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Coronavirus India Live Updates: India has logged 66,999 cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours with 942 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday morning. The total number of cases in the country has now shot up to 23,96,637 with 47,033 deaths. A total of 16,95,982 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the infection, taking the recovery rate to 70.76 per cent, the ministry said on Thursday.
Here are the updates on coronavirus (COVID-19) cases:
Coronavirus News: 3-Day-Old Baby Dies In Tripura Covid Ward, Family Blames Swab For Test
A 3-day-old baby died in the Tripura capital Agartala's government hospital on Wednesday after - the family alleged - a nurse inserted nasal swab to take samples for its coronavirus test.
The incident took place in the GB Pant government hospital, which is the city's biggest COVID-19 treatment facility.
The family alleged that a nurse had come to take the samples of the infant after the mother tested positive for the deadly infection Wednesday afternoon. However, soon after she inserted the cotton swabs, the baby began bleeding from the nose, they said, adding it died the same day.
"They must not have taken the sample with the delicacy it required to handle a three-day-old infant and may have damaged a vein inside because the child started bleeding which didn't stop," one of the family members said. Read
A 3-day-old baby died in the Tripura capital Agartala's government hospital on Wednesday after - the family alleged - a nurse inserted nasal swab to take samples for its coronavirus test.
The incident took place in the GB Pant government hospital, which is the city's biggest COVID-19 treatment facility.
The family alleged that a nurse had come to take the samples of the infant after the mother tested positive for the deadly infection Wednesday afternoon. However, soon after she inserted the cotton swabs, the baby began bleeding from the nose, they said, adding it died the same day.
"They must not have taken the sample with the delicacy it required to handle a three-day-old infant and may have damaged a vein inside because the child started bleeding which didn't stop," one of the family members said. Read
Coronavirus News: UK Begins Trials Of New COVID App, Includes Indian Language Versions
The UK began trials of a new smartphone app on Thursday designed to track COVID-19 infections within the community, with versions also available in Indian languages such as Punjabi, Gujarati, Bangla and Urdu in order to reach ethnicities not well-versed in English.
The new app is part of the UK's National Health Service (NHS) Test and Trace service Test and Trace programme and is being overseen by Indian-origin techie Randeep Sidhu as Head of Product.
The new application, dubbed a "state-of-the-art app that is safe, simple and secure", will begin trials this week among residents on the Isle of Wight region on the south coast of England and among NHS volunteer responders across England before expanding to the London borough of Newham.
The UK began trials of a new smartphone app on Thursday designed to track COVID-19 infections within the community, with versions also available in Indian languages such as Punjabi, Gujarati, Bangla and Urdu in order to reach ethnicities not well-versed in English.
The new app is part of the UK's National Health Service (NHS) Test and Trace service Test and Trace programme and is being overseen by Indian-origin techie Randeep Sidhu as Head of Product.
The new application, dubbed a "state-of-the-art app that is safe, simple and secure", will begin trials this week among residents on the Isle of Wight region on the south coast of England and among NHS volunteer responders across England before expanding to the London borough of Newham.
"Scared Of Infecting Our Children": Delhi COVID-19 Warriors On Strike
India's frontline coronavirus warriors - ASHA workers - are up in protests in Delhi and Haryana. While 20,000 ASHA workers of Haryana have been on strike since August 7, 6,000 workers in Delhi have been on strike since July 21. They have two demands - better safety gears and proper wages. The Delhi ASHA workers who protested on Sunday at Jantar Mantar are facing a police case for violating social distancing norms. 26-year-old Priya Ranjan works for upto 8-9 hours every day conducting door to door surveys and visiting COVID-19 patients who are on home quarantine. She lives in a slum in Delhi's Geeta Colony. Her biggest fear is bringing the deadly disease back home to her children aged 6 and 3. In Delhi, 150 ASHA workers have been infected with coronavirus so far. Read
India's frontline coronavirus warriors - ASHA workers - are up in protests in Delhi and Haryana. While 20,000 ASHA workers of Haryana have been on strike since August 7, 6,000 workers in Delhi have been on strike since July 21. They have two demands - better safety gears and proper wages. The Delhi ASHA workers who protested on Sunday at Jantar Mantar are facing a police case for violating social distancing norms. 26-year-old Priya Ranjan works for upto 8-9 hours every day conducting door to door surveys and visiting COVID-19 patients who are on home quarantine. She lives in a slum in Delhi's Geeta Colony. Her biggest fear is bringing the deadly disease back home to her children aged 6 and 3. In Delhi, 150 ASHA workers have been infected with coronavirus so far. Read
Coronavirus News: Mumbai's COVID-19 Death Rate, Almost 3 Times India's Average, A Big Worry
Despite some respite in the number of coronavirus cases, the COVID-19 fatality rate in Mumbai is still worrying. India's financial and entertainment capital home to 1.2 crore people, is seeing an addition of nearly 50 deaths every day.
