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New Delhi:
India added 96,424 coronavirus infections in 24 hours, taking its tally past the 52-lakh mark, the Health Ministry data this morning showed. The number of cases in the country now stand at 52,14,678 including 10,17,754 active cases. In the 24-hour period, India, which is now the second worst-hit country, reported 1,174 deaths linked to the virus, taking the total number of fatalities to 87,372. About 41 lakh patients have recovered from the infection in the country, pushing the recovery rate to 79.86 per cent.
Global coronavirus cases exceeded 30 million on Thursday, as the World Health Organization warned of "alarming rates of transmission" across Europe and cautioned against shortening quarantine periods.
Since COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China, late in 2019, it has claimed more than 943,000 lives around the world, according to the latest AFP tally based on official sources. Europe accounts for 4.7 million of the total.
Meanwhile, coronavirus cases in India have crossed the 51 lakh-mark. India is only next to the United States, which has a caseload of around 66 lakh.
Here are the Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases:
Coronavirus update: Andhra Chief Minister asks officials to provide kits to home isolated COVID-19 patients
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday held a review meeting on the ongoing COVID-19 situation in the state, wherein he asked officials to provide home isolation kits to patients who are in home isolation.
Coronavirus update: Odisha reports 4,180 new COVID cases, recovery of 4,101 patients
Odisha's COVID-19 tally rose to 1,71,341 on Friday as 4,180 more people tested positive for
the infection, while 13 fresh fatalities took the state's coronavirus death count to 682, a health official said.
Coronavirus update: Karnataka Assembly Speaker, others undergo COVID-19 test ahead of House session
Karnataka Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri along with other political leaders underwent a COVID-19 test on Friday.
Coronavirus update: Record 3,842-case jump in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh on Friday recorded its highest single-day spike since the COVID-19 outbreak began, with 3,842 people being detected with the infection, an official said.
Coronavirus update: Coronavirus deaths on the rise in France
The number of coronavirus deaths in France is rising for the first time since the end of lockdown, the public health agency said Friday, warning that all outbreak indicators are worsening.
The country recorded 13,215 new cases in 24 hours, said the agency -- a new daily record since a widespread testing campaign was launched -- and 123 deaths.
Coronavirus update: West Bengal's COVID-19 death count jumps to 4,242, tally mounts to 2,18,772
The COVID-19 death count rose to 4,242 in West Bengal after 59 people succumbed to the virus on Friday, a bulletin issued by the health department said. The state's tally mounted to 2,18,772 with 3,192 fresh
cases, it said.
Coronavirus update: Rajasthan government allows family members to meet COVID-19 patients in hospitals
Rajasthan Health Department on Friday permitted family members of COVID-19 patients to meet with them in hospitals by wearing face masks, PPE kits and hand gloves.
Health Department Principal Secretary Akhil Arora issued directions, citing the "loneliness" of coronavirus patients and the stress caused due to it.
Coronavirus update: 2,817 new COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab
A total of 2,817 new COVID-19 cases and 62 deaths were reported in Punjab on Friday.
The total count of cases has gone up to 92,833 in the state, ANI reported.
3 Vaccine Candidates In Advanced Stage Of Clinical Trials: Centre
Three of the nearly 30 coronavirus vaccine candidates in the country are in advanced stages of clinical trials, while four are in pre-clinical development stage, Science and Technology Ministry Harsh Vardhan said on Friday.
A high-level expert group is looking into matters related to vaccine distribution and immunisation, he said.
"Nationally, nearly 30 vaccine candidates are under development, by both industry and academia. These vaccines are in different stages of pre-clinical and clinical development of which three candidates are in advanced stage of Phase I/II/III trials and four are in advanced pre-clinical development stage," Mr Vardhan said in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha.
The distribution and immunisation of the coronavirus vaccine are subject to availability, the minister said.
"Once available, the coronavirus vaccine distribution follows the same route as for the current practice of vaccines distribution under Universal Immunisation Program (UIP)," he added.
Three of the nearly 30 coronavirus vaccine candidates in the country are in advanced stages of clinical trials, while four are in pre-clinical development stage, Science and Technology Ministry Harsh Vardhan said on Friday.
A high-level expert group is looking into matters related to vaccine distribution and immunisation, he said.
"Nationally, nearly 30 vaccine candidates are under development, by both industry and academia. These vaccines are in different stages of pre-clinical and clinical development of which three candidates are in advanced stage of Phase I/II/III trials and four are in advanced pre-clinical development stage," Mr Vardhan said in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha.
The distribution and immunisation of the coronavirus vaccine are subject to availability, the minister said.
"Once available, the coronavirus vaccine distribution follows the same route as for the current practice of vaccines distribution under Universal Immunisation Program (UIP)," he added.
Coronavirus news - No Evidence Of COVID-19's Foodborne Transmission: Lok Sabha Told
A committee constituted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has opined that as of now, there is no conclusive evidence for foodborne transmission of COVID-19, Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.
