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Coronavirus Highlights: India reported 54,000 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 17,50,723. With this, India crossed a grim milestone of 17 lakh coronavirus in 185 days. The country also witnessed 853 COVID-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said.
The total fatalities due to the virus now stand at 37,364. The country's Covid tally had crossed the 16 lakh-mark on Friday, just three days after crossing the 15 lakh infections. More than 11.45 lakh patients have recovered; the recovery rate stood at 65.43 per cent on Saturday.
India has tested a total of 1,98,21,831 samples so far. The positivity rate - percentage of patients who have tested positive for coronavirus - stood at 11.81 per cent.
Meanwhile, India cannot count on herd immunity to stop the coronavirus pandemic given its demography and scale, the Health Ministry said on Thursday, adding that the country will have to rely on a vaccine to fully beat COVID-19. Israel and India are conducting trials on a large sample of patients for four different kinds of technologies that have the potential to detect COVID-19 in about 30 seconds, including a breath analyser and a voice test, according to the Israeli government.
Here are the Highlights on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases:
Global Coronavirus Cases Cross 18 Million Mark With Over 687,000 Deaths
The number of coronavirus cases recorded worldwide has passed 18 million, according to an AFP tally from official sources at 2240 GMT Sunday.
At least 18,011,763 cases have now been registered as the pandemic's rate of infection continues to accelerate. A million more cases have been detected in just the last four days.
More than half of the world's cases have been recorded in the United States and in Latin America and the Caribbean region.
The United States is the worst-hit country with 4,657,693 cases including 154,793 deaths, followed by Brazil, with 2,733,677 cases and 94,104 deaths.
The third worst-hit country is India, with 1,750,723 cases and 37,364 deaths.
Worldwide, there have been 687,941 deaths.
The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections.
Many countries are testing only symptomatic or the most serious cases.
Serum Institute Gets Nod For Phase 2,3 Human Trial Of Oxford COVID Vaccine
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given nod to the Serum Institute of India (SII) for conducting phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, developed by the University of Oxford, in the country.
Government officials told PTI that the approval for conducting phase 2 and 3 clinical trials by the SII was granted by DCGI Dr V G Somani late Sunday night after a thorough evaluation based on the recommendations of the Subject Expert Committee on COVID-19.
As a rapid regulatory response, the expert panel at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on Friday, after a detailed deliberation and considering the data generated on the vaccine candidate in phase 1 and 2 of the Oxford University trial, had recommended granting permission for phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the potential vaccine, "Covishield", on healthy adults in India, the officials said.
"The firm has to submit safety data, evaluated by the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), to the CDSCO before proceeding to phase 3 clinical trials," a senior official said.
"As per the study design, each subject will be administered two doses four weeks apart (first dose on day one and second dose on day 29) following which the safety and immunogenicity will be assessed at predefined intervals," the official said.
Assam Government Issues Guidelines On Permissible Activities In State
The Assam government has issued guidelines regarding permissible activities in the state which will come into effect from 7 PM on Sunday and remain valid till 7 PM of August 14.
Inter-district movement is allowed on Monday and Tuesday only. No separate permission/approval/e-permit will be required.
Malls and gymnasiums are allowed to operate between Monday and Friday on the same side of the street on which other shops are allowed in Kamrup Metropolitan District and both sides in the case of all other districts.
Movement of individuals strictly prohibited between 6 PM and 6 AM.
"After due consideration of the COVID situation as it prevails in the state of Assam and taking into consideration latest directives issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs dated 29 July 2020, the following modifications of the order dated 18 July, 2020 are allowed in the entire State of Assam: This order shall come into force with effect from 7 PM of 2 August, 2020 and remain valid till 7 PM of 14 August, 2020," the order from the Assam government read.
1,178 new COVID-19 cases detected out of 19943 tests conducted in last 24 hours. We have been able to maintain a low positivity rate consistently (today- 5.91%). Total number of cases now at 42,904 including 11,354 active cases & 105 deaths: Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Health Minister
Another Assam MLA Tests COVID-19 Positive
Congress MLA Rakibul Hussain on Sunday became the seventh legislator in Assam to contract coronavirus infection.
Mr Hussain, the MLA from Samaguri in Central Assam and a former state minister, said in a Facebook post that he tested positive for the virus along with his wife Nazreen Hussain.
His son, however, tested negative.
