This Article is From Jun 01, 2021

Coronavirus India Highlights: Covid Strain 1st Detected In India Named "Delta Variant", Says WHO

Covid-19 variants are to be known by letters of the Greek alphabet to avoid stigmatising nations where they were first detected, the WHO said.

Coronavirus India Highlights: Covid Strain 1st Detected In India Named 'Delta Variant', Says WHO

Coronavirus Cases in India: The recovery rate is 91.60 per cent.

New Delhi:

The COVID-19 variant first found in India will henceforth be referred to as the "Delta variant", the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today. Covid-19 variants are to be known by letters of the Greek alphabet to avoid stigmatising nations where they were first detected, it said.

The new system applies to variants of concern -- the most troubling of which four are in circulation -- and the second-level variants of interest being tracked.

"They will not replace existing scientific names, but are aimed to help in public discussion," said Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's Covid-19 technical lead.

New cases of coronavirus infection in India were recorded over 1.52 lakh, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,80,47,534 according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The COVID-19 active caseload is 20,26,092 which now comprises 7.22 per cent of the total infections.

The recovery rate is 91.60 per cent, the data stated.

A total of 1,52,734 new infections were registered in a day, while the death count increased to 3,29,100 with 3,128 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Meanwhile, with more than 8,000 children catching the coronavirus in the month of May in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar, the state has started taking extra steps to minimise the impact of a possible third wave of COVID-19 that may affect children more.

In Maharashtra's Sangli city, a COVID-19 ward is being prepared especially for children. Currently, five children are being treated here and the facility is being prepared for more patients.

"We have prepared this Covid ward for kids so that if and when the third wave comes, we are prepared. And kids will not feel they are in a hospital but instead will feel they are in a school or a nursery," corporator Abhijit Bhosale said.

Here are the Highlights on Covid-19 Cases in India:

Jun 01, 2021 05:27 (IST)
Rajasthan reports 68 coronavirus deaths, 1,498 new cases

Rajasthan recorded 68 COVID-19 deaths and 1,498 new cases on Monday, taking the total number of fatalities and case tally to 8,385 and 9,39,958 respectively, a health bulletin stated.

Jaipur reported the highest number of 18 deaths followed by Udaipur (eight), Bikaner and Sriganganagar (five each), according to the bulletin.

Of the fresh positive cases, the maximum of 220 cases were reported from Jaipur while 135 and 127 persons were tested positive in Alwar and Jodhpur, respectively.

A total of 8,88,919 people have recovered from the infection across the state and the number of active cases at present is 42,654.

Jun 01, 2021 04:57 (IST)
Rajasthan Eases Lockdown Restrictions Amid Decline In Covid-19 Cases

As the declining trend in COVID-19 cases continued, the Rajasthan government on Monday issued guidelines to start the "unlock" process by easing certain restrictions from June 2. Read Here
Jun 01, 2021 04:47 (IST)
Covid: Noida starts special vaccine drive from Jun 1 for parents with kids aged below 12

A special anti-Covid vaccination campaign will begin from Tuesday in Noida and Greater Noida for inoculating parents or guardians of children aged 12 or below, officials said on Monday.

The special campaign begins from two centres - JP International School in Greater Noida and the Primary Health Centre Bisrakh - where covishield would be administered to beneficiaries, the officials said.

"The campaign has been started on instructions of District Magistrate Suhas LY so that common people can benefit from the programmes run by the government," District Immunisation Officer Neeraj Tyagi said.

"All such parents or guardians will have to book their slots through CoWIN portal. They must select the special centres allotted for them before reaching the vaccination centre at scheduled time and date," he said.

The beneficiaries will have to produce an identification document along with a proof of being parent or guardian of a child or children below 12 years of age, Mr Tyagi said.
Jun 01, 2021 04:34 (IST)
Morocco's COVID-19 tally rises to 5,19,216

Morocco's COVID-19 tally rose to 5,19,216 on Monday as 108 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours.

The country's coronavirus death count hit 9,147 with four new fatalities added during the last 24 hours, while 231 people are in intensive care units, according to a statement by the Ministry of Health.

The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased by 163 to 507,125, the statement said.

