Coronavirus Latest Updates: The death count increased to 2,83,248 with 4,529 new fatalities.
The Union health ministry has accepted the recommendations of the expert group on COVID-19 vaccination, suggesting that those infected with the virus defer their vaccination for three months after recovery.
If infected with the virus after taking the first dose, the second dose has to be deferred by three months after clinical recovery from the infection, according to the recommendation made by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC).
India saw record 4,529 fatalities due to coronavirus in a single day pushing the COVID-19 death count to 2,83,248, while 2,67,334 fresh infections were recorded taking the total tally of cases to 2,54,96,330, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.
The active cases have further reduced to 32,26,719 comprising 12.66 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 86.23 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,19,86,363 while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.11 per cent, the data stated.
India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.India crossed the grim milestone of 2 crore on May 4.
Meanwhile, Mumbai's daily coronavirus case figure has dropped below the 1,000-mark after over 10 weeks. The Maharashtra capital, which had been ravaged by the dangerous second wave of Covid infections in April, on Tuesday logged just 953 cases, lowest since March 2. However, testing has sharply declined compared to the April levels.
The city on Tuesday reported 44 deaths in a day. The positivity rate in Mumbai was 5.31 per cent - way lower than the April figures. Its recovery rate has also improved to 93 per cent; the doubling rate rests at 255 days.
Mumbai had reported 849 cases on March 2. The next few weeks, however, were extremely challenging as it was hit by an unprecedented surge, which took the city's health infrastructure to the verge of collapse.
Here are the Live Updates on India Coronavirus (Covid-19 Cases) Cases:
Vaccination 3 Months After Covid Recovery, Says Government
Vaccination for coronavirus can be taken three months after recovery, the Centre said today. The second dose of Covid vaccine should also be delayed by three months for anyone contracting the disease after the first dose. So far, there was no fixed gap for taking a vaccine in such situations. Individual physicians recommended a gap of two or four weeks depending on the condition of the patient.
A few days ago, Dr Randeep Guleria -- chief of Delhi's Al-India Institute of Medical Sciences and a member of the Centre's Covid task force -- had held a press conference where he suggested a gap of four weeks in such cases.
The fresh rules are part of the recommendations by NEGVAC -- the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 led by NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul --- which have been accepted by the Union health ministry.
The new expert group has also recommended vaccination for lactating women.
The changes come less than a week after the government expanded the gap between two doses of Covishield vaccine from six to eight weeks to 12 to 16 weeks, saying it pushed up the efficacy of the vaccine.
Covid Home Test Kit Gets Approval, Guidelines Out On Who Should Use
Rapid Antigen Kits to conduct Covid test at home got a green signal today and the Indian Council of Medical Research -- the nodal body in the fight against the virus -- issued detailed guidelines on who can use it and how.
The ICMR has made it clear that only symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts of people who tested positive in the laboratory should use the home test. "Indiscriminate testing is not advised," the top medical body said.
"All individuals who test positive may be considered as true positives and no repeat testing is required... All symptomatic individuals who test negative by RAT should get themselves immediately tested by RTPCR," the ICMR said.
Late Dr KK Aggarwal's Foundation To Provide Free Online Covid Consultation
The foundation started by Dr K K Aggarwal announced on Wednesday it will run free online consultation services on COVID-19 for 12 hours everyday in keeping with the late cardiologist's spirit of "the show must go on". Dr Aggarwal, 62, died on Monday after a prolonged battle with COVID-19.
The announcement was made through Dr Aggarwal's Twitter handle: "Dr KK Aggarwal always believed that the show must go on, hence HCFI Dr KK Research Fund will carry on his legacy and continue to help those in need #onlineopd 10:00 am-10:00 pm, everyday!"
Delhi HC Asks Centre, Delhi To Apprise On Shortage Of Black Fungus Drug
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Centre and the Delhi government to apprise them on the issue of shortage of medicine used for treating black fungus, a rare infection that's primarily affecting those recovering from COVID-19. "Tomorrow you tell us about your stock, your supply and how you are distributing it and what is the rationale behind it," said a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh.
West Bengal Records 19,006 Fresh COVID Cases, 157 Deaths
West Bengal reported 19,006 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. However, the state also reported the highest (157) deaths in a single day. The current tally now stands at 11,90,867 cases and 13,733 deaths. Currently, there are 1,31,491 active cases in the state. The cumulative Test Positivity Rate stands at 10.23 per cent.