It was also informed that food imported into India from COVID-19 affected countries is safe for human consumption
Consequent upon the COVID-19 outbreak in China and other countries and concerns raised regarding safety of food items imported from these countries, the FSSAI had constituted a committee of experts to examine the possibility of presence of COVID-19 in food imported from these countries and address the concerns in this regard.
"The committee, in its report, opined that as of now, there is no conclusive evidence for foodborne transmission of coronavirus and concluded that food imported into India from coronavirus-affected countries is safe for human consumption," Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey said in a written reply.
A committee constituted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has opined that as of now, there is no conclusive evidence for foodborne transmission of COVID-19, Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.
It was also informed that food imported into India from COVID-19 affected countries is safe for human consumption
Consequent upon the COVID-19 outbreak in China and other countries and concerns raised regarding safety of food items imported from these countries, the FSSAI had constituted a committee of experts to examine the possibility of presence of COVID-19 in food imported from these countries and address the concerns in this regard.
"The committee, in its report, opined that as of now, there is no conclusive evidence for foodborne transmission of coronavirus and concluded that food imported into India from coronavirus-affected countries is safe for human consumption," Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey said in a written reply.
COVID-19: Current phase of pandemic on multiple trajectories in urban, semi-urban , says Centre
"Since the country has a huge population, it is expected that there would be a large number of cases every day," Minister of State (MoS) for Health Ashwini Choubey said in a written reply.
Elaborating on the series of actions taken by the government to prevent, control and mitigate the impact of COVID-19, Choubey said India followed a "whole of government and whole of society approach".
The current phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in India is on multiple trajectories across urban and semi-urban areas with Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Delhi being the most affected, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.
He also underlined that COVID-19 cases and deaths per million population in India is among the lowest if one were to compare between similarly affected countries.
The epidemic curve of any pandemic goes through an ascending, peaking and descending phase, the MoS said.
The most affected states and union territories in the country are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Delhi, he said.
Effective Covid Vaccine Likely By 2021's First Quarter: Centre
If the advanced clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine succeed, then an effective vaccination is likely to be available by the end of first quarter of 2021, Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey informed Lok Sabha on Friday.
He was responding to a question about the time by which an effective COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be commercially launched.
The minister further said that no advance purchase agreement with any vaccine manufacturers have been entered into.
Responding to another question, Mr Choubey said that the phase-I of clinical trials have revealed excellent safety of the two candidate vaccines indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Cadila Healthcare Ltd and now their immunogenicity testing is in progress.
Their phase II clinical trials are ongoing.
If the advanced clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine succeed, then an effective vaccination is likely to be available by the end of first quarter of 2021, Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey informed Lok Sabha on Friday.
He was responding to a question about the time by which an effective COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be commercially launched.
The minister further said that no advance purchase agreement with any vaccine manufacturers have been entered into.
Responding to another question, Mr Choubey said that the phase-I of clinical trials have revealed excellent safety of the two candidate vaccines indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Cadila Healthcare Ltd and now their immunogenicity testing is in progress.
Their phase II clinical trials are ongoing.
COVID-19: 1,100 indigenous PPE kit manufacturers developed by Government so far
From zero manufacturers in March 2020, 1100 indigenous manufacturers of Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits have been developed by the Government till date, most of them being from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
According to an official release, the capacity and production of PPE Coveralls for COVID-19 touched a peak of five lakh per day in mid-May 2020.
As on September 13, 2020, a total of 1.42 crore PPE kits have been supplied to M/s HLL Lifecare Ltd.-- the procurement arm of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for use of health professionals in government hospitals.
From zero manufacturers in March 2020, 1100 indigenous manufacturers of Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits have been developed by the Government till date, most of them being from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
According to an official release, the capacity and production of PPE Coveralls for COVID-19 touched a peak of five lakh per day in mid-May 2020.
As on September 13, 2020, a total of 1.42 crore PPE kits have been supplied to M/s HLL Lifecare Ltd.-- the procurement arm of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for use of health professionals in government hospitals.
COVID-19: Madhya Pradesh records biggest one-day rise of 2,552 cases
The coronavirus situation in Madhya Pradesh worsened on Friday as the infection count
crossed the one lakh-mark with the highest single-day spike of 2,552 cases, officials said.
The coronavirus situation in Madhya Pradesh worsened on Friday as the infection count
crossed the one lakh-mark with the highest single-day spike of 2,552 cases, officials said.
The case count now stands at 1,00,458 in the state, which has been witnessing 2,000-plus daily cases since the last nine days.
State Public Health and Engineering Minister Aidal Singh Kansana on Friday said on social media that he has tested positive for the infection.
The death of 24 patients took the state's fatality count to 1,901, the official said.
Of these, Indore recorded six deaths, followed by five in Bhopal, four in Gwalior, two each in Jabalpur, one each in Sagar, Dhar, Betul, Damoh, Rajgarh, Chhindwara and Tikamgarh, he said.
A total of 2,554 patients were discharged from hospitals, taking the count of recoveries in the state to 76,952, the official said.
COVID-19: 4,127 fresh cases push Delhi's tally to over 2.38 lakh
Delhi's coronavirus tally breached the 2.38 lakh mark with 4,127 fresh cases while the death toll mounted to 4,907 on Friday, authorities said.