The COVID-19 fatality rate in Morocco stands at 1.8 per cent and the recovery rate at 97.7 per cent.
Jun 01, 2021 03:45 (IST)
Jun 01, 2021 02:45 (IST)
Rajasthan wasted 11.5 lakh doses of coronavirus vaccine: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday alleged that Rajasthan wasted 11.5 lakh doses of coronavirus vaccine.

The state government, however, said the wastage of vaccine in Rajasthan is less than 2 per cent, which is below the national average of 6 percent and permissible limit of 10 per cent.

Principal secretary medical and health Akhil Arora refuted a media report about the wastage of vaccines. He, however, directed the district collectors concerned to conduct a special audit of vaccination at the places highlighted in the news report.

 
Jun 01, 2021 02:00 (IST)
Jun 01, 2021 01:33 (IST)
Individuals, society have responsibility towards children orphaned by Covid: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari on Monday said every individual and the society have a responsibility towards the children who became orphan during the coronavirus pandemic.

He was speaking at the inauguration of a COVID-19 care centre in Vatsalya village in Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh.

"The service to dalit, the exploited, orphan, physically challenged and medically ill, in fact, is service to God," the minister said at the virtual inauguration event.

The Covid care centre in Vatsalya village is a step in that direction, Mr Gadkari said.
Jun 01, 2021 00:55 (IST)
Jharkhand Chief Minister writes to PM seeking free Covid vaccine for 18-44 age group

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought free Covid jabs for the 18-44 age group, saying the state was unable to incur nearly Rs 1,100 crore on it due to stressed resources. 

Mr Soren said the state was battling a deadly second wave of COVID-19 with its limited resources. 

"The financial burden on the state for vaccination of the age cohort of 18-44 years is likely to be more than Rs 1,100 crore considering 1.57 crore eligible beneficiaries. With vaccine being available for age cohort of 12-18 years and below, the mentioned financial burden will further increase by around Rs 1,000 crore. It will be extremely difficult to spare as much resources from the resource pool of the state which is already stressed during Covid times," the letter mentioned. 
Jun 01, 2021 00:02 (IST)
15,077 Covid Cases In A Day In Maharashtra; Mumbai Restrictions Eased
Maharashtra, the worst affected state in the country by the coronavirus pandemic, today reported 15,077 cases in 24 hours - lowest in three months. The daily death count has also dropped to a two-month low as the state reported 184 Covid fatalities today.

The state's Covid fatality rate now stands at 1.66%, positivity rate at 16.39%.

The recovery rate has shot past 93% and 33,000 patients were discharged today. Currently, there are 2,53,367 active cases in Maharashtra.
May 31, 2021 23:27 (IST)
Coronavirus Strain First Found In India Named "Delta Variant": WHO
The COVID-19 variant first found in India will henceforth be referred to as the "Delta variant", the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today. India had on May 12 objected to it, identified as B.1.617 till now, being labelled the "Indian variant". The world health body had earlier said that viruses or variants should not be identified by the names of countries they were found in.

"The labels don't replace existing scientific names, which convey important scientific information and will continue to be used in research. No country should be stigmatised for detecting and reporting Covid variants," said Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Technical lead COVID-19 at WHO.
May 31, 2021 21:33 (IST)
COVID-19: Nagaland reports more recoveries than fresh cases
Nagaland on Monday reported more recoveries than fresh COVID-19 cases as 215 people were cured of the disease while 117 new infections pushed the tally to 21,680, a health department official said.

This is for the first time since April 14 that the State has more patients recovering than fresh infections in a day.

"117 +ve cases of COVID-19 reported today. Kohima-47, Dimapur-33, Mokokchung-9, Wokha-Zunheboto-7 each, Mon-6, Kiphire-5, Longleng-Phek-Tuensang-1 each. 215 +ve patients have recovered. Dimapur- 128, Kohima- 36, Zunheboto- 12, Longleng-Phek- 11 each, Mon- 9, Kiphire-Mokokchung- 3 each, Peren- 2," said Health Minister S Pangnyu Phom in a tweet.
May 31, 2021 20:29 (IST)
Educate people about importance of vaccines and COVID-appropriate behaviour, Minister tells media
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Monday urged the media to "continuously" inform and educate people about the importance of COVID vaccines and COVID-appropriate behaviour so that all those above 18 years can be inoculated by December this year.

In a video message on Twitter, the minister said the COVID pandemic is a major crisis and vaccination is "the right treatment" for it.

