4 years ago
New Delhi:
The daily new coronavirus infections in India dipped below 20,000 for the third time this month taking the COVID-19 caseload to 1,02,24,303, while the recoveries crossed 98 lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.
A total of 16,432 new infections were reported in a span of 24 hours, the lowest in little over six months, while the death count increased to 1,48,153 with 252 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
The dip in daily cases came on the day six cases of a mutant strain of coronavirus that first surfaced in the UK, have been detected in the country. The new strain is believed to be 70 per cent more infectious, but doctors have said there is no reason yet to believe that it is more lethal or will not be controlled by a vaccine. All six patients have recently returned from the UK, where cases have spiralled within days.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 98,07,569 pushing the national recovery rate to 95.92 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.
Here are the Highlights on Coronavirus Cases:
US Detects First Case Of UK Coronavirus Variant In Colorado
The US state of Colorado has recorded what is reportedly America's first case of the particularly infectious coronavirus variant that emerged recently in Britain, the governor said Tuesday.
"Today we discovered Colorado's first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, the same variant discovered in the UK," state governor Jared Polis tweeted.
He attached an official statement from his office and state health officials that said the individual is a "male in his 20s who is currently in isolation in Elbert County and has no travel history."
The individual had no close contacts, the statement said, but the situation will continue to be monitored "very closely" and authorities are working to identify other potential cases through contact tracing.
Jharkhand reported 230 new COVID-19 cases, 203 recoveries and 5 deaths on Tuesday.
The total number of cases now stands at 1,14,650 including 1,12,021 recoveries, 1,025 deaths and 1,604 active cases: State Health Department
One UK returnee has tested positive for #COVID19. His sample has been sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune to identify if it contains the new mutant strain of the virus: Tripura Minister Ratanlal Nath (29.12) pic.twitter.com/l1NMdEBEGM
- ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020
361 Passengers From International Flights Quarantined In Mumbai
As many as 664 passengers arrived at the Mumbai international airport on Tuesday and 361 of them were quarantined in the city, a civic official said.
A total of nine international flights landed in the city during the day, he said.
While 254 passengers were allowed to travel to other states, some passengers were exempted from the compulsory quarantine rule for various reasons such as pregnancy and advanced age.
On Sunday, the civic body amended the earlier Standard Operating Protocol about institutional quarantine of passengers arriving from European countries and the Middle East, issued after a new variant of coronavirus was found in UK.
As per the amended rule, travellers will have to stay in institutional quarantine facility for seven days and another seven days in home quarantine. Earlier, 14 days' institutional quarantine was mandatory.
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dadaji Bhuse tests positive for #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/gmSAc8hLgF
- ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020
UK registers record 53,135 new Covid cases in 24 hours
Britain registered a new daily high of more than 53,000 Covid-19 cases, as concern mounted about spiralling numbers of positive tests and pressure on health services.
Government figures showed 53,135 people had tested positive in the last 24 hours, up from 41,385 the previous day, taking the overall number of cases to 2,382,865.
A further 414 deaths were recorded within 28 days of a positive test, increasing the country's toll to 71,567.
US Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris Receives Coronavirus Vaccine Live On TelevisionUS Vice President-elect Kamala Harris received her Covid vaccine live on television Tuesday and urged public trust in the process, while her choice of hospital highlighted the plight of the hard-hit African-American community." itemprop="description
11 more coronavirus deaths, 215 new cases in Punjab
Punjab reported 11 more COVID-19 deaths, pushing the count to 5,322 while 215 fresh cases took the infection count to 1,65,878, a health bulletin stated. There are 3,837 active cases in the state, as of now, according to the medical bulletin.
A total of 377 coronavirus patients were discharged after recovering from infection, taking the number of cured persons to 1,56,719, as per the bulletin.
Lockdown In Parts Of China's Beijing Over New Coronavirus CasesChina's Beijing sealed off 10 areas of its northeastern Shunyi district on Tuesday, the first lockdown in the Chinese capital since the last coronavirus outbreak in the months of June and July.
