4 years ago
New Delhi:
India added 36,571 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours while deaths from COVID-19 rose by 540. The country's overall caseload now stands at 3.23 crore, while total fatalities are at 4.33 lakhs, according to the health ministry.
Kerala contributed 21,116 cases to the country's daily numbers. The southern state has been contributing to more than 50 per cent of new infections in the country. Kerala has a test positivity rate of around 13.97 per cent.
Here are Highlights on Coronavirus Cases:
No Deaths Due To Oxygen Shortage In State: Haryana Government Tells Assembly
No deaths due to a lack of oxygen have been reported in Haryana during the Covid pandemic, the state government informed the assembly on Friday.
In a written reply to a question, Health Minister Anil Vij said the state has reported a total of 9,665 Covid-related deaths till August 20.
"No deaths due to a lack of oxygen has been reported in the state," Mr Vij said in his reply to a question by Congress MLA Aftab Ahmed who sought to know if anyone had died due to oxygen shortage amid the ongoing pandemic.
Ahmed asked the government to reveal the district wise deaths which occurred due to coronavirus pandemic from March 24, 2020 to July 31, 2021. He also asked the state government to disclose the district wise deaths due to lack of oxygen during the period.
Coronavirus News: Assam Reports 708 Cases In 24 Hours
Assam's Covid tally rose to 5,83,458 on Friday as 708 more people tested positive for the infection, while 13 fresh fatalities pushed the state's death count to 5,551, a health bulletin said, reported news agency PTI.
Assam's Covid tally rose to 5,83,458 on Friday as 708 more people tested positive for the infection, while 13 fresh fatalities pushed the state's death count to 5,551, a health bulletin said, reported news agency PTI.
Coronavirus News: 1,667 Cases, 24 Related Deaths In Tamil Nadu In 24 Hours
Tamil Nadu on Friday logged 1,667 COVID-19 infections, pushing the overall caseload to 25,97,603, while 24 deaths took the count to 34,663, reported news agency PTI.
Recoveries eclipsed new cases with 1,887 people getting discharged in the last 24 hours, aggregating to 25,43,319, leaving 19,621 active infections, a health department bulletin said. A total of 1,63,177 samples were tested in the last 24 hours, pushing the cumulative number of specimens examined so far to 4,05,91,577.
Tamil Nadu on Friday logged 1,667 COVID-19 infections, pushing the overall caseload to 25,97,603, while 24 deaths took the count to 34,663, reported news agency PTI.
Recoveries eclipsed new cases with 1,887 people getting discharged in the last 24 hours, aggregating to 25,43,319, leaving 19,621 active infections, a health department bulletin said. A total of 1,63,177 samples were tested in the last 24 hours, pushing the cumulative number of specimens examined so far to 4,05,91,577.
Coronavirus News: 4,365 Cases, 105 Related Deaths In 24 Hours In Maharashtra
The state's infection tally rose to 64,15,935, while the death count reached 1,35,672. Nandurbar district in north Maharashtra recorded no cases of the virus for the fifth straight day.
Maharashtra reported 4,365 coronavirus cases and 105 related deaths today, while 6,384 patients recovered from the viral infection, a health department official said, reported news agency PTI.
Coronavirus News: 26 Cases, 2 Related Deaths In Uttar Pradesh In 24 Hours
The number of recoveries in the state has reached 16,85,877, the bulletin said, adding, the number of active cases in the state now stands at 408.
Twenty six people tested positive for coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh in the last 24 hours, bringing the infection count to 17,09,076, reported news agency PTI. The death count climbed to 22,791 with two related fatalities in the 24-hour period, a health bulletin read.
Coronavirus News: 20,224 Cases, 99 Related Deaths In 24 Hours In Kerala
"Among those who were found infected today, 137 reached the state from outside while 19,205 contracted the disease through their contacts. The sources of infection of 785 are yet to be traced. 97 health workers are also among the infected," Health Minister Veena George said in a release.
Kerala reported 20,224 cases of coronavirus and 99 related deaths today, taking the total caseload to 37,86,797 and the death count to 19,345, reported news agency PTI.
Thrissur reported the highest number of cases (2,795), followed by Ernakulam 2,707, Kozhikode 2,705, Malappuram 2,611 and Palakkad 1,528.