Rajasthan To Employ 1,000 'Corona Health Consultants'A thousand "corona health consultants" will be appointed by the Rajasthan government to speed up the door-to-door survey process and also for delivering drug and providing treatment to patients across the state. "Corona health assistants" will also be appointed by the State Civil Defence Department. The appointments will be made by July 31.
Medical Department Principal Secretary Akhil Arora, while issuing the guidelines, said that the minimum qualification to be a consultant is an MBBS degree and being a registered practitioner under the Rajasthan Medical Council.
Sikkim adds 266 more COVID-19 cases, 2 new fatalities
Sikkim recorded 266 more cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, pushing its total caseload to 11,955, according to a health bulletin. Two new deaths were also reported and the small Himalayan state's total death count now stands at 214. There are 3,092 active cases in the state. The total recoveries has gone up to 8,439 while 210 others have migrated out, according to the bulletin.
Kerala Records 32,762 Fresh Cases Of COVID-19, 112 Deaths
Kerala recorded 32,762 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 112 more related deaths on Wednesday. Its total tally now stands at 22,03,413 cases and 6,724 deaths, according to the state government.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said 48,413 persons have been cured, adding which the total recoveries now stand at 18,94,518. He said 3,31,860 people are currently undergoing treatment for the infection.
Of the 1,40,545 samples tested in the last 24 hours, the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) was 23.3 per cent.
Tripura Has Vaccinated 26% Of Its Population Against COVID-19, Says Minister
About 26 per cent of Tripura's population of around 40 lakh have been inoculated with either the first or both the doses of COVID-19, the state government said on Wednesday. While the state currently has 40,000 doses in stock, it is set to receive 66,000 more by the end of this month, according to senior minister Ratan Lal Nath.
"As of now, 9.6 lakh people, who form 26 per cent of the total population, have been administered the vaccine. Of them, 5.04 lakh have received the second dose," Mr Nath said, adding that 17,038 people in the 18-44 years age category have received the vaccines so far. He said 96 per cent of healthcare and frontline workers in the state have been inoculated.
Meghalaya Records 872 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, 24 More Deaths
The COVID-19 tally of Meghalaya increased to 25,744 with the state recording 872 new cases on Wednesday, according to an official. The state also reported 24 fatalities that raised its death count to 379, said Health Services director Aman War. Since Tuesday, 411 patients have recovered from the disease, he said, adding that so far 19,596 people have recovered in the state. There are currently has 5,769 active cases in Meghalaya. The official said that altogether 5.98 lakh tests have been conducted in the state while 4.15 lakh have been inoculated with both the doses of Covishield vaccine.
Border Security Force Sets Up 20 Oxygen Beds At Its Chhawla, Tigri facilitiesThe Border Security Force (BSF) has set up 20 oxygen beds at its facilities, including 10 at the COVID Care Centre, Chhawla and the other 10 beds at COVID Care Centre, Tigri. The upgradation comes amid an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. "All the 20 beds at the two facilities are connected with oxygen and multi-para monitors. One bed each at CCC Tigri, as well as Chhawla, is attached with a bi-pap machine and two each have ventilators," read an official statement. Besides, 30 standalone oxygen beds are already there at the Chhawla facility and 10 standalone oxygen beds at the Tigri facility.
Telangana Invites Global Tenders For 10 Million Doses Of COVID-19 Vaccine
Telangana has invited global tenders for the procurement of 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The Telangana State Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TSMSIDC) said in a tender document on Tuesday that the goods to be supplied must be as per the guidelines issued by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).
TSMSIDC said it requires at least 15 lakh (1.5 million) to 20 lakh (2 million) doses of the vaccine to be supplied every month. The date for the submission of tender documents is June 4.
Delhi To Form Task Force To Protect Children From Third Covid Wave
The Delhi government will form a special task force to protect children from the third wave of COVID-19, said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday. Besides the task force, which will comprise paediatricians and senior IAS officers, a committee of officials will also be formed to overlook the availability of medicines, oxygen and beds in the national capital, according to a statement issued by the government. The decision came following a meeting convened by the chief minister with officials to review the current COVID situation in Delhi and deliberate on measures to be taken to prevent the third wave of the pandemic.