Argentina launches Covid-19 vaccines with Sputnik V
Argentina has launched a Covid-19 vaccination campaign with the controversial Sputnik V shots developed by Russia, the government said. It is the first country in the Americas to use this vaccine against the pandemic.
The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority, Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia said. He spoke at Posadas Hospital in Buenos Aires, where a doctor named Flavia Loiacono became the first in the country to get a Covid shot.
Delhi reports 703 new coronavirus cases
Delhi reports 703 new #COVID19 cases, 850 recoveries and 28 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Delhi Health Department
- ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020
Total cases: 6,24,118
Total recoveries: 6,07,494
Death toll: 10,502
Active cases: 6,122 pic.twitter.com/dmb3tJIEiX
Pakistan Reports First Confirmed Case Of New COVID-19 Variant
Pakistan has confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus variant found in the UK after it identified the strain that spreads at a much faster pace in three samples taken from passengers who had returned from Britain. The health department in Sindh said the samples of 12 returnees were taken for genotyping, out of which six tested positive.
"Samples of 3 UK returnees show a 95 per cent match to the new coronavirus variant from the UK in the first phase of genotyping," it said in a tweet.
Coronavirus LIVE News: Karnataka Reports 662 New Cases, 1,344 Discharges And 4 Deaths Today
Karnataka reported 662 new #COVID19 cases, 1,344 discharges and 4 deaths today.
- ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020
Total cases: 9,17,571
Total discharges: 8,93,617
Death toll: 12,074
Active cases: 11,861 pic.twitter.com/sqNd9trYHT
COVID-19 Latest Updates: Andhra Pradesh Reports 326 New Cases, 364 Recoveries And 2 Deaths
Andhra Pradesh reports 326 new #COVID19 cases, 364 recoveries & 2 deaths, taking the total number of cases to 8,81,599, as per State Health Department
- ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020
Recovered Cases: 8,71,116
Active Cases: 3,383
Total Deaths: 7,100 pic.twitter.com/TjArGww2WY
Coronavirus Live News: Kerala COVID-19 Death Count Crosses 3,000 Mark
As many as 5,029 people have been cured of the infection, pushing the total recoveries to 6,81,397.
Presently 64,861 people are undergoing treatment for the disease.
The death count due to COVID-19 crossed the 3,000 mark in Kerala with the addition of 24 more deaths on Tuesday. 5,887 new cases were recorded, taking the virus caseload to almost 7.50 lakh.
As many as 5,029 people have been cured of the infection, pushing the total recoveries to 6,81,397.
Presently 64,861 people are undergoing treatment for the disease.
Coronavirus Latest Updates: Maharashtra Reports 3,018 New Cases, 5,572 Discharges And 68 Deaths
Maharashtra reports 3,018 new #COVID19 cases, 5,572 discharges, and 68 deaths today, as per State Health Department
- ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020
Total cases: 19,25,066
Total recoveries: 18,20,021
Total active cases: 54,537
Total Deaths: 49,373
Recovery rate in the state is 94.54% pic.twitter.com/iqI4cpIEid
Coronavirus Live News: Goa Records 112 New COVID-19 Cases, 116 Recoveries
At least 116 patients were discharged from various treatment facilities, while one died of the infection during the day, the official said.
This has taken the number of recoveries to 49,199 and the count reached 735, he said.
The coastal state currently has 950 active cases, the official said.
With the addition of 112 new cases of coronavirus, the count of infections in Goa reached 50,884 on Tuesday, an official from the state health department said.
At least 116 patients were discharged from various treatment facilities, while one died of the infection during the day, the official said.
This has taken the number of recoveries to 49,199 and the count reached 735, he said.
The coastal state currently has 950 active cases, the official said.
Coronavirus Latest Updates: Noida's COVID-19 Death Count Rises To 90
The number of active cases in the district came down to 426 from 462 the previous day as the recovery rate reached almost 98 per cent, according to the data released by the Uttar Pradesh health department for a 24-hour period.
