Coronavirus Highlights: The death count increased to 3,07,231 with 3,511 new fatalities.
The daily count of coronavirus cases in the country fell below the 2-lakh mark after over a month taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,69,48,874, while the death count rose to 3,07,231, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.
A total of 1,96,427 new coronavirus infections were reported in a day. The country also reported the lowest death count in 21 days with 3,511 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
India had registered 1,84,372 new coronavirus infections on April 14.
The active cases have further reduced to 25,86,782 comprising 9.60 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 89.26 per cent.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,40,54,861, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.14 per cent, the data stated.
Here are the Highlights on India Coronavirus (Covid-19 Cases) Cases:
India Administers Over 20 Crore Vaccine Doses Till May 25India has cumulatively administered more than 20 crore vaccine doses up till 7 pm on May 25, reported news agency ANI.
As many as 20,04,94,991 vaccine jabs have been administered as of May 25.
"India has crossed a significant landmark in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The country has administered more than 20 crore (20,04,94,991) vaccine doses as per the 7 pm provisional report. Vaccination is an integral pillar of the comprehensive strategy of government of India for containment and management of the pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and COVID Appropriate Behaviour," read an official statement by the centre.
Moderna, Pfizer Covid Vaccines Likely In India Next YearModerna is expecting to launch a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India next year and is in talks with Cipla among other Indian firms, while another US giant Pfizer is ready to offer 5 crore shots in 2021 itself but it wants significant regulatory relaxations including indemnification, sources said on Tuesday.
While Moderna has conveyed to Indian authorities that it does not have surplus vaccines to share in 2021, there are limited prospects of Johnson & Johnson exporting its jabs from the US to other countries in the near future, the sources privy to discussions added.
West Bengal Declares Black Fungus As Notifiable DiseaseThe West Bengal government has declared mucormycosis or black fungus as a ''notifiable disease'' considering the gravity of the situation and following the advice of the union health ministry, an official said on Tuesday.
Citing an order issued by the health department, the official said that it has been made mandatory for a doctor to notify the authority on diagnosing a case of a confirmed or suspected mucormycosis.
Assam Reports Record 92 COVID-19 DeathsAssam on Tuesday reported 92 COVID-19 deaths and detected 5,767 new cases, pushing the
coronavirus caseload to 3,81,171, the National Health Mission bulletin said.
This is the second time that the state recorded 92 fatalities on a single day.
The same number of COVID-19 deaths had been registered in the northeastern state on May 17.
454 Black Fungus Cases In HaryanaHaryana had recorded 454 Black Fungus or mucormycosis cases till May 24 with Gurgaon district reporting the maximum of 156 cases, health department data showed on Tuesday.
Hisar has reported 95 cases, Faridabad 55, Rohtak and Sirsa 27 each, Panipat 19 and Ambala 14, the data stated.
Pointing out that not all those in whom black fungus has been detected are Covid patients or diabetics, Health Minister Anil Vij said, "Cause of mucormycosis disease needs more research."
Over 20 Crore Covid Vaccine Doses Administered So Far In India: Health Ministry
The Union health ministry said Tuesday the cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 20 crore, according to news agency PTI. In the age group of 18-44 years, the ministry said, 9,42,796 people received their first vaccine dose on Tuesday, and cumulatively, 1,28,74,546 have received vaccine doses across India since the start of the phase-3 of the vaccination drive.
Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have administered to more than 10 lakh beneficiaries in the 18-44 age group their first dose of Covid vaccine, it said. The country has administered 20,04,94,991 vaccine doses so far, as per the 7 pm provisional report, the ministry said.
Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi Reviews Covid SituationAssam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi on Tuesday reviewed the prevailing COVID situation in the state and called for widespread RAT and RT-PCR testings along with adherence to strict quarantine mechanism to arrest the surging coronavirus cases, according to news agency PTI. In a video conference with Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Principal Secretary (Health) along with other officials, he directed that testing and quarantine mechanism should be made more strict and intensive as there has been an increase in positive cases.
The Governor said that after the sudden rise in positive cases, the state government has intensified testing across the state. Mr Mukhi said that during the first wave of the COVID pandemic, Assam had used the best available practices to effectively contain the infection and this time too, under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state would definitely achieve success against the pandemic.