Thirty fresh fatalities were recorded in the last 24 hours, they added.
The number of rapid-antigen tests conducted on Thursday stood at 49,834, while the RT-PCR, CBNAAT and True NAAT test figures were 11,203, in all adding to 61,037 COVID-19 tests, according to the health bulletin issued by the Delhi government.
With 4,432 fresh coronavirus cases, Delhi's caseload went over 2.34 lakh on Thursday while the death count reached 4,877 with 38 fresh fatalities.
On Wednesday, the national capital had registered a record single-day spike of 4,473 COVID-19 cases, taking the city's infection tally to over 2.30 lakh while 33 more deaths were reported.
The previous highest single-day spike of 4,321 cases was recorded on September 12.
Delhi's coronavirus tally breached the 2.38 lakh mark with 4,127 fresh cases while the death toll mounted to 4,907 on Friday, authorities said.
Thirty fresh fatalities were recorded in the last 24 hours, they added.
The number of rapid-antigen tests conducted on Thursday stood at 49,834, while the RT-PCR, CBNAAT and True NAAT test figures were 11,203, in all adding to 61,037 COVID-19 tests, according to the health bulletin issued by the Delhi government.
With 4,432 fresh coronavirus cases, Delhi's caseload went over 2.34 lakh on Thursday while the death count reached 4,877 with 38 fresh fatalities.
On Wednesday, the national capital had registered a record single-day spike of 4,473 COVID-19 cases, taking the city's infection tally to over 2.30 lakh while 33 more deaths were reported.
The previous highest single-day spike of 4,321 cases was recorded on September 12.
Amid outbreak, Western Railway to increase Mumbai local services to 500
The suburban trains in operation now are only for frontline staff and essential service workers as laid down by the state government, and a QR code-empowered ticketing
"In order to maintain social distancing and avoid overcrowding, Western Railway has taken the decision to increase the number of daily special suburban services from 350 to 500 from Monday," said Sumit Thakur, WR chief public relations officer.
A total of 500 suburban train services will be run in Mumbai from September 21, an increase from the 350 currently on the tracks amid the coronavirus outbreak, said a Western Railway official on Friday.
mechanism is in place for those who need to board.
COVID-19: 6,05,65,728 samples tested from March 23 to September 16, testing capacity enhanced manifold, says Centre
Tests (4,43,40,875) had been done on approximately 3.23 per cent of the total projected population of 1,37,23,60,351 till September 1, he said.
A total of 6,05,65,728 samples were tested for COVID-19 in India between March 23 and September 16, and the testing capacity increased manifold with over 1,700 laboratories conducting these tests as against one in January, Union Minister Ashwini Choubey told Parliament on Friday.
In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, the Union minister of state for health said an effective COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be available by the first quarter of 2021 if the advanced trials of vaccines succeed.
A total of 6,05,65,728 samples had been tested across India for detection of COVID-19 from March 23 to September 16, Mr Choubey said in a written reply to another question.
Coronavirus: No conclusive evidence of foodborne transmission of COVID-19, Lok Sabha informed
A committee constituted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has opined that as of now, there is no conclusive evidence for foodborne transmission of COVID-19, Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.
It was also informed that food imported into India from COVID-19 affected countries is safe for human consumption.
Consequent upon the COVID-19 outbreak in China and other countries and concerns raised regarding safety of food items imported from these countries, the FSSAI had constituted a committee of experts to examine the possibility of presence of COVID-19 in food imported from these countries and address the concerns in this regard.
"The committee, in its report, opined that as of now, there is no conclusive evidence for foodborne transmission of coronavirus and concluded that food imported into India from coronavirus-affected countries is safe for human consumption," Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey said in a written reply.
A committee constituted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has opined that as of now, there is no conclusive evidence for foodborne transmission of COVID-19, Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.
It was also informed that food imported into India from COVID-19 affected countries is safe for human consumption.
Consequent upon the COVID-19 outbreak in China and other countries and concerns raised regarding safety of food items imported from these countries, the FSSAI had constituted a committee of experts to examine the possibility of presence of COVID-19 in food imported from these countries and address the concerns in this regard.
"The committee, in its report, opined that as of now, there is no conclusive evidence for foodborne transmission of coronavirus and concluded that food imported into India from coronavirus-affected countries is safe for human consumption," Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey said in a written reply.
COVID-19: Possibility of normalcy by middle of next year even if there is no vaccine, sayse AIIMS doctor
There is a possibility of situation created by COVID-19 returning to normal by the middle of next year even if a vaccine is not developed by then, Dr Sanjay Rai, Professor in Community Medicine Department at AIIMS has said.
Dr Rai, who is also a principal investigator of the Bharat Biotech Covaxin clinical trial at AIIMS, said that COVID-19 preventive measures like wearing masks, hand hygiene should be followed till there is an effective vaccine.