The number of active cases in Gautam Buddh Nagar is the sixth highest in the state, while 25 districts have a higher death count than the district.
The death count due to COVID-19 mounted to 90 in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar with one more fatality on Tuesday, while 24 new cases pushed the district's inflection tally to 24,869, official data showed.
The number of active cases in the district came down to 426 from 462 the previous day as the recovery rate reached almost 98 per cent, according to the data released by the Uttar Pradesh health department for a 24-hour period.
The number of active cases in Gautam Buddh Nagar is the sixth highest in the state, while 25 districts have a higher death count than the district.
Coronavirus Live News: Argentina Launches COVID-19 Vaccinations With Russia's Sputnik V
It is the first country in the Americas to use the vaccine against the pandemic.
The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority.
Argentina has launched a Covid-19 vaccination campaign with the Sputnik V shots developed by Russia, the government said Tuesday.
It is the first country in the Americas to use the vaccine against the pandemic.
The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority.
COVID-19 Live News: 3 UK Returnees Found Positive For New Coronavirus Variant In Karnataka
"The co-passengers on the flight will also be traced. We are seeking their reports from the Civil Aviation Department. We will trace, test, and treat them as well if needed," Sudhakar K added.
A total of six people who returned to India from the UK have been found positive for the new variant coronavirus genome.
Three cases of the new variant of coronavirus has been reported on Tuesday in Karnataka, Health Minister said.
"The co-passengers on the flight will also be traced. We are seeking their reports from the Civil Aviation Department. We will trace, test, and treat them as well if needed," Sudhakar K added.
A total of six people who returned to India from the UK have been found positive for the new variant coronavirus genome.
COVID-19 Live News: Uttar Pradesh Reports 1,044 New Cases, 1,369 Discharges And 18 Deaths
Uttar Pradesh reported 1,044 new #COVID19 cases, 1,369 discharges and 18 deaths in the last 24 hours.
- ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 29, 2020
Total active cases: 14,344
Total Discharges: 5,61,257
Death toll: 8,340 pic.twitter.com/95NtMspbrc
Daily COVID-19 Deaths Less Than 300 After 6 Months: Health Ministry
In a landmark achievement, daily new #COVID19 cases are less than 17,000 after 6 months now. Daily deaths are also less than 300 after 6 months. 55% deaths are found to have occured in 60 ys & above age group and 70% of the deaths have occurred to males: Union Health Secretary https://t.co/QsteDYXPyf pic.twitter.com/I5q6cIDPfz
- ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020
Will Be Significantly Increasing Number Of Genome Sequencing: Health Ministry
Prior to the news of the UK variant came in, we had done roughly 5,000 genome sequences across labs. Now we'll be significantly increasing that number & would be working in a coordinated manner: Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan pic.twitter.com/7CVNsl8Ysv
- ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020
Genome Sequencing For All Symptomatic And Positive Passengers Who Arrived In India In Last 14 Days: Government
All the international passengers who have arrived in India from December 9 to 22, if symptomatic and tested positive for COVID-19, will be subjected to genome sequencing, in the view of new strain in the UK, the Union Health Ministry said.
Coronavirus news: 18 UK Returnees To Kerala Test Positive For Coronavirus
Arrangements had been made to quarantine at home those who had come back from the UK after the new variant of the virus surfaced, she told reporters.
Earlier, eight people who returned from Britain had been found positive for the virus and their samples had been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for Genomic analysis.
As many as 18 UK returnees have so far tested positive for COVID-19, Health minister KK Shailaja said here on Tuesday.
Earlier, eight people who returned from Britain had been found positive for the virus and their samples had been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for Genomic analysis.
Coronavirus news: Iran starts human testing of first domestic COVID-19 vaccine
Iran launched human trials of its first domestic COVID-19 vaccine candidate, state media reported on Tuesday, which Tehran says could help it defeat the pandemic despite US sanctions interfering with its ability to import vaccines.