Maharashtra's Nashik District Records 765 New Covid Cases, 65 Deaths
The Nashik district of Maharashtra reported 765 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, which pushed the state's total count to 3,81,120, said officials, according to news agency PTI. Besides, 65 patients lost their lives, which increased the death count to 4,479, they said. Of the deaths, 38 were reported from the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) area, 24 from other parts of the district and three from Malegaon. So far 303 people have died due to the viral infection in Malegaon, 1,908 in NMC limits and 2,169 in other parts of the district. Some patients who died in hospitals in Nashik hailed from outside the district but received treatment here. So far, 3,62,241 patients have recovered including 1,544 on Tuesday.
Himachal Pradesh Reports 1,999 New Covid Cases, 60 More Deaths
Himachal Pradesh reported 1,999 new COVID-19 cases and 60 more deaths on Tuesday, which pushed the state's infection tally to 1,82,982 and the death count to 2,873, an official said, according to news agency PTI. According to the state health department, there are 23,053 active coronavirus cases in the state. As many as 3,067 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of recoveries to 1,57,031, the official said.
Uttar Pradesh Reports 163 More Covid Deaths, 3,957 New Cases
Uttar Pradesh reported 163 fresh COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday, which pushed its death count to 19,510, said an official statement. Besides, 3,957 new cases have increased the state's tally to 16,77,508, said news agency PTI quoting the statement. The fresh fatalities included nine deaths being reported from Lucknow and eight each from Jhansi and Saharanpur districts, the statement said. In the past 24 hours, 10,441 Covid patients recovered from the disease and were discharged. The total recoveries in the state stand at 15,88,161, according to the statement. Uttar Pradesh, at present, has 69,828 active cases, it said.
"Cops Given Barracks Facilities To Avoid Spreading Covid": Delhi Police To Court
Delhi Police personnel are being provided barracks and retiring rooms facilities in the police stations so they do not carrying the COVID-19 infection to their homes and infect their family members, the Delhi High Court was informed on Tuesday, according to news agency PTI. The high court said the police force knows how to maintain social distancing and follow COVID-19 protocols and added that unless there is medical data to show the outbreak of the infection in the barracks, it is not required to direct the police to provide for alternate accommodations to its staff.
Assam Revises Night Curfew Timings In Rural Areas
The Assam government on Tuesday revised the night curfew in rural areas, advancing it to 2 pm to contain the surge of COVID-19 cases, reported news agency PTI. Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah, who is also the Chairperson of the State Disaster Management Authority, issued the order which will come into effect immediately and will remain in force in rural areas till June 5. All shops and commercial establishments will shut down at 2 pm on all days while all offices, both private and government, will do the same at 1 pm. Cold storages and warehouses may continue after 1 pm though sale counters and showrooms attached to these shall not operate beyond 1 pm.
Mumbai Reports 1,037 Fresh Covid Cases, 37 Casualties
Mumbai recorded 1,037 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, pushing its total count to 6,99,904, while 37 patients died of the infection and 1,427 recovered from it, said an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, according to news agency PTI. With the latest casualties, the financial capital's death count has risen to 14,708 and the count of recoveries has reached 6,55,425, added the official. The recovery rate in the city stands at 94 per cent, he said, adding that the doubling rate has improved to 345 days. The city's largest slum area, Dharavi, reported only seven fresh cases, according to a BMC report.
Himanta Biswa Sarma Reviews Covid Situation In Assam-Bengal Border AreasAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the Assam-West Bengal interstate border at Chagolia in Dhubri and Srirampur in Kokrajhar district on Tuesday to review COVID-19 testing and screening of passengers entering the state, reported news agency PTI. He told reporters that these two borders are important corridors and the success of the fight against COVID depends on better management of these borders. Mr Sarma also took stock of the COVID-19 testing centre set up at Chagolia and the steps taken to conduct testing on incoming vehicle drivers and passengers.
"Covid Cases Decreasing, Testing Increased": Kerala Health MinisterKerala Health Minister Veena George said COVID-19 cases are decreasing while testing has increased in the state, reported news agency ANI. She said there was a rise in deaths due to surge in positive cases a few weeks ago, "but death rate remains same, not increasing." She said more Mucormycosis, or Black Fungus, cases are being reported. "As of now, there are about 44 or 46 cases (in the state)," she said. "Our aim is to vaccinate everyone, but we are not getting vaccines due to shortage," she said, according to the report.