"By mid-next year, there's a possibility of normalcy even if vaccine comes or not. There is always the natural end of any pandemic so it (COVID-19) will end too. It can happen in three ways - if we find a vaccine, if we give effective treatment or natural infection covers it. Only these three ways can end the infection. Today we do not have a vaccine or any effective treatment. If a vaccine does not come it will naturally end. When people will develop natural immunity, the virus will naturally end and it depends on our strategy," Dr Rai told ANI.
He said there has been a decline in cases in areas which had reported huge numbers in the past.
"Let us take the example of Dharavi in Mumbai. This place was reporting a large number of COVID cases but the situation is almost under control there. Similarly in Delhi, newer areas are witnessing an increase in COVID cases unlike previous containment zones," he said, adding that people living in previous containment zones tend to obtain immunity against the virus.
There is a possibility of situation created by COVID-19 returning to normal by the middle of next year even if a vaccine is not developed by then, Dr Sanjay Rai, Professor in Community Medicine Department at AIIMS has said.
Dr Rai, who is also a principal investigator of the Bharat Biotech Covaxin clinical trial at AIIMS, said that COVID-19 preventive measures like wearing masks, hand hygiene should be followed till there is an effective vaccine.
"By mid-next year, there's a possibility of normalcy even if vaccine comes or not. There is always the natural end of any pandemic so it (COVID-19) will end too. It can happen in three ways - if we find a vaccine, if we give effective treatment or natural infection covers it. Only these three ways can end the infection. Today we do not have a vaccine or any effective treatment. If a vaccine does not come it will naturally end. When people will develop natural immunity, the virus will naturally end and it depends on our strategy," Dr Rai told ANI.
He said there has been a decline in cases in areas which had reported huge numbers in the past.
"Let us take the example of Dharavi in Mumbai. This place was reporting a large number of COVID cases but the situation is almost under control there. Similarly in Delhi, newer areas are witnessing an increase in COVID cases unlike previous containment zones," he said, adding that people living in previous containment zones tend to obtain immunity against the virus.
COVID-19: West Bengal's death count jumps to 4,242, tally mounts to 2,18,772
The COVID-19 death count rose to 4,242 in West Bengal after 59 people succumbed to the virus on Friday, a bulletin issued by the health department said.
The state's tally mounted to 2,18,772 with 3,192 fresh cases, it said.
Since Thursday, 2,960 people have been discharged, bettering the recovery rate to 86.86 per cent.
The COVID-19 death count rose to 4,242 in West Bengal after 59 people succumbed to the virus on Friday, a bulletin issued by the health department said.
The state's tally mounted to 2,18,772 with 3,192 fresh cases, it said.
Since Thursday, 2,960 people have been discharged, bettering the recovery rate to 86.86 per cent.
Maharashtra reports 21,656 new COVID-19 cases, tally rises to 11,67,496; death count goes up by 405 to 31,791: News Agency PTI quoting official.
COVID-19: 89 new cases take Meghalaya tally to 4,447
Eighty-nine more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya on Friday, taking the state's tally to 4,447, a senior health official said.
Two more fatalities pushed the death toll to 34. At present, the state has 1,976 active cases, he said.
Altogether 95 patients recovered from COVID-19 on Friday, taking the total number of people who have been cured of the disease in Meghalaya to 2,437, Health Services director Aman War said.
Eighty-nine more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya on Friday, taking the state's tally to 4,447, a senior health official said.
Two more fatalities pushed the death toll to 34. At present, the state has 1,976 active cases, he said.
Altogether 95 patients recovered from COVID-19 on Friday, taking the total number of people who have been cured of the disease in Meghalaya to 2,437, Health Services director Aman War said.
COVID-19: Zoos, parks in Bengal to reopen for visitors from September 23
All national parks, zoological gardens and ecotourism destinations in Bengal, which were shut in March after the COVID-19 pandemic struck, will reopen for visitors from September 23, a notification said on Friday.
According to the forest department, visitors will be allowed at its "various establishments", where necessary safety protocols have been put in place.
"The effect of the pandemic is still being felt, but in view of the gradual unlocking and the need to restart economic activities... it has been decided to allow public to various establishments of the forest department with appropriate restrictions," the notification said.
Bookings have to be made online, and tourists would have to undergo temperature check at the entry points. Elephant safari at sanctuaries will continue to remain suspended for the time being.
All national parks, zoological gardens and ecotourism destinations in Bengal, which were shut in March after the COVID-19 pandemic struck, will reopen for visitors from September 23, a notification said on Friday.
According to the forest department, visitors will be allowed at its "various establishments", where necessary safety protocols have been put in place.
"The effect of the pandemic is still being felt, but in view of the gradual unlocking and the need to restart economic activities... it has been decided to allow public to various establishments of the forest department with appropriate restrictions," the notification said.
Bookings have to be made online, and tourists would have to undergo temperature check at the entry points. Elephant safari at sanctuaries will continue to remain suspended for the time being.
COVID-19: Drugs control organisation issues guidelines for trial, marketing of vaccines
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said the requirements and guidelines to conduct clinical trial or grant of permission for the marketing of new drugs including vaccines are prescribed under New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019.
According to an official release, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has further informed that the stages of vaccine development include the following steps: Identification and development of an appropriate vaccine strain which may be safe and immunogenic. Full characterisation of the vaccine strain by in-vitro experiments; pre-clinical studies in small animals like rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters etc. These are safety and dose determination studies.
