COVID-19 in India: The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.57 per cent. (File)
India's Covid chart showed slight improvement today, with the country recording 42,909 cases, a drop of 4.7 per cent from yesterday. About 380 deaths were recorded during the period, according to the Health Ministry.
Active cases constitute 1.15% of total cases, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate stands 97.51 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said. The daily positivity rate now stands at 3.02 per cent.
63.43 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far under nationwide vaccination drive.
Kerala contributed 29,836 cases in the past 24 hours to take the total number of those affected in the state by the viral infection to 40,07,408. The test positivity rate rose closer to 20 per cent and with 75 deaths, the number of fatalities increased to 20,541, a state government release said.
No virus-related deaths were recorded in Delhi on Saturday, while 31 fresh cases were reported with a positivity rate of 0.04 per cent, according to the city's health department. With the continuous dip in the Covid cases, the Delhi government decided to open schools in a phased manner from September 1.
Here are highlights on Coronavirus Cases:
COVID-19 India News: Haryana Reports 10 New Cases, One Death
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Haryana increased to 7,70,466 on Monday as 10 more people tested positive for the disease, while death count climbed to 9,675 with one more fatality, reported PTI. According to the health department's daily bulletin, Gurugram reported five cases and Palwal two, among other districts. The latest death was reported from Sirsa district, the bulletin stated. There are 639 active COVID-19 cases in Haryana. So far, 7,60,152 people have recovered from the disease and the recovery rate stands at 98.66 per cent, it said.
COVID-19 India News: Karnataka Records 973 New Cases, 15 More Deaths
Karnataka on Monday reported 973 new cases of COVID-19 and 15 deaths, taking the total number of infections to 29,48,228 and death count to 37,293, the health department said, according to PTI. The day also saw 1,324 discharges, taking the total number of recoveries to 28,92,517. Bengaluru Urban recorded 264 new cases as it saw 261 discharges and three deaths. Active cases stood at 18,392. While the positivity rate for the day stood at 0.64 per cent, case fatality rate (CFR) was at 1.54 per cent.
COVID-19 India News: Maharashtra Adds 3,741 New Cases, 52 More DeathsMaharashtra reported 3,741 new coronavirus cases and 52 fresh fatalities on Monday, taking the infection tally to 64,60,680 and the death count to 1,37,209, said a state health department official, according to PTI. The official said 4,696 patients were discharged from hospitals across the state in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative number of recoveries to 62,68,112.
The state, which now has 51,834 active cases, has 2,88,489 people in home isolation and another 2,299 in institutional quarantine, he said. Maharashtra's COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 97.02 per cent, while the fatality rate is 2.12 per cent.
COVID-19 News: Indian Naval Ship Arrives In Vietnam With Covid Relief SuppliesAs part of the ongoing Mission SAGAR, INS Airavat arrived at Ho Chi Minh City Port in Vietnam with COVID Relief Material on 30 August, the Ministry of Defence informed on Monday, reported ANI. The ship is carrying 100 Metric Tons of Liquid Medical Oxygen in 05 ISO Containers and 300 Oxygen Concentrators of 10 LPM capacity each based on the requirement projected by the Government of Vietnam in its fight against the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. "INS Airavat reaches Vietnam with oxygen supplies. Indo-Pacific approach in practice," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted. INS Airavat, an indigenously built Landing Ship Tank (Large) under the Eastern Naval Command based at Visakhapatnam, is on a deployment to South East Asia for trans-shipment of COVID Relief aid.
Covid Antibodies Wane Over Time, But Immune System Has A Backup PlanAntibodies against the coronavirus wane over time, but the immune system has a backup plan that doesn't rely on boosters, according to a study by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania, where technology for mRNA vaccines was developed.
Researchers at the university's Perelman School of Medicine tracked 61 people for six months after immunization with mRNA vaccines. The team noted that antibodies gradually ebbed, but that the shots generated durable immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 in the form of B and T cells that increased over time to help ward off serious illness.
New Variant C.1.2 May Be More Infectious, Evade Vaccine Protection: StudyA new variant of S-CoV-2, the virus which cause COVID-19, has been detected in South Africa and many other countries globally which could be more transmissible and evade protection provided by vaccines, according to study.
Scientists from National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) in South Africa said the potential variant of interest, C.1.2, was first detected in the country in May this year.
Covid Situation Under Control In Delhi, Says State Health MinisterAs the national capital continues to register low COVID-19 cases, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said the COVID-19 situation is in control in Delhi.