Setad, a giant state-affiliated conglomerate controlled by Iran's supreme leader, said production of the vaccine developed by one of its companies, Shifa Pharmed, could reach 12 million doses per month, six months after a successful trial ends.The first volunteers to take the vaccine were officials of the conglomerate and the daughter of its head, in an apparent effort to boost public confidence in the vaccine.
"The message of this act was that we do not see ourselves apart from the people, and we brought our family first to test this vaccine," Health Minister Saeed Namaki said.
"Foresee Short Extension": Aviation Minister On Suspension Of UK FlightsUnion Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said today that he foresees "a short extension" of the suspension of flights from the UK over a new fast-spreading strain of the coronavirus in that country. The forecast comes on a day when India reported the first six cases the mutant strain among people who have returned from the UK." itemprop="description
Coronavirus news: Belarus starts coronavirus vaccination with Sputnik V
Belarus on Tuesday began a vaccination drive against coronavirus using the Sputnik V jab, becoming the first country outside Russia to use the vaccine developed by Moscow.
Belarus, with a population of around 9.5 million people, has registered more than 188,000 cases of coronavirus infections and nearly 1,400 deaths.
"Today the first vaccine shipment has arrived in Belarus," said the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) which financed Sputnik V.
RDIF spokesman Arseny Palagin did not say how many doses had been sent to Belarus.
Belarus Health Minister Dmitry Pinevich said health workers and teachers would be among the first Belarusians to be inoculated.
Belarus on Tuesday began a vaccination drive against coronavirus using the Sputnik V jab, becoming the first country outside Russia to use the vaccine developed by Moscow.
Belarus, with a population of around 9.5 million people, has registered more than 188,000 cases of coronavirus infections and nearly 1,400 deaths.
"Today the first vaccine shipment has arrived in Belarus," said the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) which financed Sputnik V.
RDIF spokesman Arseny Palagin did not say how many doses had been sent to Belarus.
Belarus Health Minister Dmitry Pinevich said health workers and teachers would be among the first Belarusians to be inoculated.
COVID-19: Odisha logs 263 new cases, four more deaths
Odisha's COVID-19 caseload on Tuesday surged to 3,29,001 after 263 more people tested positive for the infection, while four fresh fatalities pushed the count to 1,868, a health department official said.
Of the 263 cases, 151 were reported from various quarantine centres and the rest detected during contact tracing, the official said.
Sundergarh district recorded the maximum number of new cases at 32, followed by Bargarh at 23 and Bolangir at 22.
Four districts -- Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Kandhamal and Koraput -- did not register any new case since Monday.
According to the official, one each COVID-19 patient succumbed to the infection in Balasore, Kalahandi, Khurda and Puri districts.
Coronavirus news: Ladakh reports 5 new COVID-19 cases
Five new cases of COVID-19 was reported in the Union territory of Ladakh on Monday, taking the count of the confirmed case to 9,411.
As per the official data issued by the UT Administrations, the total number of active cases has come down to 198, out of which 177 are in Leh district and 21 in Kargil.
At least 16 patients were cured and discharged on Monday.
Five new cases of COVID-19 was reported in the Union territory of Ladakh on Monday, taking the count of the confirmed case to 9,411.
As per the official data issued by the UT Administrations, the total number of active cases has come down to 198, out of which 177 are in Leh district and 21 in Kargil.
At least 16 patients were cured and discharged on Monday.
COVID-19 dry run beneficiaries undergo dummy vaccination in Gujarat
Health workers are among the first ''beneficiaries'' identified for the mock vaccination drive being conducted at four health centres in Gandhinagar city.
Identified ''beneficiaries'' are undergoing dummy vaccination at various centres in Gandhinagar and Rajkot districts of Gujarat on the second day of the COVID-19 vaccination dry run on Tuesday, officials said.
The two-day end-to-end dry run was being carried out to test the laid out mechanisms for COVID-19 vaccination and to provide insights into any gaps to be addressed before the commencement of the actual vaccination drive.
