Coronavirus cases India: A total 67,33,328 people have recuperated so far (File)
The number of new coronavirus infections reported daily in India dropped below 50,000 nearly after three months, taking India's COVID-19 caseload to 75,97,063, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.
A total of 46,790 fresh infections were reported in a day, while the deaths climbed to 1,15,197 with 587 fatalities being registered in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of new fatalities reported daily across the country was recorded below 600 for the second consecutive day.
The active cases of coronavirus infection remained below 8 lakh for the fourth consecutive day. There are 7,48,538, active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 9.85 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.
A total 67,33,328 people have recuperated from the disease so far pushing the national recovery rate to 88.63 per cent while the case fatality rate due COVID-19 stands at 1.52 per cent.
According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 9,61,16,771 samples have been tested up to October 19 with 10,32,795 samples being tested on Monday.
Here are the Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases:
Coronavirus update: Mixed results for arthritis drug repurposed as Covid-19 treatment
A trio of new studies published in JAMA Internal Medicine on Tuesday examining the efficacy of an arthritis drug against Covid-19 showed inconsistent results.
Tocilizumab has been used by doctors since the start of the pandemic with the hope of tamping down an abnormal immune response known as a "cytokine storm" that causes severe organ damage in some hospitalized Covid-19 patients.
Unlike steroids, which suppress the immune system more broadly, tocilizumab blocks a particular signaling protein from triggering inflammation, AFP reported.
Coronavirus update: Crowd at Portugal GP cut as virus spikes, say organisers The number of spectators at this weekend's Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix has been cut following a spike in coronavirus cases in the country, organisers said on Tuesday.
"As a result of new measures against Covid-19, health authorities have decided on limitations regarding the presence of spectators," said the Algarve International Circuit which is set to host Sunday's race.
The statement did not say how much attendance would be cut, AFP reported.
Coronavirus update: Hungary's Orban under fire as virus second wave bites
As the second coronavirus wave bites, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban -- who shut the borders in September -- is holding back on tougher measures such as a lockdown, despite growing criticism of his response.
During the first wave, the Central European EU member had relatively low numbers of infections and deaths from the virus compared with most European countries.
But in October more Hungarians have died than in the previous four months put together.
Coronavirus update: Delhi HC asks ICMR, CSIR to reply on pendency of approval to FELUDA test for COVID-19
The Delhi High Court asked Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to file affidavits regarding pendency of approvals to "FELUDA", a test used for detecting COVID-19 infection.
A direction from the division bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad came when the petitioner Rakesh Malhotra informed the bench that despite the fact that the Drug Control Authority has granted its approval to a test called "FELUDA" on September 20, the same has not come out in the market due to the pendency of approvals at the end of ICMR/CSIR.
Ahluwalia, Central Government Standing Counsel sought time to obtain instructions on this regard, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: Bulgaria president leaves Estonia after virus scareBulgarian President Rumen Radev cut short a visit to Estonia on Tuesday after finding out that he may have been exposed to the coronavirus, officials said.
Radev went to an investment forum on Monday, hosted by Estonia, before going to his hotel to quarantine -- later returning to Bulgaria.
The president said on Tuesday he was "in excellent shape" and had no symptoms, AFP reported.
Coronavirus update: Idols of gods, goddesses to have silver masks for COVID-19 awareness in West Bengal
Durga Pooja committee in Birbhum district of West Bengal, decided to decorate idols of gods and goddesses with silver masks to create awareness about COVID-19 in the country.
"This time pooja committee has decided to decorate the idols of goddess Durga, Saraswati, Laxmi and Lord Karthik with silver masks to create awareness about coronavirus pandemic," said Devashish Saha, Secretary, Jyoti Subhash Ghosti committee said on Tuesday.
Devashish Saha said that this committee is organising pooja for the last 33 years and this year they decided to come up with this unique theme, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: Delhi reports 3,579 new COVID-19 cases, 41 deaths
Delhi reported 3,579 new COVID-19 cases and 41 deaths on Tuesday and the total count of cases has gone up to 3,36,750.
According to the official data, a total of 2,186 recoveries and discharges were reported in Delhi on Tuesday.
