4 years ago
New Delhi:
India recorded 24,010 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday, while the national recovery rate stood at over 95 per cent, according to data updated by the Union Health Ministry today.
India's coronavirus caseload mounted to 99,356,557 with 24,010 infections being reported in a day, while the deaths rose to 1,44,451 with 355 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am on Thursday showed.
There are 3,322,366 active coronavirus infections in the country which constitute 3.24 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.
Meanwhile, Professor Randeep Guleria, the chief of Delhi's prestigious All-India Institute of Medical Sciences told NDTV on Wednesday that it could take up to six months before a sufficient number of people could be vaccinated to break the chain of coronavirus transmission and another six months before life could get close to the pre-Covid days.
"I'm hopeful that in the next six months, we will have two things. A sufficient number of people who have got the infection and recovered and have some kind of immunity and people who will get the vaccine," Professor Guleria told NDTV. Together, they should break the chain of transmission of the virus, he added.
Here are the highlights on coronavirus (COVID-19) cases:
California hits new daily record with 53,711 new COVID cases
California reported 53,711 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, a record for the most populous US state.
The state also reported 293 new deaths on Wednesday, bringing its deaths to 21,481.
The California Department of Public Health said the new surge was in part due to a newly implemented auto-processing feature that put more than 15,000 cases of prior days in the latest report.
"Today''s case count includes 38,374 newly reported cases that are part of the continued statewide surge. The remaining 15,337 cases are from previous days," said the department
Northern Ireland faces six-week virus lockdown after Christmas
Northern Ireland will impose a six-week lockdown after Christmas as rising coronavirus case rates strain the British province's public health system, the devolved government announced Thursday.
The new restrictions, which begin on December 26, include an initial week of even tougher rules banning sports events and requiring retailers to close by 8:00 pm, deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill said. "The situation in terms of Covid is quite dire," O'Neill told reporters after the Northern Irish Executive met to agree the new measures.
Mumbai man Santa Claus distributes masks to people
Mumbai: A man dressed as Santa Claus carried out sanitization & distributed masks to people in Rani Lakshmi Chowk area.
- ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2020
He says, "Every year I used to distribute chocolates and gifts to children but this year I decided to contribute my bit to fight against COVID-19." #Christmas pic.twitter.com/DO4UHyG5Kf
Joe Biden Aide Cedric Richmond Tests Positive For Coronavirus: Transition Team Sikkim reports 8 new COVID-19 cases, 1 more death
Sikkim on Thursday reported eight new COVID-19 cases and one more death, an official said. East Sikkim registered seven new cases, while South Sikkim accounted for one.
Sikkim has 294 active cases, while 94 patients have migrated out and 4,896 persons have recovered from the disease, the official said. The state has so far recorded 5,406 COVID-19 cases.
Boris Johnson Rules Out Tougher Christmas Coronavirus Curbs For UK
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday resisted calls to tighten coronavirus restrictions over Christmas, as London faced stricter measures and concern grew about rising case numbers.
The government has been under mounting pressure to toughen proposals allowing up to three households to meet indoors during a five-day festive window from December 23, as European neighbours curb their easing plans amid surging infections.
But Johnson insisted it would be "inhuman" to "cancel Christmas" now, arguing people should think hard about their plans and "exercise extreme caution" while still being allowed to gather.
"Have yourselves a merry little Christmas," Johnson said at a press conference. "And I'm afraid this year I do mean little."
US Panel Recommends Emergency Approval Of Moderna Covid Vaccine
A US panel of experts on Thursday voted to recommend emergency approval of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine, paving the way for six million doses to start shipping as soon as this weekend.
The Food and Drug Administration is now expected to imminently grant an emergency use authorization (EUA), which would make Moderna's vaccine the second to be approved in a Western country
US hospital converts nearby parking lot into Covid care facility
To cope with an influx of coronavirus patients, a hospital in Reno in the western US state of Nevada has transformed two floors of a nearby parking garage into a care unit dealing with patients experiencing less severe symptoms.
The space gives Renown Health Hospital patients and staff a secure environment that has direct access to key hospital facilities -- lab, pharmacy, food services -- while freeing up intensive care unit beds in the main building for the most severe cases.
The site was constructed in just 10 days back in April, when specialized companies were brought in to fit two storeys of the indoor lot with new flooring and the necessary electrical, water and ventilation equipment.
COVID-19 positive Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij's condition stable
The condition of Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij, who is undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, is stable and his vitals parameters are normal, Dr AK Dubey, Medical Superintendent, of the hospital on Thursday.