Yash Purohit lost his uncle to COVID-19 in June. He said they found it difficult to manage a proper response from the agencies.
"We went to various hospitals after developing symptoms trying to get tested and find a bed for my uncle. Nobody was helping us. Everywhere we were turned away saying they don't do any tests. We were asked to fill out a form, we did but still nobody admitted him," he told NDTV.
Two days later, when they finally managed to find a bed in private hospital, it was too late.
Maharashtra and particularly Mumbai continues to be India's biggest COVID-19 worry. Read
Despite some respite in the number of coronavirus cases, the COVID-19 fatality rate in Mumbai is still worrying. India's financial and entertainment capital home to 1.2 crore people, is seeing an addition of nearly 50 deaths every day.
Yash Purohit lost his uncle to COVID-19 in June. He said they found it difficult to manage a proper response from the agencies.
"We went to various hospitals after developing symptoms trying to get tested and find a bed for my uncle. Nobody was helping us. Everywhere we were turned away saying they don't do any tests. We were asked to fill out a form, we did but still nobody admitted him," he told NDTV.
Two days later, when they finally managed to find a bed in private hospital, it was too late.
Maharashtra and particularly Mumbai continues to be India's biggest COVID-19 worry. Read
Privacy Breach, Says Kerala Leader On Call Record Use For Contact Tracing
The use of call detail records (CDR) of a COVID-19 patient for contact tracing is a violation of constitutional rights, Kerala Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said.
The Congress leader's statement comes a day after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state police has been using various scientific methods and technologies, including use of call detail records, to arrest the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Mr Chennithala objected to the DGP's order to collect the call detail records of COVID-19 patients from all over the state. "It is the gross violation of Section 2 of the Telegraph Act and Article 21 of the Indian Constitution... Nobody has the right to infringe on anyone;s privacy by any means," he said.
Mr Vijayan has, however, rejected concerns about the move intruding into the privacy of citizens and patients. Read
The use of call detail records (CDR) of a COVID-19 patient for contact tracing is a violation of constitutional rights, Kerala Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said.
The Congress leader's statement comes a day after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state police has been using various scientific methods and technologies, including use of call detail records, to arrest the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Mr Chennithala objected to the DGP's order to collect the call detail records of COVID-19 patients from all over the state. "It is the gross violation of Section 2 of the Telegraph Act and Article 21 of the Indian Constitution... Nobody has the right to infringe on anyone;s privacy by any means," he said.
Mr Vijayan has, however, rejected concerns about the move intruding into the privacy of citizens and patients. Read
WHO Chief Scientist bats for focus on contact tracing, testing in fight against COVID-19
The battle against COVID-19 was long drawn and the focus should continue on early contact tracing, testing and prevention measures, Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Soumya Swaminathan on Thursday told her, Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi said.
The scientist paid a surprise visit to the state Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and the COVID-19 war room.
In a whatsapp message to media, Ms Bedi said during the inspection, Swaminathan was briefed on the working of SEOC to prevent spread of pandemic in the Union Territory.
Ms Bedi further said, during a telephonic conversation with her, Ms Swaminathan emphasised on continued adherence to "early contact tracing, testing and prevention plans" and that there should in no way be slackness in continuing the focus.