Preclinical studies in large animals (depending upon feasibility and availability) to determine safety, protective efficacy and potential dose and formulation.
Phase I human clinical trials which establish the safety of the product. The numbers are usually less than 100.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said the requirements and guidelines to conduct clinical trial or grant of permission for the marketing of new drugs including vaccines are prescribed under New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019.
According to an official release, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has further informed that the stages of vaccine development include the following steps: Identification and development of an appropriate vaccine strain which may be safe and immunogenic. Full characterisation of the vaccine strain by in-vitro experiments; pre-clinical studies in small animals like rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters etc. These are safety and dose determination studies.
Preclinical studies in large animals (depending upon feasibility and availability) to determine safety, protective efficacy and potential dose and formulation.
Phase I human clinical trials which establish the safety of the product. The numbers are usually less than 100.
Coronavirus news: Russia approves first COVID-19 prescription drug for sale in pharmacies
Russia has approved R-Pharm's Coronavir treatment for outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infections and the antiviral drug could be rolled out to pharmacies in the country as soon as next week, the company said on Friday.
Coronavir's approval as a prescription drug follows the green light for another Russian COVID-19 drug, Avifavir, in May. Both are based on favipiravir, which was developed in Japan and is widely used there as the basis for viral treatments.
R-Pharm's announcement is another sign Russia is pushing hard to take a global lead in the race against the virus. It is already exporting its COVID-19 tests and has clinched several international deals for supplies of its Sputnik-V vaccine.
R-Pharm said it received approval for Coronavir after Phase III clinical trials involving 168 patients with COVID-19.
The drug was first approved for in-hospital use to treat COVID-19 in July, a government register showed.
Russia has approved R-Pharm's Coronavir treatment for outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infections and the antiviral drug could be rolled out to pharmacies in the country as soon as next week, the company said on Friday.
Coronavir's approval as a prescription drug follows the green light for another Russian COVID-19 drug, Avifavir, in May. Both are based on favipiravir, which was developed in Japan and is widely used there as the basis for viral treatments.
R-Pharm's announcement is another sign Russia is pushing hard to take a global lead in the race against the virus. It is already exporting its COVID-19 tests and has clinched several international deals for supplies of its Sputnik-V vaccine.
R-Pharm said it received approval for Coronavir after Phase III clinical trials involving 168 patients with COVID-19.
The drug was first approved for in-hospital use to treat COVID-19 in July, a government register showed.
Coronavirus: 98 deaths, 6,584 fresh cases in UP; total count 3,42,788
Uttar Pradesh reported 98 fatalities due to COVID-19 on Friday, taking the death count to 4,869, while 6,584 fresh cases pushed the infection tally to 3,42,788.
The maximum 16 deaths were reported from Lucknow, followed by 13 Kanpur, seven in Gorakhpur, five in Meerut among other districts, a health bulletin issued in Lucknow said.
Lucknow reported the maximum 1,244 cases. Kanpur reported 407 infections, Allahabad 336, Ghaziabad 191 and Varanasi 239, it said, adding that 6,584 fresh cases were detected in the past 24 hours.
Lucknow has so far recorded the highest 576 deaths in the state. Kanpur comes a close second with 569 fatalities, followed by 232 in Allahabad and 220 in Varanasi, according to the bulletin.
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said the state now has 67,825 active cases as 2,70,094 people have recovered from the disease till date.
Uttar Pradesh reported 98 fatalities due to COVID-19 on Friday, taking the death count to 4,869, while 6,584 fresh cases pushed the infection tally to 3,42,788.
The maximum 16 deaths were reported from Lucknow, followed by 13 Kanpur, seven in Gorakhpur, five in Meerut among other districts, a health bulletin issued in Lucknow said.
Lucknow reported the maximum 1,244 cases. Kanpur reported 407 infections, Allahabad 336, Ghaziabad 191 and Varanasi 239, it said, adding that 6,584 fresh cases were detected in the past 24 hours.
Lucknow has so far recorded the highest 576 deaths in the state. Kanpur comes a close second with 569 fatalities, followed by 232 in Allahabad and 220 in Varanasi, according to the bulletin.
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said the state now has 67,825 active cases as 2,70,094 people have recovered from the disease till date.
COVID-19: 500 extra ICU beds for patients added across private hospitals, says Delhi Health Minister
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Friday said over 500 extra ICU beds are now available for COVID-19 patients after an order was issued recently to several private hospitals to earmark designated percentage of those beds for the purpose.
Last week an order was issued that 80 per cent ICU beds in 33 private hospitals in Delhi are to be reserved for COVID-19 patients, Jain had earlier said.
"As per the Corona app, over 500 extra ICU beds are now available for COVID-19 patients," he told reporters on Friday.
Delhi recorded 4,432 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday, as the tally in the city mounted to over 2.34 lakh, authorities said.
The active cases tally on Thursday rose to 31,721 from 30,914 the previous day, as per the Delhi government's bulletin.