Coronavirus News: Recovered Covid Patients Can Safely Donate Kidneys, Shows Study
Recovered Covid patients can safely donate kidneys, according to the findings of a multi-centre study based on 31 transplant cases, reported news agency PTI.
The transplant surgeries were conducted after the first wave of the pandemic between July and September last year. All donors had suffered from mild Covid infection.
The study was prompted by the unavailability of literature on kidney transplants in case the donor is a person who has recovered from COVID-19, said Dr Sanjiv Gulati, director, Nephrology, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj.
Sharad Pawar's Party Slams BJP For 'Yatras' Amid Threat Of 3rd Covid WaveThe NCP, which is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra, on Friday hit out at the BJP, saying that the leaders of that party were taking out ''Jan Ashirwad'' yatrasacross the country with elections in mind, although there was a threat of the third wave of coronavirus pandemic.
Talking to reporters, NCP's chief spokesperson and state minister Nawab Malik said the BJP leaders should realise that people's lives were more important than elections.
Coronavirus News: Centre Recommends Emergency Use Authorisation To Zydus Cadila's 3-Dose Vaccine
The recommendations have been sent to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for final approval. The Ahmedabad-based pharma major had on July 1 applied for emergency use authorisation with the DCGI for the vaccine.
An expert panel of the central drug authority has recommended granting emergency use authorisation to Zydus Cadila's three-dose Covid vaccine ZyCoV-D, sources said, reported news agency PTI.
The Subject Expert Committee on coronavirus of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation deliberated on the application given by Zydus Cadila on Thursday and recommended granting emergency use authorisation to its three-dose coronavirus vaccine.
Coronavirus News: Cases Cross 2 Million-Mark In Andhra Pradesh
The state has so far tested 2,59,72,539 sample that turned out an overall positivity rate of 7.6%.
Coronavirus cases crossed the two million mark in Andhra Pradesh, touching 20,00,038 today, reported news agency PTI.
The first case in the state was registered on March 12, 2020 when a person who returned from Italy tested positive for the virus in the state's SPS Nellore district.
It took over 13 months, from March 12, 2020 to April 23, 2021, for Andhra Pradesh to record one million cases, but the second million came in a span of only four months.
Centre Wants States To Say No Deaths Due To Oxygen Crisis: Manish SisodiaDeputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia today said Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has again rejected the Delhi government's proposal to form a panel to "investigate deaths due to oxygen shortage" in the national capital.
Coronavirus News: Ladakh Reports 8 Covid Cases In 24 Hours, 6 Discharged
Of the new coronavirus cases reported on Friday, six were in Leh, and two in Kargil. A total of 1,692 sample reports in Ladakh -- 878 from Leh and 814 from Kargil -- came out negative, they said.
Ladakh recorded eight cases of coronavirus today, taking the overall tally to 20,480, as the active cases in the union territory stood at 81, officials said, reported news agency PTI.
Ladakh has registered 207 Covid-related deaths -- 149 in Leh and 58 in Kargil -- since the outbreak of the pandemic last year. A total of 20,192 patients have recovered till date.
Coronavirus News: India's Agricultural, Processed Food Exports Rises Over 44.3%, Centre Says
Despite the coronavirus-induced restrictions, India continues to achieve record exports of more than 44.3% in the export of agricultural and processed food products in the April to June quarter, the commerce ministry said in a statement.
The exports of products in the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) basket rose from $3338.5 million in April-June (2020-21) to $4817.9 million in the first three months of the current financial year, it added.
Despite the coronavirus-induced restrictions, India continues to achieve record exports of more than 44.3% in the export of agricultural and processed food products in the April to June quarter, the commerce ministry said in a statement.
The exports of products in the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) basket rose from $3338.5 million in April-June (2020-21) to $4817.9 million in the first three months of the current financial year, it added.
Coronavirus News: Zero Fatalities In Delhi In 24 Hours - 11th Time Since Onset Of Second Wave
No deaths due to Covid was recorded in Delhi today, while 57 fresh cases were reported with a positivity rate of 0.08%, according to data shared by the city health department, reported news agency PTI.
This is the eleventh time that Delhi has reported zero Covid fatalities in a day since the second wave hit the national capital.
No deaths due to Covid was recorded in Delhi today, while 57 fresh cases were reported with a positivity rate of 0.08%, according to data shared by the city health department, reported news agency PTI.
This is the eleventh time that Delhi has reported zero Covid fatalities in a day since the second wave hit the national capital.
