COVID-19 Cases in India: The COVID-19 death count climbed to 3,35,102 with 3,207 fresh deaths.
India reported 1,32,788 new coronavirus infections taking the country's tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,83,07,832, while the daily positivity rate has further dropped to 6.57 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.
The COVID-19 death count climbed to 3,35,102 with 3,207 fresh deaths. The active cases were recorded below 20 lakh for the second consecutive day, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Also, 20,19,773 tests were conducted on Tuesday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 35,00,57,330, while the daily positivity was recorded at 6.57 per cent. It has been less than 10 per cent for nine consecutive days, the ministry said.
The weekly positivity rate has declined to 8.21 per cent. he active cases have reduced to 17,93,645 comprising 6.34 er cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 92.48 per cent.
A net decline of 1,01,875 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.
Meanwhile, in a big move to clear the way for foreign vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna, the drug regulator has done away with the requirement of India-specific trials. Foreign vaccines approved by specific countries and WHO for emergency use will no longer need bridging trials in India, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has said in an attempt to fast-track the import of doses needed to bolster vaccinations.
Pfizer and Moderna were among the companies that had requested the government for waivers like indemnity and for post-approval local trials. The government has yet to take a decision on indemnity or liability from compensation for any severe side effects.
Here are the highlights on Covid-19 Cases in India:
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.
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.
No COVID-19 vaccination in Mumbai on June 3, says Civic body
Due to the unavailability of enough number of vaccine doses, the COVID-19 vaccination drive in Mumbai will be suspended on Thursday at the centres run by the city civic body and the Maharashtra government, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Wednesday.
Of the total 342 active COVID-19 vaccination centres in Mumbai, 243 are managed by the BMC and 20 by the state government.
The decision to suspend the vaccination drive on Thursday was taken due to the unavailability of a sufficient number of vaccines, the civic body said in a release.
The civic body said it was expecting to receive vaccines anytime throughout the day on June 3. Thereafter, the inoculation drive will resume the next day (June 4).
COVID-19: Rajasthan cancels Cass 10 and 12 state board exams
The Rajasthan government on Wednesday announced the cancellation of classes 10 and 12 examinations conducted by the state board this year in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This follows after the central government announced cancelling the CBSE Class 12 board exams.
According to the statement issued by the state government, the decision was taken during a meeting of the State Council of Ministers which was chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
France to start vaccinating teens against COVID-19 from June 15
France will start vaccinating teenagers from age 12 with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine on June 15, the government said on Wednesday in a move to help avoid closures of schools in September due to COVID-19 risks.
The number of new COVID-19 cases in France meanwhile held below 10,000 for the second day in a row and the daily deaths dropped sharply from last week, further easing pressure on hospitals as the vaccination campaign has expanded
West Bengal reports 8,923 new COVID-19 cases, 135 more deaths
West Bengal's COVID-19 cases continued to decline as the state reported 8,923 new infections on Wednesday, the Health Department said.
In the last 24 hours, 135 people died of the disease in the state, it said.
The state has so far reported 13,94,724 cases and 15,813 deaths.
Of the latest fatalities, 43 were reported from North 24 Parganas, and 38 from Kolkata.
North 24 Parganas also reported the highest number of cases at 1,860, followed by Kolkata at 1,040, the bulletin said.
Jharkhand, Orissa, Gujarat Top 3 Contributors To Oxygen Express Deliveries
The Ministry of Railways on Wednesday informed that the top three contributors to Oxygen Express are Jharkhand, Orissa, and Gujarat, reported news agency ANI.
Oxygen Expresses has so far loaded 8,025 tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen from Jharkhand, 7,102 tonnes from Odisha, 6,384 tonnes from Gujarat, 1,360 tonnes from West Bengal, 488 tonnes from Maharashtra, 218 tonnes from Chhattisgarh, and 164 tonnes from Andhra Pradesh for delivery across the country, the Ministry informed in a statement.
Railways has delivered more than 2,3741 tonnes in more than 1,405 tankers to various states across the country.
344 Oxygen Expresses have completed their journey so far and brought relief to various States.
Jannayak Janata Party Leader Puran Singh Dabra Dies Of Covid
Senior Jannayak Janata Party leader and former MLA Puran Singh Dabra died of COVID-19 on Wednesday at a private hospital in Gurgaon, according to news agency PTI. He was 75. Mr Dabra, JJP general secretary, breathed his last on Wednesday evening, a party statement said. Senior JJP leaders, including party president Ajay Singh Chautala, condoled the demise of Mr Dabra.