According to the Thursday bulletin, the positivity rate stood at 7.38 per cent and the death rate stood at 0.68 per cent based on data of the last 10 days, the minister said.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Friday said over 500 extra ICU beds are now available for COVID-19 patients after an order was issued recently to several private hospitals to earmark designated percentage of those beds for the purpose.
Last week an order was issued that 80 per cent ICU beds in 33 private hospitals in Delhi are to be reserved for COVID-19 patients, Jain had earlier said.
"As per the Corona app, over 500 extra ICU beds are now available for COVID-19 patients," he told reporters on Friday.
Delhi recorded 4,432 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday, as the tally in the city mounted to over 2.34 lakh, authorities said.
The active cases tally on Thursday rose to 31,721 from 30,914 the previous day, as per the Delhi government's bulletin.
According to the Thursday bulletin, the positivity rate stood at 7.38 per cent and the death rate stood at 0.68 per cent based on data of the last 10 days, the minister said.
COVID-19: Schools to remain closed for students in Delhi till October 5
Delhi government on Friday announced that all schools will remain closed for students till October 5 in the national capital amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Directorate of Education, Delhi stated, in a circular, that "online classes and teaching-learning activities will continue as usual".
"Head of Schools (HoS) are authorised to call teachers/staff (as per requirement) for smooth conduct of online classes, teaching-learning activities, and any other work. All the Heads of government, government-aided, unaided private recognized schools of Directorate of Education, and local bodies i.e. MCDs, NDMC, and Delhi Cantonment Board are hereby directed to disseminate this information among the teaching, non-teaching staff, students and parents through SMC members/mass SMS facility/phone calls and other means," the circular reads.
Schools across the country have been physically shut since March amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes are being conducted online.
Delhi government on Friday announced that all schools will remain closed for students till October 5 in the national capital amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Directorate of Education, Delhi stated, in a circular, that "online classes and teaching-learning activities will continue as usual".
"Head of Schools (HoS) are authorised to call teachers/staff (as per requirement) for smooth conduct of online classes, teaching-learning activities, and any other work. All the Heads of government, government-aided, unaided private recognized schools of Directorate of Education, and local bodies i.e. MCDs, NDMC, and Delhi Cantonment Board are hereby directed to disseminate this information among the teaching, non-teaching staff, students and parents through SMC members/mass SMS facility/phone calls and other means," the circular reads.
Schools across the country have been physically shut since March amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes are being conducted online.
COVID-19 arrangements made ahead of monsoon session at Jharkhand Legislative Assembly
Scores of arrangements have been made at the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the monsoon session begins in Ranchi on Friday.
Along with the MLAs, the staff at the Vidhan Sabha was also seen wearing protective gear to prevent the spread of the virus.
Scores of arrangements have been made at the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the monsoon session begins in Ranchi on Friday.
Along with the MLAs, the staff at the Vidhan Sabha was also seen wearing protective gear to prevent the spread of the virus.
Jharkhand Assembly monsoon session is scheduled to held from September 18 to 22.
Earlier on Monday, COVID-19 tests were conducted in Jharkhand assembly.
Assembly Speaker Ravindranath Mahto has called for a mandatory coronavirus test. Only those with negative test results will be able to attend the session.
Assembly Speaker Ravindranath Mahto has called for a mandatory coronavirus test. Only those with negative test results will be able to attend the session.
Coronavirus news: Follow preventive measures against COVID-19, Delhi Chief Minister tells gym owners
Earlier this week, the Delhi government had allowed gyms and yoga institutes to reopen after being closed for over five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday appealed to gym owners and people coming for workouts at these establishments to follow preventive measures against COVID-19.
Representatives of the gym associations met the chief minister and thanked him for allowing these establishments to reopen in the city.
"I appeal to all gym operators of Delhi and people coming for workouts at these centres to follow safety rules. We also have to stop the spread of coronavirus and stay healthy as well," Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, during the meeting, the CM also assured support to the gym operators in future.
COVID-19: Top 5 states with high active caseload report high level of recoveries too, says Health ministry
The top five states with a high number of active COVID-19 cases -- Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh -- are also the ones that are reporting a high level of recoveries, the health ministry said on Friday.
With a record 87,472 patients having recuperated or having been discharged from home or facility-supervised care and hospitals in a span of 24 hours, the total number of COVID-19 recoveries has surged to 41,12,551 in the country, taking the recovery rate to 78.86 per cent, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.63 per cent, it added.
The country has been consistently reporting a very high level of daily recoveries of more than 70,000 for the past 11 days, the ministry said.
"Recovered cases of coronavirus infection are 4.04 times the number of active cases as recoveries outnumber the latter by 30,94,797," it highlighted.
"The top five states with high active caseload of COVID-19 are also the ones which are presently reporting a high level of recoveries," the ministry said.
It said 59.8 per cent of the active cases are being reported from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. These states have also accounted for 59.3 per cent of the total recoveries and 90 per cent of the new recoveries are reported from 16 states and Union territories, the ministry said.
Maharashtra (19,522) has accounted for 22.31 per cent of the new recoveries, Andhra Pradesh 12.24 per cent, Karnataka 8.3 per cent, Tamil Nadu 6.31 per cent and Chhattisgarh (six per cent).