Gujarat is one of the four states chosen by the Central government to conduct the mock COVID-19 vaccination drive.
Coronavirus news: US Warned Of 'Surge Upon Surge' As Air Travel Peaks For Holidays
The Transportation Security Administration said Monday it had screened 1,284,599 passengers Sunday. Travel is down 55 to 65 per cent compared with before the coronavirus pandemic, but Sunday marked the highest number of travelers since mid-March and the sixth time in 10 days the daily volume exceeded 1 million.
With more than 110,000 people hospitalized with covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN he feared the peril that could stem from widespread holiday travel and gatherings.
Despite weeks of increases in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, US air travel hit a pandemic record this weekend as Americans crisscrossed the country for the holidays - a sign, some public health experts warn, that yet another surge could be on the horizon.
With more than 110,000 people hospitalized with covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN he feared the peril that could stem from widespread holiday travel and gatherings.
COVID-19: Telangana reports 395 new cases
As many as 395 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths have been reported from Telangana on Monday.
While 627 patients have been discharged during the day, the state's health department said.The total number of positive cases of coronavirus in the state has gone up to 2,85,465.
As many as 395 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths have been reported from Telangana on Monday.
While 627 patients have been discharged during the day, the state's health department said.The total number of positive cases of coronavirus in the state has gone up to 2,85,465.
Coronavirus news: Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey tests positive for COVID-19
He urged everyone who came in contact with him recently to get tested for the disease.
Union Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey has said that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is under home isolation.
In a tweet, Mr Choubey informed on Monday that he underwent a test after showing initial symptoms of coronavirus infection.
COVID-19: Puducherry adds 42 new cases, tally touches 38,070
Puducherry posted 42 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday taking the total number of those infected by the virus to 38,070, while two related deaths pushed the count to 633.
Two persons who succumbed to infection were from Puducherry region and were in the age group of 40 and 54 years.
Thirty four patients were discharged during the last 24 hours ending 10 am on Tuesday, Director of Health and Family Welfare S Mohan Kumar said.
Twenty eight patients out of the total 42 new cases were from Puducherry region followed by Karaikal (9), Yanam (2) and Mahe (3), the Director said.
The fatality and recovery rates were 1.66 percent and 97.38 percent respectively.
Coronavirus news: Former Himachal Chief Minister Shanta Kumar's Wife Dies Of COVID-19
Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Shanta Kumar's wife, Santosh Shailza, succumbed to COVID-19 in the early hours of Tuesday, Health Minister Rajiv Saizal said.
She was 75.
Ms Shailza was undergoing treatment at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, in Kangra district of the state. She was admitted to the facility after testing positive for COVID-19 a few days ago.
Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Shanta Kumar's wife, Santosh Shailza, succumbed to COVID-19 in the early hours of Tuesday, Health Minister Rajiv Saizal said.
She was 75.
Ms Shailza was undergoing treatment at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, in Kangra district of the state. She was admitted to the facility after testing positive for COVID-19 a few days ago.
Coronavirus news: China kicks off emergency COVID-19 vaccination in Wuhan
Those receiving the vaccine need to take two shots with an interval of four weeks, the state-run Xinhua news agency quoted He as saying.
The Chinese city of Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus emerged a year ago before it became a pandemic and upended life across the globe, has started the emergency COVID-19 vaccination on some key groups, a senior health official said on Tuesday, even as China is yet to officially certify its multiple vaccines.
The vaccination, available at 48 designated clinics in 15 districts, began on December 24, targeting certain groups of people aged between 18 and 59 years, He Zhenyu, deputy director of the centre for disease control and prevention in Wuhan, told the media in Wuhan.
COVID-19: Jharkhand reports 152 fresh cases, one more death
Jharkhand's COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,14,420 as 152 people tested positive for the virus, a health department official said on Tuesday.
The COVID-19 death count in the state increased to 1,020 after one more patient succumbed to the disease in the last 24 hours, he said.