"I have tested COVID-19 positive.... Request everyone who came in contact with me in the last four days to get themselves tested," he said in the post.
BS Yediyurappa Coronavirus Positive: "Tested Covid Positive, Being Hospitalised": Karnataka's BS Yediyurappa Hope you get well soon: Rajnath Singh To Amit Shah
"Amitji, your perseverance and willpower has been an example for every challenge. You will definitely win over this big challenge of corona virus, I believe so," Rajnath Singh tweeted.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister wishes speedy recovery to Amit Shah
Praying the almighty God for speedy recovery of Shri @AmitShah ji from his present illness.
- Edappadi K Palaniswami (@CMOTamilNadu) August 2, 2020
Best wishes from TamilNadu for his good health.
International passengers with negative COVID-19 test report can skip institutional quarantine: Government
The Union health ministry on Sunday issued a set of revised guidelines for international arrivals wherein passengers flying to India from August 8 can skip institutional quarantine if they submit COVID-19 negative test reports.
According to the guidelines, this test should have been conducted within 96 hours prior to undertaking the journey.
"The travellers can also seek exemption from institutional quarantine by submitting a negative RT-PCR test report on arrival. This test should have been conducted within 96 hours prior to undertaking the journey. The test report should be uploaded on the portal www.newdelhiairport.in for consideration," the guidelines stated.
P. Chidambaram wishes speedy recovery to Amit Shah
It is distressing that the Home Minister has tested positive for Covid-19.
- P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) August 2, 2020
I wish him a speedy recovery and good health.
COVID-19: Gyms to open in Noida from August 5
A day after the authorities in Gautam Buddh Nagar announced that gyms would remain closed in the district, it issued a clarification on Sunday that these would be allowed to open from August 5.
"Gyms allowed to open in the district from August 5. It was inadvertently mentioned as one of the places to remain closed in the earlier order, "Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissionerate tweeted on Sunday.
Earlier, the Noida Police had said that all cinema hall, gyms, swimming pools, amusement parks would remain closed till August 31.
Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wished a speedy recovery to Amit Shah
My good wishes for your speedy recovery Adarniya @AmitShah ji. With your resolute determination and strong will power you will soon come out of this.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 2, 2020
COVID-19 tally in Bengal breaches 75000-mark with 2,739 new cases, record 49 deaths reported
The deaths due to COVID-19 in West Bengal rose to 1,678 on Sunday with record one-day jump of 49 fatalities, the health department said. The state also reported the highest single-day spike of 2,739 fresh cases, which pushed the tally to 75,516, the department said.
Of the 49 fatalities, 20 were registered in Kolkata.
At least 2,213 patients have recovered from the disease since Saturday, improving the discharge rate in the state to 69.83 per cent, the department said in its bulletin. As many as 21,072 samples have been examined for the disease in the last 24 hours, it said.
The number of active coronavirus cases in the state currently stands at 21,108.
Maharashtra adds 9,509 COVID-19 cases in day, 260 die; 9,926 recover
The COVID-19 tally in Maharashtra spiked by 9,509 cases to 4,41,228 on Sunday, the state Health department said. With 260 deaths, the total toll went up to 15,576, it said.
A total of of 9,926 patients were discharged in the day, taking the count of the recovered cases in the state to 2,76,809, the department said.
Maharashtra now has 1,48,537 active cases.
Centre asks states, UTs to allow hospitalised COVID-19 patients use smartphones to interact with family
The Centre has written to all states and Union Territories stating that smartphones and tablet devices should be allowed for hospitalised COVID-19 patients so that they can interact with family and friends through video conferencing, which would provide them psychological support.
Though mobile phones are allowed in hospital wards, the missive was issued following some representation from the family of patients alleging otherwise, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal wishes Amit Shah a speedy recovery from COVID-19
"Praying for speedy recovery and good health of Hon'ble Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal said.
Coronavirus news: Babul Supriyo in self isolation after Amit Shah tests COVID-19 positive
Union Minister Babul Supriyo tweeted: "I had met Hon'ble Home Minister Shri ji day before in the evening. I am advised by Doctors to confine myself, away from my family members, for the next few days with a test to be done soon. Shall abide with all precautionary measures as per Rules and Protocol."
Coronavirus news: "Very much concerned about his health," says Rajasthan Chief Minister as Amit Shah tests COVID-19 positive
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted: "I have come to know Home Minister Amit Shah ji has tested positive for Covid-19. Very much concerned about his health. My best wishes to him for a speedy recovery".
