become “aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant) in kits and other material related to testing, he asserted, adding that this has led to a reduction in the cost of RTPCR tests also. Most of the products related to testing are also available on the GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal. “The prime minister emphasized the significance of increasing tracking, tracing and testing, and said that RTPCR testing needs to be increased from 60 percent to 70 percent. He said that it is pertinent to ensure that more and more people get tested,” the statement said. During the interaction, Naidu appreciated the prime minister for leading the fight against COVID-19 and his proactive steps to develop the infrastructure required to tackle the pandemic. He also highlighted the scientific community’s contribution in giving a vaccine to India and the whole world. The Vice President called upon the governors to bring up a coordinated front by leading all-party meetings in their respective states and engaging with civil society organisations to spread awareness about Covid-appropriate behaviour. He said that a ‘Team India spirit’ cutting across policy lines should be adopted, and in this regard, governors as the ‘Guardians of the State’ could guide the state governments. Union home minister stressed the importance of saving each and every life. Union Health Secretary gave a presentation on COVID-19 cases and vaccination drive, providing an overview of how India has followed a proactive and preemptive approach in this endeavour. The governors shared details of how their respective states are tackling the spread of the virus and coordinating activities towards ensuring a smooth implementation of the vaccination drive, while also mentioning the deficiencies of healthcare facilities in the states. They gave suggestions for further improvement in the efforts and shared plans of how ‘Janbhagidari’ can be increased through the active social engagement of various groups.
Coronavirus Updates: In view of COVID-19 case surge, tender to be floated to import 50,000 MT of medical oxygen, says Centre
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: The Union Health Ministry has also been directed to finalise the tender for the same and also explore possible sources for import identified by the missions of the Ministry of External Affairs read more
 "Coronavirus Updates: In view of COVID-19 case surge, tender to be floated to import 50,000 MT of medical oxygen, says Centre")
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Centre asks states to ensure availability of essential supplies, stop panic buying by consumers
Amid concerns over the availability of essential items in view of rising COVID-19 cases, the Centre on Thursday directed state governments to take steps to stop panic buying by people and ensure there is no hike in prices of key supplies.
In a letter written to state governments, Additional Secretary in Union Consumer Affairs Ministry Nidhi Khare said due to the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases, concerns have been raised about “availability of essential commodities to the common man at fair prices.”
To maintain smooth supplies, the states have been asked to keep operations of grocery stores/warehouses and chemist shops outside the restrictions under Section 144.
“It should also be ensured that the prices of all essential supplies are not increased and they are at fair prices, unless necessitated by cost enhancement due to raw material costs and exchange rates fluctuations,” she said.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Gujarat reports over 8,000 new COVID-19 cases, 81 deaths today
Gujarat reported over 8,000 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday, the highest one-day growth since the beginning of the pandemic, the health department said.
The addition of 8,152 cases took the state’s COVID-19 tally to 3,75,768, it said.
A total of 81 such patients died due to the infection in the last 24 hours, taking the fatality count to 5,076, the department said in the release. This is also the biggest single-day death toll in the state.
A record 28 persons died in Ahmedabad district, followed by 26 in Surat, 10 in Rajkot, seven in Vadodara, three in Gandhinagar, two each in Sabarkantha and Banaskantha, and one each in Anand, Bharuch and Junagadh.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Three states administered more than one crore vaccinations
The total number of vaccinations across the country surpassed the 11.70 crore mark on Thursday, with more than 26.02 lakh vaccine doses being administered till 8 pm, according to the Union health ministry.
As many as 67,400 COVID vaccination centres (CVCs) were operational, marking a rise of an average of 22,400 operational vaccination centres (45,000 CVCs on an average are functional on any given day). Workplace vaccinations have also enabled such a high turnout of beneficiaries, the ministry said.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 11,70,96,037, as per the 8 pm provisional report.
These include 90,82,153 healthcare workers(HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 56,33,982 HCWs who have taken the second dose, 1,02,90,850 frontline workers (FLWs) who have received the first dose and 51,51,557 FLWs who have taken the second dose.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Uttarakhand reports record 2,220 new cases, announces fresh curbs
Uttarakhand registers a record of 2,220 new cases on Thursday, taking its total count of infections since the beginning of the pandemic in January last year to 1,16,244, PTI reports. This is the state’s biggest one-day rise in infections since the outbreak. The state’s toll rises by nine to 1,802.
On Thursday evening, the Uttarakhand government announced new restrictions under which only 200 people will be allowed to attend religious and social gatherings, ANI reports. Meanwhile, lakhs of devotees continue to participate in the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar.
Buses and auto-rickshaw will run with up to 50% capacity. Gyms will also operate at half of their capacity. Coaching centers, swimming pools and spas will be closed.
Night curfew will stay in place from 10:30 pm to 5 am. Those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and children are advised not to leave their homes.
