Coronavirus Highlights: September accounted for 41.53 per cent of total COVID-19 cases in India. (File)
India added 81,484 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, taking its tally near the 64 lakh-mark, government data showed this morning. A total of 1,095 deaths linked to the virus were reported in the same period, the data showed. The country now has 63,94,068 cases. Of this, 9.4 lakh are active cases.
Maharashtra remains the worst affected state with more than 14 lakh confirmed cases so far, of which over 37,000 are deaths and nearly 2.6 lakh are active cases.
September accounted for 41.53 per cent of the total COVID-19 cases in the country, with 26,21,418 infections of the over 63 lakh cases being reported in the month alone. The past month also saw 33,390 deaths due to the disease, which is around 33.84 per cent of the total 98,678 deaths recorded so far.
According to the Health Ministry data, India's average Covid testing has been increased to conduct more than 15 lakh tests per day, and has exceeded the 140/day/million tests as advised by the World Health Organisation by more than 5 times.
Here are the Highlights on Coronavirus Pandemic:
Obama Extends Support To Trump After COVID-19 Positive Result
Former US president Barack Obama on Friday sent a message of support to White House successor Donald Trump and his wife Melania, setting aside the bitter election battle to wish them a rapid recovery from Covid-19.
"Although we're in the midst of a big political fight, and we take that very seriously, we also want to extend our best wishes to the president of the United States, the first lady," Obama said at the start of a fundraising event with vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
"Michelle and I are hopeful that they and others that have been affected by Covid-19 around the country are getting the care that they need, that they are going to be on the path to a speedy recovery." he said.
Kim Jong Un Hopes Trump, US First Lady Recover From Covid "Soon": Report
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a message to Donald Trump after the US president's diagnosis with coronavirus, wishing him a quick recovery, state media said Saturday.
"He offered his sympathy to the president and the first lady," the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
"He sincerely hoped that they would be recovered as soon as possible. He hoped they will surely overcome it. He sent warm greetings to them."
Canada to ease border restrictions for students, couples
Canada's border restrictions will be eased to allow in foreign students as well as non-citizens who are in an exclusive dating relationship with a Canadian, the immigration minister announced Friday.
A ban on non-essential international entries was extended this week until the end of October, as the country grapples with a surge in new coronavirus cases.
But Ottawa signalled it would seek to facilitate more reunifications. "We recognize that travel restrictions should not keep loved ones apart," Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said.
UP Deputy Chief Minister tests positive for COVID-19
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has tested positive for COVID-19.
The minister on Friday urged everyone, who came in his contact in the last few days, to get themselves tested for COVID-19 and quarantine themselves.
Mr Maurya, 51, who holds the portfolio of PWD ministry, said in a tweet: "After the initial symptoms of corona infection, I got myself tested. My report has come positive today."
"I request you all who came in my contact in the last few days to go to the nearest health centre and get yourself tested and follow the COVID rules," he said.
Rajasthan government launches campaign to tackle COVID-19
The Rajasthan government has launched a state-wide anti-COVID campaign aimed at defeating the pandemic through various preventive and precautionary measures.
The campaign was launched by the state Cabinet members by distributing face masks and urging people to wear them and take all precautionary measures to beat coronavirus.
The government will distribute one crore masks among the people.
2,637 new coronavirus cases in Chhattisgarh, 16 deaths
Chhattisgarh reported 2,637 new coronavirus cases and 16 deaths on Friday, taking the state's case tally to 1,18,790 and death count to 1,002, a health official said.
As many as 603 people were discharged from various hospitals while 1,983 patients completed their home isolation during the day, taking the tally of recoveries to 88,095. The state now has 29,693 active cases, the official said.
"Our prayers are with them": WHO to Trump, US First Lady
The World Health Organization on Friday wished US President Donald Trump a swift recovery from Covid-19 and avoided criticising his disdain for its advice on protecting against the virus.
Trump has been a fierce critic of the WHO and its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, accusing the UN health agency of botching its response to the crisis.
