Coronavirus Cases in India: The recovery rate is 87.25 per cent.
New cases of coronavirus infection in India were recorded over 2.50 lakh, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,60,31,991 according to the Union Health Ministry data.
The COVID-19 active caseload is 30,27,925 which now comprises 11.63 per cent of the total infections.
The recovery rate is 87.25 per cent, the data stated.
A total of 2,59,551 new infections were registered in a day, while the death count increased to 2,91,331 with 4,209 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Meanwhile, RT-PCR tests - widely believed to be the most accurate method to detect COVID-19 - will be cut to 40 per cent of total tests by the end of next month, far from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to raise it to 70 per cent, the government announced on Thursday.
Instead, the government will depend up to 60 per cent on the less reliable antigen tests - in a significant departure from its earlier target - as it aims to double its testing capacity to 45 lakh per day by June end.
The announcement comes just two months after PM Modi advised states that RT-PCR should be 70 per cent of all tests and said there was "no pressure" if positive numbers were high.
Here are the Live Updates on India Coronavirus (Covid-19 Cases) Cases:
Delhi Goverment Think-Tank Gets Over 2,300 Oxygen Concentrators Through Donations
Tech-based solutions and contributions of several individuals saw Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC), a think-tank of the Delhi government, deliver over 2,300 oxygen concentrators to several government hospitals here, a statement said.
The Dialogue and Development Commission has been coordinating with donors wanting to support the Delhi government's COVID-19 response amid the second wave of the pandemic, it said.
"Following the appeal of Hon'ble CM Arvind Kejriwal to all sections of the society to come forward and support Delhi government's efforts to fight coronavirus, several donors have come forward to give critical medical supplies to Delhi government hospitals," Jasmine Shah, vice-chairperson of DDC, said in the statement.
Remove "Indian Variant" References, Centre To Social Media Firms: ReportThe information technology (IT) ministry has written to all social media companies asking them to take down any content that refers to an "Indian variant" of the coronavirus, according to a letter issued on Friday which was seen by Reuters.
The World Health Organization said on May 11 that the coronavirus variant B.1.617, first identified in India last year, was being classified as a variant of global concern.
The government a day later issued a statement saying media reports using the term "Indian Variant" were without any basis, saying the WHO had classified the variant as just B.1.617.
Read Over 19.32 Crore Covid Vaccine Doses Administered In India: GovernmentThe Union Health Ministry said Friday that the cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has surpassed 19.32 crore.
Of the total beneficiaries, 6,63,353 were in the 18-44 years category who received their first dose on Friday. Cumulatively, 92,73,550 beneficiaries in the category have received the first dose across 37 states and Union territories since the start of phase-3 of the vaccination drive.
The beneficiaries include 97,37,237 healthcare workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 66,89,893 HCWs who have taken the second dose. It also includes 1,48,63,770 frontline workers (FLWs) who have received the first dose and 83,05,152 FLWs who have taken the second dose.
Punjab Reports 172 New Covid Deaths, 5,278 Fresh CasesThe death count due to COVID-19 in Punjab increased to 12,888 with 172 more fatalities being reported on Friday, according to a health bulletin. Besides, 5,278 fresh cases pushed the state's infection tally to 5,28,676, it showed.
Meanwhile, 8,652 people recovered from the infection. Currently, there are 63,470 active cases in the state, which is a drop from Thursday's 67,041, the bulletin showed. The positivity rate in the state has also dropped from 7.03 per cent on Thursday to 6.92 per cent, it said.
With 8,652 recoveries, the number of cured persons reached 4,52,318.
700 Black Fungus Cases Reported In Rajasthan: Health MinisterRajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma on Friday said the state has reported about 700 cases of Black Fungus infection among the cured COVID-19 patients. He said the state government has made it a notifiable disease and declared it an epidemic.
A protocol has been fixed for the treatment of this disease, Mr Sharma said. Under the protocol, the quantity of steroids being given in the treatment of Covid-19 has also been asked to be reduced and it should be given only as much as required.
Mr Sharma said the government has issued a rate list for the treatment of this disease in private hospitals. A separate wing has been set up at the Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur for its treatment.