Coronavirus news: A team of doctors likely to visit Medanta hospital to see Amit Shah
A team of doctors, led by AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria, is likely to visit Medanta in Gurugram to see Home Minister Amit Shah for COVID-19 treatment, ANI reported quoting unnamed sources.
Coronavirus news: Rahul Gandhi wishes Amit Shah a speedy recovery from COVID-19
"Wishing Mr Amit Shah a speedy recovery," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
"Wishing Mr Amit Shah a speedy recovery," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
Coronavirus news: Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wished a speedy recovery to Amit Shah
My good wishes for your speedy recovery Adarniya @AmitShah ji. With your resolute determination and strong will power you will soon come out of this.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 2, 2020
Coronavirus news: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wishes Union Home Minister Amit Shah a speedy recovery from COVID-19
I pray for the speedy recovery of Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji https://t.co/i26dkb6Q1q
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 2, 2020
BJP Uttar Pradesh Chief Swatantra Dev Singh tests positive for COVID-19
Coronavirus news: Mamata Banerjee wishes Amit Shah a speedy recovery from COVID-19
Heard about the Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji being tested positive for #COVID-19. Wishing him a speedy recovery. My prayers are with him and his family!
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 2, 2020
Coronavirus news: Philippines to update COVID-19 strategy as healthcare workers seek 'timeout'
The Philippines' health department vowed on Sunday to update its game plan against COVID-19 within a week and sought to beef up the healthcare workforce in the capital Manila, where medical frontliners are calling for reviving strict lockdowns.
The Southeast Asian country on Saturday reported 4,963 additional coronavirus infections, the largest single-day jump on record, bringing its total confirmed cases to 98,232, while its death toll had climbed to 2,039.
It has the second-highest number of coronavirus infections and COVID-19 deaths in the region, behind Indonesia, Reuters reported.
Coronavirus news: Hyderabad International Airport gets "mass fever screening system"
The Central Government has given mass fever screening system to the Hyderabad International Airport in an attempt to enhance the efficacy of the screening process.
"The new thermal scanner is capable of scanning, detecting and tracking febrile persons with elevated skin temperature. The system automatically adjusts and adapts to the surrounding ambient temperature without any human intervention," read an official press note by the airport.
With its Intuitive User Interface and Dual-Displays (Day Camera + Infra-Red), the scanner provides easy identification of passengers with elevated temperature while simplifying operations and minimising handling, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: Tested Positive For Coronavirus, Hospitalised, Tweets Amit Shah
Union home minister Amit Shah has tweeted that he has tested positive for coronavirus, which has infected more than 17 lakh people in the country.
"On getting the initial symptoms of coronavirus, I got the test done and the report came back positive. My health is fine, but I am being admitted to the hospital on the advice of doctors. I request that all of you who have come in contact with me in the last few days, please isolate yourself and get your inquiry done," the minister's tweet in Hindi roughly said.
Coronavirus news: Two-day-old baby dies of COVID-19 in Tripura
A two-day-old baby has died due to COVID-19 in Tripura, becoming the state's youngest coronavirus fatality, a Health Department official said on Sunday.
The baby was born on Thursday at the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and her swab sample was collected as her mother was a coronavirus patient.
"The two-day-old girl tested positive for coronavirus and died due to the disease at the hospital on Saturday," the official said.
A 62-year-old man has also died of the disease on Saturday while undergoing treatment at the hospital, he said.
The patient was admitted to the AGMC on July 31 after he suffered a heart attack, PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: Australia's Victoria declares disaster, sets curfew to curb COVID-19
Australia's second-most populous state of Victoria declared a state of disaster on Sunday and imposed a nightly curfew for the capital Melbourne as part of its harshest movement restrictions to date to contain a resurgent COVID-19.
Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city already under a reimposed six-week stay-home order, has struggled to rein in the disease, with record numbers of infections of the new coronavirus reported last week.
On Sunday, Victoria reported 671 infections, one of its highest, and seven COVID-19 deaths. High numbers of community transmissions and cases of unknown origins have forced the new restrictions, which will be in place for six weeks, Reuters reported.
