COVID-19 Cases India: The death count increased to 3,37,989 with 2,887 new fatalities. (Representational)
With 1,34,154 fresh cases, India's COVID-19 tally has climbed to 2,84,41,986, while the daily positivity rate has further dropped to 6.21 per cent, the health ministry said on Thursday.
The death count due to the viral disease has climbed to 3,37,989 with 2,887 more people succumbing to it, while the number of active COVID-19 cases was recorded below 20 lakh for the third consecutive day, according to the ministry''s data updated at 8 am.
Also, 21,59,873 tests were conducted on Wednesday to detect COVID-19, taking the total number of such tests conducted so far in the country to 35,37,82,648, while the daily positivity was recorded at 6.21 per cent. It has been less than 10 per cent for 10 consecutive days now, the ministry said.
The weekly positivity rate has declined to 7.66 per cent.
Meanwhile, after Pfizer and Moderna, Covishield-maker Serum Institute of India (SII) has asked for indemnity from liability, according to sources. All vaccine makers, whether Indian or foreign, should be granted the same protection, the Adar Poonawalla-led company has reportedly told the government.
"Not just Serum Institute of India (SII), all the vaccine companies should get indemnity protection against liabilities if foreign companies are granted it," Serum sources said today, adding that rules should be the same for everyone.
Here are the Highlights on Covid-19 Cases in India:
Congo faces third wave of coronavirus, says health ministerDemocratic Republic of Congo is facing a third wave of coronavirus infections, with its epicentre in the capital, Kinshasa, one of Africa's most-populous cities, Health Minister Jean-Jacques Mbungani said on Thursday. Like many other African countries, Congo has officially reported relatively few cases and deaths, but health authorities are concerned about a recent spike in infections that saw 243 new cases recorded on Wednesday, the highest daily figure since March.
"I officially announce the onset of the third wave of the COVID-10 pandemic in our country, with Kinshasa as its epicentre," the Health Minister said.
Unvaccinated people at risk of getting seriously ill: White House official
White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients said that unvaccinated people are at risk of getting seriously ill or spreading the disease to others. "Here's the bottom line: The bottom line is that if you are unvaccinated, you are still at risk of getting seriously ill or spreading the disease to others," said Jeff Zients.
Wockhardt Makes Deal For Mystery Vaccine, Announcement In 2 WeeksIndian pharma major Wockhardt is set to announce a major production deal for an undisclosed vaccine. The formal announcement is due in two weeks and the production of the vaccine will begin in October, Dr Habil Khorakiwala, the Chairman of Wockhardt, told NDTV in an exclusive interview today. The company, he said, will be able to manufacture 500 million doses a year.
Read More. UK mandates quarantine on return from PortugalPortugal will be removed from England's so-called "green list" allowing quarantine-free travel between the two countries, the UK government said, in a move slammed by Lisbon and Britain's tourism sector. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland announced the same rule would also apply to their travellers.
The move could prove highly disruptive to thousands of British holidaymakers, after Portugal was the only European nation placed on the green list when it was first unveiled last month.
US lawmakers welcome White House announcement on global COVID-19 vaccine distributionTop American lawmakers have welcomed the decision of the Biden Administration to ship 25 million COVID-19 vaccines abroad, including India. "I welcome the news that the Biden Administration will be sending 25 million vaccine doses to our partners abroad to help them combat their COVID-19 outbreaks, but this is an unfortunately small step forward when drastic, rapid action is needed," Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said.
US President Joe Biden on Thursday announced that the US will allocate 75 per cent - nearly 1.9 crore of the first tranche of 2.5 crore doses - of unused COVID-19 vaccines from its stockpile through the UN-backed COVAX global vaccine sharing programme to countries in South and Southeast Asia as well as Africa as part of his administration's framework for sharing 80 million (8 crore) vaccines globally by the end of June.
"Exponential" rise in virus cases in DR Congo capital: WHOThe UN's health agency said it had detected a surge late last month in coronavirus cases in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. "An exponential rise in the spread of SARS-Cov-2 virus has been recorded in Kinshasa," the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a weekly report.
