COVID-19 India Highlights: Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit state with 460 cases. (File)
About 1,525 people in India have contracted the Omicron variant since the first case was reported in late November, data from Health Ministry showed. Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit state with 460 cases.
The country also reported a 21 per cent jump in new Covid cases as it reported 27,553 infections today. About 284 people died due to the virus during the period, the data showed.
Twenty-three states in India have reported the fast-spreading Omicron variant so far. Maharashtra, which has reported the most number of COVID-10 cases, has 460 Omicron cases, followed by Delhi with 351 infections.
Delhi recorded a massive 50 per cent jump in coronavirus cases on Saturday, at 2,716, with around 3.64 percent of COVID-19 tests returning positive - a high positivity rate considered one of the first signs of an impending wave of infections.
The city also recorded one death.
Meanwhile, Cinema halls and sports complexes will be closed in Gurgaon and four other cities in Haryana as part of restrictions imposed on Saturday by the state government in view of a surge in coronavirus cases and the emergence of Omicron variant. Schools are also closed till January 12.
India saw 22,775 new infections being reported on Saturday, while the number of deaths climbed to 4,81,080 with 220 daily fatalities, the data stated.
The active cases comprised 0.30 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.32 per cent, the health ministry said.
Here are the Highlights on Coronavirus cases in India:
Rajasthan Imposes Covid Curbs On Political Rallies, Fairs, WeddingsThe Rajasthan government on Sunday capped the number of people attending political and other rallies, dharnas, fairs and weddings at 100 and ordered closure of schools in Jaipur city for classes 1 to 8, in view of rising COVID-19 cases.
The decisions were taken at a Covid review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Jaipur.
Schools for classes 1 to 8 will be closed in Jaipur from January 3 to 9, while the other restrictions are applicable for entire Rajasthan and will come into force from 5 am on January 7, according to guidelines issued by the home department.
A maximum of 100 people will be allowed in marriage functions, public, political, social or educational meetings and processions, dharnas, fairs and such events, it stated.
Karnataka: Vigilance stepped up in border districts amid rising COVID-19 cases
Amid rising COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said that the state government has issued instructions for strict vigilance in border districts as the region has high business interaction with Mumbai.
Speaking to the media here at Belagavi airport, Mr Bommai said, "COVID-19 cases are rising in the state and the bordering states. We have issued instructions for a strict vigil in border districts as the region has high business interaction with Mumbai."
Mr Bommai added that only fully vaccinated people are being allowed in the state. Not only the Belagavi check post but other check posts around have also been asked to tighten measures. About 11 check posts have been put up in the Vijayapura district. Though the tight measures would cause a bit of inconvenience to passengers, it is inevitable in the interest of public health in Belagavi district."
Speaking on the vaccination drive, he said, "A vaccination drive for children aged 15 to 18 years is being launched on January 3. Instructions have been issued to implement it in a systematic way. Prime Minister Modi's desire to bring the children within secure bio-bubble is being realised through the vaccination drive to be launched on January 3. Vaccination would be held on January 10 for those who are over 60 years old with comorbidities."
The CM further assured that the state is fully prepared for the expected third
Kolkata's Victoria Memorial to remain shut for public from Monday amid rising COVID-19 casesIn view of rising COVID-19 cases in the state, the galleries, gardens of the famous Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata will remain closed for the public from Monday onwards, until further orders.
The Project Mapping Show held each evening will also remain closed for the public till further orders from Monday onwards.
"In view of the surge of infections caused by the Covid-19 virus, including the Omicron variant, and the restrictions imposed by the Government as per the Disaster Management Act 2005, the galleries and gardens of the Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata, as well as the Projection Mapping show each evening, will remain closed to the public with effect from tomorrow, Monday, 3 January 2022, until further orders. Visitors and patrons are requested to kindly bear with us," read an order from the Secretary and Curator of the Victoria Memorial Hall.
The West Bengal government on Sunday decided to shut down schools and other educational institutes, spas, salons, beauty parlours, zoos, and entertainment parks from January 3.
Kolkata's Victoria Memorial to remain shut for public from Monday amid rising COVID-19 casesIn view of rising COVID-19 cases in the state, the galleries, gardens of the famous Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata will remain closed for the public from Monday onwards, until further orders.