Movement of people restricted during night curfew from 10:30 pm to 5 am. Persons over 65 years of age and pregnant women and children below 10 years of age are advised not to leave the house: Om Prakash, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Punjab sees record daily rise of 4,333 COVID-19 cases
Punjab’s daily COVID-19 cases surged to a record high of 4,333 on Thursday, taking the state’s cumulative tally to 2,86,816, according to a medical bulletin. The state’s previous biggest jump of 3,477 COVID-19 cases was recorded on 12 April.
Punjab’s death toll climbed to 7,722 as 51 more people succumbed to the disease, the bulletin said. The number of active cases increased to 30,033 from 28,250 on Wednesday. There are 40 critical patients who are on ventilator support while 374 are on oxygen support, it said.
Mohali reported the highest number of fresh cases at 860, followed by 482 in Ludhiana, 399 in Jalandhar, 365 in Amritsar, 353 in Patiala and 301 in Bathinda.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Tender to be floated to import 50,000 MT of medical oxygen, says Centre
In view of a spike in COVID-19 cases, a tender will be floated to import 50,000 metric tonnes (MT) of medical oxygen, while its sources and production capacity has been mapped to match the requirement of 12-high burden states, the Centre said on Thursday.
The Union Health Ministry has been directed to finalise the tender for the same and also explore possible sources for import identified by the missions of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it said.
“Also, based on the mapping exercise undertaken, 4,880 MT, 5,619 MT and 6,593 MT have been indicated to these 12 states — Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan — for meeting their projected demand as on 20th April, 25th April and 30th April, respectively,” a statement issued by the health ministry said.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
West Bengal logs highest one-day spike of 6,769 COVID-19
West Bengal on Thursday recorded the highest single-day spike of 6,769 COVID-19 cases, pushing the tally to 6,36,885, the state health department said.
At least 22 more people succumbed to the infection, raising the toll in the state to 10,480, the department said in its bulletin.
Kolkata, too, registered its biggest one-day surge since the outbreak of the disease, with 1,615 people testing positive for coronavirus. Accordingly, the number of active cases rose to 36,981. Of the 22 deaths, 10 were due to comorbidities where COVID-19 was incidental.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Delhi records 16,699 new COVID-19 cases, 112 deaths
Delhi recorded 16,699 fresh COVID-19 cases and 112 fatalities due to the disease on Thursday, according to data shared by the health department.
This comes a day after the national capital registered 17,282 new infections, its highest single-day spike to date. The number of cases has been on an upward spiral in the last few days.
Also, the number of total tests conducted on Wednesday was 82,569, relatively less than the over 1.08 lakh tests done on Tuesday. As per the latest bulletin, 16,699 fresh cases and 112 new fatalities were recorded in the city, pushing the death toll to 11,652.
The positivity rate on Thursday mounted to 20.22 per cent, the highest to date in Delhi.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Active COVID-19 caseload in Maha to double in 15 days: Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has written a letter to the Centre, saying the number of an active caseload of COVID-19 in the state is expected to double in the next 15 days.
Maharashtra is expecting its active caseload to reach 11.9 lakh by April 30, compared to the current active caseload of 5.64 lakh, Thackeray said on Wednesday in the letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also said the medical oxygen requirement in the state is projected to reach 2,000 metric tonnes per day by April-end from the present consumption of 1,200 MT per day.
Citing logistical hurdles in the transportation of liquid medical oxygen from neighbouring states, Thackeray also sought permission under the National Disaster Management Act to airlift oxygen from steel plants in eastern and southern parts of the country.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Rare blood clot risk higher from COVID-19 than vaccine: UK study
The risk of rare blood clotting following the COVID-19 infection is around 100 times greater than normal, several times higher than it is post-vaccination or following influenza, according to a new University of Oxford study published on Thursday.
The research found that the rare blood clotting known as Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) is more common after COVID-19 than in any of the comparison groups, with 30 per cent of these cases occurring in the under 30s.
Compared to the current COVID-19 vaccines being administered, this risk is between 8-10 times higher, and compared to the baseline, approximately 100 times higher.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Mamata urges EC to hold elections for remaining phases at one
Worried over the COVID-19 surge, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged the Election Commission to think about conducting polls for the remaining assembly seats at one go, while also stressing that her party had opposed the prolonged eight-phase poll schedule.
The TMC supremo, in a tweet, said that such a move should be taken in view of public interest.
Amid an ongoing pandemic, we firmly opposed @ECISVEEP's decision to conduct WB polls in 8 phases.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 15, 2021
Now, in view of the huge surge in #COVID19 cases, I urge the ECI to consider holding the remaining phases in ONE go. This will protect the people from further exposure to #COVID19.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Pvt hospitals with more than 50 beds should set up oxygen generation plant, says Rajesh Tope
Amid reports of shortage of medical oxygen in Maharashtra, Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday said that each private hospital in the state with more than 50 beds should set up an oxygen generation plant to ensure availability of this life-saving gas for treatment of patients. He said this in a press conference, where he shared a fresh set of instructions for hospitals. “All private hospitals with more than 50 beds should set up an oxygen generation plant. These hospitals will no longer rely on the state government for the supply of medical oxygen, which can be provided to the COVID-19 patients,” he said. Hospitals with less than 50 beds have been asked to procure oxygen concentrators, which can increase the supply of oxygen to patients, the minister said. “The technology of oxygen concentrators involves collection and purification of air up to 95 to 98 percent before it is administered to patients. It is viable and affordable. It will reduce the load on the state infrastructure over procuring liquid medical oxygen from other states and supplying it to hospitals,” he added. He also admitted that there has been overuse of oxygen in treating patients.
PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Mumbai reports 8,217 fresh cases, 49 fatalities
Mumbai reports 8,217 fresh COVID-19 cases and 49 deaths, taking the total number of cases to 5,53,159 and toll to 1,21,89. A total of 10,097 persons recovered during the day and the number of active cases stands at 85,494, according to the BMC’s data.
Mumbai reports 8,217 fresh COVID19 cases, 49 deaths and 10,097 recoveries; case tally at 5,53,159 including 85,494 active cases pic.twitter.com/wsTcR9BvDX
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2021
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
All ASI-protected monuments and sites shut due to surge in cases
All centrally protected monuments, museums and sites under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have been closed with immediate effect till 15 May due to the surge in coronavirus cases in the country, the Union culture ministry said on Thursday, reports PTI.
An order to this effect was issued by the ASI and it was tweeted by Culture Minister Prahlad Patel this evening. “Due to the prevailing COVID situation, it has been decided to close all centrally protected monuments, sites and museums under the ASI with immediate effect and till 15 May or until further orders,” the ASI said.
Last year, too, all monuments and sites maintained by the ASI were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Karnataka sees biggest single-day jump of 14,738 COVID-19 cases
Karnataka has reported its sharpest single-day spike of 14,738 fresh coronavirus cases and 66 related fatalities, taking the total number of infections to 11.09 lakh and the toll to 13,112, the Health Department said on Thursday.
The state had previously reported its biggest single-day spike of 11,265 cases on Wednesday. Out of the 14,738 fresh cases reported on Thursday, 10,497 cases were from Bengaluru Urban alone. The day also saw 3,591 patients getting discharged after recovery.
As of April 15 evening, cumulatively 11,09,650 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which includes 13,112 deaths and 9,99,958 discharges, the Health Department said in its bulletin.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Telangana govt cancels SSC, Intermediate first year exams
As per reports, the Telangana government on Thursday cancelled the board exams to class 10 under State Secondary Board (SSC) and intermediate first year under the Board of Intermediate Education (BIE) in view of the rising COVID-19 cases.
Meanwhile, the board exams to second-year students stand deferred to a later date.
A decision to this effect was taken after a high-level review meeting was held by chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao with the education ministry officials.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Odisha govt postpones all board exams after COVID-19 surge
The Odisha government on Thursday postponed all board examinations including the Class 10 and 12 tests in the wake of spiralling COVID-19 cases in the state, reports PTI.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik made the announcement after reviewing the coronavirus situation in Odisha, where active cases have surpassed the 14,000-mark.
The Odisha Board of Secondary Education (BSE) conducts the annual matriculation examination and the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) is in charge of the Class 12 examination, both of which have been postponed.
The tests for Class 10 were scheduled to start from May 3 and the Plus-II examinations from May 18.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Odisha imposes night curfew across state
The Odisha government has announced a weekend shutdown in urban areas of the 10 districts bordering Chhattisgarh.
As per New Indian Express, announcing the new measures following the rapid surge in Covid cases, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra said that weekend shutdown will be imposed in urban areas of Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri districts from coming Saturday. Night curfew in these areas will be extended from 9 pm to 5 am to 6 pm to 5 am.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Ten states account for 82% of daily new COVID cases: Centre
Ten states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Kerala, have shown a steep rise in daily new COVID-19 cases accounting for 82.04 percent of the fresh infections being reported in a day, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
India’s daily new cases continue to rise and a record 1,84,372 fresh coronavirus cases were registered in a span of 24 hours.
Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 60,212, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 17,963 while Chhattisgarh reported 15,121 new cases.
India’s total number of active cases has increased to 13,65,704 and now comprises 9.84 per cent of the country’s total infections. A net increase of 1,01,006 cases has been recorded in the total number of active cases in a span of 24 hours.
Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala cumulatively account for 68.16 per cent of India’s total active cases, the ministry said.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Passengers to Bengal asked to undergo RT-PCR test 72 hours before boarding a flight
The West Bengal government on Wednesday issued a directive to air passengers coming to the state from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Telegana to carry reports of their RT-PCR negative status conducted 72 hours before boarding the flights, a senior official said.
The directive was given in view of the surge in coronavirus cases in the country, mostly in the four states, he added.