"Cancel Board Exams If Students Cannot Be Vaccinated": Manish Sisodia To CentreDelhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia asked Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' to cancel board exams this year if school students cannot be vaccinated. "Result can be declared based on their last two years' performance. Plan 'B' can be prepared for students disagreeing with it," Mr Sisodia said, according to news agency ANI.
Uttarakhand Authorises 12 Covid Hospitals For Black Fungus Treatment
The Uttarakhand administration on Tuesday authorised 12 Covid hospitals in the state to treat patients of Mucormycosis or Black Fungus, reported news agency PTI. The Chief Secretary, Om Prakash, asked the medical superintendents concerned to make arrangements in this regard. Black Fungus cases have been on the rise in the state with 114 reported so far, officials said. Nine people have died from the disease, they added.
18 Maharashtra Districts With High Positivity Rate To Stop Home Isolation
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said Tuesday the government has decided to stop home quarantining of COVID-19 patients in 18 districts of the state where the positivity rate is high. All active patients in these regions will be shifted to COVID Care Centres, news agency PTI quoted him as saying.
Health department data showed that of the 36 districts in the state, Satara, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Osmanabad, Beed, Raigad, Pune, Hingoli, Akola, Amravati, Kolhapur, Thane, Sangli, Gadchiroli, Wardha, Nashik, Ahmednagar and Latur have above-average positivity rates.
Delhi's Covid Positivity Rate Dips Marginally To 2.14%
Delhi's COVID-19 positivity rate came down marginally to 2.14 per cent with the national capital recording 1,568 fresh cases on Tuesday, according to the daily health bulletin. This is the third day in a row when the daily cases in Delhi have remained below 2,000, reported news agency PTI. Delhi on Monday recorded 1,550 fresh cases and the positivity rate was 2.52 per cent. On Sunday, 1,649 cases were recorded, while positivity rate had dipped to 2.42 per cent.
"Healthcare System Needs To Transform": Health Minister Harsh VardhanUnion Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the COVID-19 outbreak has placed unprecedented demand on the health system and the health facilities and workforce are currently inundated with a plethora of activities related to controlling of the pandemic, reports news agency ANI. "To achieve universal health coverage and reduce the premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases, healthcare system needs to transform," said Dr Vardhan.
Covid Doesn't Stay Active In Nasal, Oral Cavities 12-24 Hours After Death: AIIMS Forensic Chief
AIIMS Forensic chief Dr Sudhir Gupta said that coronavirus doesn't remain active in nasal and oral cavities 12 to 24 hours after the death of an infected person, as a result of which the risk of transmission from the deceased is highly unlikely, news agency PTI reported. A pilot study was conducted over the last one year in the Department of Forensic Medicine at AIIMS on COVID-19 positive medico-legal cases which were subjected to post-mortem. The official said around 100 bodies were re-tested for coronavirus infection in an interval of 12 to 24 hours after death and the result was negative. "The virus does not remain active at all in nasal and oral cavities 24 hours after death," Dr Gupta told the news agency.
NHRC Notice To Delhi, UP, Haryana Over Covid Concerns At Farmers' Protests
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), taking cognisance of a complaint, has issued notices to the chief secretaries of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, directing them to submit a report within four weeks regarding the steps they've taken to control the spread of the COVID-19 infection at the protest sites of farmers, reports news agency ANI.
We have decided to stop home isolation for patients of 18 districts where the positivity rate is high. The patients from these districts will have to go to a quarantine center, won't be allowed home isolation: Maharashtra Health Minister.
Maharashtra To Get 60,000 Vials To Treat Black Fungus: Health Minister Rajesh Tope
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Tuesday said the state would get 60,000 vials of Amphotericin-B, the key drug for the treatment of mucormycosis patients, from June 1 onwards. There are 2,245 patients of mucormycosis, also known as the Black Fungus, in Maharashtra, Rajesh Tope told reporters after attending a review meeting on the mucormycosis and COVID-19 cases in the state.