Madhya Pradesh Reports 4,384 New Covid Cases, 79 Deaths
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Madhya Pradesh touched 7,57,119 with 4,384 fresh infection on Friday, according to a state health department official. Besides, 79 fatalities have pushed the death count to 7,394. The recoveries outnumbered the fresh cases, bringing the active cases count below the 70,000-mark to 67,625. The official said that with the addition of 9,405 discharges in the last 24 hours, the count of recoveries in the state has reached 6,82,100.
Manipur Reports 656 Fresh Covid Cases, 15 New FatalitiesThe COVID-19 tally in Manipur increased to 42,565 with 656 more people testing positive for the virus on Friday, according to an official. The state also reported 15 new fatalities that pushed the cumulative death count to 661. At least 676 people recovered from the disease on Friday, taking the total number of recoveries to 35,606. The current recovery rate is 83.65 per cent.
There are currently 6,298 active cases in the state, the official said, adding that Manipur has so far tested 6,75,645 samples for COVID-19. So far, 3,35,396 people have been vaccinated in Manipur, he added.
Karnataka Adds 32,218 Fresh COVID-19 Cases; Fatalities Drop To 353
Karnataka on Friday reported a drop in its daily COVID-19 fatalities to 353 while 32,218 fresh cases pushed its total count to 23,67,742, according to the state's health department. The cumulative death count stands at 24,207. On Friday, 52,581 recovered patients were discharged, which pushed the total recoveries to 18,29,276. The fatalities reported in the state over the last three days were 548, 468 and 525 respectively. Out of the new cases, Bengaluru Urban alone reported 9,591 cases. It also reported 26,956 discharges on Friday. Currently, there are 5,14,238 active cases in the state.
Jammu And Kashmir Records 3,848 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, 43 Deaths
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 3,848 fresh COVID cases and 43 related fatalities on Friday, which pushed its cumulative count to 2,63,905 cases and 3,465 deaths, according to the officials. While Jammu division reported 1,442 of the total 3,848 fresh cases, Kashmir division reported 2,406, they said. Srinagar recorded the highest number of cases (598), followed by Jammu (401) and Budgam (344), said the officials. Currently, there are 49,893 active cases in the Union territory. The total number of recoveries stands at 2,10,547.
Delhi Students Develop Telegram Bot That Notifies Available Vaccine SlotsTwo engineering students in New Delhi have developed an application that sends a notification to the user when slots become available on the CoWIN portal for coronavirus vaccination. The Telegram bot, "CoWIN alerts", has been developed by Paras Mehan and Rohan Rajpal, students of Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Delhi. It was launched in May and has amassed more than 40,000 users since.
According to Mr Mehan, the users have to provide their district name or pincode and their age to avail the information. "The bot then updates the person via notification once the slot is made available on the CoWIN portal. The message has information on which centre has the available slots, the number of slots available, and the date of availability," he said.
Meghalaya Reports 828 New COVID-19 Cases, 25 Deaths
Meghalaya reported 828 new COVID-19 cases and 25 related fatalities on Friday, which pushed it total count to 27,755 cases and 414 deaths, according to a senior Health department official. There are currently 6,861 active cases in the state, said Health Services Director Aman War, adding that 419 new recoveries have increased the total number of cured people to 20,480. Mr War said the state has so far tested 5.98 lakh samples for COVID-19. He said a total of 4.33 lakh people have been inoculated in the state of which over 83,000 people have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Sikkim Records 317 New Covid Cases, 3 More Deaths
Sikkim recorded 317 new COVID-19 cases, raising the cumulative tally to 12,521, while the death count climbed to 220 after three more patients succumbed to the virus, according to the health department's Friday bulletin. The state now has 3,175 active cases. The bulletin said 8,916 people have so far recovered from the disease. The fresh cases include 151 from East Sikkim, South Sikkim (90) and West Sikkim (74). Sikkim has so far tested 1,08,170 samples for COVID, the bulletin said.
Delhi Reports 3,009 New COVID-19 Cases, Lowest Since April 1
Delhi recorded 3,009 fresh cases of COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, its lowest daily count since April 1 this year. Besides, 252 new COVID deaths were also reported during the one-day period, which increased the national capital's cumulative death count to 22,831. Currently, Delhi has 35,683 active cases. The test positivity rate has dropped to 4.76 per cent over the last 24 hours. This is the first time since April 4 that Delhi's positivity rate has gone below 5 per cent.