But, even after inoculation, people should take all precautions and follow COVID-19 safety protocols like maintaining distance, wearing masks and keeping hands clean, he said.

"COVID-19 is a major crisis. Inoculation is the right treatment. People should also understand that even after inoculation, they should take precautions like maintaining a distance of two yards, wearing a mask and washing hands," Mr Javadekar said in Hindi.
May 31, 2021 19:11 (IST)
"Zero Vaccine Policy Like Dagger In Mother India's Heart": Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the central government has a "zero vaccine policy" which is acting as a "dagger in Mother India's heart".

He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over media reports which claimed that post-COVID the unemployment rate was in double digits in May this year.

"The zero vaccine policy of the Modi government is acting like a dagger in Mother India's heart. Sad truth," Mr Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.

"One man and his arrogance + One virus and its mutants," he said in another tweet, citing a report that claimed that "97 percent of Indians are poorer post-COVID".
May 31, 2021 18:57 (IST)

May 31, 2021 18:48 (IST)
COVID-19: Meghalaya reports more recoveries than new cases
Meghalaya on Monday reported more COVID-19 recoveries than fresh cases as 977 patients recuperated from the disease while 408 new infections, pushed the tally to 35,598, a senior Health department official said.

The state also reported 14 new COVID-19 fatalities which pushed the death toll to 578, Health Services Director, Aman War said.

The deaths were reported from East Khasi Hills district (9), Ri Bhoi (2) and one each from South West Khasi Hills, South West Garo Hills and West Jaintia Hills district.
May 31, 2021 18:19 (IST)
Goa sees 602 new COVID-19 cases, 1,825 recoveries, 24 deaths
Goa on Monday reported 602 fresh coronavirus positive cases and 24 fatalities, taking the tally to 1,55,666 and the toll to 2,649, a health department official said.

With 1,825 patients getting discharged during the day, the number of recoveries in Goa rose to 1,40,254, he said.

Goa is now left with 12,763 active cases, the official said.

With 3,004 new tests, the total number of samples tested so far in Goa has gone up to 8,22,937, he added.
May 31, 2021 18:11 (IST)
"Various Flaws": Supreme Court Grills Centre On Vaccine Decisions
The government on Monday faced several tough questions about its Covid vaccination policy, with the Supreme Court flagging "various flaws" in an inoculation drive criticised for differential pricing, shortage of doses, and lack of access from rural areas of the country.

The court was told the government expects to vaccinate all of India by end-2021, to which it highlighted roadblocks, including discrepancy in vaccine supply for different age groups.

The centre has been given two weeks to respond to these issues and concerns.
May 31, 2021 18:09 (IST)
Nearly 25 Crore Vaccine Doses Likely By August: Central Covid Panel
With ramping up of production capacities, nearly 25 crore 'Made in India' vaccines are expected to be available by August, a senior official has said and noted that it will go a long way in meeting the target of vaccinating one crore people daily against COVID-19.

There has been shortage of vaccines after it was decided to open up vaccination to all those above 18 years.

"Yesterday, SII in a letter mentioned that they will be manufacturing 10-12 crore of vaccine doses, which is almost 50 per cent ramping up (of their capacity) by June-end. Similarly, Covaxin is also going to increase its production and by July-end they will also produce between 10-12 crore doses (per month)," said Dr NK Arora, Chairman of COVID-19 working group under National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).
May 31, 2021 17:34 (IST)
Delhi records 648 fresh COVID-19 cases; positivity rate below 1%
Delhi on Monday reported 648 fresh COVID-19 cases, the lowest in two and a half months, and 86 more deaths, while the positivity rate fell below one per cent, the first time since March 19.

This is the second day that the daily deaths in the city remained below 100.

The number of active cases in the national capital is 11,040, according to a health bulletin
May 31, 2021 17:17 (IST)
COVID-19: 250-bed government hospital to come up in Bengaluru
A new 250-bed government hospital will be built in Mahadevapura in the city, Karnataka Forest, Kannada and Culture Aravind Limbavali said on Monday.

"The COVID-19 Task Force in the state has been asking for construction of more hospitals in Bengaluru. The construction of the government hospital will begin very soon," the minister said in a statement.