Maharashtra: COVID-19 Recoveries Outnumber Positive Cases In Aurangabad
The daily count of COVID-19 recoveries has outnumbered the fresh infections in the last one month in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district, an official said on Tuesday. The district on Monday (May 24) recorded 326 COVID-19 cases, which is a marked decline from April 24, when it saw 1,497 new infections, the official said. The present COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 4.75 per cent, and there are 5,284 active cases in the district, he said.
Coronavirus: WHO Says ''More Information'' Required From Bharat Biotech For Emergency Use Listing Of Covaxin
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said "more information" is "required" from Bharat Biotech, which is seeking emergency use listing (EUL) for its Covaxin vaccine for COVID-19. The latest 'Status of COVID-19 Vaccines within WHO EUL/PQ evaluation process'' guidance document dated May 18 on the WHO website said Bharat Biotech submitted EOI (Expression of Interest) on April 19 and that "more information required". A pre-submission meeting is expected "to be planned May-June 2021," the guidance document said. According to the WHO, submissions to it for prequalification or listing under the emergency use procedure are confidential.
Delhi Received 1.5 Lakh Covishield Doses For 45 Plus Age Group: Atishi Marlena
Delhi has received nearly 1.5 lakh doses of Covishield on Monday for the 45 plus age group, while Covaxin's stock for this category is about to finish, AAP MLA Atishi said on Monday. While issuing the vaccination bulletin, the lawmaker said a total of 68,946 doses were administered in the national capital on Saturday and Sunday. "The 22nd and 23rd of May combined (Saturday and Sunday), 68,946 vaccines were administered. Out of this, nearly 49,163 people got their first dose and 19,783 were inoculated with their second dose," she said.
Additional 19,420 vials of Amphotericin- B have been allocated to all States/UTs and Central Institutions on 24th May. Besides this, 23680 vials of Amphotericin- B were allocated across the country on 21st May: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
COVID-19: Centre Allocates Additional 19,420 Anti-Fungal Drug Vials To Treat Black Fungus
Amid the rising Mucormycosis, commonly known as Black Fungus, cases across the country, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers on Tuesday informed that it has allocated 19,420 additional vials of Amphotericin-B to various States and Union Territories.
Coronavirus: Covaxin Has Reached "30 Cities In 30 Days": Bharat Biotech Amid Shortages
Bharat Biotech's Covaxin has reached 30 cities in 30 days, the vaccine maker said this morning in a tweet as shortage of doses continues to be a challenge in India's fight against coronavirus. Delhi and Punjab have said their requests have been turned down by US firms - Pfizer and Moderna - and the international pharma giants have insisted on dealing directly with the central government.
Read Here Coronavirus: Karnataka Chief Minister To Interact With Gram Panchayats Over High Covid Caseload
With the increase in COVID-19 cases in rural areas, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa will interact with select gram panchayats reporting high caseload, via video conferencing on May 26, regarding containment measure. "Tomorrow the Chief Minister will interact with select gram panchayats with high cases, via video conference," Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he said with indications that Covid is coming under control in cities like Bengaluru, the government's focus is now on rural areas, and hence district administrations have been given greater responsibility, including, implementation of lockdown locally.
Ensure More COVID-19 Vaccines Are Available To States: Ashok Gehlot To Centre
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Tuesday that the Union Health Ministry should provide more vaccines to states instead of highlighting vaccination statistics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan should have put vaccine production on top priority and if necessary, more companies should be allowed and encouraged to produce vaccines by changing the law, he said.
Coronavirus: Ladakh Daily COVID-19 Recoveries Outstrip New Infections
Ladakh recorded more COVID-19 recoveries on Tuesday than new infections as 184 people got discharged from hospitals after battling coronavirus, while 125 new cases were added. Officials said the latest update takes the Union Territory's overall tally of cases to 17,532, while the number of active infections stands at 1,463 with 1,249 in Leh district and 214 in Kargil. A total of 178 people have died due to COVID-19 in the union territory so far which includes 130 in Leh, 48 in Kargil. Of the new cases reported during the past 24 hours, the officials said 92 were detected in Leh and five in Kargil.
Coronavirus: Karnataka to give Second Covaxin Dose Only To Those Above 45 Years
The Karnataka government has directed health officials to administer the second dose of Covaxin COVID-19 vaccine only to people aged above 45 years. In an official order on Monday the state government said: "In order to tide over the current situation of short supply of Covaxin in the State of Karnataka, it is hereby advised that all the private health care institutions should utilize the available stock of Covaxin at their respective health facility, as the second dose for the age group 45 plus who are awaiting for the second dose of Covaxin as per the COVID-19 vaccination schedule of Government of India."