Coronavirus update: Odisha Chief Minister urges people to exercise caution during festival season against COVID-19
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday urged people of the state to exercise caution during upcoming festival season to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In a video message, Mr Patnaik said people need to remain more careful till the medicine or vaccine is found for the disease, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: 745 new coronavirus cases in Pune district
Pune district reported 745 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking its caseload to 3,15,756, a health official said on Tuesday evening. With 36 fatalities, the death count in the district reached 7,524, PTI reported.
Jharkhand reports 542 new COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths and 605 cases of recoveries/discharges in the last 24 hours. Total cases in the state rise to 97,414, including 849 deaths and 90,385 recoveries/discharges. Active cases stand at 6,180: Jharkhand Health Department
Mumbai Records 1,090 New Coronavirus Cases, Lowest This MonthMumbai reported 1,090 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the tally of cases to 2,44,262, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
The death count in the city due to COVID-19 reached 9,821 with 45 fresh fatalities.
Mumbai has 18,444 active COVID-19 cases at present, the BMC said.
Tuesday's spike in the cases was lowest so far this month, data showed. On Monday, the city had recorded 1,233 new cases.
So far 13.74 lakh coronavirus tests have been conducted in the city.
The number of recovered patients grew to 2,14, 375, about 88 per cent of the total case count, with 1,470 patients being discharged from hospitals in last 24 hours.
National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) ID May Not Be Mandatory For Covid Vaccination: Health MinistryThe Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said that nobody will be deprived of the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in the absence of the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) ID.
The NDHM was announced on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day of India by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The vision of NDHM is to create a national digital health ecosystem that enables timely and efficient access to inclusive, affordable, and safe healthcare to all citizens. NDHM will significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of health services in India.
"The NDHM as it exists today does not make digital IDs mandatory to receive services that NDHM has created. So, therefore to say that it would become mandatory for vaccination is probably not the right interpretation," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan while responding to a question during a press conference.
West Bengal Reports Record 4,029 New COVID-19 CasesWest Bengal's COVID-19 tally climbed to 3,29,057 on Tuesday with its highest single-day spike of 4,029 fresh cases, the health department said in a bulletin.
The death count rose to 6,180 after 61 more people succumbed to the infection, it said.
At least 3,383 people recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours, it said, adding that the discharge rate currently stands at 87.43 per cent.
West Bengal now has 35,170 active cases.
Since Monday, 43,762 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the state, the bulletin added.
3,503 New Cases Of COVID-19 In Andhra Pradesh, Total Count Crosses 7.89 LakhAndhra Pradesh reported 3,503 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday taking the total count of cases to 7,89,553.
According to the state Health Department, 5,144 persons recovered in the state in the last 24 hours and the total number of recoveries and discharged patients stands at 7,49,676. The active cases stand at 33,396 and the death count has gone up to 6,481.
The department said that 69,095 samples were tested in the state in the last 24 hours.
The state reported 28 deaths in the last 24 hours - four each in Chittoor, Kadapa, Krishna and Prakasam districts, three in Guntur, two each in Anantapur, East Godavari and West Godavari districts and one each in Nellore, Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts.
Covid Re-Infection Possible If Antibodies In Recovered Person Reduce Within 5 Months: ICMR ChiefThere is a possibility of re-infection, if antibodies reduce in the body of a Covid-19 recovered person in five months time after the recovery, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Dr Balram Bhargava said on Tuesday.
The ICMR DG remarks were made at a union health ministry briefing today, in which he urged people to continue to wear masks and follow coronavirus appropriate behaviour to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
"After any infection, antibodies develop in the body. In case of coronavirus, it has been seen that the antibodies last for at least five months. The Covid-19 virus is still evolving and we are learning more about it. If antibodies decrease in the body of a person within five months, then there is a possibility of reinfection and a person may become re-infected with COVID-19. Hence, it is important to take precautions like wearing a mask, even after someone gets the disease once," Mr Bhargava said.
The main symptoms of coronavirus infection are fever, cough and breathlessness, the ICMR official explained.
Centre To Import 1 Lakh MT Of Medical Oxygen Anticipating Covid Cases Surge In WinterAnticipating a surge in coronavirus cases in the upcoming festival season and winter, the Union Health Ministry has initiated the process to import about 1,00,000 metric tons of Liquid Medical Oxygen as a precautionary measure.