Coronavirus News: Administering Second Dose Of Vaccine A Priority In Pune, Says Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today said the authorities in Pune have decided to complete administering the second dose of Covid vaccines, following which the first jabs will be given to citizens, reported news agency PTI.
The state government is taking efforts to get maximum number of vaccine doses for citizens, Mr Pawar said, after a meeting to review the pandemic situation in the Pune district.
Currently, there are 898 government-run vaccination centres and 440 private ones in the district, he said.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today said the authorities in Pune have decided to complete administering the second dose of Covid vaccines, following which the first jabs will be given to citizens, reported news agency PTI.
The state government is taking efforts to get maximum number of vaccine doses for citizens, Mr Pawar said, after a meeting to review the pandemic situation in the Pune district.
Currently, there are 898 government-run vaccination centres and 440 private ones in the district, he said.
Coronavirus News: Gujarat Suspends Vaccination On August 22 For Raksha Bandhan
In a statement, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who handles health portfolio, said the decision to take a day's break on Sunday was taken so that women health workers involved in the inoculation drive can celebrate Raksha Bandhan with their families.
Gujarat today announced that the ongoing Covid vaccination drive will remain suspended on August 22, on account of Raksha Bandhan, reported news agency PTI.
Coronavirus News: Artificial Intelligence Helps Identify Existing Drugs That Can Kill SARS-Cov-2 In Cells
Scientists have used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify several drug contenders already in use for other purposes -- including one dietary supplement -- that can block or reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection in cells.
Scientists have used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify several drug contenders already in use for other purposes -- including one dietary supplement -- that can block or reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection in cells.
The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, used AI-powered image analysis of human cell lines during infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Read here.
Coronavirus update: AstraZeneca hails trial results for Covid treatment
Drug firm AstraZeneca on Friday announced positive results from a trial of a treatment for Covid-19 symptoms, AFP reported.
The drug, made from a combination of two antibodies, was initially developed as a treatment for those who had already been exposed to the disease.
Coronavirus update: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett receives Covid booster shot as infections surge
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett received a coronavirus vaccine booster shot on Friday, as the country began administering them to people aged 40 and over amid a spike in infections, AFP reported.
At a public hospital in Kfar Saba, a central city near Bennett's home, the 49-year-old Israeli premier kept his eyes on the nurse administering the shot to his left shoulder, with his office saying he was the first head of government in the world to receive a booster.
Coronavirus update: Delhi records zero COVID-19 fatality, eleventh time since onset of 2nd wave; 57 cases
No death due to COVID-19 was recorded in Delhi on Friday, while 57 fresh cases were reported with a positivity rate of 0.08 per cent, according to data shared by the city health department.
This is the eleventh time since the starting of the second wave of the pandemic in the national capital that zero fatality has been logged in a day, ANI reported.
Coronavirus update: AstraZeneca Says Its Antibody Cocktail Prevents Covid In High-Risk Groups
AstraZeneca Plc's Covid-19 antibody cocktail was found to be 77% effective in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 in high-risk people in a key trial that could expand the range of drugs available to vulnerable groups.
Results from Astra's study found no one in the trial who received the cocktail contracted severe Covid-19 or died in relation to the disease, the company said in a statement Friday. The trial of 5,197 participants, which started in November, was looking at whether the drug could prevent infection in at-risk groups and took place in the U.S., U.K., Belgium, France and Spain. Read Here.
Coronavirus update: Puducherry logs 97 new COVID-19 cases, overall tally rises to 1,22,773
The union territory of Puducherry added 97 fresh coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours taking the overall tally to 1,22,773, a senior Health department official said on Friday.
The new cases were identified at the end of the examination of 5,024 samples and the cases were spread over Puducherry (59), Karaikal (17), Mahe (17) and Yanam (four), PTI reported.
Coronavirus update: EU, UK digital Covid certificates recognised by IATA Travel Pass
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said that EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) and UK NHS Covid Pass can now be uploaded into IATA Travel Pass as verified proof of vaccination for travel.
Travellers holding an EU DCC or UK NHS Covid Pass can now access accurate Covid-19 travel information for their journey, create an electronic version of their passport and import their vaccination certificate in one place.
