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Coronavirus Highlights: The number of coronavirus cases in India has crossed 13 lakh, government data shows. The country also overtook France on Friday as the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 crossed 30,000. The number of deaths in India is now the sixth-biggest behind the US, Brazil, Britain, Mexico and Italy. India has reported 13,06,002 cases so far. Maharashtra has the biggest cases at 3,47,502, followed by Tamil Nadu with 1,99,749 and Delhi with 1,27,364 cases.
In the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry recorded 740 coronavirus-linked deaths. This is the second consecutive day that the country reported a record surge in the number of patients. Yesterday morning, the government said that 45,720 fresh infections and 1,129 deaths were registered in the previous 24 hours.
The number of coronavirus cases in India have doubled in nearly three weeks since July 2 when the country crossed the six lakh-mark. The country's Covid tally touched the 10 lakh-mark last Friday. Since then, around three lakh new infections have been reported.
At 864 cases and less than 21 deaths per million population, India has one of the world's lowest COVID-19 infection and death rate, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said today, underlining that the recovery rate among coronavirus-infected patients in the country is 63.45 per cent and mortality is 2.3 per cent.
Worldwide, over 1.54 crore people have been affected by coronavirus so far; 6.32 lakh have died. The United States - epicentre of the pandemic - has logged over 40 lakh cases so far. Of these, 26.56 lakh are active cases. 1.44 lakh people have died.
Here are the Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases:
Coronavirus: TDP holds statewide protests against Andhra government's handling of COVID-19 crisis
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders and cadres on Friday took part in an agitation against lack of proper facilities at the COVID-19 isolation centres opened by the Andhra Pradesh government.
While following all coronavirus norms, the agitators held digital placards demanding the YSRCP government to give up its ''negligent'' attitude and urged it to help the people.
The leaders observed these protests at their respective residences in all 25 parliamentary constituencies of the state consisting of 175 Assembly segments. An awareness drive was also launched on social media against the government's ''failures'' to provide timely and adequate medical care to coronavirus patients.
The TDP leaders urged the government to help poor families by providing Rs 5,000 COVID cash assistance. They said that the poor workers are suffering due to loss of jobs and inflation. The construction workers, coolies, weavers, tailors, artisans and unorganised workers are in deep distress ever since the outbreak, they added.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders and cadres on Friday took part in an agitation against lack of proper facilities at the COVID-19 isolation centres opened by the Andhra Pradesh government.
While following all coronavirus norms, the agitators held digital placards demanding the YSRCP government to give up its ''negligent'' attitude and urged it to help the people.
The leaders observed these protests at their respective residences in all 25 parliamentary constituencies of the state consisting of 175 Assembly segments. An awareness drive was also launched on social media against the government's ''failures'' to provide timely and adequate medical care to coronavirus patients.
The TDP leaders urged the government to help poor families by providing Rs 5,000 COVID cash assistance. They said that the poor workers are suffering due to loss of jobs and inflation. The construction workers, coolies, weavers, tailors, artisans and unorganised workers are in deep distress ever since the outbreak, they added.
COVID-19: 1,640 new cases, 8 deaths in Telangana
As many as 1,640 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths were reported in Telangana on Friday, taking the total tally in the state to 52,466.
According to the official data, 1,007 patients have recovered from the virus. The total number of cases include 40,334 recoveries and 455 fatalities.
Presently, 11,677 COVID-19 patients are isolated and being treated.
India reported the highest single-day spike of 49,310 coronavirus cases on Friday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
As many as 1,640 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths were reported in Telangana on Friday, taking the total tally in the state to 52,466.
According to the official data, 1,007 patients have recovered from the virus. The total number of cases include 40,334 recoveries and 455 fatalities.
Presently, 11,677 COVID-19 patients are isolated and being treated.
India reported the highest single-day spike of 49,310 coronavirus cases on Friday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
COVID-19: Odisha reports 1,594 fresh cases, tally surges past 22,500
Odisha's COVID-19 tally mounted to 22,693 with record 1,594 fresh cases in a day, while the death count surged to 120 as six more people succumbed to the disease, a health department official said on Friday.
The state also registered a significant recovery with 808 patients recuperating from the disease. A total of 15,201 patients have so far recovered from the infection, which is 66.98 per cent of the caseload.
The state's active cases now stand at 7,339.
Odisha's coronavirus hotspot Ganjam district accounted for the maximum number of 732 new cases, followed by Khurda with 320 cases and Cuttack 136, he said.
A total of 1,067 fresh cases were reported from quarantine centres, the official said, adding that contact tracing and follow-up action are underway.
Odisha's COVID-19 tally mounted to 22,693 with record 1,594 fresh cases in a day, while the death count surged to 120 as six more people succumbed to the disease, a health department official said on Friday.
The state also registered a significant recovery with 808 patients recuperating from the disease. A total of 15,201 patients have so far recovered from the infection, which is 66.98 per cent of the caseload.
The state's active cases now stand at 7,339.
Odisha's coronavirus hotspot Ganjam district accounted for the maximum number of 732 new cases, followed by Khurda with 320 cases and Cuttack 136, he said.
A total of 1,067 fresh cases were reported from quarantine centres, the official said, adding that contact tracing and follow-up action are underway.