Man Arrested For Selling Oxygen Concentrators Meant For Distribution In Delhi
Delhi Police said Wednesday they have arrested a 47-year-old businessman for allegedly selling oxygen concentrators, originally meant for distribution among the needy, for Rs 1 lakh each. They said they have seized six oxygen concentrators and as many stabilisers from him. The accused, Harminder Singh of Tilak Nagar, was arrested near Hotel Radisson, Paschim Vihar, in outer Delhi on Tuesday, they added.
'Free Oxygen Langar' For COVID-19 Patients in Guwahati
The Khalsa Centre North East (KCNE) has been providing free oxygen concentrators to those in need for four days in Guwahati. The initiative, named "Free Oxygen Langar", was launched Monday, said KCNE chairman Capt PP Singh. He said the concentrators after four days with a patient will be circulated amongst other needy COVID-19 patients. Mr Singh said the oxygen concentrators are given to people for a maximum of seven days by keeping a security deposit of Rs 11,000 which is refunded after the safe return of the machine that costs almost Rs 90,000.
Uttar Pradesh Records 7,336 Fresh COVID Cases, Lowest Since April 30Uttar Pradesh recorded 7,336 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, the lowest single-day rise since April 30, taking its total count to 16,44,851 cases. Besides, 282 more fatalities due to the virus increased its death count to 18,354.
Currently, there are 1,23,579 active cases in the state, said Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Amit Mohan Prasad. He said 15,02,918 people have recovered from COVID-19 so far. The recovery rate of the state is now at 91.4 per cent and active cases have come down by over 1.87 lakh in the past 19 days, said Mr Prasad, adding that a record 2.99 lakh COVID tests were conducted on Tuesday.
Oxygen Tankers Dispatched From Odisha To 14 States, UTs In Last 27 Days: PoliceOdisha has escorted 919 tankers and containers containing 16,809 metric tonnes of medical oxygen to 14 deficit states and Union territories in the last 27 days, said the state police. This comes amid a shortage in oxygen in wake of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recipient states included Andhra Pradesh (282 tankers), Telangana (236), Haryana (131), Madhya Pradesh (61), Uttar Pradesh (52), Delhi (22), and Bihar (3), besides other states and Union territories, according to the police.
The police said they formed a dedicated corridor for the transportation of the medical oxygen.
Coronavirus: 52 Inmates At Assam Prison Test Positive For Covid, Isolated On Premises
As Assam battles a surge in Covid cases, 52 inmates of the Dibrugarh Central Jail have tested positive for the infection. The prison currently has 530 inmates. Out of them, 223 were tested for the infection. Over the past two days, 52 have been found to be infected by Covid. These include ULFA-I leader Jibon Moran, who is in judicial custody at the Dibrugarh prison and tested positive for Covid on Monday. Sources from the prison said tests would be conducted for the remaining inmates soon.
Read Here Karnataka Announces Rs 1,250 Crore COVID-19 Relief Package For Those Hit By Lockdown
As Karnataka is battling the second wave of pandemic, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday announced over Rs 1,250 crore relief package for those whose livelihood has been affected by COVID-19 induced lockdown. The Chief Minister also said a decision will be taken on extending the current lockdown, a couple of days ahead of it coming to a close on May 24.
Coronavirus News: Manipur Asks Ambulances To Mute Sirens Amid Rising COVID-19 Anxiety
The Manipur government has called for muting sirens of ambulances across the state in a bid to reduce anxiety and panic caused by the COVID-19 gloom, officials said. The state's medical directorate, in a memorandum, urged chief medical officers, medical superintendents, staff of private hospitals and ambulance operators to "silence sirens as they are panicking people and causing social anxiety".
Telangana Government has invited short term Global e-tender for the supply of 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Telangana State Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav converts his government residence in Patna to COVID Care Centre. The facility is free of cost. He has also written to the government to include this centre for services.
Coronavirus News: Arvind Kejriwal To Chair COVID-19 Review Meeting Today
Amid concerns of a third wave of COVID-19 in the country Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a high-level review meeting at 12 noon today. According to Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Health Minister Satyendar Jain and Chief Secretary will also be present in the meeting.