Major Government Hospitals To Have Post-Covid Care Centres: Haryana Health Minister
Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij on Friday said Post-Covid Care Centres "Umang" will be started in all major government hospitals in the state from Monday for patients who have recovered from the infection but are still facing some problems.
He said doctors at these special centres advise necessary treatment to the recovered patients suffering from post-Covid complications.
For these special clinics, a dedicated room will be reserved in all government hospitals where doctors, including psychologists, physiotherapists and yoga teachers will be on duty, he said.
Black Fungus To Be Declared Notifiable Disease In Uttar Pradesh: OfficialBlack Fungus will be declared a notifiable disease in Uttar Pradesh under the Epidemic Diseases Act, said a senior official. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directions in this regard. This comes a day after the Union government urged states and Union territories to make Mucormycosis, known as Black Fungus, a notifiable disease under the Act, stating that the infection is leading to prolonged morbidity and mortality among COVID-19 patients. A notifiable disease is required by law to be reported to the government authorities.
Uttar Pradesh on Friday reported 7,735 fresh COVID-19 cases, besides 17,668 recoveries and 172 deaths in the last 24 hours. Currently, there are 1,06,276 active cases in the state while the death count has reached 18,760.
License For Black Fungus Drug Given To Five More Manufacturers: GovernmentFive more manufacturers of Amphotericin-B, which is used in the treatment of Black Fungus, have been given license to start production of the drug, said the Union Health Ministry on Friday. They will start producing 1,11,000 vials of the drug per month from July, it said.
The ministry said efforts are being made to supplement the domestic availability of the anti-fungal drug through import. It said 3,63,000 vials of the drug will be imported in May, which will increase the availability of the drug to 5,26,752 vials (including local production).
In June, the ministry said, 3,15,000 vials will be imported. Along with the domestic supply, the countrywide availability of Amphotericin-B will be enhanced to 5,70,114 vials in June, it added.
Delhi records 3,009 COVID-19 cases, 252 deaths; positivity rate dips to 4.76 per centDelhi recorded 3,009 COVID-19 cases and 252 fatalities on Friday, with the city's positivity rate slipping to 4.76 per cent, data shared by the health department showed.
As per the latest health bulletin, these new fatalities pushed the COVID-19 death toll in the national capital to 22,831.
This is the third consecutive day when Delhi's count of daily new cases has remained below 4,000.
The positivity rate in the city stood at 5.5 per cent on Thursday.
Record 20.61 lakh COVID tests done in a day in India; daily positivity rate dips at 12.59%: Government
More than 20.61 lakh tests for detection of COVID-19 were conducted in a span of 24 hours in the country, the highest-ever tests done in a single day, while the daily positivity rate has declined to 12.59 per cent, the Union health ministry said on Friday.
India's COVID-19 daily recoveries continued to outnumber the daily new cases for the eighth consecutive day, with 3,57,295 patients recuperating in a span of 24 hours.
The cumulative recoveries have reached 2,27,12,735 in the country, it said.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 32,44,17,870 samples have been tested for the novel coronavirus infection till May 20 with 20,61,683 samples being tested on Thursday.
Further, India has recorded less than 3 lakh new cases for five consecutive days now.
2 Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine doses 85-90 per cent effective, real-world study finds
Two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine have shown to prevent around 85 to 90 per cent of symptomatic COVID-19 infections, the first real-world data from Public Health England (PHE) has found.
The method used for the ''COVID-19 Vaccine Surveillance Report'' by PHE for analysing the approximate number of deaths and hospitalisations prevented by the vaccine programme was able to take into account the impact of both first and second doses for the first time, due to more data now being available on that in the country.
Previously, the real-world method only used the impact of the first dose of vaccination on hospitalisations and deaths.
"New analysis for the first time estimates that two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine provide around 85 to 90 per cent protection against symptomatic disease," PHE said.
Environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna dies of Covid in Rishikesh hospital
Environmentalist and Chipko movement pioneer Sunderlal Bahuguna died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Rishikesh on Friday after battling COVID-19 for several days. He was 94.
He breathed his last at 12.05 pm, AIIMS Director Ravikant said.
Sunderlal Bahuguna, one of India's best known environmentalists, was admitted to the hospital on May 8 after testing positive for Covid. He had been critical since last night with his oxygen level dropping drastically.
He was on CPAP therapy in the ICU of the premier hospital.
197 cases of black fungus in Delhi: Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Friday said there are 197 cases of black fungus in government and private hospitals till date in the national capital.
Addressing a press conference, he said minimal steroids should be used for the treatment of Covid and only on the advice of doctors it should be administered. It is not right to use it without consulting a professional.
He said that black fungus is happening because to two reasons, first is the increase in blood sugar levels and the second is the decrease in immunity due to high usage of steroids.
"If the doctor has advised to take steroids then only consume them, otherwise do not take it because steroids destroys the immunity of the body," he said.
COVID-19 India News: Karnataka to receive 2 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine todayKarnataka to receive 2 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine today
Karnataka will receive 2 lakh doses of Covishied vaccine on Friday as part of the order placed by the state government, said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar.
"Karnataka will receive 2 lakh doses of Covishield today from order placed by state govt. So far we have received 1,24,20,510 doses including 1,13,26340 (1,01,60,060 Covisheid and 11,66,280 Covaxin) from Government of India and 10,94,170 (9,50,000 Covishield and 1,44,170 Covaxin) from state procurement," tweeted Dr K Sudhakar.
Karnataka has been witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. The state is one of the worst affected states by the coronavirus pandemic.
Covid-19: Odisha sets up 24X7 helpline, temporary homes for children across 30 districts
Aiming to protect the welfare of children during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Odisha government has set up a 24X7 helpline and temporary homes for children across 30 districts.
Due to the surge in Covid cases, children whose parents are dying or under treatment in Covid-19 dedicated hospitals have been rendered orphaned or helpless. Near and dear ones or relatives are also unwilling to come forward and take care of these abandoned children.
"Considering the vulnerable situation, the Women and Child Development (WCD) and Mission Shakti Department has issued 24X7 helpline 1098, Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) helpline and State Covid helpline for immediate tracking of these children", read an official release yesterday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with doctors, frontline workers
Here are the highlights of his address:
- Oxygen plants have been started, the supply of oxygen concentrators and ventilators have also happened in all of Purvanchal, which includes Varanasi.
- The pace at which work has happened in Varanasi is noteworthy and an example for all.
- When I was elected by the people of Kashi to represent them as their MP, I had come to thank each and every resident of Kashi, but instead of giving anything to them on day 1, I instead, asked them for something - that Kashi be made swachh (clean). And the people have done their bit by making sincere efforts in this regard.
- Similarly, they have cooperated at every step in our fight against Covid, and I would like to thank each and every person in Varanasi to make sincere efforts to battle this pandemic.
- Kashi has dedicated itself to helping in this time of need. People are helping each other and even those who reside elsewhere by helping with supplies.
- But the fight against Covid is not over yet. We must not let our guard down. We must remember the saying - 'Jahan bimaar, wahin upchaar' (wherever the sick, there will be treatment).
Coronavirus Latest Updates: Protect kids orphaned by COVID-19, women and ''vulnerable sections'': Ministry of Home Affairs to States, Union Territories
Considering the surge in mortality during the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic and its impact on families, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written a letter to all states and Union Territories (UTs) directing them on steps for the protection of "vulnerable sections" especially children who lost parents due to COVID-19.
The letter informed states/UTs on the advisory by MHA on standard operating procedures for preventing and combating crimes against vulnerable sections of the society, including women, children, senior citizens and Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes, and as well as for putting in place institutional mechanisms for preventing and countering human trafficking.
"Government taking cognizance of the impact COVID-19 pandemic may have, particularly, on vulnerable groups, gave high priority to the matter and requested States/ Union Territories to put in place adequate mechanisms for ensuring dedicated support and assistance in a timely manner to such persons," MHA said.