Coronavirus: Centre asks 9 states with high active caseload to strictly implement containment plan
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Friday reviewed the management of COVID-19 in nine states with the high active caseload and asked them to urgently ramp up testing, augment health infrastructure and ensure effective clinical management.
The high-level virtual review meeting Mr Gauba with the Chief Secretaries and Health Secretaries of the nine states that are driving the present spurt of the active caseload in the country.
The nine states that participated in the meeting include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
In keeping with the ''Test Track Treat'' strategy, the states were advised to ramp up the testing with a special focus on containment zones. "The areas of concern with respect to low testing in certain states were highlighted. It was reiterated that sustained and aggressive testing is crucial for early identification of cases and to prevent the spread of infection," the Health Ministry said in an official release.
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Friday reviewed the management of COVID-19 in nine states with the high active caseload and asked them to urgently ramp up testing, augment health infrastructure and ensure effective clinical management.
The high-level virtual review meeting Mr Gauba with the Chief Secretaries and Health Secretaries of the nine states that are driving the present spurt of the active caseload in the country.
The nine states that participated in the meeting include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
In keeping with the ''Test Track Treat'' strategy, the states were advised to ramp up the testing with a special focus on containment zones. "The areas of concern with respect to low testing in certain states were highlighted. It was reiterated that sustained and aggressive testing is crucial for early identification of cases and to prevent the spread of infection," the Health Ministry said in an official release.
Coronavirus news: First COVID-19 death reported in Nagaland
Nagaland registered the first COVID-19 death after a patient died at Dimapur District COVID-19 Hospital on Friday while 65 coronavirus positive cases were detected in 24 hours.
As per the state health bulletin, there are a total of 1,239 cases of which there are 701 active cases and 537 patients have recovered from the disease and one patient died. However, the death reported is to be established as due to COVID-19.
According to Nagaland State Nodal Officer, Health and Family Welfare, 32 cases are from Armed Forces, 25 from among returnees (including 8 non-resident technical persons on duty), one frontline worker, and seven traced contacts.
Nagaland registered the first COVID-19 death after a patient died at Dimapur District COVID-19 Hospital on Friday while 65 coronavirus positive cases were detected in 24 hours.
As per the state health bulletin, there are a total of 1,239 cases of which there are 701 active cases and 537 patients have recovered from the disease and one patient died. However, the death reported is to be established as due to COVID-19.
According to Nagaland State Nodal Officer, Health and Family Welfare, 32 cases are from Armed Forces, 25 from among returnees (including 8 non-resident technical persons on duty), one frontline worker, and seven traced contacts.
COVID-19: 9,615 new cases in Maharashtra
Maharashtra on Friday reported 9,615 new COVID-19 cases taking the total coronavirus case count in the state to 3,57,117.
According to a bulletin released by the state public health department, there are 1,43,714 active cases in the state.
It said that 5714 patients were discharged on Friday taking the number of recovered patients to 1,99,967.
The bulletin said 278 deaths were due to COVID-19 on Friday and the death count has gone to 13,132. It said 304 patients have died due to other causes.
Mumbai is the worst-hit city in the state with 1,06,980 cases and 5,984 deaths.
Maharashtra on Friday reported 9,615 new COVID-19 cases taking the total coronavirus case count in the state to 3,57,117.
According to a bulletin released by the state public health department, there are 1,43,714 active cases in the state.
It said that 5714 patients were discharged on Friday taking the number of recovered patients to 1,99,967.
The bulletin said 278 deaths were due to COVID-19 on Friday and the death count has gone to 13,132. It said 304 patients have died due to other causes.
Mumbai is the worst-hit city in the state with 1,06,980 cases and 5,984 deaths.
Coronavirus: Top Drug Regulator Suspends Mumbai-Based Firm's Import License For COVID Kit
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has suspended the import license of Mumbai-based company--Transasia Bio-Medicals which is providing COVID-19 IgG ELISA kit.
The move comes when the USFDA removed the manufacturer from their list of the product of serology test kits for COVID- 2019.
On July 17, the company was issued a show-cause notice from the top drug regulator asking why its import licence shall not be cancelled since the rapid diagnostic kit of the manufacturer has been removed by USFDA with the direction that it should not be distributed from the list of the product of serology test kits for coronavirus disease.
"And whereas your response to the show-cause notice has not been found satisfactory with respect to removal of said kit, by USFDA from their list mentioning not to distribute. However, it has been mentioned by you to not to cancel your said import for the above product," stated the order, a copy of which is with ANI.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has suspended the import license of Mumbai-based company--Transasia Bio-Medicals which is providing COVID-19 IgG ELISA kit.
The move comes when the USFDA removed the manufacturer from their list of the product of serology test kits for COVID- 2019.
On July 17, the company was issued a show-cause notice from the top drug regulator asking why its import licence shall not be cancelled since the rapid diagnostic kit of the manufacturer has been removed by USFDA with the direction that it should not be distributed from the list of the product of serology test kits for coronavirus disease.
"And whereas your response to the show-cause notice has not been found satisfactory with respect to removal of said kit, by USFDA from their list mentioning not to distribute. However, it has been mentioned by you to not to cancel your said import for the above product," stated the order, a copy of which is with ANI.