The Project Mapping Show held each evening will also remain closed for the public till further orders from Monday onwards.
"In view of the surge of infections caused by the Covid-19 virus, including the Omicron variant, and the restrictions imposed by the Government as per the Disaster Management Act 2005, the galleries and gardens of the Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata, as well as the Projection Mapping show each evening, will remain closed to the public with effect from tomorrow, Monday, 3 January 2022, until further orders. Visitors and patrons are requested to kindly bear with us," read an order from the Secretary and Curator of the Victoria Memorial Hall.
The West Bengal government on Sunday decided to shut down schools and other educational institutes, spas, salons, beauty parlours, zoos, and entertainment parks from January 3.
Madras High Court to have only virtual hearings from Monday till further orders
The Madras High Court will not resume physical hearings from January 3 as was announced, it was said on Sunday.
The Acting Chief Justice Justice MN Bhandari issued orders owing to a spurt in Omicron variant of coronavirus. The orders apply to the functioning of the Principal Seat here as well as the Bench in Madurai and all the subordinate courts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, said a notification from P Dhanabal, Regsitrar General of the Madras High Court.
"Physical hearing and hybrid option before all courts shall remain suspended. All hearings shall be through virtual mode only," it said.
Filing of papers, copy applications and receiving the order copies among others in emergent matters alone would be through e-mail and in exceptional cases, it shall be through the respective counters/drop boxes provided for the purpose subject to strict adherence to Covid-19 safety protocol, it said.
This arrangement shall be operational from Monday till further orders, it added.
Last week, a notification said the Madras High Court would have only physical hearing of cases from January 3.
5 more Omicron cases reported in TelanganaFive more Omicron cases have been recorded in Telangana, taking the total number of cases of the new coronavirus variant in the state to 84, the state health department said on Sunday.
All five cases were passengers who arrived at the international airport here from countries other than those declared "at risk" by the Centre, it said in a bulletin.
The bulletin said 32 Omicron-infected people have cumulatively recovered from the new variant, leaving the number of active cases at 52. It said 30 samples are awaited with regard to their Omicron status.
Apollo Hospitals to start COVID-19 vaccination for children from Monday
Apollo Hospitals on Sunday said it will commence the COVID-19 vaccination programme for children in the age group of 15 to 18 years across its centres from January 3.
The vaccine administered will be Covaxin, which has received emergency use approval for children by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the healthcare provider said in a statement.
The vaccine will be administered in two doses at a gap of 28 days, it added.
Apollo Hospitals' specially trained staff will be deployed to take care of the vaccination programme.
Over 6.35 lakh registrations on CoWIN for Covid vaccination of 15-18 years age group
The CoWIN platform has till Sunday evening recorded over six lakh registrations in the age group of 15 to 18 years whose Covid vaccination is set to begin from January 3.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya advised states and Union Territories to provide separate vaccination centres, session sites, queue and different vaccination teams for the 15-18 year age group to avoid the mixing-up of vaccines.
The vaccine option for this age group would only be Covaxin, according to guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry on December 27.
The Drugs Controller General of India granted emergency use authorisation to indigenously-developed Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for children above 12 years with certain conditions on December 24.
COVID-19 vaccination for 15-18 age group: 10,000 doses to be given on Monday in Pune
A total of 10, 000 Covaxin doses will be administered to teens in the 15-18 age group in Pune city at 40 locations under the COVID-19 vaccination drive that will begin for this segment on Monday, an official said.
These 40 centres are spread across the 15 wards of Pune Municipal Corporation, Suryakant Devkar, the civic body's chief immunizations officer, said on Sunday.
"Each centre will have 250 doses. Half the doses will be for those registering online and the rest for on spot arrivals. Mayor Muralidhar Mohol took stock of the situation today. On Monday, a symbolic drive will take place at a local hospital for children in the presence of Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar," he added.
Uttar Pradesh to start vaccinating children aged 15-18 years from Monday
Uttar Pradesh will start administering COVID-19 vaccination doses to children aged 15-18 years from Monday. As per a press release from the state government, there are 1 crore 40 lakh children in the aforementioned age bracket.