Together, these states account for 55.1 per cent of the new recoveries, the ministry said.
"The continuous streak of very high level of recoveries is a testimony of the effective clinical management and treatment protocols issued by the Union government, which have been updated from time to time with the emergence of new evidence," it said.
UK's COVID-19 Test Which Gives Faster Results Accurate, Says Lancet Study
A British COVID-19 test known as DnaNudge that gives results in just over an hour and which requires no laboratory was accurate in almost all cases, an academic review in the Lancet has found.
Faster testing could allow more people to return to work or permit testing on entry to hospital, thus slowing a second spike in coronavirus infections.
The new test, based on the design of a DNA test developed by a professor at Imperial College London, received approval for clinical use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) at the end of April after successful trials.
In a study in The Lancet Microbe, the test was found to have an average sensitivity - the ability to correctly identify those with COVID-19 - of 94.4 per cent and a specificity - correctly identifying those without the disease - of 100 per cent.
A British COVID-19 test known as DnaNudge that gives results in just over an hour and which requires no laboratory was accurate in almost all cases, an academic review in the Lancet has found.
Faster testing could allow more people to return to work or permit testing on entry to hospital, thus slowing a second spike in coronavirus infections.
The new test, based on the design of a DNA test developed by a professor at Imperial College London, received approval for clinical use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) at the end of April after successful trials.
In a study in The Lancet Microbe, the test was found to have an average sensitivity - the ability to correctly identify those with COVID-19 - of 94.4 per cent and a specificity - correctly identifying those without the disease - of 100 per cent.
COVID-19: Amid rising cases in Kashmir, free tests conducted in Budgam district
Amid the rising COVID-19 cases in Kashmir, coronavirus tests are being conducted in rural areas to combat the widespread infection.
Under the orders of the Administration, the facility of a camp has been established in Sheikhpora village in Budgam district on Friday.
"We have set up this camp so that people get can get tested for coronavirus. We are conducting these camps everywhere. We are also covering red zones. We want the people of Sheikhpora village to benefit from this facility as we are conducted these tests for free. They are even getting the results of tests instantly," said Dr Shehla, the Nodal officer (Covid-19) from Sheikhpora, Budgam.
Amid the rising COVID-19 cases in Kashmir, coronavirus tests are being conducted in rural areas to combat the widespread infection.
Under the orders of the Administration, the facility of a camp has been established in Sheikhpora village in Budgam district on Friday.
"We have set up this camp so that people get can get tested for coronavirus. We are conducting these camps everywhere. We are also covering red zones. We want the people of Sheikhpora village to benefit from this facility as we are conducted these tests for free. They are even getting the results of tests instantly," said Dr Shehla, the Nodal officer (Covid-19) from Sheikhpora, Budgam.
Coronavirus news: Central team rushed to Jammu to help strengthen COVID-19 containment measures
The team had reviewed the status of preparedness for COVID management with district collectors of the valley.
With Jammu reporting a rise in COVID-19 cases, the health ministry has decided to depute a high-level Central team to the district to assist in strengthening containment, surveillance, testing and efficient clinical management of positive cases.
Jammu has so far reported 9,428 infections and has 6,115 active cases of coronavirus infection, the ministry said, adding the total cases one week ago were 6,878.
Jammu has been reporting doubling time of 15.4 days, recovery rate of 33.9 per cent and case fatality rate of 1.24 per cent.
The team comprises Dr S K Singh, Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Dr Vijay Hadda, Professor, Department of Pulmonary Critical Care, AIIMS, New Delhi, the ministry said.
A special team had visited the Srinagar valley recently. The two-member high-level team was led by Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog and Dr S K Singh, Director, NCDC was its member.
UK's COVID-19 Test Which Gives Faster Results Accurate: Lancet Study
A British COVID-19 test known as DnaNudge that gives results in just over an hour and which requires no laboratory was accurate in almost all cases, an academic review in the Lancet has found, reports Reuters.
Jharkhand: All arrangements made at the State legislative assembly in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, as the monsoon session begins today.
Jharkhand: All arrangements made at the State legislative assembly in the wake of #COVID19 pandemic, as the monsoon session begins here today.
- ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2020
Jharkhand Assembly monsoon session is being held from September 18-22. pic.twitter.com/cAzArMRbHD
#IndiaFightsCorona
- Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 18, 2020
Follow these simple ways to promote your mental health. For any psychosocial support please call NIMHANS helpline #080-46110007. #BadalkarApnaVyavaharKareinCoronaParVaar #TogetherAgainstCovid19 pic.twitter.com/wL4arOrQ74
434 police personnel of Maharashtra Police tested positive for COVID-19.
434 police personnel of Maharashtra Police tested positive for #COVID19 & 4 died in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of infections in the state force to 20,801 including 3,883 active cases, 16,706 recovered cases and 212 deaths: Maharasthra Police pic.twitter.com/otid4Fg1ec
- ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2020
Puducherry Sees 490 New Cases Of Coronavirus
Puducherry on Friday clocked 490 new COVID-19 cases and six more fatalities, pushing the overall tally of those infected by the virus to 21,913 in the union territory.