According to him, the building will have a special ward for children and also a maternity ward.
May 31, 2021 17:10 (IST)
Coronavirus news: ''Zero vaccine policy acting like dagger in Mother India's heart'', alleges Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the central government has a "zero vaccine policy" which is acting as a "dagger in Mother India's heart".

He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over media reports which claimed that post-COVID the unemployment rate was in double digits in May this year.

"The zero vaccine policy of the Modi government is acting like a dagger in Mother India's heart. Sad truth," Mr Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.

"One man and his arrogance + One virus and its mutants," he said in another tweet, citing a report that claimed that "97 percent of Indians are poorer post-COVID".

May 31, 2021 16:25 (IST)
"Next, Sedition Case For This TV Channel?": Top Judge's Scathing Remark
Supreme Court Justices DY Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao referred to visuals aired by NDTV of a dead body - a suspected COVID-19 patient - being dumped into a river in UP, in a sarcastic swipe against the flood of sedition cases that have been filed"
May 31, 2021 15:54 (IST)
COVID-19: WHO To Study Major Reforms, Meet Again On Pandemic Treaty
The World Health Organization, battling to coordinate the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, agreed on Monday to study recommendations for ambitious reforms made by independent experts to strengthen the agency.

Under the resolution put forward by the European Union, and adopted by consensus, member states are to be firmly in the driver's seat of the reforms, which follow criticisms of the global handling of the crisis.

The new virus has infected more than 170 million people and killed nearly 3.7 million, according to a Reuters tally of official national figures.
May 31, 2021 15:42 (IST)
COVID-19: Maharashtra's Raigad left with 6,857 active cases
Raigad district in Maharashtra has a COVID-19 caseload of 1,28,552, including 3,040 deaths, while the discharge of 1,18,655 people had left it with 6,857 patients under treatment at present, officials said on Monday.

Panvel, enjoying proximity to Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai due to a suburban train network run by Central Railway, leads with 1,426 active cases, followed by 974 in Alibag, and Poladpur at the bottom with 44 cases, they said.
May 31, 2021 15:26 (IST)
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May 31, 2021 15:24 (IST)
Mobile app launched to help Covid patients in Noida

A new mobile phone application to easily connect people, especially from rural areas, with doctors for medical consultation amid the COVID-19 outbreak was launched in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar district on Monday.

The app ''Upchaar'', an initiative of Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh with support from the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), was launched by District Magistrate Suhas L Y, Police Commissioner Alok Singh and Yamuna Authority CEO Arun Vir Singh.

According to officials, the bilingual Android app, which has been developed by Nashik-based Gunvant Battase, will be available on Google Play Store in a day or two while work is underway for its iOS version also.

May 31, 2021 15:07 (IST)
Coronavirus India Updates: Andhra Pradesh government extends COVID-19 curfew till June 10

The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday announced that it has extended the COVID-19 curfew in the state till June 10.

"Curfew extended till June 10th in Andhra Pradesh. Timings remain the same," informed Chief Minister's Office.

The curfew was scheduled to end today. Now the restrictions have been extended by 10 more days. The relaxation time remains the same from 6 am to 12 noon.
May 31, 2021 14:58 (IST)
Find Covid-19 Origin Or Face "Covid-26 And Covid-32", Warn US Experts

The world needs the cooperation of the Chinese government to trace the origins of Covid-19 and prevent future pandemic threats, two leading U.S. disease experts said Sunday.

Information to support the theory that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may have escaped from a lab in Wuhan, China, has increased, said Scott Gottlieb, a commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration in the Trump administration who now sits on the board of Pfizer Inc.

China hasn't provided evidence to disprove that theory, while the search for signs that the virus emerged from wildlife hasn't yielded results, Gottlieb said on CBS News's "Face the Nation."

May 31, 2021 14:15 (IST)
Puducherry logs 627 new Covid-19 cases, overall tally rises to 1,04,453

The union territory of Puducherry reported 627 new coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours taking the overall tally to 1,04,453, a senior
official of the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services said on Monday.

The 627 new cases were identified at the end of the examination of 7,001 samples projecting a test positivity rate of 8.96 per cent, Director of Health and Family Welfare Services S Mohan Kumar said.

The Puducherry region alone accounted for 494 of the 627 fresh cases followed by Karaikal (93), Yanam (28) and Mahe (12).
May 31, 2021 13:29 (IST)
Justice Chandrachud
We want to make sure that arms of the nation is strengthened. The fact that MEA travelled to USA and spoke to stakeholders shows how serious you are

Centre: PM Modi before this had spoken to all the heads of the nation.