Coronavirus News: 1,360 New COVID-19 Cases In Thane, 57 More Deaths
With the addition of 1,360 new cases of coronavirus, the infection count in Thane district of Maharashtra has gone up to 5,02,107, an official said on Wednesday. These new cases were reported on Tuesday, he said. The virus also claimed the lives of 57 more people, pushing the death toll in the district to 8,533 he said. The COVID-19 mortality rate in Thane stood at 1.69 per cent, he added. Details of recovered and under-treatment patients were not provided by the district administration.
COVID-19: Arunachal Reports 356 Fresh COVID-19 Cases
Arunachal Pradesh reported its highest single-day spike of 356 COVID-19 cases, raising the tally to 22,462, a senior health department official said on Wednesday. The death count mounted to 88 with three more patients succumbing to the virus, he said.
Coronavirus: Ladakh Reports 202 New COVID-19 Cases, 5 Deaths
A total of 202 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the Union Territory's health department informed on Wednesday. Of the 16,784 COVID-19 cases in the union territory, 13,810 are from Leh and 2,974 from Kargil.
Coronavirus Latest: India Records 2,67,334 New Infections, 4,529 Deaths In 24 Hours
India's total tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 2,54,96,330 with 2,67,334 new infections, while the recoveries have surged to 2,19,86,363, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The death count increased to 2,83,248 with 4,529 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Coronavirus News: Government Officers "Living In Ivory Towers": Court Over Covid Situation
COVID-19 has not spared even a single family and still central government's officers are living in "ivory towers" oblivious of ground realities, observed the Delhi High Court which on Tuesday was of the view that manufacturing of Sputnik V vaccine in India is giving an opportunity to the nation staring at shortage of vaccines.
As Black Fungus Cases Spike, Pharmacies Run Out of Antifungal Drug Amphotericin
"Please help us. We have no money. Without him, we have no life. They said one eye is gone and will have to be removed. Now he is getting pain in the other eye too." This desperate appeal for help was by Kalyani for her husband Anji Babu, a driver in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, who recovered from Covid but developed eye pain three days before discharge from a government hospital.
Read Here 270 Doctors Died Of COVID-19 In 2nd Wave Of Pandemic: Top Medical Body
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Tuesday said 270 doctors across the country have succumbed to the coronavirus infection in the second wave of the pandemic so far. The list of the doctors who died includes former IMA president Dr KK Aggarwal, who died to the deadly COVID-19 virus on Monday.
Two girls from Bengaluru join a volunteer group for burying Coronavirus patients
COVID-19: Chennai Corporation To Impose Rs 2,000 Fine On Those Violating Home Quarantine Protocol
Greater Chennai Corporation has decided to impose a fine of Rs 2,000 if Covid positive patients found violating home isolation protocol. In an order by the corporation, it read, "Those under home quarantine will be fined Rs 2000, if found violating the protocols. In case of repeated violation of home isolation norms, concerned person/people will be taken to COVID-19 care centres."
US Civil Rights To Ask Biden For 60 Million Vaccine Doses To IndiaEminent American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is urging President Joe Biden to release 60 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of thee pandemic in the world.
Rev. Jackson will be joined by a number of prominent Indian leaders in the national capital on Wednesday, to make a public appeal to Biden for more humanitarian aid, according to a community statement.
As Covid Graph Declines, Vacant Hospital Beds Increase In DelhiThe declining number of daily COVID-19 cases in Delhi has resulted in increase in the number of vacant beds and intensive care units in the city's hospitals, giving much needed respite to its citizens. On Tuesday, of the total available beds, 12,907 were vacant while 14,805 were occupied.
The COVID-19 situation in Delhi has been showing signs of improvements over the past few days with the number of cases and positivity rate going down steadily.
The national capital on Tuesday reported 4,482 Covid-19 cases - the lowest single-day rise since April 5 - and 265 fatalities, while the positivity rate dipped to 6.89 per cent, according to the latest health bulletin released by the city government.
Assam Vaccinated Only 15% Residents, Young Struggle To Book Slots
Assam had estimated it has to vaccinate about 70 lakh people above the age of 60 years, and there will be around 1.08 crore people between the age of 18 and 60 years. Till Monday, the state vaccinated more than 21 lakh people above the age of 60 years and around 7 lakh people from the other group. Overall, that amounts to only 15.33 per cent of the eligible population. Only 6.48 per cent people have been vaccinated in the 18-44-year age group so far.