"Haryana Health Minister is undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit (ICU) ward of Medanta hospital in Gurgaon. His health condition is stable and his vitals parameters are normal," Dubey said.
Vij, who had tested positive for coronavirus after taking a trial dose of Bharat Biotech''s COVID-19 vaccine ''Covaxin'' was recently referred to Medanta Hospital Gurugram.A team of doctors from Medanta had reached Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) Rohtak for the treatment of the Haryana Minister.
Odisha logs 351 new COVID-19 cases, 5 more fatalities
Odisha on Thursday added 351 new cases to its COVID-19 caseload, raising the state's tally
to 3,25,147, while five fresh fatalities pushed the deaths to 1,825, a health department official said. Of the 351 cases, 203 were reported from various quarantine centres, and 148 detected during contact tracing.
Three districts -- Gajapati, Rayagada and Kandhamal -- did not report any case since Wednesday.
Khurda, of which the state capital Bhubaneswar is a part, recorded the maximum number of new cases at 52, followed by Sundergarh at 47 and Angul at 41.
Self-isolation rush after French President Emmanuel Macron catches Covid-19
A host of European leaders and top French officials rushed into isolation on Thursday after President Emmanuel Macron tested positive for Covid-19, upending political agendas across the continent.
A flurry of contact-tracing followed France's confirmation that Macron had become the latest world leader to contract Covid-19, following the likes of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump.
Macron, 42, was tested after the "onset of the first symptoms" and will now self isolate for seven days in accordance with national regulations, his office said in a statement.
"He will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely," the statement said.
Nagaland reports 33 fresh COVID cases
The detection of 33 fresh cases of coronavirus infection raised Nagaland's tally to 11,820 on Thursday, health department officials said.
In a tweet, Health and Family Welfare Minister S Pangnyu Phom said, "33 +ve cases of # COVID-19 have been detected today. Kohima- Mokokchung- 13 each, Tuensang- 6, Mon- 1. Also, 76 +ve patients have recovered. Kohima- 64, Tuensang- 6, Wokha- 4, Zunheboto- 2."
The caseload includes 11,071 recovered people while 547 are active patients, he said.
Poland imposes three-week partial lockdown from December 28
Poland will go into a three-week partial lockdown from December 28, with shopping centres and ski slopes closed as well as a travel restriction on New Year's Eve, the health minister said Thursday.
"We're introducing a national lockdown from December 28 to January 17," Health Minister Adam Niedzielski told reporters, saying the moves are intended "to protect us from the third wave of the epidemic in the near future."
Hotels will be closed, with exceptions for medical and military staff, he said, adding that anyone arriving from abroad by train, bus or plane will have to undergo a 10-day quarantine.
Coronavirus: French President Emmanuel Macron Tests Positive For COVID-19 Arunachal Pradesh districts asked to monitor preparedness for COVID vaccination
The Arunachal Pradesh government on Thursday directed deputy commissioners to oversee availability of cold chain storages in their districts to store COVID-19 vaccines.
During a video conference with all the deputy commissioners of the state, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar asked them to review the state of logistic preparedness for COVID-19 vaccination.
Noting that the northeastern state got an award for being the "leading small state in fight against Covid-19 by a major media group, the chief secretary said, "The tempo should be continued in the same way you all were working in the past nine months".
COVID-19: 11 deaths, 1,112 fresh virus cases in Rajasthan
The Rajasthan health authorities on Thursday reported 11 coronavirus fatalities and 1,112 fresh cases as the state's numbers rose to 2,589 deaths and 2,95,953 infections.
The fresh deaths were reported from Jaipur and Jodhpur (two each); Ajmer, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Churu, Dausa and Jhunjhunu (one each), according to an official report.
The maximum 255 fresh cases were reported from Jaipur. Jodhpur and Kota reported 101 and 92 cases, respectively.
COVID-19: US registers record 3,656 deaths in single-day
The United States on Wednesday reported its highest single-day deaths due to COVID-19, with 3,656 deaths and 276,403 new cases, The Hill reported citing Johns Hopkins University.
Wednesday marked the fourth day since the pandemic began that the US surpassed 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in a day. It also was the 44th consecutive day that the US confirmed more than 100,000 new cases in a day.
On Thursday, the US recorded over 17 million cases and 307,512 fatalities since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the Johns Hopkins University data.
Currently, the COVID-19-related hospitalizations have reached a record 113,090, including 21,936 patients in the intensive care unit and 7,778 on ventilators, The Hill reported citing The COVID Tracking Project.