The rise mirrored a "clear deterioration" in the wider province of Kinshasa, it said.
364 new cases, 1 death and 337 recoveries recorded in Arunachal Pradesh today; active cases at 3,843. The recovery rate in the state is 86.04%
Maharashtra Unveils 5-Level Unlock Plan, Mumbai Trains Won't Run For NowMaharashtra, the state hit worst by Covid, has decided on a 5-level unlock strategy as the Covid numbers in the state slowly recede. The levels have been decided on basis of positivity rate and total oxygen beds occupancy -- and will range from areas from where lockdown has completely been lifted and those that will face the strictest of restrictions.
Most Covid-hit states, including Delhi, have taken a cautious approach after the second wave of the disease ripped through the country, leading to the collapse of the healthcare system and leaving thousands dead. In view of the current vaccine shortage, most states have been extending restrictions to completely break the chain of transmission.
Himachal Pradesh Logs 995 New Covid Cases, 23 Deaths
COVID-19 claimed 23 lives and infected 995 people more in Himachal Pradesh, raising the death count due to the disease to 3,217 and the total infection tally to 1,93,137 in the state, an official said on Thursday, according to news agency PTI. According to the state Health Department, there are 11,057 active cases in Himachal Pradesh. The recovery count rose to 1,78,840 with 1,890 patients getting cured of the disease in the past 24 hours, the official said.
99% Vaccination Done In 45+ Age Group In Remote Arunachal Circle: Official
A remote circle in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China, has created a record of sort as almost all the people in the 45 years-plus age group of the area have been administered Covid-19 vaccine, an official said on Thursday, reported news agency PTI. Barring three persons who could not be inoculated due to medical reasons, all the 617 people in that age bracket living in Mogto circle received at least the first dose.
However, it was not easy at the beginning as many villagers, engaged in farming and yak rearing in remote pockets, were not turning up at the vaccination centre, Circle Officer of Mogto, Dorjee Wangchu, said.
As per the data provided by Medical Officer Dr Jiarul Haque, 614 people above 45 years in the circle have been inoculated with the first dose of Covishield vaccine and 295 of them received the second dose till Wednesday.
Karnataka Records 18,324 New Covid Cases, 514 Deaths
Karnataka continued to witness a slight increase in daily cases of COVID-19 as the state on Thursday reported 18,324 fresh infections, taking the tally to 26.53 lakh, reported news agency PTI. The day also saw 24,036 discharges, continuing to outnumber the fresh cases. The state had reported 14,304 and 16,387 fresh cases on June 1 and June 2 respectively. With 514 fatalities, the death count in the state went up to 30,531.
Achieving a "milestone", over 3 crore samples have been tested in the state so far, out of which 1,50,168 were tested on Thursday alone. Out of the 18,324 new cases reported on Thursday, 3,533 were from Bengaluru Urban, as the city saw 7,672 discharges and 347 deaths.
As of June 3 evening, cumulatively 26,53,446 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the state, which includes 30,531 deaths and 23,36,096 discharges, the health department said in its bulletin. Total number of active cases in the state stood at 2,86,798.
Kerala Records 18,853 New Covid Cases, 153 Deaths
Kerala registered 18,853 fresh coronavirus infections on Thursday, taking the total number of those affected by the deadly virus to 25.54 lakh, according to news agency PTI. The death count rose to 9,375 with 153 more deaths. Health Minister Veena George said 1.23 lakh samples were tested in the last 24 hours and the positivity rate was 15.22 per cent. Till now, 2.01 crore samples have been tested.
Among the districts, Malappuram recorded the highest number of cases at 2,448, followed by Kollam with 2,272 and Palakkad 2,201. "Out of those found infected today, 110 reached the state from outside while 17,521 contracted the disease through their contacts. The sources of infection of 1,143 are yet to be traced. Seventy-nine health workers are also among the infected," the minister said in a release.
Currently, there are 1.84 lakh people under treatment in the state.