Addressing the reporters today, the Health Minister said, "The COVID-19 situation is under control in Delhi. The positivity rate in the national capital is 0.4 per cent. The government has decided to establish more than 6,800 ICU beds in seven hospitals within six months."
A total of 31 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Delhi on Sunday with zero deaths being logged in the national capital for the fourth consecutive day, according to a health bulletin.
WHO fears 236,000 more Covid deaths in Europe by December 1The World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday it feared another 236,000 COVID-19 deaths in Europe by December 1, expressing concern about stagnating vaccination rates and low uptake in poorer countries.
"Last week, there was an 11 percent increase in the number of deaths in the region -- one reliable projection is expecting 236,000 deaths in Europe, by December 1," WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told reporters, adding that "the stagnation in vaccine uptake in our region is of serious concern."
Ladakh Logs 7 New Covid Cases; Schools Allowed To Reopen For Classes 6-8 In Kargil
Ladakh reported seven new COVID-19 cases, taking the overall infection tally to 20,551, officials said Monday, even as the Kargil district administration allowed schools to reopen from September 1 for classes 6-8, reported PTI. The union territory has registered 207 Covid-related deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic last year. As many as 20,273 patients have recovered till date. The officials said 4,218 people were tested for COVID-19 in the twin districts Sunday and seven of the samples returned a positive result. The new positive cases included five in Leh and two in Kargil.
COVID-19 India News: Odisha Reports 609 New Cases, 67 More FatalitiesOdisha's COVID-19 tally rose to 10,07,112 on Monday as 609 more people, including 97 children, tested positive for the infection, while 67 fresh fatalities pushed the state's coronavirus death count to 7,901, a health official said, according to PTI. The detection of 609 fresh cases was the lowest daily spike since the beginning of the second wave of the pandemic in April this year. Of the 64,991 samples tested on Sunday, only 609 reports returned positive keeping the test positivity rate at 0.93 per cent. However, despite a sharp fall in fresh cases, the infection rate among children is on the rise. It was 15.92 per cent on Monday, 14.01 per cent on Sunday, 13.47 per cent on Saturday, and 12.99 per cent on Friday. The state now has 7,528 active cases, while 9,91,630 people have recovered from the disease so far, including 834 on Sunday.
Delta Plus COVID variant cases in Rudraprayag rises to 15
The number of Delta Plus COVID variant cases in Rudraprayag has risen to 15 after a fresh case was reported, said the district health department on Monday.
According to the Health Department, the virus has been confirmed on August 27 by the patient''s test report. The patient has no symptoms so far and is being monitored daily by being kept under home isolation. Along with this, RT-PCR tests are being done on people of the village including his family members.
"Information about the traveling history of the infected person is being obtained," said Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr BK Shukla.
"In Udham Singh Nagar, 3 more cases of Delta Plus variant have been reported, taking its number to 5, out of which one infected person is missing," said Uttarakhand Health department.
As the cases are rising, the administration and health department have increased checking in the Sirohbagad and Chirbatia border of the district in view of the possibility of a third wave.
The Health Department team has sent samples of 133 people who came in contact with the disease to NCDC Lab in New Delhi. So far, the Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus has been found in five people in the district.
(ANI)
Schools in Kargil for classes 6 to 8 to open from Sept 1
In view of the improved Covid-19 situation in the district, the Kargil administration allowed physical classes in schools for students of classes 6 to 8 from September 1.
The District Magistrate Kargil has issued orders on Sunday for the reopening of schools for classes in the district
"Keeping in view the various representations received by this office regarding the subject cited above and in view of the improved Covid-19 situation in the district, it is hereby ordered that all the Educational Institutions including private schools shall be allowed to open for classes.6th to 8 w.e.f. 01.09.2021," said Santosh Sukhadeve, Kargil DM in its order.
He ordered the concerned head of the institution to ensure that COVID-19 SOPs and guidelines issued by the district administration and Chief Education Officer, Kargil are followed.
"The guidelines/SOPs issued vide No: 28 DMK of 2021 dated 01/08/2021 shall continue to remain in force," said Kargil DM.
ANI
COVID-19 situation is in control in Delhi, says Satyendar Jain
As the national capital continues to register low COVID-19 cases, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said the COVID-19 situation is in control.
Addressing the reporters today, the Health Minister said, "The COVID-19 situation is under control in Delhi. The positivity rate in the national capital is 0.4 per cent. The government has decided to establish more than 6,800 ICU beds in seven hospitals within six months."
ANI
India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeds 63.43 crores
India's cumulative vaccination coverage on Monday crossed 60.43 crores, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
With the administration of 31,14,696 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has surpassed the cumulative figure of 63,43,81,358 as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 68,14,305 sessions.