The United States on Wednesday reported its highest single-day deaths due to COVID-19, with 3,656 deaths and 276,403 new cases, The Hill reported citing Johns Hopkins University.
Wednesday marked the fourth day since the pandemic began that the US surpassed 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in a day. It also was the 44th consecutive day that the US confirmed more than 100,000 new cases in a day.
On Thursday, the US recorded over 17 million cases and 307,512 fatalities since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the Johns Hopkins University data.
Currently, the COVID-19-related hospitalizations have reached a record 113,090, including 21,936 patients in the intensive care unit and 7,778 on ventilators, The Hill reported citing The COVID Tracking Project.
COVID-19: 1,363 fresh cases, record 90K tests in Delhi
Delhi recorded 1,363 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday with over 90,000 tests conducted, the highest till date, even as the positivity rate slipped to 1.51 per cent, authorities said.
The death count mounted to 10,182 with 35 new fatalities, they said.
This is the third consecutive day when the positivity rate remained below 2 per cent.
These 1,363 fresh cases, lowest since August 31, came out the record 90,354 tests conducted the previous day, including 49,102 RT-PCR tests and 41,252 rapid antigen tests, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi health department.
On August 31, the city had recorded 1,358 cases.
Delhi recorded 1,363 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday with over 90,000 tests conducted, the highest till date, even as the positivity rate slipped to 1.51 per cent, authorities said.
The death count mounted to 10,182 with 35 new fatalities, they said.
This is the third consecutive day when the positivity rate remained below 2 per cent.
These 1,363 fresh cases, lowest since August 31, came out the record 90,354 tests conducted the previous day, including 49,102 RT-PCR tests and 41,252 rapid antigen tests, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi health department.
On August 31, the city had recorded 1,358 cases.
Coronavirus news: India recognised COVID threat early, pursued scientific evidence-based approach, says Centre
Speaking on the COVID trajectory in India, Mr Vardhan said, "It has been almost one year since the outbreak of COVID-19. While the caseload infection in many parts of the world is decreasing, many others are experiencing a second or even a third peak. Fortunately, in India, the cases are steadily coming down. We recognised the threat early and pursued a scientific evidence based approach."
COVID-19 cases in India are steadily coming down while the caseload of infection in many parts of the world is experiencing a second or even a third peak, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Thursday asserting the government "recognised the threat early and pursued a scientific evidence-based approach".
He made these remarks at a virtual event of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
The theme of the event was "Build Back Better: building resilient health infrastructure and supply chains", a health ministry statement said.
COVID-19: Mumbai records 586 cases, 499 recoveries; 10 die
Mumbai reported 586 new COVID-19 cases and 10 fresh fatalities on Thursday, while nearly 500 patients recovered from the infection, said the city civic body.
According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) updated data, the tally of COVID-19 cases in the city increased to 2,84,990, while the death toll rose to 11,017.
On Wednesday, Mumbai had reported 795 new cases and 12 fatalities.
According to the civic body, the number of COVID-19 tests conducted in the financial capital increased to more than 21.48 lakh.
The tally of recuperated patients jumped to 2,66,101, about 93 per cent of the tally, after 499 more persons were discharged from hospitals during the day, it said.
COVID-19 news: Andhra Pradesh coronavirus cases reach 8.77 lakh with 534 new infections
Andhra Pradesh's COVID-19 tally increased to 8.77 lakh on Thursday as 534 cases were
reported a new.
In 24 hours ending 9 am on Thursday, 498 patients had recovered, taking the total recoveries to 8,65,825.
The overall count rose to 7,069 as two more fatalities were reported in a day, the latest bulletin said.
The state now has 4,454 active coronavirus cases.
Chittoor once again reported the highest 130 cases afresh in a day while the 12 other districts added less than 100 each.
In fact, Chittoor has been reporting relatively more new cases of Covid-19 over the past few days.
In the last eight days, the district saw an addition of 746 new cases, the highest in the state.
At the same time, it also had 704 recoveries and only two deaths, as a result of which the active caseload increased by 40 to 505.
Andhra Pradesh's COVID-19 tally increased to 8.77 lakh on Thursday as 534 cases were
reported a new.
In 24 hours ending 9 am on Thursday, 498 patients had recovered, taking the total recoveries to 8,65,825.
The overall count rose to 7,069 as two more fatalities were reported in a day, the latest bulletin said.
The state now has 4,454 active coronavirus cases.
Chittoor once again reported the highest 130 cases afresh in a day while the 12 other districts added less than 100 each.