"Misconception, Superstitions" Behind Tepid Response To Vaccination In Rajkot: OfficialDespite the availability of vaccines, the response to the COVID-19 vaccination drive in Rajkot district of Gujarat, especially its rural parts, has so far remained below the desired level, with the authorities attributing it to misconceptions and superstitions surrounding inoculation, reported news agency PTI.
Addressing a press conference in Rajkot on Thursday, its district collector Remya Mohan said that as against the available doses, less than half the number of eligible persons are coming forward to get the COVID-19 jabs.
WhatsApp messages containing warnings against vaccination are also responsible for the lukewarm response in rural pockets, particularly from the 45-plus population, she said.
"We want people's cooperation in the vaccination drive. However, we are getting a lukewarm response, particularly from the 45-plus age group, in rural pockets of the district. It is happening mainly because people are believing in misconceptions, superstitions and WhatsApp messages doing the rounds," said Ms Mohan.
Efforts On To Augment Availability Of Covid Vaccines In India: Foreign MinistryMinistry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Thursday the Centre has been making all efforts to augment the availability of COVID-19 vaccines in the country, reported news agency ANI. At the weekly briefing, he said, "We remained engaged with US vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson, as part of this effort." He further said India is engaged with the Biden administration to ensure that necessary components for vaccine manufacturing in India are readily available.
Andhra Pradesh Logs 11,421 New Covid Cases, 81 Deaths
The cumulative COVID-19 tally in Andhra Pradesh increased to 17,28,577 as 11,421 cases were added afresh in the 24 hours ending 9 am on Thursday, reported news agency PTI. While 16,223 patients had recovered from the infection, another 81 succumbed, the latest bulletin said. The total recoveries now rose to 15,78,452 and deaths to 11,213. The active cases decreased to 1,38,912.
Again, East Godavari district logged the highest number of 2,308 fresh cases of coronavirus in 24 hours, while Chittoor added 1,658 and Anantapuramu 1,041. West Godavari added 996, Krishna 841 and Visakhapatnam 814, while seven other districts registered less than 700 cases each. Chittoor continued to log more number of daily fatalities, with 13 on Thursday.
"Factually Incorrect": Health Ministry On Reports Alleging Vaccine Shortage in Tamil NaduThe Union Health Ministry on Thursday termed as "factually incorrect and without any basis" media reports alleging that there is a shortage of vaccines in Tamil Nadu, according to news agency PTI. As on June 2, more than one crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed to Tamil Nadu, of which 93.3 lakhs doses have been consumed, the ministry said.
A total of 7.24 lakh doses are currently available with the state, it said. Tamil Nadu has also been provided information of the total number of doses of vaccines available to the state from the government of India channel, which is free of cost, for the first and the second fortnight of June 2021, the ministry added.
Delhi Records 487 New Covid Cases, Lowest In Over 2.5 Months
Delhi recorded 487 fresh Covid cases, the lowest in over two-and-a-half months and 45 fatalities on Thursday, while the positivity rate slumped to 0.61 per cent, according to data shared by the health department, reported news agency PTI. This is the first time the daily death count has gone below the 50-mark since April 11 when the tally was 48.
According to the health bulletin, these new fatalities pushed the death toll from COVID-19 in Delhi to 24,447. On March 16, Delhi had recorded 425 cases and on March 17, the daily tally was 536, according to official data. On Thursday, 487 fresh cases were recorded with a positivity rate of 0.61 per cent, according to the latest bulletin. The infection rate, which had reached 36 per cent in the last week of April, has come down to below 1 per cent now.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Launches Covid Relief Hamper Distribution, Second PayoutThe distribution of COVID-19 relief hamper, containing 14 essential commodities including wheat and sugar, to beneficiaries was launched on Thursday by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, according to news agency PTI. Also, he inaugurated the disbursal of the second installment, under the Rs 4,000 cash assistance plan to help people whose livelihoods were affected due to the pandemic and the resultant curbs.