The United States formally started its withdrawal from the WHO in July, making good on Trump's threats to deprive the organisation of its top donor.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wished Trump and his wife Melania, who is also infected, "a full and swift recovery", adding: "Our prayers are with them."
Coronavirus Update: Andhra Reports 6,555 New COVID-19 Cases In 24 Hours
Andhra Pradesh reported 31 deaths and 6,555 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the state health department informed on Friday.
With this, the total number of cases in the state stands at 7,06,790, including 56,897 active cases and 6,43,993 recoveries.
So far, 5,900 lives have been claimed by the infectious virus.
Large Gatherings Banned In Thiruvananthapuram Amid Surge In Covid CasesLarge gatherings have been banned in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram till October 31 after a surge in coronavirus cases. The state reported 9,258 positive cases on Friday, the highest single-day spike. With 4,092 recoveries, the state also saw the highest recoveries in a day.
While more than five people are not allowed to gather in public places in Kerala from October 3 onwards, in Thiruvananthapuram, strict regulations for gatherings even in private places have been put into place.
Within containment zones, any gathering or event involving over five people are not allowed, except weddings or funerals, where up to 20 people can attend.
Outside containment zones, not more than five people are allowed at one time in a group at public places.
Read Coronavirus Update From Delhi: 2,920 Cases, 37 New Deaths
Delhi recorded 37 COVID-19 fatalities on Friday as the total count climbed to 5,438, while 2,920 fresh cases took the tally of total infected patients to over 2.85 lakh, authorities said.
On September 29, the national capital recorded 48 deaths - the highest number of fatalities recorded in a day since July 16, when the city saw 58 fatalities.
BS Yediyurappa's Son Vijayendra Tests Positive For COVID-19
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's younger son and state BJP Vice President BY Vijayendra on Friday said he has tested positive for COVID-19. "During a routine check-up, I tested positive for Covid-19.I am doing fine, asymptomatic, and have isolated myself.
"Request everyone who has come in contact with me recently to take precautions and stay safe," Mr Vijayendra tweeted.
Coronavirus News: UN Chief Wishes Complete Recovery Donald Trump, First Lady
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has wished a quick and complete recovery to US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
The couple has tested positive for the coronavirus.
"We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" Trump tweeted on Friday.
Coronavirus News: Bengal adds 94,971 cases in September
West Bengal added 94,971 new cases in the month of September, which was just 1,681 ( just 1.81 per cent) more than the August when the state reported 92,590 cases.
However, testing seems to have come down over the last two weeks of September even though month on month, testing numbers have increased.
Officials also confirm that 55 per cent of the tests are RAT and 45 per cent RTPCR.
West Bengal featured at fifth position in terms of fatalties in September. The state government, however, said that there was no notable difference in the Covid deaths in August and September. A bulk of the fatalities in the state were reported in June and July, as per the data.
Coronavirus Update: Steep rise in cases in Kerala in September
Kerala, which received much praise for its handling of the initial phases of the pandemic, has seen a steep increase in COVID-19 cases in the month of September. The southern state now has the highest percentage increase in India with 13 people testing positive for every 100 tested.
State capital Thiruvananthapuram reported a 71 per cent jump in daily active cases in September as compared to August.
The state had reported around 1,96,000 on September 30 in comparison to 73,800 at the end of August. Amid the rising cases, the state government has tried to allay fears on lack of medical infrastructure with state ministers emphasizing that the state has enough beds, ventilators and oxygen cylinders in place.
Coronavirus Update: India Added 23 Lakh Covid Cases In September, Mumbai Saw 101% SpikeIndia added 23 lakh fresh coronavirus cases or 40 per cent of the country's current COVID-19 tally in the month of September alone, data released by state and central governments showed. The month also saw one third of the Covid-related deaths reported since the pandemic began.
Maharashtra - one of the worst-hit state with 13 lakh cases -- accounted for nearly a quarter of the new daily cases, with state capital Mumbai reporting a 101 per cent rise in Covid cases in September compared to August. The financial capital is also reporting a mortality rate of 4.38% in comparison to the national mortality rate of 1.57%.