In fact, Chittoor has been reporting relatively more new cases of Covid-19 over the past few days.
In the last eight days, the district saw an addition of 746 new cases, the highest in the state.
At the same time, it also had 704 recoveries and only two deaths, as a result of which the active caseload increased by 40 to 505.
Coronavirus news: 3 crore people can get COVID-19 vaccine in 1st round in Maharashtra, says minister
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday said that if the Centre gives its nod by the end of this month to carry out COVID-19 vaccination at mass level, then around three crore people could be given the vaccine in the state in the first round.
He made the statement while speaking to reporters. Mr Tope also urged the Centre to carry out free COVID-19 vaccination in the country.
"If the Centre gives permission for mass vaccination by December end, then Maharashtra can carry out the process at the mass level from January. Our preparation is going on, wherein around three crore people can be administered the vaccine," he said.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday said that if the Centre gives its nod by the end of this month to carry out COVID-19 vaccination at mass level, then around three crore people could be given the vaccine in the state in the first round.
He made the statement while speaking to reporters. Mr Tope also urged the Centre to carry out free COVID-19 vaccination in the country.
"If the Centre gives permission for mass vaccination by December end, then Maharashtra can carry out the process at the mass level from January. Our preparation is going on, wherein around three crore people can be administered the vaccine," he said.
Coronavirus news: 33,970 identified so far in Maharashtra's Aurangabad for COVID-19 vaccine
The district administration is gearing up for the coronavirus vaccination programme and has so far prepared a database of nearly 34,000 health workers who will be inoculated on priority basis, an official said on Thursday.
The district administration is gearing up for the coronavirus vaccination programme and has so far prepared a database of nearly 34,000 health workers who will be inoculated on priority basis, an official said on Thursday.
The district administration will complete the excercise of gathering database of all health workers by the year-end, Civil Surgeon Dr Sundar Kulkarni told PTI.
"The administration has so far gathered database of 33,970 health workers who are doing duties in hospitals, medical colleges, dental colleges and also in dispensaries in
the district.
"The information collection work is still going on and is likely to be completed by December 31. Nearly 7,000 workers are likely to be added to the database by then," he said.
"We have issued letters to those who have not enrolled their names yet for the vaccination programme," the Civil Surgeon said.
Kerala adds over 4.9k fresh COVID-19 cases, tally climbs to 6.88 lakh
Kerala's COVID-19 tally climbed to 6.88 lakh and the toll to 2,734 with the addition of 4,969 new cases and 27 deaths, including that of a centenarian.
As many as 4,970 people joined the list of cured, taking the cumulative recoveries to 6,27,364, Health Minister K K Shailaja said.
A total of 58,155 people were presently undergoing treatment for the disease, the minister said in a release.
The overall infection count in the state has touched 6,88,409.
A 100-year old man from Kollam was among the latest fatalities, she said.
In the last 24 hours, a sum of 60,851 samples were sent for testing and the test positivity rate was 8.17 per cent. So far, 71,79,051 samples have been sent for testing.
Coronavirus news: Karnataka sees 1,236 new COVID-19 cases, 10 deaths
Karnataka has recorded 1,236 fresh cases of coronavirus and 10 related fatalities, taking the total number of infections to 9.05 lakh and the count to 11,981, the health department said on Thursday.
The day also saw 1,497 patients getting discharged after recovery.
Out of 1,236 fresh cases reported on Thursday, 689 cases were from Bengaluru urban alone.
As of December 17 evening, cumulatively 9,05,901 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which includes 11,981 deaths and 8,78,696 discharges, the health department said in its bulletin.
It said, out of 15,205 active cases,14,976 patients are in isolation at designated hospitals and are stable, while 229 are in ICU.
Coronavirus news: Delhi Records 1,363 New Covid Cases; Positivity Rate Slips To 1.51%
Delhi recorded 1,363 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday with over 90,000 tests conducted, the highest till date, even as the positivity rate slipped to 1.51 per cent, authorities said.
The death count mounted to 10,182 with 35 new fatalities, they said.
This is the third consecutive day when the positivity rate remained below 2 per cent. These 1,363 fresh cases, lowest since August 31, came out of the record 90,354 tests conducted the previous day, including 49,102 RT-PCR tests and 41,252 rapid antigen tests, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi health department.
On August 31, the city had recorded 1,358 cases.