Coronavirus news: Tokyo confirms 292 new coronavirus cases on Sunday
Tokyo confirmed 292 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, after cases rose by more than 400 in the past two days, public broadcaster NHK said. Governor Koike Yuriko said on Friday Tokyo could declare a state of emergency if the coronavirus situation in the Japanese capital deteriorates further, as debate deepened over how to respond to record increases in new infections, reuters reported.
Tokyo confirmed 292 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, after cases rose by more than 400 in the past two days, public broadcaster NHK said. Governor Koike Yuriko said on Friday Tokyo could declare a state of emergency if the coronavirus situation in the Japanese capital deteriorates further, as debate deepened over how to respond to record increases in new infections, reuters reported.
Coronavirus news: Indonesia reports 1,519 new coronavirus infections, 43 deaths
Indonesia reported 1,519 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, bringing the total to 111,455, data from the country's COVID-19 task force showed.
The data also showed 43 new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the count to 5,236, Reuters reported.
Coronavirus news: Russia's coronavirus cases surpass 850,000
Russia reported 5,427 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Sunday, bringing its nationwide tally to 850,870, the fourth largest caseload in the world.
Russia's coronavirus taskforce said 70 people had died over the last 24 hours, pushing the official death count in the country of around 145 million people to 14,128, Reuters reported.
Coronavirus news: Philippines' confirmed coronavirus cases exceed 100,000
The Philippines on Sunday reported 5,032 additional coronavirus infections, its largest single-day increase on record, taking the country's confirmed cases to 103,185.
In a bulletin, the Department of Health also said the Southeast Asian country's coronavirus death count had jumped by 20 to 2,059, Reuters reported.
Assam allows inter-district travel on 2 days of week; night curfew, weekend shutdown to continue
The Assam government has issued a new set of guidelines, allowing inter-district movement on
Inter-district movement of people is allowed on Monday and Tuesday and no separate permission or approval will be required for travel within the state on these two days, the order, which will come into force on Sunday, 7 pm and continue till August 14, said.
The Assam government has issued a new set of guidelines, allowing inter-district movement on
two days of the week, and hundred per cent office attendance from Monday to Friday.
Night curfew from 6 pm to 6 am on all days and total lockdown on weekends, however, will continue to remain in force for now, an order issued on Sunday by Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna said.
JUST IN: Delhi records 961 fresh coronavirus cases, tally now 1,37,677; death count mounts to 4,004: Authorities.
Himachal's Covid-19 tally rises to 2,643
The total count of COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh has climbed to 2,643, as per the State Health Department on Sunday.
The total active cases in the state stood at 1,109 while 1,505 people have recovered from the disease.
Solan has reported the highest number of confirmed cases at 663 to date.
The state has recorded a total of 12 COVID-19 related deaths till now.
The total count of COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh has climbed to 2,643, as per the State Health Department on Sunday.
The total active cases in the state stood at 1,109 while 1,505 people have recovered from the disease.
Solan has reported the highest number of confirmed cases at 663 to date.
The state has recorded a total of 12 COVID-19 related deaths till now.
Latin America, Caribbean coronavirus death count exceeds 200,000: report
The number of fatalities stood at 200,212 in Latin America and the Caribbean, out of a total 4,919,054 reported cases, making it the second hardest hit region in the world after Europe, which has recorded 210,425 deaths and 3,189,322 infections.
More than 200,000 people have died from coronavirus in Latin America and the Caribbean, with Brazil and Mexico accounting for nearly three-quarters of those deaths, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources at 8.30 GMT.
COVID-19 recovery rate rises to 65.44%, case fatality rate drops further to 2.13%
Recoveries among COVID-19 patients in India crossed the 11 lakh-mark on Sunday with over 51,000 patients recuperating in a 24-hour span, the highest recorded so far, pushing the recovery rate to 65.44 per cent, the Union health ministry said on Sunday.
There are 5,67,730 active cases of the coronavirus infection, which is the "actual caseload" of COVID-19 for the country presently and account for 32.43 per cent of the total cases, it said.
All active cases are under medical supervision either in hospitals or in home isolation.
With 51,225 patients cured and discharged in a day, India''s total recoveries have surged to 11,45,629 and exceeded active cases of COVID-19 by 5,77,899 as on date, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 2.13 per cent.
Recoveries among COVID-19 patients in India crossed the 11 lakh-mark on Sunday with over 51,000 patients recuperating in a 24-hour span, the highest recorded so far, pushing the recovery rate to 65.44 per cent, the Union health ministry said on Sunday.