Gujarat Records 1,333 New Covid Cases, 18 Deaths
Gujarat reported 1,333 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking the tally to 8,12,063, while 18 patients died and nearly 4,100 recovered from the infection, the state health department said, according to news agency PTI. As many as 4,098 patients were discharged from hospitals during the day, pushing the number of recovered cases in the state to 7,75,958, it said. A total of 18 patients died, increasing the COVID-19 fatality count to 9,873, said the department in a release. The state's recovery rate has further improved to 95.55 per cent. The number of active cases in the state now stands at 26,232 with 452 patients being on ventilators, the release said.
Himachal Pradesh Records 29 New Covid Deaths, 4 Had Black Fungus Too
Twenty-nine coronavirus patients, four of whom also had the Black Fungus infection, died on Wednesday, taking Himachal Pradesh's overall Covid death figures to 3,194, an official said, reported news agency PTI. The official said the state also reported 891 fresh Covid cases, pushing the total number to 1,92,142.
Of the four Black Fungus or Mucormycosis cases, two were reported from Kangra and one each from Solan and Hamirpur, the official said. The number of recoveries rose to 1,76,949, with 1,292 patients recuperating from the disease in a 24-hour period, the official said. According to the health department, the state currently has 11,975 active coronavirus cases.
Karnataka Preparing For Probable Third Covid Wave: Deputy Chief MinisterAmid the prevailing pandemic situation in the country, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan has assured that the state is preparing itself to battle with the probable third wave of COVID-19, reported news agency ANI. "The state government is making all efforts to provide the required infrastructure and drugs used for medicinal purposes to hospitals in its battle against the pandemic and also gearing up to face the probable third wave," he said.
Mizoram Chief Minister Hails Collective Efforts Of People, State In Covid Battle
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Wednesday said collective efforts of people and the government are helping the state in overcoming the COVID-19 challenges despite lacking adequate manpower and facilities, reported news agency PTI.
Highlighting how the state is battling COVID-19, Mr Zoramthanga, in his 12-minute-long video-recorded speech, said the way the government and the people are collectively fighting the Covid-19 is quite interesting as all communities, organisations and people from all walks of life are involved in it.
The chief minister said that when the state fought against the first wave of COVID-19 it was relatively tolerable and "we could somehow manage to tackle it." "Then came the second wave, which is more problematic and burdensome," he said.
He also said that many organisations, churches and individuals came forward to assist the government by contributing towards the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for COVID-19. Even children contributed to the fund by opening their piggy banks, he said.
Gujarat To Open All Shops In 36 Cities From June 4
The Gujarat Chief Minister's Office said all shops in 36 cities of the state will reopen from June 4 (9 am to 6 pm), according to news agency ANI. Home delivery by restaurants will be allowed till 10 pm. Night curfew (9 pm to 6 am) will be imposed in these cities during June 4-11, it said.
Rs 5 Lakh Deposit For Children Orphaned Due To Covid: Maharashtra Minister Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Yashomati Thakur said that Rs 5 lakh will be deposited in the accounts of children who have lost their parents (mother and father) due to COVID-19, which they will receive after turning 21, according to news agency ANI. For children who have lost one parent, they are likely to receive Rs 2,500, it quoted her as saying.
Goa Adds 706 New Covid cases, 22 Deaths
Goa on Wednesday reported 706 new coronavirus positive cases and 22 fatalities, taking the tally to 1,57,275 and the death count to 2,693, a health official said, according to news agency PTI. A total of 1,711 patients were discharged during the day, taking the count of recoveries in Goa so far to 1,43,742, he said. Goa is now left with 10,840 active cases, the official said. With 3,715 new tests, the total number of samples tested so far in Goa has risen to 8,31,372, he added.
594 Doctors Died Due To Covid In Second Wave: Top Medical Body
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has said that 594 doctors have died due to COVID-19 in the ongoing second wave, with Delhi recording the maximum 107 fatalities, according to news agency PTI. The IMA, which is the country's top medical body, said that 748 doctors died of the infection across India in the first wave of the pandemic.
Delhi recorded 107 deaths in the second wave, followed by Bihar 96, Uttar Pradesh 67, Rajasthan 43, Jharkhand 39 and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana 32 each, according to data compiled at the IMA's COVID-19 registry.
Bengal Forms Panel To Discuss Modalities For Board Exams
The West Bengal Higher Secondary Board has formed an expert committee to discuss whether the Class 12 examination can be conducted during the prevailing COVID crisis and if not, then how the evaluation will be done, according to news agency ANI. The report will be submitted within 72 hours, it said. The state authorities, meanwhile, cancelled Wednesday's press conference to announce the schedule of Class 10 and 12 board examinations, reported PTI. No reason was assigned for the cancellation.