The battle against COVID-19 was long drawn and the focus should continue on early contact tracing, testing and prevention measures, Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Soumya Swaminathan on Thursday told her, Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi said.
The scientist paid a surprise visit to the state Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and the COVID-19 war room.
In a whatsapp message to media, Ms Bedi said during the inspection, Swaminathan was briefed on the working of SEOC to prevent spread of pandemic in the Union Territory.
Ms Bedi further said, during a telephonic conversation with her, Ms Swaminathan emphasised on continued adherence to "early contact tracing, testing and prevention plans" and that there should in no way be slackness in continuing the focus.
COVID-19: India registers highest-ever recoveries of 56,383 in single day, says Health Ministry
India recorded the highest-ever recoveries of 56,383 in a single day. With this, the number of total recovered COVID-19 patients has touched nearly 17 lakhs (16,95,982) on Thursday, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
In a press statement, the Ministry said, "The concerted, focussed and collaborative efforts of the Centre and the State/UT governments along with support of lakhs of frontline workers have ensured the successful implementation of TESTING aggressively, TRACKING comprehensively & TREATING efficiently through an array of measures including supervised home isolation, and effective clinical management of severe and critical patients through the Standard of Care advised by the Centre."
With the increasing number of recoveries, while the Recovery Rate has crossed 70 per cent (70.77 per cent today), the case mortality among COVID patients has further regressed to 1.96 per cent, and is steadily declining, the Ministry said.
India recorded the highest-ever recoveries of 56,383 in a single day. With this, the number of total recovered COVID-19 patients has touched nearly 17 lakhs (16,95,982) on Thursday, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
In a press statement, the Ministry said, "The concerted, focussed and collaborative efforts of the Centre and the State/UT governments along with support of lakhs of frontline workers have ensured the successful implementation of TESTING aggressively, TRACKING comprehensively & TREATING efficiently through an array of measures including supervised home isolation, and effective clinical management of severe and critical patients through the Standard of Care advised by the Centre."
With the increasing number of recoveries, while the Recovery Rate has crossed 70 per cent (70.77 per cent today), the case mortality among COVID patients has further regressed to 1.96 per cent, and is steadily declining, the Ministry said.
Air India Plans To Operate 2 Vande Bharat Mission Flights From Hong Kong
Air India is planning to operate two Vande Bharat Mission flights from Hong Kong to Delhi on August 18 and 21, the Consulate General of India, Hong Kong said on Thursday.
The Vande Bharat Mission started in early May to evacuate Indians stranded abroad due to coronavirus restrictions.
"Passage on these flights would be on payment basis as per fares decided by Air India and would be subject to an undertaking to be provided by passengers to abide by all protocols framed by Government of India including quarantine on arrival in Delhi on payment basis," the Consulate General said in a statement on Twitter.
Air India is planning to operate two Vande Bharat Mission flights from Hong Kong to Delhi on August 18 and 21, the Consulate General of India, Hong Kong said on Thursday.
The Vande Bharat Mission started in early May to evacuate Indians stranded abroad due to coronavirus restrictions.
"Passage on these flights would be on payment basis as per fares decided by Air India and would be subject to an undertaking to be provided by passengers to abide by all protocols framed by Government of India including quarantine on arrival in Delhi on payment basis," the Consulate General said in a statement on Twitter.
COVID-19: WHO downplays danger of coronavirus latching on to food packaging
The World Health Organization on Thursday downplayed the danger of the coronavirus latching on to food packaging and urged people not to be afraid of the virus entering the food chain.
Two cities in China said they had found traces of the coronavirus in imported frozen food and on food packaging, raising fears that contaminated food shipments might cause new outbreaks.
"People should not fear food, or food packaging or processing or delivery of food," WHO head of emergencies programme Mike Ryan told a briefing in Geneva. "There is no evidence that food or the food chain is participating in transmission of this virus. And people should feel comfortable and safe."
WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove said China had tested hundreds of thousands of packages and "found very, very few, less than 10" proving positive for the virus.
More than 20.69 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and almost 750,000 have died, according to a Reuters tally.
