COVID-19 Cases in India: The weekly positivity rate has also declined and now stands at 10.93 per cent.
India's COVID-19 infection tally climbed to 2,73,69,093 as 2,11,298 more people tested positive for the disease in a day, while the country's recovery was recorded at 90 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.
The death count due to the disease climbed to 3,15,235 with 3,847 fresh fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Also, 21,57,857 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Wednesday, taking the total number of such exams done so far in the country to 33,69,69,353.
The daily positivity was recorded at 9.79 per cent. It has been less than 10 per cent for three consecutive days now, the ministry said.
The weekly positivity rate has also declined and now stands at 10.93 per cent.
Meanwhile, Pfizer has told the government its Covid vaccine shows "high effectiveness" against the India-dominant variant experts believe is behind the second wave of infections in the country, sources told news agency PTI Wednesday.
Pfizer also told the government its vaccine had been proven suitable for everyone over 12, and can be stored for a month in cold storage facilities with a temperature range of 2-8 degrees Celsius.
The American pharma giant is in talks with the government over fast-track approval to roll out five crore doses between July and October - if it receives significant regulatory relaxations, including indemnification, or protection from compensation claims in case of adverse events.
Here are the Live Updates on India Coronavirus (Covid-19 Cases) Cases:
Bengal Records Lower New COVID-19 Cases At 13,046West Bengal continued to record a declining trend of fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday as it recorded 13,046 new infections, raising the tally to 13,31,249, a health department bulletin said.
The death count mounted to 14,975 after 148 more fatalities were reported from different parts of the state, it said.
West Bengal now has 1,17,154 active cases, while 11,99,120 patients have recovered from the disease, including 19,121 since Wednesday.
Assam Reports 5,704 New COVID-19 Cases In Last 24 HoursAssam reported 5,704 fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, informed the state government.
With this, the cumulative case count in the state has reached 3,92,574.
The northeastern state also saw 4,784 recoveries and 83 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the overall tallies to 3,34,418 and 3,088 respectively.
Current positivity rate in the state is 4.78 per cent.
Andhra Pradesh Government To Make Rs 10 Lakh Fixed Deposit For Children Orphaned Due To CovidAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia in the form of fixed deposit to the children who lost their parents due to COVID-19.
The scheme is applicable to the children below the age of 18 years whose families are below the poverty line, informed a statement by the Chief Minister Office (CMO).
"The government hopes that by making a fixed deposit of Rs 10 lakhs per child they can utilise the monthly interest amount of about Rs 5,000 for their sustenance and fixed deposit as security for their future. After attaining the age of 25 years they can redeem the fixed deposit amount of Rs 10 lakhs for their future," the statement added.
Studies Underway To Ascertain Need For Booster Covid Vaccine Dose: CentreStudies are currently underway on whether there is a need for a COVID-19 booster dose, the Centre said on Thursday, and asserted that no vaccine can give 100 per cent protection from the virus.
Responding to a question, on whether a booster dose is needed, at a press conference, NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr V K Paul said if there is a need, it will be communicated to the people.
In a vaccination campaign, we want to immunise everyone against a particular disease, he said.
Delhi Government Sets Up 2 Committees To Manage 3rd Covid WaveThe Delhi government on Thursday set up a 13-member committee to prepare an action plan for a third wave of COVID-19 after assessing the current status and projected requirement of the health infrastructure such as hospitals, oxygen plants and drug supplies in the city.
Another eight-member expert committee has been set up to devise a strategy for mitigation and management of the third wave, especially the preparation required for the specialised needs of children of the city.
Both the committees will be chaired by IAS officer Satya Gopal, ACS (Power) and Nodal Officer (COVID-19).
Compulsory Licensing For Covid Vaccines Not Very Attractive Option; Tech Transfer Is Key: VK PaulCompulsory licensing for COVID vaccines is not a very attractive option since it is not a 'formula' that matters and other aspects like sourcing of raw materials and training of human resources also need to be taken into consideration, Niti Aayog Member V K Paul said on Thursday.
Paul, the Chair of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC), noted that technology transfer is the key and that remains in the hands of the company that has carried out R&D.
9,462 Chattisgarh Villages "Corona-Free"
Nearly 10,000 villages in Chhattisgarh are completely free from coronavirus infection as the virus has either not been able to reach these villages or those infected have already recovered, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) informed said today, reported news agency ANI.
Due to the micro-level arrangements made by the state government today, out of the total 20,092 villages in Chhattisgarh, about 9,462 villages are free from Corona infection, read the release by the CMO.
"At present, there is not a single COVID-19 case in these villages, this was possible due to the prompt measures initiated by the Chhattisgarh government to prevent infection from reaching these villages," it said.
With the outbreak of the second wave of Corona in the urban areas of the state, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had directed that all necessary steps should be taken to prevent infection from reaching rural areas.