During a press conference on COVID19 update, Rajesh Bhushan, Union health secretary said: "The health ministry has initiated the process for importing of 1,00,000 MT of LMO. This is being done to ensure adequate stock and to address any anticipated surge in COVID19 cases."
"As a means of abundant precaution, building oxygen generation capacity within hospitals (generate and supply ). The government is installing PSA Plants in hospitals. Atleast 246 PSA plants are being put in 18 State / UTs in the 1st phase and 67 at various stages of completion. About 150 PSA plants will be upgraded in 30 State / UTs in the 2nd phase."
London Airport Unveils Rapid Pre-Flight Coronavirus TestsLondon's Heathrow airport on Tuesday began to roll out paid-for rapid coronavirus testing, with results in one hour, as it seeks to boost demand decimated by the deadly pandemic.
The LAMP saliva test, which does not have to be processed in a laboratory, will cost $102 per passenger and is available initially for passengers flying to Italy and Hong Kong from Terminals two and five.
The Covid-19 test will provide results more quickly than those used by Britain's state-run National Health Service, according to the Heathrow test providers -- aviation services company Collinson and logistics firm Swissport.
Passengers will be asked to register online for the test before travelling to Heathrow, which is based west of the British capital.
Odisha Chief Minister Urges People To Take A Pledge Before Goddess Durga To Prevent Spread Of VirusOdisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday urged the people to take a pledge on the occasion of Durga Puja to remain careful till vaccines are available for COVID-19.
Mr Patnaik made this appeal in a special video message tothe people of Odisha. "Let us take a pledge before the Maa to prevent the spread of infection," he said.
"The character profile of corona is very critical. Let us remain careful till there are medicines/vaccines. One needs to remain more watchful and alert during the Durga Puja and Diwali festivals and also in winter," Mr Patnaik said, adding that Kerala, though performed very well all along, suddenly witnessed a rise in cases following the Onam festival.
Daily oxygen production capacity rose from 5,913 MT in April to 6,862 MT in Sept. Will increase to 7,191 MT by Oct end: Health Ministry
Rise In Home Isolation Cases Again; Pollution, Festive Season Could Be Factors, Says ExpertsThe number of COVID-19 patients under home isolation in Delhi has steadily increased by a margin of 1,804 in the last six days, with experts saying that opening of cinema halls, pollution and greater public activity in the festive season could be the possible factors behind it.
On October 18, the number of people under home quarantine stood at 13,742 with 2,770 containment zones in the city. On Monday, the count rose to 14,164 and 2782 respectively, according to official data.
The national capital recorded 31 COVID-19 fatalities on Monday, taking the death count to 6,040, while 2,154 fresh cases took the infection tally to over 3.33 lakh.
After showing a gradual decline since September 22, except on two days, the number of patients under home quarantine had again risen on October 1, the count being 15,899.
However, from October 2-13 the cases of home isolation gradually dipped, except on two days when it registered a minimal rise. On October 2 the count was 15,852, which came down to 12,176 on October 13, as per official data.
We have the largest number of COVID-19 recovered cases in the world and we stand second in terms of number of tests conducted in any country: Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Union Health Ministry
While many countries have reported a surge, India has recorded 310 cases per million in the last seven days, which is among the lowest globally: Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Union Health Ministry
Six states - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal - account for 64% of the country's total active cases: Health Ministry
No Chief Guest, Less Than 50 Swayamsevaks At RSS Vijayadashmi Event Amid Covidmid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided to refrain from inviting any chief guest for the annual Vijaydashmi address by its Sarsanghchalak.
The Sangh has decided that this year the festive occasion will only be addressed by RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and not by chief guests.
The Vijaydashmi address of the RSS chief is considered the most important event for the organisation as it is during his address future plans and vision are put forth for all to follow. It is from this stage that RSS stand on many issues of national importance is known.
According to a senior functionary of the RSS, the ground that is usually flooded by Swayamsewaks clad in white shirts and ''khaki'' pants during the event, will witness not more than 50 people this time around. The address by the RSS chief is scheduled for 8 a.m. on October 25.
"We have not got permission for more than 50 people to be present in the ground. The scene that we witness every Vijayadashami will not be there this time. We will abide by the COVID-19 health norms. The speech of RSS chief will be broadcast live on social media as well," the senior functionary said.
Another senior RSS functionary informed that there is a discussion going on for seeking permission for smaller groups watching the address on LED screens at different locations in Nagpur.