Two doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine 85-90 per cent effective: Public Health England
Two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are around 85 per cent to 90 per cent effective against symptomatic disease, Public Health England (PHE) has said, citing a new analysis of real-world data from the rollout of the shot in the UK.
In its latest weekly COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report on Thursday, the PHE also estimated that 13,000 deaths have now been prevented in people aged 60 years or older in England up to May 9, 2021 (11,100 deaths in individuals aged 80 years and older, 1,600 in individuals aged 70 to 79 and 300 in individuals aged 60 to 69 years).
New analysis for the first time estimates that 2 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine provide around 85 to 90 per cent protection against symptomatic disease, PHE said in a press release.
Coronavirus India Updates: Odisha reports highest single-day spike of 12,523 new COVID cases
Odisha on Friday reported the highest single-day spike of 12,523 new COVID-19 cases and a record 27 more deaths, a Health Department official said.
The new cases were recorded after testing 61,665 samples on Thursday, taking the positivity rate to 20.30 per cent.
The state has so far reported 6,68,422 cases of COVID-19 and 2,430 deaths.
Of the new infections, 7,012 were detected at different quarantine centres and the remaining 5,511 were local contact cases.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Arunachal reports 360 new COVID-19 cases
Arunachal Pradesh on Friday reported 360 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to 23,159, a Health Department official said.
The toll in the state remained at 89 as no new fatality was reported in the last 24 hours, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said.
The Capital Complex region recorded the maximum number of fresh cases at 89, followed by Changlang (60), Tawang (40), Lower Subansiri (31) and Lower Dibang Valley (19), the official said.
Of the new cases, 309 were detected through rapid antigen tests, 27 through RT-PCR and 24 through the TrueNat method, Dr Jampa said.
Thane district's COVID-19 count rises by 1,137, number of deaths by 59
The coronavirus tally in Thane district of Maharashtra rose by 1,137 to reach 5,05,837, an official said on Friday.
These new cases were reported on Thursday, he said.
With the virus claiming the lives of 59 persons during the day, the death toll in the district rose to 8,707.
Thane's COVID-19 mortality rate is 1.72 per cent, he added.
Just In| 2.59 lakh fresh COVID-19 cases in India, 4,209 deaths; 2.6 crore total cases so far, 2,91,331 deaths
COVID-19: Karnataka to resume vaccination of 18-44 age group from Saturday
The Karnataka government will resume the COVID-19 vaccination drive for people in the 18-44 years age group from Saturday.
The frontline warriors will be the first to receive the jabs followed by other eligible groups in the list, the state government said in an order on Thursday.
The decision came eight days after the government ordered the suspension of the vaccination drive for this group in the absence of adequate supply of vaccines.
"Vaccination for 18-44 years age group is being resumed from May 22 and state procured vaccines will be utilised to vaccinate the eligible beneficiaries," the order stated.
The state has identified corona frontline warriors who will be receiving the vaccines initially, it said.
Kalaburagi City Corporation has launched 24*7 auto ambulance service for COVID patients. "Sometimes ambulances don't reach on time, with our free service people can get instant help. Three autos to ply in noon and two at night," said Commissioner Snehal Lokhande.
RT-PCR Share Cut, "Gold Standard" Becomes "Standard" In Centre's U-TurnRT-PCR tests - widely believed to be the most accurate method to detect COVID-19 - will be cut to 40 per cent of total tests by the end of next month, far from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to raise it to 70 per cent, the government announced on Thursday.
Instead, the government will depend up to 60 per cent on the less reliable antigen tests - in a significant departure from its earlier target - as it aims to double its testing capacity to 45 lakh per day by June end.
The announcement comes just two months after PM Modi advised states that RT-PCR should be 70 per cent of all tests and said there was "no pressure" if positive numbers were high.
200 Black Fungus Cases In City, Delhi To Get 3 Centres To Treat Disease: Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said there are about 200 cases of black fungus in the national capital and said the government has decided to set up centres to treat the condition in three state-run hospitals.
The government, he said, will also ensure adequate supply of drugs to treat this condition and spread awareness on how to prevent it.
"As per reports coming in from hospitals, there are about 200 cases of black fungus in Delhi," he told the media today.
The Chief Minister today chaired a meeting on the disease with officials and experts.
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