"Adverse Effects Unlikely If Vaccine Doses Mixed": Centre After UP Mix UpSignificant adverse effects are "unlikely" if an individual's second Covid vaccine dose is different from the first, the centre said Thursday afternoon, in response to controversy over a group of Uttar Pradesh villagers being given mixed doses at a government hospital in Siddharthnagar district.
"This should be looked into. We will have to wait for more scientific understanding... but even if two doses of two different vaccines are given, this should not be a cause of concern," Dr VK Paul, the Chair of NEGVAC (National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19), said.
10,000 Sachets Of DRDO's Covid Drug To Hit Markets Today: Rajnath SinghDefence Minister Rajnath Singh informed that 10,000 sachets of anti-Covid drug 2-DG will be available in the market from today, reported news agency ANI. The anti-Covid drug has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Launching the "Services e-Health Assistance and Tele-consultation (SeHAT)" via video conferencing, Mr Singh lauded the armed forces, stating that it is a key step taken at a very critical time for the health of service personnel as it will reduce the load on hospitals.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen M M Naravane, and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh were among those who attended the event.
West Bengal Class 12 Board Exams In Late July, Class 10 In Mid-August: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal to conduct Class 12 board exams in late July and Class 10 tests in mid-August, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said today, reported news agency PTI.
Involve The Young In Fight Against Covid Pandemic: Captain Amarinder Singh Tells OfficialsPunjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today directed officials to form groups comprising the young in villages to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, reported news agency PTI.
The chief minister said villages are severely affected by the second wave of Covid and a strong campaign for "corona-mukt pind" (Covid-free villages) is needed.
He directed the department of sports and youth affairs and the deputy commissioners to immediately form groups of seven rural corona volunteers per village or municipal ward as a cadre to assist in fighting the pandemic.
These could work as a powerful support system for the panchayats and municipalities in the war against the pandemic, he said.
"Blatant Lies...": Centre On 7 "Myths" About Its Covid Vaccination Policy
The centre - under fire for a Covid vaccination policy that has seen states frantically red-flag a shortage of doses amid a deadly second wave - hit back Thursday at "distorted statements, half-truths and blatant lies" that have given rise to "myths" about its management of the crisis. In a statement titled "Myths and Facts on India's Vaccination Process", the centre responded with seven "facts" to counter claims it had abandoned states, is not working to increase production (or approve more brands) of vaccines, and is not concerned about vaccinating children.
Read Here Coronavirus: Uttarakhand Ranks 2nd In COVID-19 Mortality Rate, Death Rate Stands At 1.89 Per Cent
The mortality rate of COVID-related deaths in Uttarakhand stands at 1.89 per cent and the state ranks second in COVID-related deaths after Punjab, the state health department informed on Thursday. It said that despite the decrease in the new COVID-19 cases and the increase in the rate of recovery, the death rate in Uttarakhand is a matter of concern. "Uttarakhand ranks second after Punjab in mortality. The death rate of coronavirus patients in the state stands at 1.89 per cent, while the death rate in Punjab stands at 2.5 per cent," the health ministry said.
Coronavirus: Zydus Cadila Seeks Human Trial Approval For COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail
Zydus Cadila has sought regulatory approval for clinical trials of its antibody cocktail to treat mild COVID-19, as India grapples with a shortage of medicines and vaccines needed to effectively tackle a devastating second wave of the pandemic. The treatment candidate, ZRC-3308, was earlier shown to reduce lung damage during animal trials, the drugmaker said, adding it was found to be safe and well-tolerated.
Pfizer Vaccine Should Be Procured As Soon As Possible To Vaccinate Children: Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday sought procurement of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible to inoculate children. This comes after the US pharma company sought fast-track approval for its jab in India. The US major has told Indian authorities that its vaccine is suitable for everyone aged 12 years or above and can be stored for a month at 2-8 degrees Celsius, sources had said. "We shud procure this vaccine asap for our children," Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, citing a news story on fast-track approval sought by the company. The Delhi chief minister has been requesting the Central government to explore suitable vaccine options, citing the opinion of experts that a possible third wave of COVID-19 in the coming months may affect children.
Coronavirus: Arunachal Reports 374 New COVID-19 Cases
Arunachal Pradesh's COVID-19 tally rose to 25,376 on Thursday as 374 more people tested positive for the infection, while three fresh fatalities pushed the state's coronavirus death toll to 107, a senior health official said. The fresh fatalities include two women from Lower Dibang Valley and Tawang districts and one man from East Siang district, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said. The three patients died while undergoing treatment at healthcare facilities, he said.
Coronavirus News: Mumbai's Dharavi Reports 3 New COVID-19 Cases
The Dharavi locality in Mumbai reported just three new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the state health department informed on Thursday. This is the lowest single-day COVID count reported from the locality since the second wave hit the country in late February this year. Dharavi, known to be Asia's largest slum, houses over 8 lakh people in a densely populated area.