COVID-19: Assam tally reaches 29,921 with 1,130 new cases
The COVID-19 tally in Assam reached 29,921 with 1,130 new cases reported on Friday, while the death toll climbed to 76 with six more fatalities, state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Of the total cases, 8,081 are active and these patients are being treated in different hospitals and Covid Care Centres across the state, he said in a tweet.
"Alert -- 1130 new COVID-19 cases detected in Assam; 417 in Guwahati, Cachar 104. Out of 16,178 samples in the last 24 hrs, we recorded low positivity rate of 6.98 per cent," Mr Sarma wrote on Twitter.
State capital Assam has so far reported 13,088 case of coronavirus infection.
Six more COVID-19 patients, including a police woman, have died, but the government's Death Audit Board has not included them in the tally of fatalities caused by the virus as they had other ailments too.
The COVID-19 tally in Assam reached 29,921 with 1,130 new cases reported on Friday, while the death toll climbed to 76 with six more fatalities, state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Of the total cases, 8,081 are active and these patients are being treated in different hospitals and Covid Care Centres across the state, he said in a tweet.
"Alert -- 1130 new COVID-19 cases detected in Assam; 417 in Guwahati, Cachar 104. Out of 16,178 samples in the last 24 hrs, we recorded low positivity rate of 6.98 per cent," Mr Sarma wrote on Twitter.
State capital Assam has so far reported 13,088 case of coronavirus infection.
Six more COVID-19 patients, including a police woman, have died, but the government's Death Audit Board has not included them in the tally of fatalities caused by the virus as they had other ailments too.
COVID-19: Bengal reports 35 more deaths, 2,216 fresh infections
The COVID-19 death count in West Bengal increased to 1,290 on Friday after 35 people succumbed to the disease, the health department said.
A total of 2,216 fresh coronavirus cases was also reported during the day. The state's COVID-19 count now stands at 53,973, it said in a bulletin.
Of the 1,290 fatalities, 1,095 died due to comorbidities where COVID-19 has been incidental.
The number of active patients is 19,154, it said.
West Bengal also registered its highest single-day cases of recovery on Friday as 1,873 patients recovered from the disease, the bulletin said.
So far, 33,529 people have recovered from COVID-19 in West Bengal, it said that the recovery rate in the state is now 62.12 per cent, reported news agency PTI.
The COVID-19 death count in West Bengal increased to 1,290 on Friday after 35 people succumbed to the disease, the health department said.
A total of 2,216 fresh coronavirus cases was also reported during the day. The state's COVID-19 count now stands at 53,973, it said in a bulletin.
Of the 1,290 fatalities, 1,095 died due to comorbidities where COVID-19 has been incidental.
The number of active patients is 19,154, it said.
West Bengal also registered its highest single-day cases of recovery on Friday as 1,873 patients recovered from the disease, the bulletin said.
So far, 33,529 people have recovered from COVID-19 in West Bengal, it said that the recovery rate in the state is now 62.12 per cent, reported news agency PTI.
COVID-19: 5th plasma centre of Haryana inaugurated in Panchkula
Haryana achieved a major milestone in the fight against COVID-19 on Friday with the opening of the fifth plasma centre of the state in the city of Panchkula.
The new plasma centre, which is located at the Civil Hospital in Sector 6 of Panchkula city, was inaugurated by Speaker of Haryana Assembly Gian Chand Gupta.
Mr Gupta, while addressing the media acknowledged that the number of COVID-19 infected patients has increased in the Panchkula district since the last few days.
He added, "Till now the treatment was done with oxygen and steroid systems, but both these systems are not effective in the treatment of severely infected patients. Plasma therapy is required for this."
Haryana achieved a major milestone in the fight against COVID-19 on Friday with the opening of the fifth plasma centre of the state in the city of Panchkula.
The new plasma centre, which is located at the Civil Hospital in Sector 6 of Panchkula city, was inaugurated by Speaker of Haryana Assembly Gian Chand Gupta.
Mr Gupta, while addressing the media acknowledged that the number of COVID-19 infected patients has increased in the Panchkula district since the last few days.
He added, "Till now the treatment was done with oxygen and steroid systems, but both these systems are not effective in the treatment of severely infected patients. Plasma therapy is required for this."
COVID-19: Odisha Governor cancels ''At Home'' function on Independence Day
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal will not host the At Home function at Raj Bhavan on the occasion of Independence Day this year in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision was taken to avoid a gathering in the wake of the pandemic, Raj Bhavan sources said on Friday.
Due to the prevailing #Covidpandemic in the country and keeping in view the desired precautions required to be taken in matters of social gatherings and ceremonies, Honble
Governor has decided not to host the At Home function on the occasion of #IndepenenceDay2020, the official twitter handle of the governor said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also issued an advisory for Independence Day celebrations in the country and asked all government offices, states and governors to avoid congregation of people.
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal will not host the At Home function at Raj Bhavan on the occasion of Independence Day this year in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision was taken to avoid a gathering in the wake of the pandemic, Raj Bhavan sources said on Friday.
Due to the prevailing #Covidpandemic in the country and keeping in view the desired precautions required to be taken in matters of social gatherings and ceremonies, Honble
Governor has decided not to host the At Home function on the occasion of #IndepenenceDay2020, the official twitter handle of the governor said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also issued an advisory for Independence Day celebrations in the country and asked all government offices, states and governors to avoid congregation of people.