Ranchi district registered the maximum number of fresh cases at 71, followed by East Singhbhum (30) and Bokaro (10). Jharkhand now has 1,582 active cases, while 1,11,818 people have been cured of the disease so far, the official said.
Coronavirus news: How Delhi Airport Has Prepped For Vaccine Distribution
For its part, India's busiest airport is "completely ready" to handle Covid-19 vaccines, according to Delhi International Airport Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, but there could be issues elsewhere considering more remote areas may not be equipped with sufficient equipment and containers. "One of the key challenges will be the availability of cold chain across India," he said.
New Delhi's airport -- Indira Gandhi International -- will be a main handling point and has facilities to store 2.7 million vials of vaccine at 2-to-8 degrees Celsius, as well as cooling chambers that can keep temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, Jaipuriar said.
Distributing vaccines around India will pose plenty of logistical headaches given the size of the country, its vast population and number of coronavirus cases, now at more than 10 million.
New Delhi's airport -- Indira Gandhi International -- will be a main handling point and has facilities to store 2.7 million vials of vaccine at 2-to-8 degrees Celsius, as well as cooling chambers that can keep temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, Jaipuriar said.
Arunachal's COVID-19 tally mounts to 16,696 with seven fresh cases
Arunachal Pradesh's COVID-19 tally climbed to 16,696 after seven people tested positive for the virus, a senior health department official said on Tuesday.
The state has so far registered 56 coronavirus deaths. Three fresh infections were reported from the Capital Complex Region and two each from Tawang and Lower Dibang Valley districts, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Lobsang Jampa said.
Arunachal Pradesh now has 119 active cases, while 16,521 patients have recovered from the disease thus far, he said.
COVID-19: Mizoram reports six more cases, tally at 4,190
At least six more people, including three children, have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram, pushing the caseload to 4,190, an official said on Tuesday.
The state has so far reported eight deaths due to the contagion.
The fresh cases were reported from Aizawl and Lawngtlai districts, he said. Mizoram now has 114 active cases, while 4,068 people have recovered from the disease and discharged from hospitals, the official said.
6 Cases Of Mutant Virus Strain In India As Fliers from UK Test PositiveIndia has recorded six cases of mutant strain of coronavirus, which is believed to be 70 per cent more infectious and was first reported in the United Kingdom, the government said today. All six patients recently returned from the UK." itemprop="description
Just In | 16,432 Fresh Covid Cases In India, Lowest Daily Rise In Over 6 Months
Just In | Six Cases Of Mutant Virus Strain In India As UK Returnees Test Positive
Coronavirus news: China reports 27 new COVID cases vs 21 a day earlier
Mainland China reported 27 new COVID-19 cases on Dec 28, up from 21 cases a day earlier, the country's national health authority said on Tuesday.
The National Health Commission said in its daily online bulletin that 12 of the new cases were imported infections originating from abroad.
The 15 locally transmitted cases came from the northeastern province of Liaoning and the capital city of Beijing.
The number of new asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed cases, fell to eight from 20 cases a day earlier
Coronavirus news: US Forces in Japan begins first wave of COVID-19 vaccinations
The United States military has begun its first wave of COVID-19 vaccinations in Japan, prioritising frontline medical workers.
Inoculations began on Monday at the Yokota Air Base, Lt. Stuart Thrift confirmed to Reuters. US Forces Japan last week took delivery of just under 8,000 doses, a military spokesman said during a FaceBook Live event on Tuesday.
The US government and its partners will distribute 4.67 million doses of Pfizer Inc vaccine and that of Moderna Inc, U.S. Army General Gustave Perna said last week.
The United States military has begun its first wave of COVID-19 vaccinations in Japan, prioritising frontline medical workers.
Inoculations began on Monday at the Yokota Air Base, Lt. Stuart Thrift confirmed to Reuters. US Forces Japan last week took delivery of just under 8,000 doses, a military spokesman said during a FaceBook Live event on Tuesday.
The US government and its partners will distribute 4.67 million doses of Pfizer Inc vaccine and that of Moderna Inc, U.S. Army General Gustave Perna said last week.