“The test has to be carried out 72 hours prior to the passenger’s departure for Bengal. There is no provision of getting the test done on arrival. The rule also applies for flights departing from the four states mentioned and are bound for Bagdogra and Andal (both in West Bengal),” he added.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Tsunami’ of coronavirus cases in Gujarat as govt did not listen to court, Centre: HC
The Gujarat High Court on Thursday pulled up the Vijay Rupani-led government, saying that the state was facing a tsunami of coronavirus cases as it did not pay heed to the suggestions made earlier by the court as well as the Centre, and also because the dispensation was not as cautious as it should have been.
A division bench of Chief Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Bhargav Karia also raised doubts over the state government’s claims about the availability of beds, testing facilities, medical oxygen and Remdesivir injections.
“In anticipation that the situation may get worse in the future, this court had in February made some suggestions. We told you to get ready with more COVID-designated hospitals, sufficient beds should be available, testing should be increased, make sure people wear masks and strict vigilance at public places, the bench said.
“But, it seems that the state government did not give due consideration to our suggestions. That is why we are seeing a Tsunami of Corona at present. Though the Centre was also continuously reminding the state about it, the government was not as cautious as it should have been,” it added.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Centre postpones NEET PG 2021 exams
The Centre has decided to postpone the NEET PG 2021 exam which was earlier scheduled to be held on 18 April in view of the surging COVID-19 cases across India. Union minister Harsh Vardhan said that the decision has been taken keeping the wellbeing of our young medical students in mind.
In light of the surge in #COVID19 cases,GoI has decided to postpone #NEETPG2021 exam which was earlier scheduled to be held on Apr 18
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) April 15, 2021
Next date to be decided later
Decision has been taken keeping wellbeing of our young medical students in mind.@PMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA #NEETPG
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Andhra Pradesh records 5,086 new COVID-19 cases
Over 5,000 fresh cases of coronavirus were reported in Andhra Pradesh in the 24 hours ending 9 am on Thursday, the highest single-day count after October 11. The number of active cases swelled to 31,710, the highest after October 25.
The state, meanwhile, administered a record 6,28,961 Covid-19 vaccine doses in a day on Wednesday the largest in any state since the vaccination programme began in the country on January 16.
So far, 45.93 lakh vaccine doses were administered in the state, including 5.92 lakh second dose.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
All staffers at residence of SC judge Justice M R Shah test positive to COVID-19
Supreme Court judge Justice M R Shah Thursday said that all staff members at his official residence have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and things are getting scary.
Justice Shah, who was sitting on the bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, rose before the scheduled lunch break after telling the participants about the coronavirus infection of his staff members.
When the bench re-assembled around 2 PM, Justice Shah, on being inquired about the well being of those at the residence, said, with the God’s grace I am ok. I am perfectly ok. Yes, things are getting scary".
Justice Chandrachud adjourned hearing in other matters, except in the case in which proceedings were undergoing, saying since Justice Shah is busy in managing things at his home, the court will only take one item and then rise for the day.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Declare journalists frontline workers, get them vaccinated on priority: Editors Guild
The Editors Guild of India on Thursday urged the Union government to declare journalists as frontline workers and ensure priority vaccination for them amid a rise in coronavirus cases.
In a statement, the Guild said news organisations have been relentlessly covering the pandemic, elections, and other current affairs in an effort to ensure that the flow of news and information to readers continues unabated.
“News media is included in essential services. Therefore, it will only be fair that journalists be given this cover of protection, especially in the face of the number of infected rising to astronomical levels,” the statement said.
The Editors Guild of India (EGI) urges the Union government to declare journalists as frontline workers and they be allowed priority vaccination against coronavirus, along with other frontline workers, it said.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Uttar Pradesh reports highest single-day spike in cases
Uttar Pradesh Thursday reported 114 coronavirus deaths and 22,439 fresh cases, its record daily infection numbers since the outbreak of the pandemic, according to an official.
The infection has killed 9,480 people in the state, which has reported 7,66,360 cases so far, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad told reporters here.
This is the second day in a row when the state has reported a record daily increase in the COVID numbers. On Wednesday, 20,510 cases had surfaced in the state.
It was last year in September when the state had witnessed 113 deaths.
“In the past 24 hours, 22,439 fresh cases were reported while 4,222 people were discharged,” Prasad said, adding that the state currently has 1,29,848 active cases.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
International Baccalaureate cancels exams In India
The International Baccalaureate (IB) on Thursday cancelled its examinations across the country following a surge in COVID-19 cases. There are 185 schools in India following the IB’s curriculum. Students who seek admission in schools abroad or those whose parents are mostly transferred to foreign countries, usually opt for exams under this board.
According to the board, India will follow the non-examination route for the diploma programme, the career-related programme and the alternative task for the middle years programme.
“The IB has informed schools of our decision not to hold examinations in India due to rising cases of COVID-19, and following ongoing conversations with our schools, associations and education boards,” an official statement by the International Baccalaureate said.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Kerala Agriculture Minister tests COVID19 positive for second time
Kerala Agriculture Minister VS Sunil Kumar has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time in seven months.
In a Facebook post, the minister said that he was admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital here on Wednesday evening after being infected with the virus again. Kumar said his son also tested positive for the virus.
