New Delhi: India added 16,504 coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, placing its overall number at 1.03 crore cases, the Health Ministry's data showed. The number of fresh infections is 9 per cent lower than on Sunday. In this period, India reported 214 deaths linked to the virus, taking the total number of fatalities to 1,49,649.
Meanwhile, India's drugs regulator on Sunday approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country, paving the way for a massive inoculation drive.
The approval by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) was given on the basis of recommendations submitted by a COVID-19 subject expert committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
"After adequate examination, CDSCO has decided to accept the recommendations of the Expert Committee and accordingly, vaccines of M/s Serum and M/s Bharat Biotech are being approved for restricted use in emergency situation," DCGI Dr VG Somani said.
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Here are the LIVE updates on Coronavirus Cases:
Jan 05, 2021 05:36 (IST)
6 Cases Of UK Mutant Virus In Kerala For 1st Time, More In Other States
Kerala today reported six cases of the mutant coronavirus strain that was first confirmed in the UK. All six who have tested positive had returned from the UK after December 14, Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja told reporters.
Among those who tested positive are two people from a family in Kozhikode, another two from a family in Alappuzha, and one each from Kottayam and Kannur.
"A total of 29 samples were sent to a lab in Pune. The first 11 tested negative for the mutated strain. Today, six have tested positive for that strain. They are in isolation and in hospital, under treatment. They were advised quarantine on arrival and their contact lists have been prepared and even they are under observation," Ms Shailaja said.
Jan 05, 2021 04:45 (IST)
"Never Raised Questions On Scientists": Akhilesh Yadav On Vaccine Remark
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav today said that he had never insulted the scientists who developed the coronavirus vaccine.
Mr Yadav's comment on Saturday that he could not trust a vaccine which would be used by a BJP government had triggered sharp reactions from the ruling party as well as leaders like Omar Abdullah of the National Conference.
The SP chief had tried to make amends on Twitter the same day, saying he was not referring to the scientists.
Jan 05, 2021 01:42 (IST)
UK announces national lockdown
UK PM Boris Johnson has announced a national lockodwn with stricter measures in wake of new coronavirus strain. Here are key points from Mr Johnson's presser:
- On 29th Dec more than 80,000 people tested positive. Deaths gone up by 20 percent in the last week.
- Stepping out is NOT allowed unless absolutely essential
- If clinically vulnerable, shielding is advised.
- All schools and colleges shut
- Children of key workers can go to school
- Exams won't go as normal this summer 2021
- Free school meal vouchers to be sent to children below low income families