The positivity rate from December 3 to December 7 had successively dipped to 4.96 per cent, 4.78 per cent, 4.2 per cent, 3.68 per cent and 3.15 per cent respectively. However, on December 8 it had risen again to 4.23 per cent, but fell to 3.42 per cent on December 9 and 2.46 per cent on December 10.
Delhi recorded 1,363 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday with over 90,000 tests conducted, the highest till date, even as the positivity rate slipped to 1.51 per cent, authorities said.
The death count mounted to 10,182 with 35 new fatalities, they said.
This is the third consecutive day when the positivity rate remained below 2 per cent. These 1,363 fresh cases, lowest since August 31, came out of the record 90,354 tests conducted the previous day, including 49,102 RT-PCR tests and 41,252 rapid antigen tests, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi health department.
On August 31, the city had recorded 1,358 cases.
The positivity rate from December 3 to December 7 had successively dipped to 4.96 per cent, 4.78 per cent, 4.2 per cent, 3.68 per cent and 3.15 per cent respectively. However, on December 8 it had risen again to 4.23 per cent, but fell to 3.42 per cent on December 9 and 2.46 per cent on December 10.
COVID-19 news: Andhra Pradesh coronavirus cases reach 8.77 lakh with 534 new infections
Andhra Pradesh's COVID-19 tally increased to 8.77 lakh on Thursday as 534 cases were
Andhra Pradesh's COVID-19 tally increased to 8.77 lakh on Thursday as 534 cases were
reported a new.
In 24 hours ending 9 am on Thursday, 498 patients had recovered, taking the total recoveries to 8,65,825.
The overall count rose to 7,069 as two more fatalities were reported in a day, the latest bulletin said.
The state now has 4,454 active coronavirus cases.
Chittoor once again reported the highest 130 cases afresh in a day while the 12 other districts added less than 100 each.
In fact, Chittoor has been reporting relatively more new cases of Covid-19 over the past few days.
In the last eight days, the district saw an addition of 746 new cases, the highest in the state.
At the same time, it also had 704 recoveries and only two deaths, as a result of which the active caseload increased by 40 to 505.
Coronavirus news: Tokyo raises COVID-19 alert to highest as medical crunch looms
The Japanese capital Tokyo, faced with acute strains on its medical system from the COVID-19 pandemic, raised its alert level to the highest of four stages on Thursday as the number of new cases spiked to a record daily high of 822
The Japanese capital Tokyo, faced with acute strains on its medical system from the COVID-19 pandemic, raised its alert level to the highest of four stages on Thursday as the number of new cases spiked to a record daily high of 822
A health official said it had become difficult to balance the care of COVID-19 patients with regular ones as hospital beds filled up, and a "red" alert for medical preparedness had been assigned for the first time."We fear a serious dysfunction of the medical system in two weeks, on December 31, if the number of new daily infections keeps growing at the current pace," Masataka Inokuchi, vice chair of the Tokyo Medical Association, told a news conference attended by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.
The metropolitan government in the city of 14 million people said the number of new coronavirus cases hit 822 on Thursday, surpassing the previous record of 678 reached a day earlier.
Tokyo issued a special coronavirus alert for the year-end and new year periods to raise public awareness, Koike said.
"We need to turn this holiday season into a special period to stop the spread of the infections.
Coronavirus news: Spanish PM in quarantine after contact with Emmanuel Macron
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was in quarantine Thursday after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who tested positive for Covid-19, his office announced.
Sanchez will be tested "without delay" for the virus, and will "respect the quarantine until December 24," which will be 10 days since he met with Macron in Paris, his office said in a statement.
Macron tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, the French presidency said, adding that he would now self-isolate for the next week.
Sanchez cancelled all items on his agenda for the coming days, starting with his attendance at a ceremony on Thursday at which King Felipe is to open an exhibition.
The Socialist leader attended a number of events in Paris on Monday to mark the 60th anniversary of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, including a lunch with Macron.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was in quarantine Thursday after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who tested positive for Covid-19, his office announced.
Sanchez will be tested "without delay" for the virus, and will "respect the quarantine until December 24," which will be 10 days since he met with Macron in Paris, his office said in a statement.
Macron tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, the French presidency said, adding that he would now self-isolate for the next week.
Sanchez cancelled all items on his agenda for the coming days, starting with his attendance at a ceremony on Thursday at which King Felipe is to open an exhibition.
The Socialist leader attended a number of events in Paris on Monday to mark the 60th anniversary of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, including a lunch with Macron.
COVID-19: In US, Vaccine Rollout Hits Snags With Delays, Allergic Case
A health-care worker in Juneau, Alaska, with no history of allergies experienced flushing and shortness of breath 10 minutes after receiving a shot, the state health department said in a statement Wednesday.