Expect WHO Nod To Covaxin In July-Sept: Bharat Biotech Amid Travel Fears
As countries prep to gradually restart travel and tourism after prolonged Covid restrictions, there is nervousness among students about the World Health Organisation and many countries not listing Bharat Biotech's Covaxin among approved vaccines. The US, Canada, Australia, Ireland and the EU are among those do not have Covaxin on their approved list of vaccines for now. And top universities are reportedly allowing those who have received vaccines approved by the countries or WHO.
B.1.617 COVID-19 Variant, First Detected In India, Now Found In 53 Countries: WHO
The B.1.617 COVID-19 variant, first detected in India, has now been found in 53 countries, according to the WHO, which noted that India recorded a 23 per cent decrease in the number of new cases in the last seven days but they were still the highest in the world. The World Health Organisation's COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update, published May 25, said that over the past week, the number of new cases and deaths continued to decrease globally, with over 4.1 million new cases and 84,000 new deaths reported, a 14 per cent and 2 per cent decrease respectively compared to the previous week. According to the update, the B.1.617 variant, first detected in India, is now prevalent in 53 countries globally.
No Vaccine, No Salary: Chhattisgarh Tribal Department Officer Warns Staff
A tribal welfare department officer in a Chhattisgarh district has issued an order asking its staff members to get vaccinated against COVID-19, failing which their salaries for the next month will be withheld. A copy of the order, issued by the assistant commissioner K S Masram in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district on May 21, went viral on social media where some people expressed displeasure over the ''diktat''. The order asked officers and employees working in the tribal welfare department-run offices, ashrams (residential schools) and hostels in the district to get inoculated and submit their vaccination cards at its office. If they do not take the vaccine, their salaries for the next month will be withheld, said the order which came into force with effect from the date of being issued.
Coronavirus: Mumbai's Dabbawalas Face Financial Crisis Amid COVID-19 Lockdown
Mumbai's world-famous dabbawalas are among those severely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown that followed. Under normal circumstances, about 5,000 dabbawalas were part of the intricate network that delivers food to offices from their homes. But with 95 per cent of business closed, only 350 dabbawalas are on the move.
Coronavirus News: India Records 2,11,298 New Infections, 3,847 Deaths In 24 Hours
India's total tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 2,73,69,093 with 2,11,298 new infections, while the recoveries have surged to 2,46,33,951, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The death count increased to 3,15,235 with 3,847 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Covishield + Covaxin: Villagers Get Mixed Shots In UP Government Hospital
A group of villagers was given mixed doses of vaccines at a government hospital in Uttar Pradesh in an incident that an officer blames on "oversight". Around 20 villagers in Siddharthnagar district near the border with Nepal were given both Covaxin and Covishield. Officials claim no one has faced any adverse health effects and those responsible will be punished.
Read Here Maharashtra: Thane's COVID-19 Count Rises By 900
Thane has reported 900 new cases of coronavirus, raising the infection count in the Maharashtra district to 5,12,567, an official said on Thursday. These new cases were recorded on Wednesday, he said. The virus also claimed the lives of 46 more people, pushing the death toll in Thane to 9,009, he said, adding that the COVID-19 mortality rate here stood at 1.76 per cent. Details of recovered and under-treatment patients were not provided by the district administration. In neighbouring Palghar district, the COVID-19 case count has gone up to 1,08,123, while the death toll has reached 2,010, another official said.
A total of 33,69,69,352 samples have been tested up to May 26 with 21,57,857 samples tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Coronavirus: Vaccine Ready For 12+, Pfizer Tells Centre, Seeks Fast-Track Approval
Pfizer has told the government its Covid vaccine shows "high effectiveness" against the India-dominant variant of the virus that experts believe is behind the devastating second wave of infections and deaths in the country, sources told news agency PTI Wednesday.
Read Here COVID-19: Andhra Pradesh Receives 3,000 Injections From Centre To Treat Black Fungus Cases
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday said that the State had received 3,000 injections from the Centre and another 2,000 injections would be sent soon to treat black fungus patients. During the ''Spandana'' video conference with collectors and SPs on the COVID-19 situation and a wide range of other issues, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said, "Each patient should be given at least 50 injections per week. But, the State received only 3,000 injections from the Centre and another 2,000 injections will be sent soon. He said that the government has been putting pressure on the Central government to get as many injections as possible."
COVID-19: US Health Secretary Calls For "Transparent" Phase 2 Of Covid Origins Probe
US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra has urged the WHO to ensure that the next phase of investigation into COVID-19's origins are more "transparent" and "science-based", amidst media reports here suggesting growing evidence that the virus could have emerged from a laboratory in China.
Coronavirus: First Covid Patient Treated With Antibodies Cocktail In India Discharged
The first COVID-19 patient in India who was treated with a monoclonal antibodies cocktail was discharged from a hospital in Haryana today, a day after he was administered the jab. The patient, an 82-year-old man with multiple comorbidities, went home after getting the jab at Medanta Hospital, the hospital chairman Dr Naresh Trehan said on Wednesday.
Read Here