314 COVID-19 positive cases and 7 deaths reported in Jharkhand today; 100 recovered. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 7,564, including 76 deaths and 3,354 recovered and discharged: Government of Jharkhand
Thane COVID-19 Count Crosses 75,000-Mark, Death Count Crosses 2,000-Mark
An addition of 1,698 cases on Friday took Thane district''s COVID-19 count to 75,664 while the death count increased by 22 to touch 2,075, said an official.
Kalyan accounted for 342 of the new cases, taking the count there to 17,731, while Thane city's count rose by 285 to reach 17,144, and Navi Mumbai added 308 cases during the day and its caseload is now 12,907, he added.
"Of the 2,075 deaths, Thane city accounts for 590 and Navi Mumbai 370. The recovery rate in the district is 65.44 per cent while mortality rate is 2.75 per cent. Mira Bhayander and Thane city have a mortality rate of over 3 per cent while it is 1.63 per cent in Kalyan and 2.87 per cent in Navi Mumbai," the official said.
Neighbouring Palghar added 413 cases on Friday and its count now is 13,252.
coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 53,631 on Friday, said a release by the state health department.
Surat saw a spike of 309 cases, as well as 12 deaths. Overall, twenty-six coronavirus patients died, taking the death count due to the pandemic in the state to 2,283, the release said.
With 1,068 new cases, Gujarat was in the 10th spot in the country in terms of daily spike, it said.
There are 12,518 active patients in the state now including 83 who are on ventilator, it said.
958 new COVID-19 positive cases and 8 deaths reported in Rajasthan till 8.30 pm today. The total number of cases in the State stands at 34,178 including 9,029 active cases and 602 deaths: State Health Department
West Bengal Reports 35 More COVID-19 Deaths, 2,216 Fresh Infections
The COVID-19 death count in West Bengal increased to 1,290 on Friday after 35 people died due to the disease, the health department said.
A total of 2,216 fresh coronavirus cases was also reported and the state's tally now stands at 53,973, the department said in a bulletin. The number of active patients is 19,154, it said.
West Bengal also registered its highest single-day recovery on Friday as 1,873 patients were cured of the disease, the bulletin said.
9,60,831 people affected due to flood in Bihar and 12,023 people are staying in shelter homes. 22 teams of National Disaster Response Force/State Disaster Response Force have been deployed in the State: Bihar Government
COVID-19: Focus Must Be On Zero Mortailty Rate, Says Maharashtra Chief Minister
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said his administration was aiming for zero mortality from COVID-19 in the state, which leads the country currently in terms of cases and deaths.
As on Thursday, the state had 3,47,502 cases, and 12,854 people have died due to the infection so far.
Speaking at a meeting of doctors from the task force set up in districts, Mr Thackeray said health infrastructure in rural areas should be strengthened.
He asked the administration not to be complacent when it came to testing people for the virus.
"The focus should be on reducing mortality rate and bringing it to zero," said Mr Thackeray, who also asked for a uniform line of treatment across the state.
The CM praised the task force in Mumbai.
Its head, Dr Sanjay Oak, said there was a standard operating procedure to administer medicines to COVID-19 patients and doctors from rural areas must consult the Mumbai task force if they had doubts on medication, news agency PTI reported.
Tamil Nadu reports 6,785 new COVID-19 cases and 88 deaths today. The total number of positive cases in the State stands at 1,99,749 including 1,43,297 recoveries and 3,320 deaths. There are 53,132 active cases in the State as of today: State Health Department
India Crosses 13 Lakh Coronavirus Cases
The number of coronavirus cases in India has crossed 13 lakh, government data shows. The country also overtook France on Friday as the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 crossed 30,000. The number of deaths in India is now the sixth-biggest behind the US, Brazil, Britain, Mexico and Italy. India has reported 13,06,002 cases so far. Maharashtra has the biggest cases at 3,47,502, followed by Tamil Nadu with 1,99,749 and Delhi with 1,27,364 cases.
353 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir today- 129 from Jammu division and 224 from Kashmir division. The total number of cases stands at 16,782 including 7,269 actives cases, 9,217 recoveries and 296 deaths: Government of Jammu and Kashmir
Highest Level Of Political Commitment In Handling COVID-19: Harsh Vardhan
Union Health Minister Dr Harsha Vardhan on Friday said India undertook the COVID-19 challenge with the highest level of political commitment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally monitoring the situation and ensuring a pre-emptive, pro-active and graded response.
Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Health Ministers' meeting, Dr Harsha Vardhan expressed his deepest condolences at the loss of lives across the world due to COVID 19.
He also expressed his "sincere gratitude" for the efforts of those who are in the frontline of this battle.
"The world is faced with an unprecedented disaster, which has so far affected of the entire planet leading to close to 15 million cases and 0.6 million deaths globally," said the Minister.
"We, in India, undertook the COVID 19 challenge with the highest level of political commitment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, personally monitored the situation and ensured a pre-emptive, pro-active and graded response. leaving no stones unturned to contain the deadly virus from spreading," he said.
The Minister noted that India has so far reported 1.25 million cases and more than 30,000 deaths due to COVID-19 and said India has one of the lowest cases and deaths per million population, which is 864 cases per million and less than 21 deaths per million of our population, news agency ANI reported.