As per the provisional report, till 8 am today, 1,03,57,456 health care workers received the first dose and 83,55,737 second vaccine doses; 1,83,19,387 front line workers were administered the first dose and 1,30,84,369 vaccine doses given as the second dose to front line workers.
According to the health ministry, 24,41,76,113 vaccine doses were administered as the first dose and 2,65,28,385 vaccine doses were given as the second dose in the age group 18-44 years.
Also, in the age group of 45-59 years, 12,93,88,782 people have received the first dose and 5,34,76,008 have received the second dose whereas 8,62,64,550 vaccine doses were administered as first dose and 4,44,30,571 vaccine doses given as the second dose to the people over 60 years.
ANI
4 new cases push COVID-19 tally of Andamans to 7,564The COVID-19 tally of Andaman and Nicobar Islands rose to 7,564 on Monday as four more people tested positive for the infection, a health bulletin said.
Three new patients have travel history, while one infection was detected during contact tracing, it said.
The coronavirus death toll remained unchanged at 129 as no fresh fatality was registered.
The Union territory now has five active cases, while 7,430 people have been cured of the disease so far, including two in the last 24 hours.
The administration has tested over 4.86 lakh samples for COVID-19, the bulletin said, adding that the positivity rate stood at 1.55 per cent.
A total of 3.59 lakh people have been inoculated thus far, of whom 1.04 lakh people have received both doses, it added.
PTI
88 children among 440 new COVID-19 patients in MizoramMizoram's COVID-19 tally soared to 57,962 on Monday as 440 more people, including 88 children, tested positive for the infection, a health official said.
The northeastern state's coronavirus death count rose to 213 as a 68-year-old woman from Aizawl succumbed to the infection.
Aizawl reported the highest number of new cases at 310, followed by Mamit (74) and Kolasib (15), he said, adding that all the fresh infections were detected during contact tracing and the single-day positivity rate stood at 22.59 per cent.
Mizoram now has 8,510 active cases, while 49,239 people have recovered from the infection so far, including 271 on Sunday. The recovery rate among the coronavirus patients in the state stood at 84.95 per cent, while the mortality rate was at 0.36 per cent.
The state has so far tested over 8.47 lakh samples for COVID-19, including 1,948 in the last 24 hours. More than 6.54 lakh people have been inoculated to date, of whom 2.35 lakh have been fully vaccinated.
PTI
Arunachal reports 39 fresh COVID-19 casesArunachal Pradesh reported 39 fresh cases, pushing the tally to 52,870, a senior health official said on Monday.
The death count in the frontier state remained at 260, State Surveillance Officer Lobsang Jampa said.
The Capital Complex Region reported the highest number of new cases at 17, followed by Lower Subansiri (12), three each from West Kameng and Leparada.
Arunachal Pradesh now has 966 active cases, while 51,644 people have recovered from the disease, Jampa said.
The recovery rate stands at 97.68 per cent and the positivity rate at 2.47 per cent.
Altogether, 10,52,037 samples have been tested for COVID-19, including 1,575 on Sunday, the official said.
State Immunisation Officer Dimong Padung said a total of 9,60,635 people have been administered vaccine doses so far in the state
Teachers should be priority group for Covid jabs: WHOTeachers and school staff should be among the groups prioritised for Covid-19 vaccinations so that schools in Europe and Central Asia can stay open, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef said on Monday.
Measures to ensure that schools can stay open throughout the pandemic "include offering teachers and other school staff the Covid-19 vaccine as part of target population groups in national vaccination plans," the UN agencies wrote in a statement.
AFP
Global Covid cases surpasses 4.5 million, US daily average for new cases increasesThe number of coronavirus cases confirmed all over the world has surpassed 216.3 million, while the global COVID-19 death count stands at over 4.5 million, according to the latest data from the Johns Hopkins University''s Coronavirus Resource Center.
As of 03:30 GMT on Monday, there are 216,356,046 confirmed coronavirus cases in the world. The global death toll from COVID-19 stands at 4,500,309.
Since its global outbreak in March 2020, the coronavirus has impacted the United States more than any other country, with over 38.7 million Americans having been infected. The total COVID-19 death toll in the US stands at over 637,500.
According to US top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci, the United States has a greater number of coronavirus deaths than the officially reported figures.
ANI
India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.
It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19 last year.
India crossed two crore cases on May 4 and three crore cases on June 23.
Coronavirus update today: 63.43 crore vaccine shots administered till date
Cumulatively, 63.43 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered under the nationwide vaccination drive till Monday morning, the ministry said.