Supreme Court: We will not say anything which will impede any negotiations abroad and the welfare of the nation. We give two weeks' time to Centre to respond to the issues on vaccination policy
May 31, 2021 13:26 (IST)
Centre: There is no cast in stone policy as dynamism of the situation changes and government must change it

Supreme Court
  • Idea is not to pull down anybody or criticise anybody
  • We are not going to run Govt or policy. The purpose of hearing to create forum a dialogue so that voices across the spectrum can be heard and Centre takes into account
  • External Affairs Minister travelled to USA on vaccine issue and it shows the seriousness of the government

Justice Bhat: If government can produce the file which went into making the vaccination policy it would be helpful

Centre: If something can be changed for better government will do
May 31, 2021 13:24 (IST)
Supreme Court
  • 70% of vaccination done in urban areas
  • Government will have to address that vaccine not going to rural areas

Justice Chandrachud
  • Centre has to plan and formulate so that clear cut guidelines for entire country
  • We need policy based on scientific anticipation and perhaps it is lacking today
  • We would like the vaccination policy to be addended
  • Centre must have policy clear cut which can provide clarity to states and administrative authorities across the country
  • We are making appeal to you. Let there be flexibility on policy.      
May 31, 2021 13:23 (IST)
Justice LN Rao
How can we pin down the Government to old policy?
One can say new policy is not effective

Justice Chandrachud
New policy has to meet the touchstone of Constitution

Meenakshi Arora, Amicus
National Task Force can frame guidelines on what sort of masks can wear

Justice Chandrachud
There was picture of body being lifted from river
I don't know whether complaint of sedition has been filed against the news channel for showing the photograph
May 31, 2021 13:21 (IST)
Amicus
  • States have filed before SC wanting Centre to provide vaccines
  • Nothing in policy that 18-44 will get free vaccination
  • States must come forward and inform that free vaccination will be given

Centre: States have written to us vaccination will be free of cost

Amicus to Supreme Court
  • Differential pricing should not be there
  • Outside India vaccine manufacturers are selling for less price

Meenakshi Arora, Amicus
  • Private hospitals saying pay Rs.900 and take the vaccine immediately
  • For an average Indian family, it is high price
  • Vaccine policy of earlier years was to give free vaccine to all and it must be followed
May 31, 2021 13:18 (IST)
Centre
  • If we open for all it will be crowded
  • We have to have a system which provides for slots
  • For 45 plus there is no overcrowding
  • There is an option for walk in for 45 plus for vaccination

Amicus Jaideep Gupta to Supreme Court
  • Things have changed on the ground
  • Pandemic slightly under control
  • Laudatory decisions have been taken by Centre
  • GST issues referred to a committee
  • Several petitions on GST may not be heard now because GST committee is looking into it
  • Oxygen issues court should not go into now as National Task Force is looking into it
  • Oxygen demand has also come down
  • Supreme Court order on May 6 -National Task Force can also examine medical facilities, drugs, shortages also
  • For the present hearing is to achieve vaccination in shortest time
  • Within 6 months if we can control pandemic then virus cannot move around
  • Centre must procure for everyone
  • 25% of total production of vaccine available to states
May 31, 2021 13:14 (IST)
Justice Chandrachud
  • Supreme Court pointed out various flaws and there must be some flexibility on the part of centre.
  • Our arms are strong enough to come down
  • We expect some sort of resilience from government
  • Digital divide is far from perfect
  • Look at serious ramifications and government must have flexibility
Centre
  • It is flexible and depends on changing circumstances
  • We permitted vaccinations at work place
Justice Chandrachud
  • Give us the policy document. We do not want the affidavit
  • What is the policy in black and white. we want the document
May 31, 2021 13:11 (IST)
Justice Chandrachud to Centre

You can have COWIN but there is a digital divide. How are you ensuring migrant workers going from one state to another to get vaccinated?

Please see what is happening across the country and amend your policy.

Centre to Supreme Court 

When a decision taken for entire country infrastructure of the country will have to be kept in mind and there may be infrastructure constraint, social distancing etc

In the larger interest it is not permissible to have walk in vaccination
May 31, 2021 13:10 (IST)
Centre: Limited choice is available. Priority is vaccination. We will place it on record

Justice Chandrachud: For 45 plus age group Centre is providing vaccine. How the logistics is working?