The WHO urged countries now that are striking bilateral deals for vaccines not to abandon multilateral efforts, since vaccinating pockets will still leave the world vulnerable.
The World Health Organization on Thursday downplayed the danger of the coronavirus latching on to food packaging and urged people not to be afraid of the virus entering the food chain.
Two cities in China said they had found traces of the coronavirus in imported frozen food and on food packaging, raising fears that contaminated food shipments might cause new outbreaks.
"People should not fear food, or food packaging or processing or delivery of food," WHO head of emergencies programme Mike Ryan told a briefing in Geneva. "There is no evidence that food or the food chain is participating in transmission of this virus. And people should feel comfortable and safe."
WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove said China had tested hundreds of thousands of packages and "found very, very few, less than 10" proving positive for the virus.
More than 20.69 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and almost 750,000 have died, according to a Reuters tally.
The WHO urged countries now that are striking bilateral deals for vaccines not to abandon multilateral efforts, since vaccinating pockets will still leave the world vulnerable.
COVID: Bengal records highest one-day jump of 2,997 cases, 56 fresh deaths
The coronavirus caseload in West Bengal rose to 1,07,323 with the highest single-day spike of 2,997 infections on Thursday, the health department said.
The COVID-19 death count also mounted to 2,259 after 56 people succumbed to the disease, the department said in a bulletin.
It said that 2,497 patients were discharged from hospitals after they recovered from COVID-19, taking the total number of cured people to 78,617.
The number of active patients rose to 26,447. Since Wednesday, 30,032 samples were tested in the state, the bulletin added.
The coronavirus caseload in West Bengal rose to 1,07,323 with the highest single-day spike of 2,997 infections on Thursday, the health department said.
The COVID-19 death count also mounted to 2,259 after 56 people succumbed to the disease, the department said in a bulletin.
It said that 2,497 patients were discharged from hospitals after they recovered from COVID-19, taking the total number of cured people to 78,617.
The number of active patients rose to 26,447. Since Wednesday, 30,032 samples were tested in the state, the bulletin added.
COVID-19: 1,226 new cases in Maharashtra's Thane, 52 more succumb to infection
With the addition of 1,226 coronavirus positive cases on Thursday, the infection count in Thane district of Maharashtra reached 1,02,802, a senior official said.
The virus claimed another 52 lives in the district, which pushed the number of victims to 2,925, he said.
The recovery rate of the district is 83.56 per cent and the mortality is 2.85 per cent, the official said.
In neighbouring Palghar district, the COVID-19 case count reached 18,918 with the addition of 311 cases on Thursday, while the death toll climbed to 379 with the addition of eight cases.
With the addition of 1,226 coronavirus positive cases on Thursday, the infection count in Thane district of Maharashtra reached 1,02,802, a senior official said.
The virus claimed another 52 lives in the district, which pushed the number of victims to 2,925, he said.
The recovery rate of the district is 83.56 per cent and the mortality is 2.85 per cent, the official said.
In neighbouring Palghar district, the COVID-19 case count reached 18,918 with the addition of 311 cases on Thursday, while the death toll climbed to 379 with the addition of eight cases.
Coronavirus news: COVID-19 aggregate in Kerala reaches 39,708; 1,564 additions
Kerala posted its highest ever single day spike of 1,564 COVID-19 cases, including 15 health care workers, on Thursday, as the total infection count in the state touched 39,708.
Health Minister KK Shailaja said 766 people have recovered from the disease on Thursday, taking the total number of those cured to 25,692. Of the new cases detected today, 1,380 were locally transmitted.
Coronavirus news: Total number of COVID-19 infections breach 2 lakh mark in Karnataka
The number of COVID-19 infections breached the 2 lakh mark in Karnataka on Thursday as the state reported 6,706 new cases of coronavirus and 103 related fatalities, taking the death count to 3,613.
The day also saw recoveries overtaking the number of new cases, with 8,609 patients getting discharged.
Out of 6,706 fresh cases reported on Thursday, 1,893 cases were from Bengaluru urban alone.