RTI Shows Over 3.86 Crore People Didn't Get 2nd Covid Vaccine In Stipulated Time
Over 3.86 crore people did not get their second dose of anti-Covid vaccines - Covishield and Covaxin - within the stipulated period of time, the government has said in response to an RTI query. According to information on the CoWIN portal, as of Thursday afternoon 44,22,85,854 people have received their first dose, while 12,59,07,443 have also taken their second. Read here
Over 3.86 crore people did not get their second dose of anti-Covid vaccines - Covishield and Covaxin - within the stipulated period of time, the government has said in response to an RTI query. According to information on the CoWIN portal, as of Thursday afternoon 44,22,85,854 people have received their first dose, while 12,59,07,443 have also taken their second. Read here
Pregnant Women Don't Experience More Severe Symptoms After Covid Vaccine Jab: Study
Pregnant and nursing women who receive the COVID-19 vaccine do not experience symptoms any more severe than their non-pregnant counterparts, according to a survey over 17,000 individuals. The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, enrolled pregnant or nursing women and those who were neither pregnant nor lactating in January 2021. Read here
Pregnant and nursing women who receive the COVID-19 vaccine do not experience symptoms any more severe than their non-pregnant counterparts, according to a survey over 17,000 individuals. The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, enrolled pregnant or nursing women and those who were neither pregnant nor lactating in January 2021. Read here
COVID-19 Vaccines For Children Will Be Launched "Very Soon": Health Minister
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said results of an ongoing research for development of COVID-19 vaccines for children may arrive next month and the antidote may be launched "very soon". He said the Centre is committed to vaccinate every citizen against coronavirus. Read here
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said results of an ongoing research for development of COVID-19 vaccines for children may arrive next month and the antidote may be launched "very soon". He said the Centre is committed to vaccinate every citizen against coronavirus. Read here
87,000 Covid Infections In India After 2nd Dose, 46% From Kerala: Sources
Over 87,000 people across the country have been reported Covid positive after the second dose of vaccination, while 46 per cent of those cases are from Kerala, top Health Ministry sources have told NDTV. Kerala reported close to 80,000 Covid cases after the first dose of vaccination, while 40,000 people were reported infected after the second dose, the sources said. Read here
Over 87,000 people across the country have been reported Covid positive after the second dose of vaccination, while 46 per cent of those cases are from Kerala, top Health Ministry sources have told NDTV. Kerala reported close to 80,000 Covid cases after the first dose of vaccination, while 40,000 people were reported infected after the second dose, the sources said. Read here
Sydney Tightens Covid Curbs, Lockdown Extended Through September
Australian authorities on Friday extended a COVID-19 lockdown in Sydney until the end of September and introduced a night curfew in the city's worst-affected suburbs, after nearly two months of curbs failed to contain an outbreak of the Delta variant.
Australian authorities on Friday extended a COVID-19 lockdown in Sydney until the end of September and introduced a night curfew in the city's worst-affected suburbs, after nearly two months of curbs failed to contain an outbreak of the Delta variant.
Chennai Covid Patient, 56, Recovers After 109 Days On Ventilator Support
A Covid patient in Chennai whose lungs were fully damaged has completely recovered after being on ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation) support or artificial lungs for 62 days. He is being touted as India's longest surviving patient on ECMO without transplantation. Read here
A Covid patient in Chennai whose lungs were fully damaged has completely recovered after being on ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation) support or artificial lungs for 62 days. He is being touted as India's longest surviving patient on ECMO without transplantation. Read here
Will Get COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot, US President Biden Says
President Joe Biden said he and his wife Jill will both be getting a Covid vaccine booster shot, with the extra dose becoming available to all US adults from next month.
"We're gonna get the booster shots," he told ABC News in an interview that aired Thursday.
Noting that he and the first lady had received their original vaccine back around the start of this year, Biden said "it's past time."
With fears that the coronavirus vaccines may be wearing off and even more infectious strains like the Delta virus emerging, Biden on Wednesday announced that all American adults will be able to get a booster shot eight months after their last vaccination.
Israel To Begin Covid Booster Shots For Over 40 Year-Olds
Israelis aged 40 and over will be able to receive coronavirus vaccine booster shots starting this weekend, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said Thursday, as the country battles a spike in infections.
Israel was one of the first countries to launch a vaccination drive in mid-December via an agreement with Pfizer to obtain millions of paid vaccine doses in exchange for sharing data on their effectiveness.
The inoculation campaign was hailed as a success story that helped drastically reduce infections in the country of nine million.