There are 5,67,730 active cases of the coronavirus infection, which is the "actual caseload" of COVID-19 for the country presently and account for 32.43 per cent of the total cases, it said.
All active cases are under medical supervision either in hospitals or in home isolation.
With 51,225 patients cured and discharged in a day, India''s total recoveries have surged to 11,45,629 and exceeded active cases of COVID-19 by 5,77,899 as on date, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 2.13 per cent.
COVID-19 count in Maharashtra Police force stands at 9,566
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the Maharashtra Police force stands at 9,566, informed the police on Sunday.
Out of the total cases, 7,534 have recovered and 1,929 are active. The death toll stands at 103.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the Maharashtra Police force stands at 9,566, informed the police on Sunday.
Out of the total cases, 7,534 have recovered and 1,929 are active. The death toll stands at 103.
Puducherry's COVID-19 tally surges to 3,806 with 200 new cases
Puducherry has reported 200 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of people infected with the virus to 3,806, according to the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services on Sunday.
The total count includes 1,445 active cases, 2,309 recoveries and 52 deaths.
Puducherry has reported 200 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of people infected with the virus to 3,806, according to the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services on Sunday.
The total count includes 1,445 active cases, 2,309 recoveries and 52 deaths.
1,434 new COVID-19 cases in Odisha in 24-hours
Odisha reported 1,434 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the data released by the State Information and Public Relations Department on Sunday.
With the new surge in COVID-19 cases, the total number of cases in the state now stands at 34,913. The number of recovered cases is 21,273 and active cases are 13,404, said the information department.
Odisha reported 1,434 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the data released by the State Information and Public Relations Department on Sunday.
With the new surge in COVID-19 cases, the total number of cases in the state now stands at 34,913. The number of recovered cases is 21,273 and active cases are 13,404, said the information department.
Uttarakhand's COVID-19 recovery rate falls by 23%
The COVID-19 recovery rate of Uttarakhand has reduced by 23 per cent in a month due to the detection of fresh positive cases in the state, said an official.
The recovery rate now stands at 58 per cent, as compared to 81 per cent a month ago.
"Recovery rate in the state is now 58 per cent, as compared to 81 per cent a month ago. This is due to the detection of fresh positive cases in the state. The COVID-19 situation and recovery rate in the state will improve in the coming days," said State Chief Secretary Om Prakash.
The COVID-19 recovery rate of Uttarakhand has reduced by 23 per cent in a month due to the detection of fresh positive cases in the state, said an official.
The recovery rate now stands at 58 per cent, as compared to 81 per cent a month ago.
"Recovery rate in the state is now 58 per cent, as compared to 81 per cent a month ago. This is due to the detection of fresh positive cases in the state. The COVID-19 situation and recovery rate in the state will improve in the coming days," said State Chief Secretary Om Prakash.
Telangana reports 1,891 new COVID-19 cases, 10 deaths
As many as 1,891 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths were reported in Telangana, taking the
It said 1,088 people were discharged, taking the cumulative recoveries to 47,590 so far, while 18,547 were under treatment.
As many as 1,891 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths were reported in Telangana, taking the
tally to 66,677 and the count to 540, the state government said on Sunday.
Out of the fresh cases, 517 were reported from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Ranga Reddy district 181, Medcha l46, Warangal Urban 138, Nizamabad 131 Sangareddy district 111, followed by others, a bulletin said, providing data as of 8 PM on Saturday.
83 fresh COVID-19 cases in Arunachal; count rises to 1,673
Eighty-three more people, including 14 security personnel and seven healthcare workers,
Of the new cases, 38 were reported from the Capital Complex region, 10 from East Siang district, eight from Tirap, seven from West Kameng, four each from Lower Siang and Upper Siang, three each from Tawang and Lower Subansiri, two each from Namsai and Shi-Yomi and one each from Changlang and Londing, State Surveillance Officer Dr L Jampa said.
Eighty-three more people, including 14 security personnel and seven healthcare workers,
tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, taking the state's tally to 1,673, an official said.