COVID-19: "Janta Curfew" In Nagpur City On Saturday, Sunday
As the coronavirus cases surged following easing of curbs in Nagpur, civic authorities on Friday announced a "Janta Curfew" in Nagpur city of Maharashtra on Saturday and Sunday to check the spread of the infection.
Nagpur municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe announced the imposition of ''janta curfew'' on Saturday and Sunday (July 25 & 26) in the city, but said essential services will remain functional during the period.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of elected representatives and the civic administration.
Talking to reporters, Mundhe said for the last 8 to 10 days, the civic administration had been trying to push for "COVID-19 compliant behavioural change in citizens".
"We have decided to implement two-day janta curfew to bring public awareness about behavioural change towards COVID-19 rules. But if these rules are not followed, then a strict curfew could be imposed in the city," the IAS officer warned, news agency PTI reported.
India's COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate Drops To 2.38 Per Cent, Recovery Rate Rises To 63.34 Per Cent
For the third day in a row, the number of COVID-19 recoveries in a 24-hour span saw another record high, with 34,602 patients having recuperated pushing the recovery rate to 63.45 per cent, the Union health ministry said on Friday.
The case fatality rate has further declined to 2.38 per cent, it said. According to data updated at 8 am, the total recoveries have climbed to 8,17,208, while there are 4,40,135 active cases of coronavirus in the country at present, the ministry said as the COVID-19 tally surged to 12.87 lakh.
India also saw a record single-day spike of 49,310 cases while the death count mounted to 30,601 with 740 new fatalities, the data said.
The ministry said as a result of constantly growing number of recoveries, the recovered patients outnumber the active cases by 3,77,073. "This difference is showing a progressively growing upward trend."
Further, a cumulative total of 1,54,28,170 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to July 23. On Thursday, 3,52,801 samples were tested, news agency PTI reported.
Liquor Shops Outside Containment Zones To Remain Open On Saturday, Sunday Lockdown: UP Government
The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday said that the liquor shops outside containment zones would remain open during the COVID-19 lockdown on Saturdays and Sundays.
In an order, the government informed that the liquor shops will not be closed during the weekend from 10 pm on Friday till 5 am on Monday. Other than the containment zones, liquor shops in the state shall remain open on all seven days.
According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh is 58,104, including 21,012 active cases. While 35,803 cases have been cured/migrated/discharged, the death toll stands at 1,289, news agency ANI reported.
COVID-19: Gujarat BJP Chief Cancels Welcome Car Rally In Surat
A car rally to welcome newly-appointed Gujarat BJP chief CR Paatil was cancelled on Friday in Surat due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The car rally was to be held after Mr Paatil arrived here from Delhi in the afternoon and the decision to cancel it was taken by the new state unit chief himself, party functionaries said.
They said some 2,000 cars were take part in the 30 kilometre rally, organised by local BJP leaders, which was to start from Valak Patiya near the airport and culminate at Mr Paatil's office near Udhna area.
"It is natural that people are enthusiastic because I am arriving here for the first time after being appointed as the state unit president. I was assured by local leaders that social distancing will be maintained during the car rally organised to welcome me," Mr Paatil told reporters on arrival at the airport, news agency PTI reported.
Phase 1 Human Clinical Trial Of Potential COVID-19 Vaccine: Man Given First Dose At AIIMS
The phase-I human clinical trial of India's first indigenously-developed vaccine against novel coronavirus, Covaxin, began at the AIIMS here on Friday with the first dose of the injection given to a man, who is in his 30s.
Already, over 3,500 volunteers have registered themselves for the trial at AIIMS since last Saturday, of whom the screening of at least 22 people is underway, said Dr Sanjay Rai, Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS and the principal investigator of the study.
"The first volunteer, a resident of Delhi, was screened two days ago and all his health parameters were found to be within the normal range. He also does not have any co-morbid conditions."
"The first dose of 0.5 ml intramuscular injection was given to him around 1.30 pm. No immediate side-effects have been observed so far. He was under observation for two hours and will be monitored for the next seven days," Mr Rai said.
Few more participants would be given the vaccine on Saturday after their screening reports come.
AIIMS-Delhi is among the 12 sites selected by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) for conducting phase I and II randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of Covaxin.
In phase I, the vaccine would be tested on 375 volunteers and the maximum of 100 of them would be from AIIMS. The second phase would include around 750 volunteers from all 12 sites together, Rai said.
Phase I of the vaccine trial will be done on healthy people aged 18-55 years having no co-morbid conditions. Women with no pregnancy will also be selected to be a part of the trial in the first phase, news agency PTI reported.
COVID-19: Muted Response To Plasma Donation Call, Doctors Say Unfounded Fears Keeping People Away
The response to a call for donating convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients in Delhi has been "lukewarm", doctors said on Friday and attributed it to unfounded apprehensions about associated health risks and the tendency to put off donation for any future need of family members.
Just about 320 people have donated plasma in Delhi since the initiative began on July 2, whereas more than 1,00,000 COVID-19 patients have recovered till July 23, according to officials.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the government would provide plasma for free and people do not need to buy or sell it.
The chief minister and other senior members of the government have repeatedly appealed to people, who have recovered from COVID-19, to donate plasma to other patients, news agency PTI reported.