COVID-19: Japan reports first case of new coronavirus strain that emerged in South Africa
The first case of the new coronavirus variant found in South Africa has been confirmed in Japan, the Japan Times reports.
A woman who arrived from South Africa in Japan on December 19 and tested positive for COVID-19 turned out to be infected with the new 501.V2 strain, the newspaper said on Tuesday.
According to Japanese media reports, another six cases of the new coronavirus strain that emerged in the UK earlier this month have been confirmed in Japan. Thus Japan now has a total of 15 cases of new coronavirus variants.
The first case of the new coronavirus variant found in South Africa has been confirmed in Japan, the Japan Times reports.
A woman who arrived from South Africa in Japan on December 19 and tested positive for COVID-19 turned out to be infected with the new 501.V2 strain, the newspaper said on Tuesday.
According to Japanese media reports, another six cases of the new coronavirus strain that emerged in the UK earlier this month have been confirmed in Japan. Thus Japan now has a total of 15 cases of new coronavirus variants.
Coronavirus news: Sydney on alert after mystery cases but new infections remain low
Australia's most populous state of New South Wales (NSW) maintained its downward trend of new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday but authorities asked people to be on "high alert" after cases were detected outside the current virus cluster.
A cluster detected in Sydney's northern beachside suburbs in mid-December has now grown to 129 cases and about a quarter of a million residents have been put under lockdown until January 9 as authorities battle to stamp out the virus.
NSW reported three cases, all linked to the Sydney cluster, in the 24 hours to 8 pm on Monday - its lowest daily rise in coronavirus infections in nearly two weeks.
Australia's most populous state of New South Wales (NSW) maintained its downward trend of new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday but authorities asked people to be on "high alert" after cases were detected outside the current virus cluster.
A cluster detected in Sydney's northern beachside suburbs in mid-December has now grown to 129 cases and about a quarter of a million residents have been put under lockdown until January 9 as authorities battle to stamp out the virus.
NSW reported three cases, all linked to the Sydney cluster, in the 24 hours to 8 pm on Monday - its lowest daily rise in coronavirus infections in nearly two weeks.
Coronavirus news: South Korea reports record daily deaths from COVID-19
South Korea on Tuesday reported 40 new coronavirus deaths, a record daily count, bringing the total death tally to 859, as the country grapples with a third wave of infection centred around nursing homes and a prison in the capital Seoul.
South Korean officials have vowed to accelerate the launch of a vaccination programme after detecting the virus variant linked to the rapid rise in infections in Britain.
As of midnight Monday there were 1,046 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 58,725, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said. Of the new cases, 1,030 were locally transmitted and more than half were found in Seoul.
South Korea on Tuesday reported 40 new coronavirus deaths, a record daily count, bringing the total death tally to 859, as the country grapples with a third wave of infection centred around nursing homes and a prison in the capital Seoul.
South Korean officials have vowed to accelerate the launch of a vaccination programme after detecting the virus variant linked to the rapid rise in infections in Britain.
As of midnight Monday there were 1,046 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 58,725, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said. Of the new cases, 1,030 were locally transmitted and more than half were found in Seoul.
Coronavirus news: US House Approves $2,000 Coronavirus Aid Checks Sought By Trump
The Democratic-led US House of Representatives voted 275-134 to meet President Donald Trump's demand for $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks on Monday, sending the measure on to an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled Senate.
But even as Democrats helped secure approval for what the Republican president sought on stimulus payments, they spearheaded a House vote just a short time later to override his veto of a separate $740 billion defense policy bill. The rebuke, in Trump's final weeks in office, would be the first veto override of his presidency if seconded by the Senate this week.
Trump last week threatened to block a massive pandemic aid and spending package if Congress did not boost stimulus payments from $600 to $2,000 and cut other spending. He backed down from his demands on Sunday as a possible government shutdown loomed, brought on by the fight with lawmakers.