Coronavirus news: Maharashtra's COVID-19 count grows by 11,813; 413 die, 9,115 recover
With the single-day spike of 11,813 coronavirus positive cases in Maharashtra on Thursday, the state's tally grew to 5,60,126, the health department said.
The death of 413 patients during the day pushed the count to 19,063, it said.
Coronavirus news: Punjab Chief Minister emphasises need for 100 per cent rapid antigen tests in containment zones
Amid rising coronavirus cases, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for 100 per cent testing in micro-containment and containment zones using rapid antigen tests to check further spread of COVID-19.
Rapid antigen tests give results for the coronavirus infection in half an hour.
Coronavirus news: Madhya Pradesh logs highest one-day count of 1,014 cases; 17 die
Madhya Pradesh on Thursday registered its highest single-day count of 1,014 coronavirus cases, including a parliamentarian, taking the statewide tally to 42,618, health department officials said.
The coronavirus fatality figure rose to 1,065 after 17 more patients died due to the respiratory disease during the last 24 hours, the officials said.
Coronavirus news: Noida's COVID-19 tally reaches 6,238; active cases 832
Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar on Thursday recorded 55 new COVID-19 patients, pushing the tally of cases in the district to 6,238, official data showed.
However, the number of active cases on Thursday came down to 832 from 862 on Wednesday, while the recovery rate of patients rose over 85 per cent, according to the data released by the UP Health Department for a 24-hour period.
Also, 86 more patients got discharged during the period. So far, 5,363 patients have recovered from COVID-19 in Gautam Buddh Nagar, the second highest among districts in UP after Lucknow (7,633), it showed.
The district has so far recorded 43 deaths linked to coronavirus and the mortality rate among positive cases stood at 0.68 per cent, according to official statistics.
The recovery rate of patients improved to 85.97 per cent from 85.36 per cent on Wednesday, 85.24 on Tuesday, 83.79 per cent on Monday and 83.65 per cent on Sunday, as per the statistics.
Coronavirus news: Insurance policies extremely important in times of COVID-19, says High Court
The Delhi High Court Thursday said timely issuance of insurance policies is extremely important, especially for members of the legal fraternity, in times of COVID-19 pandemic.
The high court made the observation on being informed that all the bids received by various insurance companies for issuing group medi-claim and life insurance policies for advocates have been rejected.
Coronavirus news: Iraq reports 24-hour virus count record of over 3,800
Iraq's health ministry Thursday reported 3,841 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, a record since the first infection was registered in February.
The latest count raises total confirmed cases in Iraq to 164,277, including 5,641 deaths, according to the ministry.
The novel coronavirus has brought Iraq's fragile economy to its knees and overwhelmed hospitals already stretched by decades of conflict and a lack of investment.
Coronavirus news: Andhra Pradesh reports 9996 fresh COVID-19 cases, tally now over 2.64 lakh
The COVID-19 tally shot up to 2,64,142 in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday as 9,996 fresh cases were reported in the last 24 hours, the latest bulletin said.
The state also registered 82 more coronavirus deaths, taking the overall count to 2,378.
Also, 9,499 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours after they recovered from the viral infection, making it a cumulative of 1,70,924 recoveries so far.
The state now has 90,840 active Covid-19 cases, the bulletin added.
Coronavirus news: 6 more test COVID-19 positive in Mumbai's Dharavi
The COVID-19 tally in Mumbai's Dharavi slum sprawl rose to 2,649 as six new cases were reported on Thursday, the city civic body said.
A senior Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said so far, 2,300 patients from Dharavi have already recovered from the infection and discharged from hospitals.
Currently, the slum-dominated area has only 90 active coronavirus cases, he said.
The civic body has, however, stopped sharing COVID-19 deaths from Dharavi since June.
Spread across 2.5 square kilometres, Dharavi has a population over 6.5 lakh.
Coronavirus news: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad visits Covid hospital in Patna, reviews medical facilities
Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday visited the Patna Medical College and Hospital to review the medical facilities for COVID-19 patients.