The preparations for vaccinating children have been complete in the state, the release said. The registration of children for vaccines started on Saturday. Children can get themselves registered at the CoWin portal and book their vaccination slots.
"Class 10th ID card will be a valid document for the children to get their vaccination doses," added the release.
A database is being prepared with regards to the number of children aged 15-18 in each district who will receive their vaccination.
Over three lakhs of children will receive their vaccination in Lucknow, the capital of the state. In Lucknow, vaccination facilities will be available in various hospitals including PGI, Balrampur, Civil, Rani Laxmibai, Lokbandhu, Thakurganj TB Hospital, KGMU, Dufferin, Lohia, Mahanagar Bhaurao Deoras. In addition, children will also be vaccinated in community health centres, added the release.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked officials of the state health department to stay in touch with the Central government officials.
COVID-19: Kerala posts 2,802 new infections, 78 deaths
Kerala on Sunday recorded 2,802 fresh COVID-19 cases and 78 deaths, taking the caseload to 52,43,289 and the deaths to 48,113.
Of the 78 deaths, 12 were recorded over the last few days and 66 designated as COVID-19 deaths after receiving appeals based on the new guidelines of the Centre and the directions of the Supreme Court.
With 2,606 more people recovering from the virus since Saturday, the total recoveries reached 51,84,587 and the active cases dropped to 19,021, an official press release said.
As many as 50,180 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.
Among the 14 districts, Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest with 472 fresh cases, followed by Ernakulam 434 and Thrissur 342.
Of the new cases, 29 were health workers, 48 from outside the State and 2,595 infected through contact, with the source of it not being clear in 130.
Kerala Minister urges teachers, PTA to create awareness on children's vaccination
Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Sunday urged school teachers and Parent Teachers Association (PTA) to take initiative to vaccinate children against the coronavirus.
The Minister urged the school authorities and the PTA to also create awareness on the virus among students and the parents.
Around 15.4 lakh students, including 12 lakh studying in government schools and in the age group of 15 to 18 years, would receive the vaccine, the Minister's office said in a press release.
This includes students from CBSE, ICSE, ITI and polytechnic institutions.
"Everyday, the Education Department will collate the details of students who have been administered with the vaccine. The Minister will soon call a meeting of the other streams, including the CBSE and ICSE," the release said.
The vaccination for children is arranged at all General/District/Taluk/Community Health Centres till January 10 except on Wednesdays, the release said.
Tamil Nadu govt to commence virtual treatment for COVID-19 patients: Health minister
The Tamil Nadu government has planned to offer virtual treatment via home isolation to COVID-19 patients who have received both doses of vaccination and have been affected by the Omicron variant, Health Minister Ma Subramanian said on Sunday.
The virtual treatment would include the Omicron-affected individuals who have not received the vaccination but are 'asymptomatic'. They would be under constant monitoring by a medical team, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare said.
Ma Subramanian was talking to reporters after inspecting a medical camp in Chennai as part of the 17th Mega Vaccination Camp being held through 50,000 vaccination camps across the state.
"When there is an increase in Omicron-affected cases (in Tamil Nadu), the vaccinated patients affected by Omicron will be offered treatment under home isolation and those who have not been vaccinated and asymptomatic will be placed under constant monitoring by a team. Virtual treatment will be commenced soon in the state", he said.
Omicron Could Lead Israel To Herd Immunity: Health OfficialA surge of Omicron infections could see Israel reaching herd immunity, the country's top health official said on Sunday as daily cases continued to climb, reported Reuters.
The highly transmissible Omicron variant has brought a surge in coronavirus cases across the globe. Worldwide infections have hit a record high, with an average of just over a million cases detected a day between Dec. 24 and 30, according to Reuters data. Deaths, however, have not risen in kind, bringing hope the new variant is less lethal.
Until late December, Israel managed to stave off Omicron to some degree but with infection rates now gaining pace, daily cases are expected to reach record highs in the coming three weeks. This could result in herd immunity, said director-general of the health ministry, Nachman Ash.
Covid Cases Rising, But Don't Panic, Hospitalisation Low: Arvind KejriwalDo not panic. This was the major focus of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's address today as the national capital saw a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases. The city has also reported the second-highest cases of the highly transmissible Omicron strain after Maharashtra.