Mr Stalin gave away the cash assistance of Rs 2,000, which is the second instalment and a bag containing the commodities to 10 families at the Secretariat here marking the launch of the initiatives on the 97th birth anniversary of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Thursday. The two initiatives are aimed at benefitting over 2.09 crore rice category ration card holders spread across Tamil Nadu and the first instalment of Rs 2,000 was disbursed last month through Public Distribution System shops.
Karnataka Extends Covid Lockdown Till June 14"Lockdown extended in the state till June 14 to break the COVID-19 chain," Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said, according to news agency ANI.
5-Level Unlock Plan Prepared For Maharashtra: Minister"We have prepared a five-level unlock plan for the state on the basis of positivity rate and status of occupancy of oxygen beds in the districts. Districts with the lowest positivity rate will have no restrictions," said Maharashtra minister Vijay Wadettiwar, according to news agency ANI.
2 Covid Positive Senior Citizens Get Antibody Cocktail Therapy At Private Hospital In Delhi
Two Covid positive senior citizens with cardiac complications admitted at a private healthcare facility here have been administered monoclonal antibody therapy which is said to reduce the chance of hospitalisation by 70 per cent in patients with mild to moderate symptoms, the hospital said on Thursday. Sunirmal Ghatak, 70, and Suresh Kumar Trehan, 65, were on Tuesday administered a cocktail of Casirivimab and Imdevimab at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital as part of this single-dose infusion-based treatment.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Launches Covid Relief Hamper Distribution, Second Payout
The distribution of COVID-19 relief hampers, containing 14 essential commodities including wheat and sugar to beneficiaries was launched here on Thursday by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. Also, he inaugurated the disbursal of the second instalment, under the Rs 4,000 cash assistance plan to help people whose livelihoods were affected due to the pandemic and the resultant curbs. M K Stalin gave away the cash assistance of Rs 2,000, which is the second instalment and a bag containing the commodities to ten families at the Secretariat here marking the launch of the initiatives on the 97th birth anniversary of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Thursday.
Coronavirus News: Delhi Reports 1,044 Black Fungus Cases, 89 Deaths So Far
As many as 1,044 cases of black fungus also known as Mucormycosis have been reported in Delhi with 92 recoveries and 89 deaths registered so far, said State Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday. The number of active cases of Black Fungus infection stands at 863, he informed. At a press conference, the state Health Minister said, "There have been a total of 1,044 black fungus cases in Delhi so far. The state has recorded 92 recoveries from the infection and 89 related deaths. The number of active black fungus cases stands at 863."
Vaccine Makers Seek Indemnity For Rollout. What It Means
American pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Moderna are in talks with the Indian government to supply their Covid-19 shots to the country, but the vaccine makers have reportedly sought indemnity. So far, India has not given any coronavirus vaccine manufacturer indemnity against the cost of compensation for any severe side effect. Pfizer has immunity in countries like the US where it cannot be sued for any adverse effects.
Mumbai Likely To Get 87,000 Covishield Doses On June 4: Mayor
Mumbai is expected to get a supply of 87,000 doses of Covishield vaccine against COVID-19 on Friday and the inoculation drive would resume in the city the next day, Mayor Kishori Pednekar said on Thursday. Due to the unavailability of enough number of vaccine doses, the COVID-19 vaccination drive in Mumbai was suspended on Thursday at centres run by the city civic body and the Maharashtra government, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) earlier said.
Serum Institute Applies To Drug Authority To Manufacture Covid Vaccine Sputnik V: Report
The Serum Institute of India (SII) has applied to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) seeking permission to manufacture COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V in the country, sources said today. The Pune-based vaccine manufacturing firm has also sought approval for test analysis and examination.
COVID-19: Puducherry Logs 815 Fresh coronavirus Cases
The union territory of Puducherry witnessed a further dip in the number of fresh COVID-19 with 815 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours, a senior official of the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services said on Thursday. The overall tally rose to 1,07,114 with the 815 new cases while the number of active cases stood at 10,015 (1,389 in hospitals and 8,626 in home isolation), Director of Health and Family Welfare S Mohan Kumar said.