"Today, I inspected arrangements made for COVID-19 patients at the Patna Medical College and Hospital and also gave some suggestions to the hospital staff as well. PPE kits and masks were also distributed for the safety of doctors and health workers in the hospital," tweeted Mr Prasad.
The Union Minister dressed in a full-body PPE and interacted with patients.
Coronavirus news: COVID-19 positive woman delivers baby in ambulance with help of medical staff in Kerala
A 38-year-old woman suffering from COVID-19 gave birth to a baby boy in an ambulance on her way to a hospital with the medical support of ambulance staff on Thursday.
Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja congratulated ambulance staff who volunteered to carry out the delivery. "Even after knowing she was COVID-19 positive, the service rendered by the ambulance staff with presence of mind is exemplary," Health Minister KK Shailaja said.
Coronavirus news: 956 fresh COVID-19 cases take Delhi's tally to 1,49,460; death count climbs to 4,167
Delhi recorded 956 fresh coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the tally in the city to over 1.49 lakh, while the death count from the disease mounted to 4,167, authorities said.
Fourteen fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi Health department.
The number of tests conducted on Thursday stood at 15,356.
Coronavirus news: UP reports 4,537 new COVID-19 cases, 50 more deaths
Uttar Pradesh reported 4,537 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday, while 50 more people died due to the infection.
Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said the total number of cases in the state stands at 1,40,775 and the death count at 2,280.
Coronavirus news: Gyms re-open with curbs in Bhopal
The gyms in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal have reopened following COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Bhopal District Administration.
While speaking to ANI, a gym owner said that all health measures are in place at the gym and precaution is being taken against the spread of the virus.
Coronavirus news: S Jaishankar, German counterpart discuss COVID-19 situation, vaccine cooperation
India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday discussed with his German counterpart Heiko Maas, the COVID-19 situation and vaccine cooperation.
"Good conversation with FM @HeikoMaas of Germany. Discussed the #COVID19 situation and vaccine cooperation. Reviewed the developments in Europe and Asia. Reaffirmed our multilateral partnership, including in the UN," the EAM said in a tweet.
The first COVID-19 vaccine had been registered in Russia on Tuesday, Sputnik had reported earlier.
Coronavirus news: Uttar Pradesh reports 4,537 new COVID-19 cases, 50 more deaths
Uttar Pradesh reported 50 more COVID-19 deaths and 4,537 new cases of the infection on Thursday.
Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said the total number of cases in the state stands at 1,40,775 and the death count at 2,280.
"So far, 88,786 people have been treated and discharged. There are now 49,709 active COVID-19 cases in the state, of which 22,408 are in home isolation," Mr Prasad said.
The state's COVID-19 tally was 1,36,238 on Wednesday.
Coronavirus news: 305 new COVID-19 cases in Puducherry
A total of 305 new COVID-19 cases, 153 recoveries, and 6 deaths were reported from Puducherry on Thursday, according to the Union Territory's (UT) Health Department.
As of 10 am on Wednesday, the total number of coronavirus cases in Puducherry stood at 6,680, including 2,750 active cases and 3,828 recoveries.
So far, 102 lives have been claimed by the infection in the UT.
Coronavirus news: UK lowers COVID-19 count by 5,000 after adopting new official counting methodology
A new government-approved methodology put in place following an urgent review of England's COVID-19 death count, recorded 41,329 deaths from the deadly coronavirus on Thursday - down 5,000 from the previous analysis.
The recalculation was prompted by concerns that the Public Health England (PHE) analysis of the number of COVID-19 fatalities could be over-exaggerated by recording each and every positive coronavirus test and failure to assess if the eventual cause of death was directly linked to the deadly virus, PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: 40 Tamil Nadu cops donate plasma after recovering from COVID-19
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Dr C Vijayabaskar has informed that as many as 40 policemen who recovered from coronavirus, have donated plasma.
"Till now, 76 persons have donated plasma and 89 patients have benefitted from it. Today, 40 COVID-19 recovered police personnel donated plasma. Our state has the highest number of plasma banks in the country," he said while addressing the media.