Proposal Sent To Disaster Management Authority For Class 12 Exams: Maharashtra MinisterMaharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said a proposal has been sent to the Disaster Management Authority regarding the Class 12 state board examinations, according to news agency ANI. "They will hold a meeting and a decision will be taken in a day or two. The health and safety of the students are our priority," said the minister.
Hyderabad Markets See Lesser Crowd With Relaxation In Lockdown Curbs
After relaxation in timings amid Covid-induced lockdown in Telangana, fewer people were seen in the markets in Hyderabad on Wednesday, reported news agency ANI. This came as the relaxation timings in the state have been extended to 7 hours daily from 6 am to 1 pm instead of only four hours from 6 am to 10 am like before the new rules are implemented. The lockdown in Telangana, which was earlier scheduled to end on May 31, was extended by another 10 days on Sunday but some relaxations in the timings have been given by the state government.
India Ranks 3rd Globally With Over 21 Crore Vaccinations So Far: MinisterUnion Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy on Wednesday said that with over 21 crore of its people vaccinated against Covid, India ranks third globally in absolute number of COVID-19 doses administered till now among its citizens till date, reported news agency ANI.
Mr Reddy said that many as 21,85,00,000 people have been vaccinated across the country so far. "There is a large-scale vaccination drive going on. Compared to other countries of the world, India is the third country to inoculate so many people," he added.
"Factually Incorrect": Centre On Reports On Number Of Covid Jabs Given In MayThe Union health ministry has termed as "factually incorrect and without any basis" media reports alleging that while the Centre has promised 120 million (12 crore) doses of anti-Covid vaccines in June, only around 58 million (5.8 crore) doses were administered of the 79 million (7.9 crore) doses available in May, reported news agency PTI.
According to the ministry's data at 7 am on June 1, between May 1-31, a total of 61.06 million vaccine doses were administered by the states and Union territories. A total of 16.22 million balance and unutilised doses were available with the states. The total number of vaccine shots available from May 1-31 was 79.45 million, the ministry said in a statement.
Coronavirus: Mizoram Logs 235 New COVID-19 Cases, 4 More Deaths
Mizoram on Wednesday reported 235 new COVID-19 cases, taking the state's tally to 12,634, official sources said. The state also reported four more COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday, which took the death toll to 44 on Wednesday, the state information and public relations department said in its official Twitter handle. At least 3,752 new samples were tested for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours and 6.26 per cent of them came out positive for COVID-19, the department said.
COVID-19: Every Indian Has Right To Free Vaccine, Says Ashok Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said free universal vaccination is the right of every Indian. "All previous central governments have been taking this programme forward. Now when the nation is grappling with an unprecedented health crisis, to deny vaccination to all is totally unjust," Ashok Gehlot tweeted. "Let us all raise our voices against this inefficiency and insensitivity of the NDA and demand Free Universal Vaccination," he said in support of the Congress party's online campaign for free anti-Covid jabs for all.
Jammu Ramps Up Covid Vaccination Drive, Over 4.52 Lakh People Vaccinated So Far
Coronavirus: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Inaugurates 500-Bed Covid Care Centre At Haldwani
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat on Wednesday virtually inaugurated a 500-bed COVID-19 Care Centre built by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Haldwani. The Centre has been dedicated and named after late former Army chief Gen Bipin Chandra Joshi. According to DRDO, the Centre will become fully operational from tomorrow.
COVID-19 News: Jammu Ramps Up Covid Vaccination Drive, Over 4.52 Lakh People Vaccinated So Far
Jammu district has been rigorously vaccinating its residents against COVID-19. So far, 4,52,000 beneficiaries have been inoculated in various categories. As many as 3,65,000 beneficiaries above the age of 45 years have been given their first dose of the Covid vaccine, said Jammu Deputy Commissioner Anshul Garg.
Coronavirus News: ''No Vaccination, No Salary'' For Government Employees In UP District
In a bid to encourage Covid vaccination, the district administration Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad has ordered that government employees will not receive their salaries unless they are vaccinated, an official said on Wednesday. Chief Development Officer, Charchit Gaur said that District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh has issued an oral order of "no vaccination, no salary".
Pfizer, Others To Get Indemnity? "No Problem," Say Government Sources
To speed up approvals for Pfizer and Moderna in India, the government may grant a major concession requested by them - indemnity from liability. Health Ministry sources have said other countries have done it and "there is no problem" in granting indemnity or legal protection from any claims linked to the use of a company's COVID-19 vaccine.
Read Here Coronavirus India News: Drive-In COVID-19 Vaccination Facility Launched In Indore
To give a boost to the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination programme, the administration in Indore on Tuesday launched a drive-in vaccination facility for people above 45 years of age. The people above 45 years can get the jabs at these facilities by sitting in their cars or on two-wheelers. The facility of on-the-spot registration is also made available at these spots. The drive-in vaccination centres are being run by the Municipal Corporation and the Health Department.