2,712 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in the State in the last 24 hours. Total active cases now stand at 21,711. A total of 37,712 people have been discharged after recovering from the disease. Death count is at 1,348: Uttar Pradesh Principal Health Secretary Amit Mohan Prasad
COVID-19: ''Janta Curfew'' In Nagpur City On Saturday, Sunday
A ''janta curfew'' will be imposed in Nagpur city of Maharashtra on Saturday and Sunday to curb
the rising number of coronavirus cases, the civic chief said on Friday.
Nagpur municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe announced the imposition of ''janta curfew'' on Saturday and Sunday (July 25 & 26) in the city.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of elected representatives and the civic administration here.
More details were awaited.
MHA Issues Guidelines For Independence Day Celebrations Amid COVID-19
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday issued an advisory for the Independence Day celebrations on August 15 amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
It has asked all the government offices, states, Governors etc to avoid congregation of public and urged the use of technology for conducting the celebration proceedings.
In view of the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, while organizing various programmes or activities for the Independence Day celebrations, it is imperative to follow certain preventive measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitization, avoiding large congregations, protecting vulnerable persons and follow all guidelines related to Covid-19 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health a Family Welfare.
Traffic Cop Dies Due To COVID-19 In Kolkata
A traffic police officer died due to COVID-19 at a private hospital in Kolkata on Friday
morning, official sources said.
Inspector Abhigyan Mukherjee, posted at the equipment cell of the Kolkata Traffic Police, was diagnosed with COVID- 19 last week.
He was undergoing treatment for the disease at a city hospital, the sources said.
"We deeply mourn the untimely demise of Inspector Abhigyan Mukherjee, who was posted in @KPTrafficDept. He was affected with #COVID19 and was at the forefront of our #FightAgainstCorona," the Kolkata Police tweeted.
Traffic Cop Dies Due To COVID-19 In Kolkata
A traffic police officer died due to COVID-19 at a private hospital in Kolkata on Friday
morning, official sources said.
Inspector Abhigyan Mukherjee, posted at the equipment cell of the Kolkata Traffic Police, was diagnosed with COVID- 19 last week.
He was undergoing treatment for the disease at a city hospital, the sources said.
"We deeply mourn the untimely demise of Inspector Abhigyan Mukherjee, who was posted in @KPTrafficDept. He was affected with #COVID19 and was at the forefront of our #FightAgainstCorona," the Kolkata Police tweeted.
App Launched For Contactless Train Ticket Checking In Mumbai
To check the spread of COVID-19, the Central Railway Mumbai Division launched an App called the ''CheckIn Master'' for contactless ticket checking at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, the public relations department of the Central Railway said.
The app, to be used by the ticket checking staff at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, would help them discharge their duties without any fear, as the app has OCR and QR code scanning features to check PRS and UTS tickets from a safe distance. Hand-held thermal guns were also provided for the thermal screening of passengers.
Flap-based gates would be installed at entry/exit with automatic QR-code-based ticket checking. This would be done in the next phase, to be implemented soon.
Don't Insist On Mobile Nos., ID Proof For COVID Testing Of Mentally Ill Homeless: Delhi High Court To ICMR
The Delhi High Court on Friday asked the ICMR to come out with a clarification that mobile number, government issued identity card, photographs or even a residential proof ought not be insisted upon for COVID-19 test of mentally ill homeless persons.
According to an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) advisory of June 19 every person who was to be tested for COVID-19 has to provide a government issued identity proof and should have a valid phone number for tracing and tracking the individual and his/her contacts.
A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan said that ICMR should issue a clarification by way of a circular or an office order that the identity proof, address proof and mobile number are not required for testing mentally ill homeless persons.
160 Inmates Of UP's Ballia District Jail Test Positive For COVID-19
As many as 160 inmates of the Ballia district jail have tested positive for COVID-19, Jail Superintendent Prashant Kumar Maurya said on Friday.
A health department team had conducted test on 594 inmates of which 160 tested positive.
All those tested positive have been lodged in a separate barrack and are being given medicines and other things as per directives of the government, Mr Maurya said.
He said a woman inmate was also found positive and has been admitted to L1 Hospital in Basantpur.
COVID-19 Testing Increased Six-Fold In Aurangabad
The COVID-19 testing in Aurangabad city has increased six-fold and the nine-day lockdown was used aggressively for detection of cases, municipal commissioner Astik Kumar said on Friday.
The city has recorded over 9,000 cases of coronavirus so far.
"Before the lockdown on July 9, we were sending 700 to 800 swabs for testing per day, of which 150 to 200 persons tested positive for the infection," the civic chief said.
Four More COVID-19 Deaths In Rajasthan, BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena Tests Positive
BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena is among 375 people who tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Rajasthan where four more COVID-19 deaths were reported on Friday, officials said.
Mr Meena is undergoing treatment at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.
In a tweet, Mr Meena said, "My health was not good for the last several days and I along with my personal staff tested positive for coronavirus. My request is that anyone who has come in contact with me in the last 10 days should take care of his health. With all your prayers, I will get well soon".
Officials said two deaths were reported in Jodhpur and one each in Barmer and Nagaur, taking the death toll in the state to 598.
Over 90 Trainees At Police Training School In Bengaluru Test Positive For COVID-19
Over 90 trainees at a Police Training School in Bengaluru have tested positive for COVID-19, official sources said on Friday.