For 50% quota for 45 Plus how does it work?

Solicitor General: I will take instructions and reply in few minutes

Supreme Court: If Centre submits the files we can examine

Centre: Villagers can go to computer centre in village and register and they will be vaccinated

Supreme Court: Is it really practicable? Policy makers have ears to the ground.
May 31, 2021 13:02 (IST)
Centre: Most of concerns expressed by court taken care of. This exercise may not be necessary.

Justice Chandrachud to Centre: Are you saying that for pre 45 age Centre will distribute vaccine

Solicitor General: I cannot be able to say this now. There are several factors

May 31, 2021 13:00 (IST)
Justice Chandrachud to Centre
  • Why states have to pay the higher price. Centre has to take over the responsibility that one price for the whole nation
  • Everyone has to register on COWIN. the digital divide
  • Is it realistically possible to expect from rural areas to register on COWIN.
  • How do you expect rural people to register on COWIN
May 31, 2021 12:59 (IST)
Justice Chandrachud: 
  • For all the entire poplulation of above 45 years Centre is procuring but for 18-45 two fold bifurcation. 50% available provided to states by manufactures and the price is fixed by centre
  • Rest of the 50% to be given to private hospitals.
  • What is the basis for Centre in respect of 45 and above age group Centre will procure vaccine and provide free
  • But for 18-45 group 50% procurement will be by private hospitals.
  • Your rationale was mortality in 45 above is high.
  • It is second pandemic post 45 is not serioulsy affected it is pre 45 suffer and continue to suffer
  • If the purpose is to procure vaccine, why Centre should procure only 45 and above age
  • Is age 18+ can afford to the price ?
May 31, 2021 12:58 (IST)
Centre: By the end of this year we expect entire population to get vaccinated. Please do not go into this issue on global tender. 

Supreme Court examining the price structure looking at the files will hamper

Justice Bhat: There are certain issues we will not get into. but what is the rationale behind the dual policy of vaccine pricing
May 31, 2021 12:56 (IST)
Supreme Court hears matters relating to COVID-19

Supreme Court on vaccine policy -

Supreme Court to Centre: Is it the policy of Government to allow municipal corporations and states to issue global tender for vaccines from foreign countries? Or Centre will be nodal agency to obtain vaccine for states.

Why the Centre has the price fixing powers? Why Government left it to manufacturers to fix the price of vaccines

Centre: Some corporations states floated global tenders. This question is academic

Supreme Court: It is not academic. Mumbai Municipal Corporation received bids from Sputnik

Supreme Court to Centre: Are you leaving it to individual states or Centre representing entire country and will get and distribute to states.

Supreme Court: It is not practical for induvial states to get vaccine from abroad, Leaving them in lurch

May 31, 2021 12:39 (IST)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Arunachal reports 172 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death

Arunachal Pradesh's COVID-19 tally rose to 26,950 on Monday as 172 more people tested positive for the infection, while one fresh fatality pushed the northeastern state's coronavirus death toll to 115, a senior health official said.

The Capital Complex region recorded the highest number of fresh cases at 52, followed by Lower Subansiri (20) and Upper Subansiri and Tawang (17 each), State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said.

A 74-year-old woman succumbed to the disease at a COVID hospital in Tawang district, he said. 

The state now has 3,783 active cases, while 23,052 people have recovered from the disease so far, including 306 on Sunday.
May 31, 2021 11:53 (IST)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurates a free vaccination facility at a govt school at ITO for journalists and their family members

"We have started this facility to vaccinate journalists and their family members in both 45+ and 18 to 44 age categories," says Mr Kejriwal.

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May 31, 2021 11:43 (IST)
Just In| Expect entire population to get vaccinated by the end of this year, centre tells Supreme Court
May 31, 2021 11:42 (IST)
Social distancing norms flouted at a vegetable market in Ludhiana; visuals from earlier today.

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May 31, 2021 10:28 (IST)
20 new cases push COVID-19 tally of Andamans to 6,984

The COVID-19 caseload in Andaman and Nicobar Islands rose to 6,984 as 20 more people tested positive for the disease in the Union Territory, a health department official said on Monday.