The Democratic-led US House of Representatives voted 275-134 to meet President Donald Trump's demand for $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks on Monday, sending the measure on to an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled Senate.
But even as Democrats helped secure approval for what the Republican president sought on stimulus payments, they spearheaded a House vote just a short time later to override his veto of a separate $740 billion defense policy bill. The rebuke, in Trump's final weeks in office, would be the first veto override of his presidency if seconded by the Senate this week.
Trump last week threatened to block a massive pandemic aid and spending package if Congress did not boost stimulus payments from $600 to $2,000 and cut other spending. He backed down from his demands on Sunday as a possible government shutdown loomed, brought on by the fight with lawmakers.
Pandemic Severe, But "Not Necessarily The Big One": WHO
"This is a wakeup call," WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan told reporters at a briefing marking a year since the UN agency first learned of the new virus spreading in China.
Since then, Covid-19 has killed nearly 1.8 million people around the world, out of over 80 million infected.
"This pandemic has been very severe," Ryan acknowledged.
The novel coronavirus has had a devastating impact around the globe, but the World Health Organization warned Monday that worse pandemics could lie ahead, urging the world to get "serious" about preparedness.
Since then, Covid-19 has killed nearly 1.8 million people around the world, out of over 80 million infected.
"This pandemic has been very severe," Ryan acknowledged.
COVID-19: Andhra registers 212 new cases, 8,81,273 in total
Andhra Pradesh reported 212 fresh COVID-19 cases and four deaths in the last 24 hours, said the state health department on Monday.
According to the health bulletin, 37,381 samples were tested in the state and 212 of them were detected positive for the virus.
With this, the total number of COVID cases in Andhra Pradesh has increased to 8,81,273, including 3,423 active cases.
As many as 410 persons were recovered during the same period, taking the total number of recoveries to 8,70,752. However, four persons succumbed to the deadly virus -- 2 in West Godavari district, 1 each in Guntur and Visakhapatnam districts.
Andhra Pradesh reported 212 fresh COVID-19 cases and four deaths in the last 24 hours, said the state health department on Monday.
According to the health bulletin, 37,381 samples were tested in the state and 212 of them were detected positive for the virus.
With this, the total number of COVID cases in Andhra Pradesh has increased to 8,81,273, including 3,423 active cases.
As many as 410 persons were recovered during the same period, taking the total number of recoveries to 8,70,752. However, four persons succumbed to the deadly virus -- 2 in West Godavari district, 1 each in Guntur and Visakhapatnam districts.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: J&K Police distributes COVID-19 kits to families below poverty line in Baramulla
The Covid-19 safety kits, consisting of a face shield, triple-layer N-95 masks, an oximeter, a digital thermometer, sanitizer bottles, hand gloves and hand soap, were distributed to BPL families who gathered at the function, ANI reported.
In an effort to help people Below the Poverty Line battle fight the Covid-19 virus, the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Baramulla distributed safety kits to underprivileged families in the district's Uri area.
The Covid-19 safety kits, consisting of a face shield, triple-layer N-95 masks, an oximeter, a digital thermometer, sanitizer bottles, hand gloves and hand soap, were distributed to BPL families who gathered at the function, ANI reported.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Sikkim reports one more COVID-19 death
Sikkim reported one more death due to COVID-19 infection in the past 24 hours taking the count in the contagion to 126, PTI reported.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: 1 more UK returnee tests COVID positive in Telangana
Dr G Srinivasa Rao, Director Public Health, Telangana said the Telangana Medical Health Department is on high alert in the wake of the arrival of a new strain of coronavirus, as 156 travellers are yet to be traced.
Amid global concern over the new United Kingdom (UK) COVID-19 strain, one more UK returnee tested positive, taking the number of returnees testing positive to 21 in Telangana, state's Director Public Health said on Monday.
Dr G Srinivasa Rao, Director Public Health, Telangana said the Telangana Medical Health Department is on high alert in the wake of the arrival of a new strain of coronavirus, as 156 travellers are yet to be traced.