Over 54,000 Covid Cases In India In 24 Hours, Total Cases Cross 17 LakhIndia's COVID-19 tally crossed the 17-lakh mark on Sunday, just two days after it went past 16 lakh, with 54,735 cases being reported in a day, while the recoveries crossed the 11-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The country now has 17,50,723 infections of the deadly virus which has affected more than 17.5 million people globally. With 853 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, the number of deaths count has climbed to 37,364, the government said. More than 11.45 lakh patients have recovered; the recovery rate stood at 65.43 per cent this morning.India has tested a total of 1,98,21,831 samples so far. The positivity rate - percentage of patients who have tested positive for coronavirus - stood at 11.81 per cent.
Over 54,000 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours, 17.5 lakh total cases so far
Over 54,000 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours, 17.5 lakh total cases so far
Over 54,000 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours, 17.5 lakh total cases so far
US Counts 61,262 COVID-19 Cases In 24 hours: ReportThe United States counted 61,262 new coronavirus cases in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
Number of COVID-19 containment zones down to 496 in Delhi
Mr Kejriwal directed the health department and district officials to analyse the situation at regular intervals, it said.
The number of containment zones was 715 in Delhi by the end of July, affecting nearly 3.5 lakh people.
The number of COVID-19 containment zones has come down to 496 in Delhi after an extensive review by the AAP government, providing relief to thousands of people living in such restricted areas.
A review meeting was held by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday on the status of the containment zones in the national capital.
"The number of containment zones in Delhi scaled down from 715 on July 27 to 496 on July 31.
"This move will bring significant relief to residents of some red zones in the city that have been contained for months," a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.
The number of containment zones was 715 in Delhi by the end of July, affecting nearly 3.5 lakh people.
Odisha Allows Private Labs To Conduct COVID-19 Tests
In a bid to augment the testing facilities, Odisha government on Saturday allowed private hospitals, nursing homes and laboratories to conduct COVID-19 tests through Rapid Antigen and RT-PCR methods, a notification issued by the health and family welfare department said.
The department issued a separate set of guidelines for conducting sample tests both under Rapid Antigen and RT-PCR.
The private health establishments have to abide by the ICMR norms.
The sample test results should first be informed to the state authorities before being released to the person whose test was conducted, the notification said.
For Rapid Antigen tests, the private bodies can charge a maximum of Rs 450 while the price for RT-PCR tests is fixed at Rs 2,200 per test. The nursing homes, hospitals and laboratories should be mandatorily registered under the Odisha Clinical Establishment (control & regulation) Act, 1990.
Himachal Pradesh Reports Total 2,634 COVID-19 Positive Cases
As many as 25 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, taking state's COVID-19 tally to 2,634, said State Health Department.
The total number of COVID-19 cases include 1,103 active cases, the State Health Department informed.
Shimla has reported 168 COVID-19 positive cases so far while Solan has reported 663 cases.
India reported 57,117 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday taking the country's coronavirus case count to 16,95,988.
Manipur's COVID-19 Caseload Rises To 2,756, Death Count At 6
Manipur's COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,756 on Saturday as 55 more people tested positive for the infection, while one more fatality pushed the death count due to the coronavirus to six in the state, officials said.
A 77-year-old COVID-19 patient, who was also suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes and hypertension, died at a hospital in Imphal East district, they said, adding he hailed from Chakpikarong area in Chandel district.
Twelve women are among the 55 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, the officials said.
The fresh infections have pushed the number of active cases in the state to 1,051, they said.
Ten more people have been cured of COVID-19, taking the total number of recoveries to 1,699, the officials added.
Guwahati: Assam Police in collaboration with State Health Dept & National Health Mission organised a plasma donation camp at Guwahati Medical College&Hospital, Auditorium, yesterday. 43 police personnel who recovered from #COVID19 donated their blood plasma at the camp. pic.twitter.com/F7vA0MCtRW
- ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2020
West Bengal's Daily Rise In COVID-19 Cases Cross 2,500-Mark, Record 48 New Deaths
West Bengal reported its highest single-day COVID-19 fatality of 48 on Saturday, even as the daily rise in cases crossed the 2,500-mark for the first time, as per a bulletin issued by the state Health Department.
The state detected 2,589 fresh cases, taking the tally to 72,777, it said.
The count rose to 1,629 with the new deaths, it added.
Of the fresh fatalities, the city accounted for the highest 19 deaths followed by 13 in North 24 Parganas, six in Howrah, two each in South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur and Uttar Dinajpur, and one each in Hooghly, Nadia, Murshidabad and Jalpaiguri districts.
Out of the 48 dead, 45 died due to comorbidities where COVID-19 was incidental, news agency PTI reported.