In previous years, the event witnessed the presence of several high-profile public personalities during the annual Vijaydashmi event. These personalities include former President late Pranab Mukherjee, HCL's Shiv Nadar and Nobel laureate Kailash Vidhyarthi to name a few.
These guests have addressed the gathering of Swayamsevaks and also witness them performing physical fitness activities and march past by the cadre.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands Reports 18 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, Tally Climbs To 4,126The COVID-19 tally of Andaman & Nicobar Islands has risen to 4,126 after 18 more people tested positive for the virus, a health official said on Tuesday.
Out of the fresh cases in the Union Territory, 17 were detected during contact tracing, he said.
A total of 56 people have so far died due to the contagion.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands now has 178 active patients, while 3,892 people have recovered from the disease, he said.
Altogether, 75,977 samples have been tested for coronavirus in the UT.
Coronavirus Update: "No Entry" boards placed outside Puja Pandals in West Bengal
Ladakh's COVID-19 tally rises to 5,647 with 49 fresh cases
Ladakh's COVID-19 caseload climbed to 5,647 on Tuesday as 49 more people tested positive for the disease in the union territory, according to an official bulletin.
Of the 49 fresh cases, 46 were detected in Leh district and three in Kargil district, officials said.
The number of active cases in the region has fallen to 880. Of these, 724 are in Leh and 156 in Kargil, the bulletin issued by the Directorate of Health Services said.
It said 86 more people recovered from COVID-19 in Ladakh -- 77 in Leh and nine in Kargil.
Ladakh has recorded 66 coronavirus-related deaths so far. A total of 4,701 people have recovered since the outbreak of the disease in March.
UK backs COVID-19 vaccine trials that infect volunteers
Britain said on Tuesday it would back "human challenge" trials, where young and healthy volunteers are deliberately infected with COVID-19, to accelerate the development of vaccines for the disease.
The government said it would invest 33.6 million pounds ($43.5 million) in the studies in partnership with Imperial College London, laboratory and trial services company hVIVO and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
78 per cent of new recovered COVID-19 cases emerge from 10 states/UT
Union Ministry of Health on Tuesday said 78 per cent of the new recovered coronavirus cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 states/Union Territories (UT) and 75 per cent of the new confirmed cases are from 10 states and UTs.
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala contribute more than 5,000 to the new confirmed cases, according to the ministry.
According to an official release, India has leaped across several significant milestones in its fight against COVID-19. The new confirmed cases in the last 24 hours have fallen below 50,000 (46,790) for the first time in nearly three months. The new cases were 47,703 on July 28.
Six prisoners infected with COVID-19 in Delhi jails: Authorities tell Delhi High Court
The jail authorities submitted before the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that six prisoners, who are lodged in several jails in the national capital, are currently infected with COVID-19.
The submission was made through a status report before a three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice DN Patel and Justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh.
The jail authorities submitted that there are 2,318 prisoners involved in heinous crimes who have been granted interim bail by the High Court and trial courts. The report said another 2,907 prisoners involved in minor crimes have also been granted interim bails.
Ukraine reports record daily high coronavirus-related deaths
The number of daily coronavirus deaths in Ukraine jumped to 113 from the previous record of 109 deaths registered last week, the national security council said on Tuesday.
The council said a total of 309,107 cases had been registered in Ukraine as of October 20, with 5,786 deaths and 129,533 people recovered.
Odisha reports 1,904 new COVID-19 cases, 16 fresh fatalities
Odisha's COVID-19 tally surged to 2,72,250 on Tuesday as 1,904 more people tested positive for the infection, while 16 fresh fatalities pushed the coastal state's coronavirus deaths to 1,168, a health official said.
After a gap of more than two months, Odisha reported less than 2,000 new cases for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, he said.
As many as 1,115 new cases were reported in quarantine centres, while 789 people tested positive for the infection during contact tracing, the official said.
Coronavirus Cases: 27 new cases push Mizoram's COVID-19 tally to 2,280
Mizoram's COVID-19 tally rose to 2,280 on Tuesday as 27 more people, including a seven-year-old boy, tested positive for the infection, a health official said.
Aizawl reported 20 new cases, followed by two each in Lawngtlai and Serchhip, and one each in Champhai, Kolasib and Mamit districts, he said.