Coronavirus news: Tamil Nadu Prohibits Public Celebration During Ganesh Chaturthi
Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, Government of Tamil Nadu has prohibited the installation of idols in public places and rallies to immerse idols in water bodies in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, the state government has advised people to celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi at their homes to curtail the further spread of coronavirus.
Coronavirus news: 51 more COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh
As many as 51 new COVID-19 cases and 24 recoveries were reported from Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, said the State Health Department.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the State has reached 3,687, including 1,257 active cases, 2,386 cured cases, and 16 deaths so far.
COVID-19: Tamil Nadu Prohibits Public Celebration During Ganesh Chaturthi
Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, Government of Tamil Nadu has prohibited the installation of idols in public places and rallies to immerse idols in water bodies in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, the state government has advised people to celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi at their homes to curtail the further spread of coronavirus.
"Ganesh Chaturthi in Tamil Nadu will be celebrated on 22nd August. People are advised to celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi at their home to curtail COVID-19 spread. No installation of idols in public and no rallies to immerse idols in water bodies will be allowed," read an official directive.
40 Tamil Nadu Cops Donate Plasma After Recovering From COVID-19
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Dr C Vijayabaskar has informed that as many as 40 policemen who recovered from coronavirus, have donated plasma.
"Till now, 76 persons have donated plasma and 89 patients have benefitted from it. Today, 40 COVID-19 recovered police personnel donated plasma. Our state has the highest number of plasma banks in the country," he said while addressing the media.
Chennai Police Commissioner also commented on the same and said that "other personnel who have recovered from COVID-19 also willing to donate plasma."
Ram Temple Trust Head Tests Covid +ve, Shared Stage With PM In Ayodhya
The head of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust or the Ram Temple trust in Ayodhya, who shared stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other VIPs during the groundbreaking ceremony for a Ram Temple last week, has tested positive for coronavirus. Read more
Early Plasma Therapy Helps Assam Keep COVID-19 Mortality Rate Low
COVID-19 warrior Dr Abhijit Sarma is back on duty after battling the coronavirus that he contracted while on duty on July 19. The Guwahati Medical College Hospital superintendent was given convalescent plasma soon after he was infected and he believes it worked. Read more
China Says Frozen Chicken Wings From Brazil Test Positive For Coronavirus
Consumers in the Chinese city of Shenzhen have been urged to exercise caution when buying imported frozen food after a surface sample of chicken wings from Brazil tested positive for coronavirus, according to a statement from the local government. Read more
Bihar Government Is Lying, Manipulating COVID-19 Figures: Tejashwi Yadav
Slamming the Bihar government, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday accused it of "lying" and "manipulating" the COVID-19 numbers in the state. Read more
Puducherry Reports Six More COVID-19 Deaths, 305 Fresh Cases
Six more people including three women died of COVID-19 in Puducherry while 305 fresh cases were reported in the union territory, a top Health department official said on Thursday.
The total number of fatalities rose to 102 with the six deaths reported in the union territory during the last 24 hours ending 10 am today, Director of Health and Family Welfare S Mohan Kumar said in a release.
Phase 3 Trials Of Russian COVID-19 Vaccine To Start In Philippines In October
Phase 3 clinical trials of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine will be held in the Philippines from October to March, Philippine presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday.
The spokesperson added, as cited by the Inquirer newspaper, that the Russian government would fund the trials, which usually envisage vaccinating thousands of patients to test its efficiency and safety.
Phase 3 trials would be carried out by Russia and the Philippines during the same period, according to Roque.
Over 1 Crore PPEs, 10 Crore Anti-Malarial Drug HCQ Distributed To States Free Of Cost: Government
Over 3.04 crore N95 masks, more than 1.28 crore PPE kits and over 10.83 crore hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets have been distributed among the states, union territories and central institutions, free of cost by the central government since March 11, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday. Read more
Over 3.04 crore N95 masks, more than 1.28 crore PPE kits and over 10.83 crore hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets have been distributed among the states, union territories and central institutions, free of cost by the central government since March 11, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday. Read more
Over 66,000 Coronavirus Cases In India's Highest One-Day Jump
Telangana Records 1,931 Fresh COVID-19 Cases On August 12, Tally Reaches 86,475
As many as 1,931 fresh COVID-19 positive cases and 11 deaths were reported in Telangana on August 12, taking the total number of cases to 86,475 in the state.