"Have Tested Positive": Man Lies To Wife, Found With Girlfriend
A 28-year-old man from Navi Mumbai, who went missing in July after calling his wife that he had tested positive for coronavirus, was found on Tuesday with his girlfriend, police said. The man-made a dramatic call to his wife on July 24 and said: "My coronavirus test report has come out to be positive. I can't live anymore." Before the puzzled wife could ask any more questions, he disconnected the call. She then called up her brother for help, who reached out to police. Read Here
Coronavirus News: Odisha Reports 4,180 New COVID-19 Cases
Odisha's COVID-19 tally rose to 1,71,341 on Friday as 4,180 more people tested positive for the infection, while 13 fresh fatalities pushed the state's coronavirus death toll to 682, a health official said.
28 New Cases Push Mizoram's COVID-19 Tally To 1,534
Mizoram's COVID-19 tally rose to 1,534 on Friday as 28 more people, including 24 security personnel, tested positive for the infection, a health official said.
Coronavirus: Dubai suspends Air India Express Flights Till October 2
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has suspended Air India Express flights till October 2 for allegedly bringing passengers with COVID-positive certificates twice during the last couple of weeks, senior government officials said on Friday.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan rises to 1,10,283 with 810 new cases reported today till 10.30 am.
The total number of #COVID19 cases in Rajasthan rises to 1,10,283 with 810 new cases reported today till 10.30 am. The number of active cases is 18,282 and the death toll is at 1,301: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/ecoRHbosWc
- ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2020
Baby's Body Left In Indore Mortuary For 5 Days, Staff Allegedly Forgot
The body of an infant was recovered from a freezer in the mortuary of the Maharaja Yeshwantrao (MY) Hospital in Indore - the city's largest government-run medical facility - on Thursday. The body had been there for five days - it was placed in the mortuary freezer on September 12, after the infant died the previous day. Hospital staff apparently forgot about it after it was placed inside the freezer. Read Here
Rahul Gandhi Slams Centre For Neglecting Healthcare Staff
2,043 New COVID-19 Cases, 11 Deaths In Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a fresh attack on the Central government and accused it of neglecting healthcare staff who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Coronavirus News: 2,043 New COVID-19 Cases, 11 Deaths In Telangana
Telangana recorded 2,043fresh coronavirus cases and 11 fatalities, taking the tally of infections in the state to 1.67 lakh.
159 New Cases Push Arunachal's COVID-19 Tally To 6,851
Arunachal Pradesh's COVID-19 tally rose to 6,851 on Friday as 159 more people, including 15 security personnel, tested positive for the infection, a senior health official said.
Coronavirus: 96,424 Fresh COVID-19 Cases In India
India reported a daily jump of 96,424 coronavirus infections in 24 hours, taking its tally past the 52-lakh mark, the Health Ministry data this morning showed.
Coronavirus: 6,15,72,343 Samples Tested Up To September 17 For COVID-19
6,15,72,343 samples tested up to 17th September for COVID-19. Of these, 10,06,615 samples were tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
If the guest workers are found COVID positive, he shall be segregated and shall not be allowed to work till he recovers from COVID-19: Government of Kerala
If the guest workers are found COVID positive, he shall be segregated and shall not be allowed to work till he recovers from COVID-19: Government of Kerala https://t.co/d6YkMT8ozf
- ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2020
Coronavirus News: Jharkhand Reports 1,026 New COVID-19 Cases
Jharkhand's COVID-19 tally rose to 67,100 on Friday as 1,026 more people tested positive for the infection, while 11 fresh fatalities pushed the state's coronavirus death toll to 590, a health official said.
Kerala Revises Order Allowing Asymptomatic COVID-19 Migrants To Work
The Kerala government today revised its earlier order, allowing asymptomatic COVID-19 migrant workers in the state to work in places specifically marked for them. The state government, while revising the order, said that migrant workers with Coronavirus should be segregated and not allowed to work. Read Here
BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe Tests Positive For COVID-19
BJP national vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe on Thursday said that he tested positive for COVID-19, reports ANI.
Coronavirus: Moderna, Pfizer Share Covid Vaccine Trial Blueprints Amid Pressure
US biotech firm Moderna, one of nine companies in the late stages of clinical trials for a Covid-19 vaccine, became the first to publish the complete blueprints of its study following calls for greater transparency, reports AFP.
Around 60% of the active cases are concentrated in only 5 most affected states.
Around 60% of the active cases are concentrated in only 5 most affected states. There are 13 states and UTs that even today have less than 5000 active Cases: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Pnik8OOkpi
- ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2020
Coronavirus news: Health teams to monitor condition of virus patients under home isolation
Haryana minister Anil Vij on Thursday said Health Department teams will regularly monitor the condition of coronavirus patients under home isolation.
Coronavirus news: 4,571 new coronavirus cases in Pune district
Pune district reported 4,571 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours which took its case count to 2,40,423, a health official said on Thursday evening. The death count in the district reached 5,451, PTI reported.