Covid Update today: Fatality rate at 1.34%
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 3,19,23,405, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.
Daily positivity rate at 3.02 per cent
The daily positivity rate has been recorded at 3.02 per cent. It is above three per cent after 35 days. The weekly positivity rate has been recorded at 2.41 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 66 days, according to the health ministry.
14,19,990 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Sunday
The ministry said that 14,19,990 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Sunday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far in the country to 52,01,46,525.
Coronavirus update: Active Covid cases at 3,76,324
The number of active cases has increased to 3,76,324 and comprise 1.15 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 97.51 per cent, the health ministry said. It said active cases in the country increased by 7,766 cases in a span of 24 hours.
380 deaths in 24 hours due to Covid in IndiaThe death count has climbed to 4,38,210 with 380 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am.
The 380 new fatalities include 131 from Maharashtra and 75 from Kerala.
A total of 4,38,210 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,37,157 from Maharashtra, 37,278 from Karnataka, 34,878 from Tamil Nadu, 25,080 from Delhi, 22,818 from Uttar Pradesh, 20,541 from Kerala and 18,423 from West Bengal.
The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.
"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.
42,909 fresh coronavirus cases in India
42,909 fresh coronavirus cases in India, 4.7% lower than yesterday; 380 deaths in last 24 hours
Turkey reports 17,332 daily COVID-19 casesTurkey on Sunday confirmed 17,332 new COVID-19 cases, raising its tally of infections to 6,346,881, according to its health ministry.
The death count from the virus in Turkey rose by 255 to 56,213, while 11,396 more people recovered in the last 24 hours.
A total of 286,425 tests were conducted over the past day, it said.
Turkey started mass COVID-19 vaccination on Jan. 14 after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine.
ANI
A weary Australia plans reopening as COVID-19 deaths hit 1,000 As Australia's COVID-19 deaths exceed 1,000, a grim count but modest by global standards, a country that has used relentless lockdowns now faces perhaps its biggest health policy challenge of the pandemic - how to reopen.
The highly infectious Delta variant has breached the country's fortress-style controls and entrenched itself deep enough in Sydney, Australia's biggest city, and with a foothold in Melbourne, that authorities have dispensed with plans to eliminate it.
Instead, they plan to ramp up Australia's lagging vaccination effort and live with COVID-19, an approach that would help struggling businesses but which is opposed by states determined to crush the disease.
Australia reported four fatalities on Monday, taking the total death toll from COVID-19 to 1,003, according to government data.
It has logged an average of two to three deaths a day recently, the data shows.But while deaths are creeping higher, infections are surging to successive record highs above 1,200 a day.
Reuters
Kodaikanal reopens for tourists following COVID-19 protocols
Kodaikanal, queen of western ghats on Sunday opened for tourists after four months in the wake of the relaxation of COVID-19 norms by the Tamil Nadu government.
The hill town on the slopes of Sahyadri was closed for tourists due to mounting coronavirus threat.
Aakash, a tourist told ANI, "I wanted to visit this place for a long time. It is pretty safe around here. Police are checking vaccination certificates, masks, and sanitizers."
Ranganathan, a tourist who came for boating, said, "I am coming from Madhurai. They are having RT-PCR tests at the entrance. Everything is safe and sanitized over here," said.
29,836 new Covid infections in Kerala on SundayKerala confirmed 29,836 new Covid-19 infections on Sunday, the state health ministry department said in a bulletin. The spike in cases came even as the state observed a complete lockdown on Sunday
With the 75 deaths, the COVID deaths of the state rose to 20,541. The test positivity rate is 19.67 per cent was recorded out of 1,51,670 samples were tested during the last 24 hours.
At present, 22,088 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours, with 2,12,566 in treatment and a total number of recoveries in the state now stand at 37,73,754.
According to the health department, Kerala also reported Covid cases to district wise Thrissur reported 3965, Kozhikode 3548, Malappuram 3190, Ernakulam 3178, Palakkad 2816, Kollam 2266, Thiruvananthapuram 2150, Kottayam 1830, Kannur 1753, Alappuzha 1498, Pathanamthitta 1178, Wayanad 1002, Idukki 962 and Kasaragod 500.
Maharashtra wants to vaccinate school staff against COVID-19 by September 5: State Health Minister
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the state government plans to fully vaccinate all teaching and non-teaching staff against COVID-19 by September 5, and this would be the first step towards reopening of schools. The minister said a special drive was being conducted for this, adding that a state task force was of the view that schools in districts where there were no positive cases can be reopened.