"Low Positivity, High Vaccination": Top Medical Body Chief's Unlock Guide
Lockdowns imposed by state governments to break the chain of transmission have to be lifted "very gradually, very slowly" to avoid a third wave of infections, ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said Tuesday afternoon, during a central government briefing on the Covid situation in India. Dr Bhargava suggested a three-point plan - focusing on a low positivity rate, vaccination and Covid-appropriate behaviour - to help states identify areas where the lockdown can lifted.
Read Here Coronavirus Updates: 3 New COVID-19 Deaths, 13 Fresh Cases In Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands COVID-19 caseload rose to 7,018 as 13 more people tested positive for the infection, while three fresh fatalities pushed the union territory's coronavirus death toll to 118, a health official said on Wednesday. Eleven new patients were detected during contact tracing while two have travel history, he said. Twenty-six more people have been cured of the disease, taking the total number of recoveries in the archipelago to 6,745, the official said.
Coronavirus: "My Message From Covid Sickbed": Shashi Tharoor's Video On Vaccine Policy
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who is recuperating after testing positive for coronavirus in April, this morning tweeted a message for the government on the vaccine policy. "Save India from Covid. Make vaccines free for all," he said in a nearly two-minute long video.
Read Here Coronavirus News: India Records 1,32,788 New Infections, 3,207 Deaths In 24 Hours
India's total tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 2,83,07,832 with 1,32,788 new infections, while the recoveries have surged to 2,61,79,085, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The death count increased to 3,35,102 with 3,207 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
A total of 35,00,57,330 samples tested up to June 1, inclusive of data reconciled by the States. Of these, 20,19,773 samples were tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Hyderabad Drugmaker To Make Canada Firm's mRNA Covid Vaccine In India
Hyderabad-based Biological E said on Tuesday it has entered into a licensing agreement with Providence Therapeutics Holdings to manufacture the Canadian company's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in India. Biological E., which also has a separate deal to produce about 600 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 shot annually, will run a clinical trial of Providence's vaccine in India and seek emergency use approval for it, the company said in a statement.
Israel Sees Probable Link Between Pfizer Shots, Heart Inflammation Cases
Israel's Health Ministry said on Tuesday it found the small number of heart inflammation cases observed mainly in young men who received Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in Israel were likely linked to their vaccination. Pfizer has said it has not observed a higher rate of the condition, known as myocarditis, than would normally be expected in the general population.
Only One Strain Of Covid Variant Found In India Is Now "Of Concern": WHO
The WHO said Tuesday that only one strain of the Covid-19 Delta variant first detected in India was now considered "of concern", while two other strains had been downgraded. The B.1.617 variant of the virus, which has in part been blamed for explosive outbreak in the country, has been dubbed a triple mutant variant since it is split into three lineages.
Mizoram reported 235 COVID-19 cases and two deaths yesterday, taking active cases to 3,243 and death toll to 44: State government.
India welcomes 15 ventilators, 12000 tablets of Favipiravir from Iceland
India on early Wednesday received a consignment of 15 ventilators, and 12000 tablets of Favipiravir from Iceland as the country combat the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
The information about the consignment was shared by Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson Ministry of External Affairs, through his Twitter handle.
"Taking forward our warm and friendly ties. Welcome consignment of 15 Ventilators and 12000 tablets of Favipiravir that arrived from Iceland early this morning," tweeted Mr Bagchi.
Jharkhand extends lockdown-like restrictions till June 10 with some relaxations
The Jharkhand government on Tuesday extended the lockdown-like restrictions till June 10 with some easing, an official said.
This is the fourth time that the curbs, first imposed on April 22 for a week, were extended. The ongoing measures to contain coronavirus surge were scheduled to end on June 3.
"The Health Safety Week now stands extended till June 10. Some relaxations have been given, including the opening of all shops in 15 districts from 6 am to 2 pm with certain conditions," the official said.
Committed to help India in fighting dangerous virus, sent another shipment of Sputnik V vaccine: Russia
Continuing its support to India to fight the COVID-19 surge, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday said that another shipment of Sputnik V vaccine has been sent to India as Russia is committed to help Indian friends in these difficult times.
"Today, we have sent another shipment of Sputnik V vaccine to India as a follow up to massive steps we have made to provide assistance to India," replied Mr Lavrov to ANI query regarding Sputnik V during a press conference after the BRICS meeting.
"Russia is committed to help our Indian friends in fighting this dangerous virus (COVID-19)," he added.