Two new patients have travel history and others were detected during contact tracing, he said.

The death toll rose to 114 as one more fatality due to the infection was reported in the last 24 hours, the official said.

At least 23 people were cured of the disease during the period, taking the total number of recoveries in the archipelago to 6,683.
May 31, 2021 09:29 (IST)
Just In| India sees lowest daily rise in Covid cases in 50 days with 1.52 lakh new infections; 3,128 deaths in last 24 hours
May 31, 2021 08:50 (IST)
COVID-19 relief kits to be distributed after quality tests in Uttarakhand's Dharchula

After complaints of the distribution of used masks and gloves were reported in Dharchula of Pithoragarh, the district administration passed an order stating that no relief goods will be distributed without quality testing.

After taking cognizance of the matter, Deputy Collector Dharchula Anil Kumar Shukla passed an order dated May 29, stating that no goods will be distributed without quality testing.

During COVID-19 pandemic, many people and organisations are distributing sanitisers, masks, gloves and medicine and the same is being purchased by hospitals and nurses are complaining of allergies due to the release of used gloves and other items.


May 31, 2021 08:20 (IST)
Coronavirus India Updates: Mizoram reports 99 new COVID-19 cases

Mizoram has reported 99 new COVID-19 cases, taking the active caseload to 3,034 in the state, the health department said on Monday.

As per the health department, Mizoram''s positivity rate is at 13.30 per cent.

As many as 54 people have been discharged after recovering from the infection in the last 24 hours taking the total recoveries in the state to 9,015.

With two new fatalities the COVID-19 death toll in the state stood at 38, the department said.
May 31, 2021 07:43 (IST)
Lions Club of Guwahati launches two auto ambulances for COVID patients in the city

"This initiative was launched on May 12 & over 70 patients have so far availed service. The ambulance is equipped with oxygen cylinder," says club member Manoj Bhajanka.

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May 31, 2021 07:30 (IST)
COVID-19: First shipment from Ukraine carrying 184 oxygen concentrators arrives in India

An aircraft carrying the first shipment of 184 oxygen concentrators arrived from Ukraine to India on Monday, as the country battles the second wave of coronavirus pandemic.

"Thank Ukraine for first shipment of 184 oxygen concentrators that arrived early this morning," tweeted Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.

Several countries have come forward to help India as the country fights the second wave of COVID-19.
May 31, 2021 07:02 (IST)
Telangana government extends lockdown by 10 days

Telangana government on Sunday decided to extend the ongoing lockdown in the state, which was to end on May 31, by another 10 days.

The decision was taken in the state cabinet meeting on Sunday at Hyderabad's Pragathi Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao.

"Cabinet meeting has resolved to continue Telangana lockdown for another 10 days and daily relaxation has been extended from 6 am to 1 pm. Limited revival of economic activity is also consented. The guidelines will be issued soon," Telangana Minister KTR tweeted.
May 31, 2021 06:25 (IST)
Hyderabad Metro to operate between 7 am and 12:45 pm in view of lockdown

In view of the further extension of lockdown declared by the Telangana government, Hyderabad Metro Rail service will operate its trains between 7 am and 12:45 pm.

"In view of the further extension of lockdown declared by the Government of Telangana, the timings of the Hyderabad Metro Rail service have been rescheduled. During this period, Hyderabad Metro Rail will start its first train from respective terminal stations at 7 am; while the last train will start at 11:45 am and reach the respective terminating stations by 12:45 pm," read a statement from Hyderabad Metro Rail.

"For everyone''s safety, passengers are also advised to strictly follow the COVID-19 safety guidelines, including social distancing, wearing of face masks, regular hand sanitisation and thermal screening, among others," it added.
May 31, 2021 06:15 (IST)
Maharashtra Preps For 3rd Wave As Covid Hits 8,000 Children In 1 District

With more than 8,000 children catching the coronavirus in the month of May in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar, the state has started taking extra steps to minimise the impact of a possible third wave of COVID-19 that may affect children more. Read Here
May 31, 2021 06:08 (IST)
Maharashtra Restrictions Extended, Shop Timings Changed. See Details

All essential shops, which were open from 7am to 11am, can now operate from 7am to 2 pm, Maharashtra announced today easing restrictions for districts with less than 10 per cent Covid positivity rate and where occupancy of total oxygen beds available. Read Here
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