The CPI leader said he contracted the infection for the second time as he was prepared to receive the COVID vaccine on Thursday.
He said the test was done on Wednesday after he experienced a cold and loss of smell, he said. The minister said his health is alright and he will continue to remain in the hospital till he is free from the virus.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Long-term arrangements needed to fight COVID-19, says Nitin Gadkari
Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday stressed making long-term arrangements for fighting COVID-19 and dubbed the pandemic situation as very serious.
The Lok Sabha MP from Nagpur was speaking after inaugurating a private 100-bed COVID-19 care centre at the National Cancer Centre in the city. BJP leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari stressed making long-term arrangements for fighting the pandemic, saying “The situation is very serious and no one knows how long it will last. People should think for the best but prepare for the worst.”
Gadkari informed about arranging medical oxygen supply of 40 tonnes from Bhillai for Nagpur hospitals.
He said up to 300 beds are being added at the AIIMS Nagpur and oxygen stock for the hospital is being sourced from Visakhapatnam.
Gadkari also informed about arranging 1,000 ventilators from a facility from Medical Devices Park in Visakhapatnam, which will be provided to Nagpur hospitals.
-PTI
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
Minister, Chief Secretary among COVID-hit citizens in Bihar
Amid surging COVID cases in Bihar which has infected a minister and top level of bureaucracy including the Chief Secretary, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday stressed on ramping up test of samples and intensification of vaccination drive to deal with challenges posed by the second wave of the deadly disease.
Social Welfare minister Madan Sahni, Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Home Chaitanya Prasad and Principal Secretary Finance S Siddarth are among the long list of infected persons in Bihar. COVID figure has spiked to 2,95,171 in Bihar where daily caseload is going up substantially with every passing day.
-PIT
Coronavirus LATEST Updates
50 devotees may offer prayers during Ramzan at Nizamuddin Markaz, says Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court on Thursday allowed 50 people to offer namaz five times a day at the Nizamuddin Markaz mosque during Ramzan, reports PTI.
Justice Prathiba M Singh directed the Station House Officer of Nizamuddin police station to permit entry of 50 people five times a day to offer namaz only on the first floor of the Masjid Bangley Wali.
The court declined to increase the number of people or allow use of other floors of the mosque for offering prayers as sought by senior advocate Ramesh Gupta on behalf of the Delhi Waqf Board, but allowed them to move an application before the SHO for the same.
The court said the SHO may decide any such application moved by the Board in accordance with the law.
It also said that its order would be subject to any notification issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in view of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital, which recorded the biggest single-day jump of 17,282 COVID-19 cases.
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Over 5,000 beds reserved for COVID-19 patients in Raigad
In light of the rise in coronavirus cases, the administration in Maharashtra’s Raigad district has reserved 5,086 beds in government and private hospitals, an official said on Thursday, reports PTI
According to a release issued by the district administration, 3,552 beds without oxygen support, 1,042 with oxygen support, 311 ICU beds and 181 ventilators have been prepared for COVID-19 patients.
There are 3,552 beds without oxygen support in the COVID-19 isolation ward, while a separation room has been set up with 1,042 beds that have oxygen support, the release stated.
The district currently has 8,369 patients in treatment, with Panvel taluka accounting for the most number of infections in the region.
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Over 5,000 beds reserved for COVID-19 patients in Raigad
In light of the rise in coronavirus cases, the administration in Maharashtra’s Raigad district has reserved 5,086 beds in government and private hospitals, an official said on Thursday, reports PTI
According to a release issued by the district administration, 3,552 beds without oxygen support, 1,042 with oxygen support, 311 ICU beds and 181 ventilators have been prepared for COVID-19 patients.
There are 3,552 beds without oxygen support in the COVID-19 isolation ward, while a separation room has been set up with 1,042 beds that have oxygen support, the release stated.
The district currently has 8,369 patients in treatment, with Panvel taluka accounting for the most number of infections in the region.
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Delhi surpasses Mumbai to become worst-hit city by COVID-19 in India
Battling the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic, Delhi recorded over 17,000 cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday to become the worst-affected city in the country, leaving financial capital Mumbai far behind in the daily tally. Mumbai’s single day peak so far is 11,163, registered on April 4, according to officials figures.
On Wednesday, Bengaluru recorded 8,155 cases, Chennai 2,564, their highest daily surge. Pune’s highest single-day since the pandemic began was 12,494 cases, recorded on April 4.
Delhi recorded 17,282 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, the highest single-day surge in the national capital since the onset of the pandemic, while over 100 fatalities were reported, according to data shared by the health department. Thus, Delhi has eclipsed Mumbai in the daily infection tally by a huge margin.
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Take concrete steps to prevent COVID-19 spread: Priyanka Gandhi to UP govt
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to take concrete steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus and asserted that it is “futile” to invest time and resources in “hiding” this tragedy.