As many as 25 fresh infections, including 20 in Aizawl, were locally transmitted, while two new patients had returned from Assam and Tripura, the official said.
Europe tightens virus curbs as global cases top 40 million
A number of European countries took urgent new measures on Monday to combat a second wave of coronavirus infections, as the World Health Organization blamed the surge in worldwide cases -- now more than 40 million -- on countries' failure to quarantine infected people properly.
Ireland and Wales became the first countries on the continent to re-enter lockdown as the number of people who have died from Covid-19 in Europe passed 250,000, according to an AFP tally.
238 new cases push Arunachal Pradesh's COVID-19 tally to 13,643
Arunachal Pradesh's COVID-19 caseload rose to 13,643 on Tuesday as 238 more people, including 10 Army jawans and four health personnel, tested positive for the infection, a senior health official said.
The Capital Complex region reported the highest number of new infections at 40, followed by Lohit (39) and East Siang (32), he said. As many as 228 more people have been cured of the disease, State Surveillance Officer, Dr Lobsang Jampa, said.
The recovery rate among the COVID-19 patients in the state stands at 79.01 per cent, he said.
The state now has 2,833 active coronavirus cases, while 10,780 people have recovered from the disease and 30 patients have succumbed to the infection so far, the official said.
Coronavirus tally in Puducherry rises to 33,452 with 206 additions
Two more people, including a 90-year old woman from Mahe, died of COVID-19 on Tuesday pushing the deaths in the union territory to 577.
Director of Health and Family Welfare S Mohan Kumar said in a release that 206 fresh cases were identified at the end of examination of 4,013 samples during last 24 hours raising the caseload to 33,452. The Director said 252 patients were discharged during last 24 hours and the fatality and recovery rates were 1.72 per cent and 86.02 per cent recently.
Delhi Metro: 144 passengers fined in last 6 days for violating COVID-19 norms
The Delhi Police has issued 144 challans to metro passengers for violating COVID-19 guidelines in the last six days, officials said on Tuesday.
The police personnel at metro stations have been conducting a drive to check the violation of COVID-19 guidelines. Passengers who were not wearing masks or maintaining social distancing were fined, they said.
In the last six days, a total of 3,691 trains were checked and 144 challans issued to passengers for violating the guidelines to control the pandemic, said Jitendra Mani, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Metro).
Jharkhand reports 490 new COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths
Three more people have died due to COVID-19 in Jharkhand, raising the number to 842, while 490 fresh cases pushed the tally to 96,842, a health department official said on Tuesday.
The deaths were reported from Bokaro, East Singhbhum and Deoghar.
Of the new cases, 152 were recorded in Ranchi, 77 in Bokaro and 52 in East Singhbhum, he said. Jharkhand currently has 6,220 active cases, while 89,780 have recovered so far. As many as 28,908 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the state on Monday, the official added.
New US COVID-19 cases rise 13% last week to nearly 4,00,000
The number of new COVID-19 cases in the United States last week rose 13% to more than 393,000, approaching levels last seen during the summer peak, according to a Reuters analysis.
Deaths fell 2% to about 4,900 people for the week ended October 18, according to the analysis of state and county reports. Since the outbreak started, nearly 220,000 people in the country have died and over 8.1 million have become infected with the novel coronavirus.
France's new COVID-19 cases slow but deaths sharply up
France reported a massive increase of the number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 on Monday, while also becoming the eighth country in the world to report more than 900,000 cases since the start of the outbreak.
The daily data showed the partial curfew imposed on nine major cities, including Paris, since Saturday has yet to yield some results
Coronavirus news: Bihar's COVID-19 death count breaches 1,000-mark; recovery rate touches 94%
Bihar's COVID-19 death count crossed the 1,000-mark on Monday as seven more patients died due to the disease, while 912 fresh infections pushed the state's caseload to 2,05,123, a health bulletin said.
Coronavirus news: Swiss Armed Forces Chief tests COVID-19 positive
Swiss Armed Forces Chief Thomas Sussli tested positive for coronavirus, he has been in quarantine since Monday, the country's government said in a statement.
"Due to contact with a person who tested positive for coronavirus, Army Chief Thomas Sussli took a test today. The result was positive," the statement said. Sussli currently has no symptoms and continues to work from home, news agency ANI reported.