After a constable tested positive some days ago, a random test was conducted at the training school near Thanisandra, during which over 90 of them have tested positive on Thursday, officials said.
Around 400 constables who recently joined the state police force are undergoing training at the schools.
India Coronavirus Deaths Pass 30,000, World's Sixth-Highest Death Toll
India overtook France on Friday as the number of deaths linked to coronavirus passed 30,000 and nearly 50,000 new cases were reported overnight, official data showed. Read more
3-Year-Old Returns To Israel After 6 Months Of Accidental COVID-19 Exile
Melaniya Petrushanska spent almost a sixth of her life in accidental exile after Israel sealed its borders while she was abroad on what was meant to be a short holiday. Read more
49,000 Coronavirus Cases In Record Single-Day Surge In India: 10 Points
A record single-day jump of 49,310 new coronavirus patients registered in the last 24 hours has taken India's COVID-19 tally to 12.87 lakh cases, the Union Health Ministry said this morning. Read more
Top Telangana Official Hints At Covid Community Spread, Minister Denies
A top health official in the Telangana government has hinted at community transmission of coronavirus having begun in the state, urging people to exercise utmost care and not neglect symptoms. The state's Health Minister, however, has denied community spread of COVID-19.Read more
A top health official in the Telangana government has hinted at community transmission of coronavirus having begun in the state, urging people to exercise utmost care and not neglect symptoms. The state's Health Minister, however, has denied community spread of COVID-19.Read more
Nurse Infected With COVID-19 Approaches Delhi High Court After Hospital Sacks Her, 83 Staff Members
A nurse of HAH Centenary Hospital, infected with COVID-19, has knocked the door of the Delhi High Court challenging termination of her employment and other 83 staff members of the hospitals.
Gufrana Khatoon, a nurse of COVID-19 designated HAH Centenary Hospital of Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (HIMSR), was infected and tested positive for coronavirus on July 3 and she was not provided free testing despite showing symptoms of COVID-19.
In the termination order dated July 11, HAH Centenary Hospital administration stated that these nurses were being relieved because of ''absence from office without sanctioned leave and absent without intimation''.
JustIn| Over 49,000 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours in biggest one-day jump; 12.87 lakh total cases so far
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Announces Rs 1 Lakh Relief To Family Of COVID-19 Victims
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Thursday announced a relief of Rs 1 lakh to the family of people who died due to COVID-19 in the state.
Speaking in the legislative assembly, Mr Narayanasamy said, "Families of the people who succumbed to COVID-19 will be provided Rs 1 Lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund on behalf of the government."
According to the Union Health Ministry, Puducherry has reported 2,300 COVID-19 cases, including 900 active cases, 1,369 recoveries and 31 deaths so far.
COVID-19: Odisha Government Issues Advisory On Workplace Management
The Odisha government on Thursday issued an advisory on workplace management after some government employees tested positive for COVID-19 at Lok Seva Bhawan (Secretariat).
Entire office buildings will be closed for 48 hours in case of a large outbreak, as per the advisory.
"If there are one or more cases reported, places/areas visited by the patient in the past 48 hours will be sealed for entry. There is no need to close the entire office building/halt work in other areas of the office. The work can be resumed after following the laid down disinfection protocol as attached (closing down for minimum 24 hours after disinfection)," it read.
Israeli Firm Developing 30-Second Coronavirus Breath Test
An Israeli company is developing a coronavirus breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, billing it as a "front line" tool that can help restore a sense of normality during the pandemic.
NanoScent, the firm making the test kits, said an extensive trial in Israel for the presence of live virus delivered results with 85 percent accuracy, and the product could receive regulatory approval within months.
US Notches 4 Million Coronavirus Cases, Europe Tops 3 Million Amid Fresh Outbreaks
The coronavirus pandemic hit grim new milestones Thursday, with cases topping four million in the United States and three million in Europe as fresh spikes from Belgium to Tokyo to Melbourne forced new restrictions on citizens.
While EU lawmakers combed through a huge aid package for their economies, the UN called for a basic income for the world's poorest to help slow the spread of COVID-19, and the Red Cross warned of "massive" new migration caused by the economic devastation.
The United States, the hardest-hit country by the virus, added one million new cases in just over two weeks, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. In the previous 24 hours alone, the country notched more than 76,000 new cases.
18,388 people returned to Jaipur under Vande Bharat Mission
A total of 18,388 people have arrived in Jaipur till now from abroad under the Vande Bharat Mission, Additional Chief Secretary Subodh Agarwal said.
He said 175 people reached Jaipur on Thursday.
Two flights from Bishkek and one each from Dubai, Muscat, Sharjah and Doha will come to Jaipur carrying people belonging to Rajasthan between July 25 and August 4.
Mr Agarwal said regular monitoring and coordination is being done by a committee constituted by the state government.
Assam's COVID-19 Tally Reaches 28,791 With 1,047 New Cases
The COVID-19 tally in Assam reached 28,791 on Thursday with 1,047 more people testing positive for the disease in 24 hours, and the number of deaths climbed to 70, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
The fresh deaths include, a person from Jammu and Kashmir, Kamrup Metropolitan district, Karimganj and Kokrajhar reported one fatality each, he said.
The minister said that of the new cases, 219 are from Guwahati city alone.