Taking to Twitter, the Congress general secretary also tagged a video purportedly showing Baikunth Dham crematorium in Lucknow being covered by opaque screens.
“There is a request to the government of Uttar Pradesh: It is futile to invest time, resources and energy into hiding, suppressing this tragedy,” Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.
“Take concrete steps to stop the pandemic, save lives, and prevent the spread of infection. This is the need of the hour,” she said.
उप्र की सरकार से एक निवेदन है:
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) April 15, 2021
अपना समय, संसाधन और ऊर्जा इस त्रासदी को छुपाने, दबाने में लगाना व्यर्थ है। महामारी को रोकने, लोगों की जान बचाने, संक्रमण को फैलने से रोकने के लिए ठोस कदम उठाइए। यही वक्त की पुकार है। pic.twitter.com/xwKrfyav4o
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Watch: Social distancing norms violated at ‘Pidakal war’ in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district
#WATCH Social distancing norms violated at 'Pidakal war', during which cow dung cakes are hurled by two sides at each other on the next day of Ugadi, in Kairuppala village, Kurnool district yesterday#AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/4GGHpyyXn3
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2021
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Over 1,700 test positive for Covid-19 in Kumbh Mela in last 5 days
A total of 1,701 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Haridwar Kumbh Mela area from April 10 to 14 confirming fears that one of the world’s largest religious gatherings may contribute further to the rapid rise in coronavirus cases.
The numbers include both RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test reports of devotees and seers of different akharas (ascetic groups) over the five-day period in the entire Mela Kshetra extending from Haridwar to Devprayag, Haridwar Chief Medical Officer Shambhu Kumar Jha said on Thursday.
More RT-PCR test reports are awaited and the trend shows that the number of infected persons in the Kumbh Mela Kshetra is likely to climb to 2,000, he said.
A majority of the 48.51 lakh people who took part in the last two royal baths (Shahi Snan) held on the occasion of Somwati Amavasya on April 12 and Mesh Sankranti on April 14 were seen openly violating Covid norms like wearing of face masks and social distancing.
-PTI
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Need to create environment for quick scaling up of global COVID vaccina production: Piyush Goyal
There is a need to create an environment for quick scaling up of global production of vaccines and other medical products to contain the spread of coronavirus and this requires temporary removal of all hurdles, including related with intellectual property protection in the WTO, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said.
In this regard, he said, India and South Africa along with 57 other WTO (World Trade Organisation) members have co-sponsored a proposal for temporary and limited-scope waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS (trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights) agreement relevant to the prevention, treatment and containment of COVID-19.
Goyal said that this waiver is not intended to take away the protection given to pharma companies, and it focuses only on COVID-19 vaccines, associated medicines, and cure.
“We need to create an environment for quick scaling up of global production, not only for vaccines but also other medical products, such as therapeutics and diagnostics. This requires temporary removal of all impediments to the production of COVID-19 medical products, including where necessary Intellectual Property protection,” he has said.
-PTI
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MK Stalin questions need to conduct NEET PG exams amid second wave
With the Centre cancelling CBSE Class 10 board exams due to an alarming surge in coronavirus cases, DMK chief M K Stalin on Thursday wondered if it was the ‘right’ time to conduct the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) for Post Graduate courses. NEET-PG 2021 is scheduled on 18 April . In a tweet, Stalin, whose party is a vocal critic of NEET, pointed out at the cancellation of CBSE class X exams “due to the second wave” of covid-19.
CBSE exams have now got cancelled due to the second wave of #COVID19. With increasing cases and fatalities, when our doctors are fighting hard against all odds, is this the right time to hold National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) for PG courses?@PMOIndia@drharshvardhan pic.twitter.com/ALMtqnLXLA
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) April 15, 2021
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Karnataka home minister warns against sale of Remdesivir in black market
With reports coming in about black marketing of Remdesivir injection, which is vital for treatment of coronavirus, Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday warned stringent action against those creating false scarcity of the drug. “The Karnataka Health Minister has already said there is no scarcity of Remdesivir injection in the state but a false scarcity is been created in the state,” he told reporters. Bommai said there were reports that the injection is being sold at higher prices. “The government has taken the matter seriously and will initiate stringent action against those who are making a fast buck by creating false scarcity and black marketing this important drug,” he added.
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Decision on EUA for foreign produced vaccines to be taken in three days of application
India’s drug regulator will take a decision on applications seeking approval for restricted emergency use of foreign produced vaccineswithin three working days from the date of submission, the government said on Thursday. The Central Drug Authority, CDSCO, will process applications for registration certificates (registration of overseas manufacturing site and product; in this case of COVID-19 vaccine) and import license within three working days from the date of approval of restricted use in emergency situation. The CDSCO issued detailed guidelines specifying regulatory pathway for approval of foreign approved COVID-19 vaccines after the Central government on Tuesday decided to fast-track emergency approvals for all coronavirus jabs that have been given a similar nod by the WHO or regulators in the United States, Europe, Britain or Japan. The Union Health Ministry on Thursday issued regulatory pathways for foreign produced COVID-19 vaccines according to which the CDSCO has prepared.