"Officers Must Be Charged With Manslaughter": Court To Centre On Vaccines
Officers sitting over untapped potential to make COVID-19 vaccines need to be charged with "manslaughter" as it is leading to so many deaths, the Delhi High Court said on Wednesday, observing that a lot of scope and infrastructure is available in India which is not being used. The court said some urgent hand-holding is required for manufacturing vaccines which is missing because of "fear psychosis" and this potential should not be taken away by foreigners.
A total of 1,044 black fungus cases in Delhi; 92 people have recovered and 89 deaths so far: Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
Fewer Deaths If Better Prepared For 3rd Wave, Vaccinate Children: SBI
The intensity of a COVID-19 third wave in India will be as severe as that of the second wave if any indication is to be had from what other nations have reported, SBI said in its latest 'Ecowrap' report that details the economy's performance amid the pandemic. The bank called for priority vaccination of children and teens in the 12-18 age group, who could be the next vulnerable group.
Read Here Coronavirus News: Brazil Reports 2,507 More COVID-19 Deaths
Brazil on Wednesday reported 2,507 more deaths from COVID-19, taking the nationwide tally to 467,706, the Ministry of Health said. A total of 95,601 new infections were detected, raising the caseload to 16,720,081, the ministry said. Brazil has the world's second-highest COVID-19 death toll, after the United States, and the third-largest caseload, behind the United States and India.
Serum Institute Seeks Indemnity, Says "Same Rules For All": Sources
After Pfizer and Moderna, Covishield-maker Serum Institute of India (SII) has asked for indemnity from liability, according to sources. All vaccine makers, whether Indian or foreign, should be granted the same protection, the Adar Poonawalla-led company has reportedly told the government.
Read Here Coronavirus: India Reports 1,34,154 New COVID-19 Cases, 2,887 Deaths In Last 24 Hours
India's total tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 2,84,41,986 with 1,34,154 new infections being reported in a day, while the recoveries have crossed 2.63 crores, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The death count increased to 3,37,989 with 2,887 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
As many as 35,37,82,648 samples have been tested in the country up to June 2 including 21,59,873 samples tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Coronavirus News: Thane's COVID-19 Count Rises By 568
With the addition of 568 new cases of coronavirus, the infection count in Maharashtra's Thane district has reached 5,18,831, an official said on Thursday. Besides these new cases reported on Wednesday, the virus also claimed the lives of 44more people, pushing the death count in the district to 9,332.
Coronavirus: Supreme Court Slams Centre's Vaccination Policy For 18-44 Year-Olds
The Centre's policy of giving free vaccination to the 45-plus age group in the first two phases of vaccination and having a paid system for those below, is "prima facie arbitrary and irrational", the Supreme Court said in its detailed order of Monday's hearing made available on Wednesday.
Read Here Sri Lanka extends nationwide travel restriction to prevent spread of COVID-19
Sri Lankan authorities said on Wednesday the ongoing nationwide travel restriction had been extended to June 14 as health officials looked to stop the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Sri Lanka's Army Commander and Head of the National Operations Center for the Prevention of COVID-19, General Shavendra Silva told Xinhua that the nationwide travel restriction was extended under the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and it would not be relaxed anytime in between.
Only essential services and food suppliers are allowed to be on the roads while all others are urged to stay at home.
Rajasthan to set up special clinics in each district to help recovered COVID patients
Special clinics and wards will be set up in each district of Rajasthan for the treatment of various other diseases faced by patients who have recovered from coronavirus infection, a government order issued on Wednesday said.
Along with this, a pool of 10 counsellors will also be set up in each COVID designated hospital for psychological counselling of patients and their families recovering from the deadly infection, the order issued by Principal Secretary (Health) Akhil Arora stated.
According to the order, it has been seen during the second wave of the pandemic that in addition to black fungus, there are problems of fear, depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress, etc., among the recovered patients. Along with the patients, their families are also facing psychological issues.