In a tweet, Mr Sarma said, "1,047 new COVID-19 cases detected in Assam on July 23, with 219 in Guwahati city alone. With 19,000 plus tests in 24 hours, our positivity rate is 5.25 per cent."
Coronavirus news: Cipla Set To Launch Favipiravir Drug For Treatment Of COVID Patients
Pharmaceutical firm Cipla is all set to launch Favipiravir, developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in a cost-effective process, for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, according to an official statement on Thursday.
An off-patent anti-viral drug, Favipiravir, originally discovered by Fuji Pharma in Japan, has shown promise in clinical trials for treatment of COVID-19 patients, especially in mild and moderate cases.
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) developed a cost effective process using locally available chemicals to synthesise this Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and transferred the technology to Cipla.
"Cipla has scaled up the process in their manufacturing facility and approached DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) for permission to launch the product in India. Given that DCGI has given restricted emergency use for Favipiravir in the country, Cipla is now all set to launch the product to help patients suffering from COVID-19," the statement said.
Pharmaceutical firm Cipla is all set to launch Favipiravir, developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in a cost-effective process, for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, according to an official statement on Thursday.
An off-patent anti-viral drug, Favipiravir, originally discovered by Fuji Pharma in Japan, has shown promise in clinical trials for treatment of COVID-19 patients, especially in mild and moderate cases.
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) developed a cost effective process using locally available chemicals to synthesise this Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and transferred the technology to Cipla.
"Cipla has scaled up the process in their manufacturing facility and approached DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) for permission to launch the product in India. Given that DCGI has given restricted emergency use for Favipiravir in the country, Cipla is now all set to launch the product to help patients suffering from COVID-19," the statement said.
Coronavirus news: Israel to participate in anti-COVID-19 cooperation operation with India
Israel's Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry and Health Ministry will be participating in anti-COVID-19 cooperation initiative between India and Israel in the coming weeks.
"In the coming weeks, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Health will lead an unprecedented anti-COVID-19 cooperation operation between India and Israel," the Indian embassy in Israel tweeted.
In a series of tweets, the embassy said that a high-ranking research and development (R&D) team of Israel's Defence Ministry will be flying to New Delhi on a special flight.
Israel's Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry and Health Ministry will be participating in anti-COVID-19 cooperation initiative between India and Israel in the coming weeks.
"In the coming weeks, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Health will lead an unprecedented anti-COVID-19 cooperation operation between India and Israel," the Indian embassy in Israel tweeted.
In a series of tweets, the embassy said that a high-ranking research and development (R&D) team of Israel's Defence Ministry will be flying to New Delhi on a special flight.
Coronavirus: Don't want to risk holding assembly session amid COVID-19, says Kerala Chief Minister
Kerala Cabinet on Thursday decided to cancel the Assembly session scheduled on Monday, in the wake of an increasing number of COVID-19 cases with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stating that it is difficult to hold assembly session as MLAs will have to travel from their constituencies and many of them are above 60 years in age.
A special Cabinet meeting will be held on Monday where a decision will be taken on imposing a complete lockdown in the state.
"MLAs have to travel to Thiruvananthapuram from their constituency to attend the session. Many of them have to come from containment zones and most of them are above 60 years," the Chief Minister said.
"If the Government conducts assembly session and any member gets affected, what would be the situation? In the present situation, it is difficult to conduct the assembly session by observing all COVID-19 protocols," he added.
Kerala Cabinet on Thursday decided to cancel the Assembly session scheduled on Monday, in the wake of an increasing number of COVID-19 cases with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stating that it is difficult to hold assembly session as MLAs will have to travel from their constituencies and many of them are above 60 years in age.
A special Cabinet meeting will be held on Monday where a decision will be taken on imposing a complete lockdown in the state.
"MLAs have to travel to Thiruvananthapuram from their constituency to attend the session. Many of them have to come from containment zones and most of them are above 60 years," the Chief Minister said.
"If the Government conducts assembly session and any member gets affected, what would be the situation? In the present situation, it is difficult to conduct the assembly session by observing all COVID-19 protocols," he added.
COVID-19: Odisha allows home isolation of asymptomatic, mild symptomatic patients in rural areas
The Odisha government on Thursday said that the guidelines issued to allow home isolation to all COVID-19 positive patients, who are asymptomatic/have mild symptoms and have no comorbidities in urban areas, will also apply to rural areas in the state.
Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department said that COVID-19 cases are increasing because of intensified house to house survey and testing of symptomatic people.
"During the last few days, it is found that COVID-19 positive cases are increasing in the state but the people need not to panic. It is because of intensified house to house survey and testing of symptomatic people," he said.
"Health infrastructure is stable in the state. There is an adequate stock of medicine and logistics for coming four months to combat COVID-19," added Mr Mohapatra.
The Odisha government on Thursday said that the guidelines issued to allow home isolation to all COVID-19 positive patients, who are asymptomatic/have mild symptoms and have no comorbidities in urban areas, will also apply to rural areas in the state.
Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department said that COVID-19 cases are increasing because of intensified house to house survey and testing of symptomatic people.
"During the last few days, it is found that COVID-19 positive cases are increasing in the state but the people need not to panic. It is because of intensified house to house survey and testing of symptomatic people," he said.
"Health infrastructure is stable in the state. There is an adequate stock of medicine and logistics for coming four months to combat COVID-19," added Mr Mohapatra.