PTI
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Uddhav Thackeray urges Centre to consider COVID-19 pandemic as natural calamity
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has written a letter to the Centre, urging to consider the COVID-19 pandemic as natural calamity, so that the government can use the state disaster response fund (SDRF) to provide financial assistance to the affected people. All State Disaster Management Acts have been formed as part of the central disaster management law; hence the state needs the Union government’s permission to use the SDRF for helping the pandemic-hit people, a government official said on Thursday. The chief minister wrote the letter to the Centre on Wednesday to seek its permission, he said. As of now, flood, lightning incidents, heavy rainfall where there is loss of property or livelihood fall under the category of natural calamity and monetary compensation is provided to the affected people. The chief minister wants to use the SDRF for the similar purpose as the coronavirus outbreak has affected the earnings of thousands of people in the state. We need a legal provision to do so, hence the state government has written to the Centre," the official said.
PTI
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Gujarat defers Class 10,12 board exams
The Gujarat CMO tweeted that the state government has decided to postpone the Class 10,12 board exams in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and added that new dates will be announced after reviewing the coronavirus situation on 15 May. Students of Classes 1 to 9 and Class 11 will be mass promoted, the CMO said.
In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, Gujarat Govt decides to postpone Class 10 & 12 board examinations, scheduled to be held between May 10 to 25, and mass promotion for students of std 1 to 9 & 11. The new dates will be announced after reviewing the coronavirus situation on May 15.
— CMO Gujarat (@CMOGuj) April 15, 2021
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Night curfew in 10 UP districts
A night curfew from 8 pm till 7 am was imposed in 10 districts with more than 2,000 active COVID-19 cases, an official told news agency PTI. The districts are in Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Kanpur, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Meerut and Gorakhpur, the official said.
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Punjab cancels exams for Classes 5,8 and 10
According to reports, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced that students of Classes 5, 8 and 10 will be promoted without an examination. The CMO said a decision regarding the PSEB Class 12 exams, which have already been postponed, would be taken later based on the coronavirus situation in the state.
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Over 1,700 test positive in Kumbh Mela in five days
A total of 1,701 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Haridwar Kumbh Mela area from April 10 to 14 confirming fears that one of the world’s largest religious gatherings may contribute further to the rapid rise in coronavirus cases. The numbers include both RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test reports of devotees and seers of different akharas (ascetic groups) over the five-day period in the entire Mela Kshetra extending from Haridwar to Devprayag, Haridwar Chief Medical Officer Shambhu Kumar Jha said on Thursday. More RT-PCR test reports are awaited and the trend shows that the number of infected persons in the Kumbh Mela Kshetra is likely to climb to 2,000, he said. The Kumbh Mela area is spread over 670 hectares covering parts of Haridwar, Tehri and Dehradun districts, including Rishikesh.
PTI
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Centre asks states to make rational use of medical oxygen, ensure zero wastage
The Centre on Thursday asked states to make rational use of medical oxygen and ensure there is no wastage while stressing that there is sufficient stock of oxygen in the country. Medical oxygen is a critical component in the treatment of COVID-19 affected patients. An inter-ministerial Empowered Group (EG2) of officers was constituted during the COVID pandemic in March 2020 to ensure the availability of essential medical equipment including medical oxygen to the affected states, the Union health ministry said. Along with the ramped up production of the oxygen manufacturing units and the surplus stocks available, the present availability of oxygen is sufficient, the ministry said. Besides, states have been asked to set up control rooms to ensure smooth supply of oxygen to the districts according to need and review requirement of cylinders, tankers etc. the ministry said in a statement.
PTI
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Haryana Class 10 Board exams scrapped, Class 12 exams deferred
बड़ी खबर: CBSE की तर्ज पर हरियाणा बोर्ड की 10वीं की परीक्षा को रद्द कर दिया गया है. राज्य सरकार ने 12वीं की परीक्षाओं को भी स्थगित कर दिया है. pic.twitter.com/pEqCRKTWOI
— DPR Haryana (@DiprHaryana) April 15, 2021
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Uttar Pradesh Class 10, 12 board exams postponed
The Uttar Pradesh board exams have been deferred indefinitely, reported India Today adding that new dates for the examinations will be considered in May. School till Class 12 will remain shut till 15 May.
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Malls, gyms, spas to be closed , says Kejriwal
Malls, gyms, spas and auditoriums will be closed. Cinemas halls to operate at 30 percent capacity only. People will not be allowed to dine-in restaurants, only home deliveries permitted," ANI quotes Kejriwal as saying.
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Kerjiwal announces weekend curfew in Delhi
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announces weekend curfew in Delhi to curb COVD-19 spread, essential services to be allowed during curfew. According to new agency ANI, Kejriwal informed that curfew passes to be issued to those rendering essential services.
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Delhi sees massive jump of 17,282 COVID-19 cases, highest since pandemic began
Delhi recorded 17,282 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, the highest single-day surge in the National Capital since the onset of the pandemic, while over 100 fatalities were reported, according to data shared by the health department.