The person was admitted to the emergency room and was given Pepcid, Benadryl and epinephrine through an intravenous drip. The patient stayed overnight and is in stable condition, according to the Alaska health department.
The first known allergic reaction to the Pfizer Inc. Covid-19 vaccine in the U.S. was reported in Alaska as some snarls began to emerge in the effort to send the shots across the country, highlighting the daunting challenges ahead for a historic immunization drive.
The person was admitted to the emergency room and was given Pepcid, Benadryl and epinephrine through an intravenous drip. The patient stayed overnight and is in stable condition, according to the Alaska health department.
COVID-19: Andhra Pradesh reports 534 new cases
With two more persons dying due to the disease, the death toll has gone up to 7,069. The state has 4,454 active cases.
Andhra Pradesh has reported 534 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. According to the State Health Department, the total count of cases in the state is 8,77,348 and 8,65,825 people have recovered from the virus.
With two more persons dying due to the disease, the death toll has gone up to 7,069. The state has 4,454 active cases.
3,500 Healthcare Workers To Be Trained For Delhi's Covid Vaccination Drive
The training session, which began on Monday, is being conducted at a centre run by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of Delhi government. The training is being done in a cascade model or top-down manner.
Delhi's state immunisation officer and immunisation technical support unit of United Nations Development Programme have already received training from the Centre and they have now started the state-level training in Delhi. Those who are trained in the current sessions will then train the officials across 11 districts of Delhi.
Preparations have begun in the national capital for the rolling out of COVID-19 vaccine. Around 3,500 healthcare workers are being trained for the vaccine rollout and out of these 1,800 healthcare workers will be deployed at 609 coldchain points across the city. Others will be involved as medical officers and inoculators at the vaccination booths.
Delhi's state immunisation officer and immunisation technical support unit of United Nations Development Programme have already received training from the Centre and they have now started the state-level training in Delhi. Those who are trained in the current sessions will then train the officials across 11 districts of Delhi.
COVID-19: Odisha logs 351 new cases, 5 more fatalities
Odisha on Thursday added 351 new cases to its COVID-19 caseload, raising the state's tally to 3,25,147, while five fresh fatalities pushed the count to 1,825, a health department official said.
Of the 351 cases, 203 were reported from various quarantine centres, and 148 detected during contact tracing.
Three districts -- Gajapati, Rayagada and Kandhamal -- did not report any case since Wednesday.
Khurda, of which the state capital Bhubaneswar is a part, recorded the maximum number of new cases at 52, followed by Sundergarh at 47 and Angul at 41.
Taking to Twitter, the Health and Family Welfare Department said, "Regret to inform about the demise of five Covid positive patients while under treatment in hospitals."
Two fatalities were registered in Sundergarh and one each in Balasore, Jagatsinghpur and Puri.
Coronavirus news - 70%-80% Drop In Participation For Phase 3 Trials Of Covaxin: Official
The drugmaker has witnessed 70%-80% reduction in participation for Covaxin trial, according to Dr Sanjay Rai who is Principal Investigator of Phase 3 Covaxin trial at AIIMS.
"People are unwilling to participate in the trial because they think that a vaccine is coming for everyone soon. AIIMS Delhi needs 1,500- 2,000 participants for phase-3 trial of Covaxin, but only 200 have enrolled so far," Dr Rai told NDTV.
The refusal rate of phase-3 trial is much higher than for phase 1 and phase 2 trials, which was less than 10 per cent, he said.
Despite phase-1 trial of its Covaxin vaccine seeing "encouraging" results, Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech is facing challenges in phase 3 trials of its vaccine in India, a top official associated with the project told NDTV.
"People are unwilling to participate in the trial because they think that a vaccine is coming for everyone soon. AIIMS Delhi needs 1,500- 2,000 participants for phase-3 trial of Covaxin, but only 200 have enrolled so far," Dr Rai told NDTV.
The refusal rate of phase-3 trial is much higher than for phase 1 and phase 2 trials, which was less than 10 per cent, he said.
COVID-19: Saudi Arabia begins inoculating people with Pfizer vaccines
Earlier this week, health authorities asked citizens and residents to register to receive the vaccine, which they said would be given free to all in the country.
The kingdom has reported around 360,000 cases coronavirus case with 6,080 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Although it began lifting restrictions several months ago, the country has so far avoided a new wave of infections.