"COVID-19 cases are increasing rapidly in Delhi, but there is no need to panic. Currently, the active cases in the city are 6,360. Today, 3,100 new cases are expected. Only 246 hospital beds were occupied yesterday and all the cases are mild and asymptomatic," Mr Kejriwal said, adding data shows that the impact of the rise in cases is far lesser than what it was during the second wave.
Day Before Covid Jabs For Teens Start, Over 3.5 Lakh Register On CoWINOver 3.5 lakh beneficiaries of the 15-18 age group have registered themselves on the CoWIN portal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as on Sunday morning.
As per the data on the CoWin dashboard, 3,57,984 beneficiaries of the 15-18 age group had registered on the portal by 9:30 am.
Registrations for vaccinating 15-18-year-old children against COVID-19 began on January 1.
New Australian COVID-19 Cases Dip, But Hospitalisations RiseNew Australian COVID-19 cases dipped on Sunday as testing slowed over a holiday weekend, but remained well over 30,000 and hospitalisations rose further in New South Wales as concerns grow about potential strains on the national health system, reported Reuters.
Newly diagnosed cases in New South Wales, the most populous state, dropped to 18,278 from 22,577 the day before as the number of tests conducted on New Year's Day dropped by a quarter, health department figures showed.
Europe Records Over 100 Million Covid Cases Since Start Of Pandemic: ReportEurope has recorded over 100 million coronavirus cases, more than a third of all infections worldwide, since the start of the pandemic, an AFP tally Saturday showed.
The continent has once again become the pandemic's epicentre in recent months, and is battling an upsurge of cases spurred on by the highly transmissible Omicron strain of the virus.
The European region, including 52 countries and territories from the Atlantic coast to Azerbaijan and Russia, has recorded 100,074,753 infections of Covid-19 over the past two years, an AFP tally of official figures showed at 1845 GMT.
France To Ease Covid Isolation RulesFrance will relax Covid isolation rules from Monday, the government announced, in a bid to ease their impact on society and the economy, reported AFP.
Fully vaccinated people who test positive will only have to isolate for seven days regardless of the coronavirus variant they were infected with, but can leave quarantine after five days if they show an antigen or negative PCR test.
There will be no quarantine for fully inoculated individuals who have a close contact test positive.
However, people must respect protective measures and "undergo regular testing", health minister Olivier Veran said in an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche.
Until now, those who tested positive in France had to isolate for 10 days with their close contracts also quarantined for a week.
Delhi Sees Big Crowds At Popular Spots On New Year's Day Amid CurbsA huge number of people were seen at public places in Delhi on the first day of New Year on Saturday with few wearing masks and even fewer showing any caution amid growing coronavirus cases due to the new coronavirus variant Omicron.
Long queues of commuters were seen outside Rajiv Chowk Metro Station in Connaught Place despite curbs in the national capital.
New York Shatters Daily Covid Record With 85,476 New CasesNew York state shattered its record for new Covid-19 infections, reporting 85,476 cases on Saturday as the omicron variant continues its lightning spread, reported Bloomberg.
That number compares with a daily average of just below 6,700 new cases on Dec. 1, according to data from Johns Hopkins University and Bloomberg. The tally on Saturday was almost 9,000 higher than the day before.
Five Visitors To Koregaon Bhima Memorial Test Positive For CovidFive out of over 5,000 persons who were among those who visited the Jaystambh military monument in the district on Saturday tested positive for COVID-19 in rapid antigen tests, officials said.
Lakhs of people paid tributes at the monument to mark the 204th anniversary of the Koregaon Bhima battle.
"There was a thermal screening facility in the parking area where people were screened for COVID-19 symptoms and some were tested with antigen kits," said Abhinav Deshmukh, Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural.
France Sixth Country With More Than 10 Million Covid InfectionsFrance became the sixth country in the world to report more than 10 million COVID-19 infections since the outbreak of the pandemic, according to official data published on Saturday.
French health authorities reported 219,126 new confirmed cases in a 24-hour period, the fourth day in a row that the country has recorded more than 200,000 cases.
France joined the United States, India, Brazil, Britain and Russia in having had more than 10 million cases.