As per the latest bulletin, 104 new fatalities were recorded, pushing the toll to 11,540.
These record new positive cases came out of record 1.08 lakh tests conducted the previous day, the bulletin said, adding, the positivity rate mounted to 15.92 percent.
The highest single-day spike in Delhi till the third wave of the pandemic – 8,593 cases – was reported on 11 November in 2020, while on 18 November, the city had recorded 131 COVID-19 deaths, the highest single-day fatality count till date.
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After CBSE, CISCE to reconsider holding board exams amid pademic
After the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE), now the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is also reconsidering holding the board exams this year amid COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision by the CBSE was taken after a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While CBSE has canceled the class 10 exams, the exams for class 12 have been postponed till further notice.
Now, CISCE is also reconsidering holding board exams. “The Board will take a decision regarding class 10th and 12th CISCE Board exams 2021, and will inform all concerned at the earliest,” said CISCE chief secretary.
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Nearly half a dozen states defer board exams; several others review situation amid COVID surge
As the CBSE cancelled its exams for class 10 and deferred those for class 12, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra have also postponed their state board exams for these classes due to an alarming surge in coronavirus cases.
States like West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh said they were monitoring the situation and are yet to decide whether to go ahead with the board exams.
Karnataka said it will conduct the exams as scheduled. Meghalaya too said it is ready to hold the state board exams for class 12 but will take a decision on class 10 exams after a review of the situation is completed.
The developments came as the central government announced the cancellation of class 10 exams and the postponement of class 12 exams conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education, following a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This is the first time that the CBSE has completely cancelled the board exams and it will affect over 21 lakh students across the country.
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Andamans reports 38 new COVID-19 cases
Andaman and Nicobar Islands reported 38 fresh COVID-19 infections, pushing the coronavirus tally in the union territory to 5,247, an official said on Thursday. The COVID-19 toll in the archipelago rose to 63 as one more person succumbed to the infection on Wednesday, the official said.
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Noida sees record single-day spike of 483 new cases
Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar on Wednesday recorded its highest single-day spike of 483 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the district’s overall infection tally to 28,439, official data showed.
The active caseload also crossed the 2,000-mark to reach 2,027, according to the figures released by the Uttar Pradesh health department for a 24-hour period.
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India’s active COVID-19 cases over 14.71 lakh
Registering a steady increase for the 36th day in a row, the active COVID-19 cases in the country have increased to 14,71,877 on Thursday comprising 10.46 percent of the total infections.
The active caseload was at its lowest at 1, 35,926 on 12 February and it was at its highest at 10,17,754 on 18 September, 2020.
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Over 31.39 lakh vaccine doses administered on fourth day of ‘Tika Utsav’
The fourth day of the countrywide ‘Tika Utsav’ saw total vaccinations cross the 11.43 crore mark with more than 31.39 lakh vaccine doses being administered till 8 pm, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday.
Three states have administered more than 1 crore vaccinations Maharashtra (1,11,19,018), Rajasthan (1,02,15,471) and Uttar Pradesh (1,00,17,650).
As many as 69,974 COVID vaccination centres (CVCs) were operational, marking a rise of an average of 24,000 operational vaccination centres (45,000 CVCs on an average are functional on any given day). Workplace vaccinations have also enabled such a high turnout of beneficiaries, the ministry said.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 11,43,18,455 according to the 8 pm provisional report.
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Punjab records 3,329 fresh COVID-19 cases, 63 more deaths
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Punjab surged to 2,82,505 on Wednesday as 3,329 more people tested positive for the disease, while the toll climbed to 7,672 with 63 new fatalities, according to a medical bulletin.
Of the latest deaths, 11 were reported from Amritsar, seven from Jalandhar and six each from Ludhiana and Patiala.
Mohali reported the maximum fresh cases at 508, followed by 489 in Ludhiana, 347 in Patiala, 316 in Amritsar and 276 in Jalandhar.
The number of active cases in the state stands at 28,250. Fifty-one critical patients are on ventilator support, while 374 are on oxygen support, the bulletin said.
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India reports over 1.5 lakh COVID-19 cases for fifth straight day
On Thursday, it was the fifth straight day of India recording over 1.5 lakh new cases and the ninth straight of over one lakh cases. While the United States took 21 days to reach the daily count of two lakh daily cases from one lakh per day, India reached that grim milestone in just 11 days.
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India records 1,038 new COVID-19 deaths
With the death of over 1,038 new COVID-19 patients, the total fatalities rose to 1,73,123 on Thursday, said the Union health ministry in its latest data. India’s tally of more than 1.4 crore COVID-19 cases is the second-highest globally, behind the United States and ahead of Brazil’s.
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India sees over 2 lakh COVID-19 cases in a day
In a record high, India on Thursday registered 2,00,739 fresh COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours, taking the overall count over 1.40 crore, said the Union health ministry.
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