Saudi Arabia began inoculating people in the kingdom with a COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, becoming the first Arab country to roll out the Pfizer-BioNTech jab.
Saudi Arabia received two shipments of the vaccine on Wednesday
Earlier this week, health authorities asked citizens and residents to register to receive the vaccine, which they said would be given free to all in the country.
The kingdom has reported around 360,000 cases coronavirus case with 6,080 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Although it began lifting restrictions several months ago, the country has so far avoided a new wave of infections.
Coronavirus news: UP to conduct Covid-19 vaccination drive in three stages
Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday declared that the vaccination drive for coronavirus will be conducted in three stages across the state.
According to a press note issued in Hindi, in the first stage health workers will be vaccinated in hospitals; in the second stage municipal corporation workers, military and police personnel will be vaccinated. The third stage, people above 50 years will be vaccinated.
"Those who are Covid positive will not be eligible for the vaccine," the release said.
Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday declared that the vaccination drive for coronavirus will be conducted in three stages across the state.
According to a press note issued in Hindi, in the first stage health workers will be vaccinated in hospitals; in the second stage municipal corporation workers, military and police personnel will be vaccinated. The third stage, people above 50 years will be vaccinated.
"Those who are Covid positive will not be eligible for the vaccine," the release said.
Coronavirus news: Vladimir Putin Says Will Receive Russian-Made Vaccine Against COVID-19 When Possible
The Russian leader has gone to great lengths not to contract the novel coronavirus, running the world's largest country mainly from his residence outside Moscow rather than working from the Kremlin.
Speaking at his annual press conference, the 68-year-old said citizens in other age groups were receiving the Russian-made vaccine against COVID-19 before he could have access to it.
"I am a fairly law-abiding person," Putin said, asked if he had been inoculated against COVID-19. "I listen to the recommendations of our specialists. So I haven't had the shot yet. But I will absolutely do it as soon as that becomes possible."
Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he had yet to be inoculated with a Russian-made vaccine against COVID-19 but would do so when possible.
Speaking at his annual press conference, the 68-year-old said citizens in other age groups were receiving the Russian-made vaccine against COVID-19 before he could have access to it.
"I am a fairly law-abiding person," Putin said, asked if he had been inoculated against COVID-19. "I listen to the recommendations of our specialists. So I haven't had the shot yet. But I will absolutely do it as soon as that becomes possible."
Coronavirus news: French President Emmanuel Macron Tests Positive For COVID-19
"The president tested positive for Covid-19 today," it said in a statement, adding that he had been tested after the "onset of the first symptoms".
Macron will now, in accordance with national regulations, "self isolate for seven days. He will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely," it said.
The French president is one of several heads of state and government around the world who have contracted Covid-19, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump.
French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, the presidency said, adding that he would now self-isolate for the next week.
Macron will now, in accordance with national regulations, "self isolate for seven days. He will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely," it said.
The French president is one of several heads of state and government around the world who have contracted Covid-19, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump.
JustIn| French President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for COVID-19: news agency AFP
Virus cases soaring 'exponentially' in South Africa
South Africa, the country worst-hit by the coronavirus on the continent, has registered more than 10,000 daily cases as infections surge at an exponential rate, the health minister said.
The Covid-19 positivity rate -- the proportion of tests that come back positive -- has topped 21 percent, far exceeding the "ideal" rate of 10 percent, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said in a Tweet late Wednesday.
South Africa reined in its first wave of the virus which occurred in July, when the new cases topped 12,000 daily.
Numbers then gradually came down, to below 1,000 in September.
On Monday, the figure had risen to around 8,000, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce new restrictions, in particular a curfew from 11 pm and the closure of some beaches in the southeast at the start of the southern hemisphere summer.
"We need 1,000 to 1,500 volunteers for phase 3 of COVAXIN clinical trial. But we have only 200 odd volunteers so far": Dr Sanjay Rai, AIIMS Delhi tells NDTV's Sukirti Dwivedi pic.twitter.com/cpW9tQeQaE
- NDTV (@ndtv) December 17, 2020
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Odisha reports 351 new COVID-19 cases
As many as 351 new COVID-19 cases have been registered in Odisha on Wednesday, Information and Public Relations Department said on Thursday.
With 358 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the number of discharged patients has increased to 3,20,208.
According to the government's data, the total count of cases in the state has increased to 3,25,147. Currently, there are 3,061 active cases in the state.
Meanwhile, with 24,010 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, India's total cases have reached 99,56,558, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: 450 new COVID-19 cases, 11 more deaths in Thane
The COVID-19 tally in Maharashtra's Thane district has reached 2,37,329 with the addition of 450 new cases, an official said on Thursday.