Coronavirus: Virtual Home-Care Project Launched In Haryana Amid Fight Against Covid
Deloitte, one of the Big Four accounting organisations, has developed "a very innovative, simple, fit-for-purpose programme" in the fight against COVID-19 that can be scaled up in a quick span of time, its CEO Punit Renjen said on Monday. "We have designed, I believe, a very innovative, simple, fit-for-purpose programme that is integrated," Punit Renjen told PTI, a day after the "Sanjeevani Pariyojana" (life of project) was kicked off in Karnal district of Haryana.
Coronavirus: India Records 1,96,427 New Infections, 3,511 Deaths In 24 Hours
India's total tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 2,69,48,874 with 1,96,427 new infections, while the recoveries have surged to 2,40,54,861, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death count increased to 3,07,231 with 3,511 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Maharashtra: Thane Records 826 New COVID-19 Cases, 52 More Deaths
The COVID-19 tally in Maharashtra's Thane district has gone up to 5,10,805 with the addition of 826 new cases of the viral infection, an official said on Tuesday. These new cases were reported on Monday, he said. The virus also claimed the lives of 52 more people, raising the death toll in the district to 8,923, he said, adding that the COVID-19 mortality rate in Thane stood at 1.74 per cent. Details of recovered and under-treatment patients were not provided by the district administration.
Coronavirus: "Will Only Work With Centre," Says Pfizer As States' Vaccine Bids Falter
States scrambling to buy Covid vaccines directly from foreign manufacturers - to boost what they say is insufficient supply from the centre - seem to be running into a roadblock in some cases, with at least two pharmaceutical giants refusing to sell to them.
Read Here "More Information" Required: WHO On Emergency Use Listing Of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that more information is required from Bharat Biotech, which is seeking emergency use listing (EUL) for its Covaxin vaccine for COVID-19. The latest status of COVID-19 Vaccines within WHO EUL/PQ evaluation process' guidance document dated May 18 on the WHO website said Bharat Biotech submitted EOI (Expression of Interest) on April 19 and that More information required . A pre-submission meeting is expected to be planned May-June 2021, the guidance document said.
"No Evidence" COVID-19 Will Impact Children More In 3rd Wave: AIIMS Chief
AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria said that there is no indication that children will be severely or more affected in the third wave of COVID-19. Responding to a question on the possible impact of a third wave on children, Mr Guleria said there is so far no evidence that there will be severe infection in children or there will be more cases in them in the upcoming wave of COVID-19.
My college had invited applications for a design challenge to create COVID-19 related equipment. My mother, who is a doctor, had shared her struggle of wearing PPE kits for long hours. That's where the inspiration came from: Nihaal, who designed 'cool' PPE kits with ventilation
Coronavirus News: Pfizer Praises Punjab's "Extraordinary Efforts", Says No To Sending Jabs
US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has refused to send Covid vaccines to Punjab directly, making it clear that they only deal with the central government. Its refusal came a day after another drug maker, Moderna, declined the state's request. Pfizer, however, appreciated the "extraordinary efforts" of the Government of Punjab in response to the pandemic.
Read Here Coronavirus: 111 Black Fungus Cases Reported In Punjab So Far
Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Monday informed that a total of 111 cases of black fungus have so far been reported from several parts of the state and an expert group has finalised the treatment protocols for the disease. According to a press release, 25 of these cases were reported from government health facilities, while the remaining 86 from various private hospitals.
COVID-19: Telangana To Earmark 1,500 Beds For Black Fungus Cases
Amid rising cases of black fungus in the state, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday instructed officials to enhance specific beds to treat the infection, reported news agency ANI. According to a press release issued by Chief Ministers Office (CMO), he held a high-level review meeting here on Monday at Pragathi Bhavan on curtailment of Corona, black fungus, vaccine, implementation of the lockdown. He said, "A total of 1,500 beds, at least 1,100 beds in Hyderabad and another 400 in districts, need to be set up. In addition to increasing the number of beds, the CM said the number of drugs required to reduce Black Fungus cases should be estimated and medicines ordered immediately."