According to the state health department, the total number of cases includes 63,074 recoveries and 665 deaths so far. At present, 22,736 COVID-19 patients are isolated and being treated.
Zydus Cadila Launches COVID-19 Drug Remdesivir In India
Drug firm Zydus Cadila on Thursday said it has launched Remdesivir under the brand name Remdac, used to treat patients suffering from severe symptoms of COVID-19, in the Indian market.
Priced at Rs 2,800 per 100 mg vial, Remdac is the most economical Remdesivir brand in India, Zydus Cadila said in a regulatory filing.
The company said the drug will be made available across India through the group's strong distribution chain reaching out to government and private hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.
Australia Records Significant Fall In New Virus Cases
Australia's virus-hit Victoria state reported a major drop in new coronavirus cases Thursday, but officials warned against complacency amid a "worrying" spread of the disease in regional areas outside Melbourne.
Just 278 new cases and eight deaths were detected in Victoria Thursday -- a low not seen in weeks -- while a smaller outbreak in neighbouring New South Wales produced 12 additional cases and one death.
The surge in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria and Australia's second-biggest city, had pushed daily infection rates over 700 in recent weeks.
JustIn| Over 66,000 coronavirus cases in India's highest one-day jump; nearly 24 lakh total cases, 47,033 deaths
New Zealand Races To Track Origin Of New Cluster As Cases Jump
A coronavirus cluster in Auckland has risen to 17 cases, New Zealand health officials said Wednesday, raising the prospect of an extended lockdown in the country's biggest city to battle the resurgent virus.
National health chief Ashley Bloomfield said there were 13 new confirmed infections, all linked to four family members found on Tuesday, ending New Zealand's record of 102 days without community transmission of the disease.
Police have been helping to implement a three-day lockdown in Auckland since midday Wednesday as teams of health workers raced to find the cluster's origin and ramped up testing in the city.
Florida Sheriff Bans Face Masks Among Officers
A Florida sheriff ordered his officers to not wear face masks -- and banned the safety gear from his office -- even as the southern US state has hit record daily coronavirus death tolls.
Sheriff Billy Woods, of central Florida's Marion County, emailed deputies Tuesday to tell them of the new mask prohibition, according to local paper the Ocala Star Banner, citing the message.
"My order will stand as is when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office - masks will not be worn," the email read.
The sheriff allowed for certain exceptions, including for officers who work in prisons, schools, hospitals or with people suspected of being infected with the virus.
Brazil State Signs Deal To Make Russian Vaccine
The Brazilian state of Parana signed a deal Wednesday to test and produce Russia's new coronavirus vaccine, though officials stressed they would have to be sure of its safety and effectiveness first.
The vaccine would have to receive Brazilian regulatory approval and complete Phase 3 clinical trials, or large-scale testing in humans, before being produced in Brazil, said officials from the southern state.
Production, if it goes ahead, would likely only start in the second half of 2021, said Jorge Callado, head of the state-run Parana Technology Institute, which signed the deal with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).
Coronavirus News: World Surpasses 20 Million COVID-19 Cases
In yet another staggering landmark, the deaths are expected to surpass 750,000 in a matter of days as the global health crisis that began late last year in China rages on.
As more things once unthinkable became harsh reality -- having to wear a facemask in touristy spots in Paris, or reserve a spot on Copacabana beach in Rio via an app and then social distance on the sand -- the World Health Organization urged people not to despair.
The coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone Monday as the world surpassed 20 million cases,with 733,842 deaths recorded, according to an AFP tally of official sources.
In yet another staggering landmark, the deaths are expected to surpass 750,000 in a matter of days as the global health crisis that began late last year in China rages on.
As more things once unthinkable became harsh reality -- having to wear a facemask in touristy spots in Paris, or reserve a spot on Copacabana beach in Rio via an app and then social distance on the sand -- the World Health Organization urged people not to despair.