Eleven more patients have also succumbed to the viral infection, raising the death toll in the district to 5,842, he said.
Currently, there are 4,922 active COVID-19 cases in the district, while 2,26,565 patients have recovered.
The COVID-19 recovery rate in the district is 95.46 per cent, the mortalityrate is 2.46 per cent, while the active cases comprise 2.07 per cent of the total viral infection cases reported till now, the official said.
Coronavirus News: Ladakh reports 21 new COVID-19 cases, tally at 9238
As many as 21 new COVID-19 cases have been reported from Ladakh, taking the total number of active cases in the Union Territory to 9,238, the Department of Information and Public Relations informed on Thursday.
According to the official data, there are 539 active cases in the union territory, out of these 438 active cases are in Leh and 101 in Kargil district.
With a recovery rate of 93 per cent, 8,576 people discharged in the UT. 110 patients cured and discharged yesterday.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Telangana logs 509 new COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths
Telangana reported 509 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to over 2.79 lakh while three fatalities pushed the toll to 1,505, the state government said on Thursday.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 104, followed by Medchal Malkajgiri (45) and Rangareddy (42), it said in a bulletin, providing details as of 8 PM on December 16.
As many as7,172 patients are under treatment and48,652 samples were tested on Wednesday.
Cumulatively, over 63 lakh samples have been tested.
COVID-19 tally in Andamans rises to 4,850 with eight new cases
Eight more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, raising the tally in the Union Territory to 4,850, a health department official said on Thursday.
The death toll remained at 61 as no new fatality due to the infection was reported, he said.
Of the fresh cases, three were detected during contact tracing and five have travel history.
Ten more people were cured of the disease on Wednesday, taking the total number of recoveries in the archipelago to 4,698, the official said.
The Union Territory now has 91 active cases.
JustIn| 24,010 fresh COVID-19 cases in India, nearly 9% lower than yesterday; 99.5 lakh total cases, 1,44,451 deaths
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Severe Allergic Reaction In US Health Worker Minutes After Pfizer Shot
An Alaskan health worker had a serious allergic reaction after getting Pfizer Inc and BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine, but is now stable, public health authorities said on Wednesday.
The adverse reaction in the person, minutes after taking the Pfizer shot on Tuesday, was similar to two cases reported last week in Britain.
Britain's medical regulator has said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to a medicine or food, should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
But the US Food and Drug Administration has said that most Americans with allergies should be safe to receive the vaccine.
It said only people who have previously had severe allergic reactions to vaccines or ingredients in this particular vaccine should avoid getting the shot. The Alaskan patient did not have a history of allergic reactions, Lindy Jones, the director of the emergency department in the capital Juneau where the patient was treated, told reporters at a virtual briefing.
The symptoms in the middle-aged patient resolved after being administered with allergy treatment epinephrine, Jones said.
3,500 Healthcare Workers To Be Trained For Delhi's Covid Vaccination Drive
Preparations have begun in the national capital for the rolling out of COVID-19 vaccine. Around 3,500 healthcare workers are being trained for the vaccine rollout and out of these 1,800 healthcare workers will be deployed at 609 coldchain points across the city. Others will be involved as medical officers and inoculators at the vaccination booths. Read more
Covid Transmission Chain Can Be Broken In Six Months, Says AIIMS Chief
It could take up to six months before a sufficient number of people could be vaccinated to break the chain of coronavirus transmission and another six months before life could get close to the pre-Covid days, Professor Randeep Guleria, the chief of Delhi's prestigious All-India Institute of Medical Sciences told NDTV on Wednesday. Read more
Germany Aims To Begin Coronavirus Vaccinations On December 27: MinisterGermany will begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27 with elderly care home residents, Health Minister Jens Spahn announced Wednesday, with the European Union aiming for all 27 member states to begin on the same day.
Mike Pompeo to be under quarantine after coming in contact with COVID-19 patient
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be under quarantine as he came in contact with a coronavirus-positive person, yet to be identified, on Wednesday.
The Secretary has been tested negative but in accordance with CDC guidelines, Pompeo will be in quarantine. He is being closely monitored by the department''s medical team.
In October, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump also tested COVID-19 positive.
US Vice President Mike Pence, Wife To Get Covid Vaccine On Friday: White HouseUS Vice President Mike Pence and his wife will get the Covid-19 vaccine Friday in a public display designed to boost national confidence, the White House announced Wednesday.