Between September 1 to 28th, the city added 53,828 new cases, which was a rise of 101 per cent during the same period in the month of August when it reported 26,753 fresh cases.
Read Coronavirus update from Uttar Pradesh: 3,946 new cases recorded on Friday
Uttar Pradesh recorded 3,946 new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the infection count to 4,06,995 on Friday, according to official data.
A total of 3,51,966 COVID-19 patients in the state have recovered, Additional Chief Secretary Health, Amit Mohan Prasad said. With this, the recovery rate in the state has reached 86.47 per cent, he said.
Coronavirus News: Man Dies Of Covid, Angry Son Attacks DoctorsFour health care workers, including a woman doctor and a nurse, at a government-run hospital in Puducherry were allegedly attacked by a police inspector and his family on Thursday evening after the policeman's 80-year-old father died.
The father had tested positive for COVID-19 and was being treated at the hospital. Following his death the cop and his family allegedly attacked three doctors and a nurse.
The inspector, identified as Shanmuga Sundaram, couldn't be reached for comment; investigators say he is on the run. A FIR (first information report) has been filed against him for assault, causing hurt, unlawful assembly and criminal intimidation.
BJP Leader Who Threatened Mamata Banerjee With "Covid Hug" Tests PositiveA BJP leader, who had said he would hug West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee if he gets COVID-19, has tested positive for the virus. "Covid Positive," posted Anupam Hazra, the new BJP National Secretary from West Bengal, on his Facebook page today. Mr Hazra has been admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata, health officials were quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
He had complained of uneasiness and was tested for coronavirus, officials said.
A police complaint was filed against Mr Hazra earlier this week after his controversial statement of "Covid hug".
Read BJP leader who threatened to hug Mamata Banerjee if he contracted COVID-19 tests positive for infectionBJP leader Anupam Hazra, who had threatened to hug West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee if he got infected with COVID-19, has tested positive for the disease, health officials said.
Mr Hazra, who has recently been appointed as a national secretary of the saffron party, was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata, they said.
He had complained of uneasiness and his samples were tested for coronavirus, the report of which returned as positive, the officials said.
After his controversial statement, the Trinamool Congress had lodged a police complaint against Hazra for maligning a public figure, who is a woman, thus violating the Constitution.
India Added 23 Lakh Covid Cases In September, Mumbai Saw 101% SpikeIndia added 23 lakh fresh coronavirus cases or 40 per cent of the country's current COVID-19 tally in the month of September alone, data released by state and central governments showed. The month also saw one third of the Covid-related deaths reported since the pandemic began."
Kerala reported a 71 per cent jump in daily active cases in September: Report
Kerala, which received much praise for its handling of the initial phases of the pandemic, has seen a steep increase in COVID-19 cases in the month of September. The southern state now has the highest percentage increase in India with 13 people testing positive for every 100 tested.
State capital Thiruvananthapuram reported a 71 per cent jump in daily active cases in September as compared to August.
The state had reported around 1,96,000 on September 30 in comparison to 73,800 at the end of August. Amid the rising cases, the state government has tried to allay fears on lack of medical infrastructure with state ministers emphasizing that the state has enough beds, ventilators and oxygen cylinders in place.
9 security personnel among 31 new COVID-19 patients in Mizoram
Thirty-one more people, including nine security personnel, have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram, taking the northeastern state''s tally to 2,049 on Friday, the statement issued by Information and Public Relations Department said.
Lawngtlai district reported 15 new cases, followed by Lunglei (eight), Mamit (six) and Kolasib and Champhai (one each), it said.
India added 23 lakh fresh coronavirus cases in September: Data
India added 23 lakh fresh coronavirus cases or 40 per cent of the country's current COVID-19 tally in the month of September alone, data collected by NDTV has shown. The month also saw one third of the Covid-related deaths reported since the pandemic began, it showed.
Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra - one of the worst-hit state, reported a 101% rise in Covid cases in September compared to August.
70% of Covid deaths occurred due to comorbidities: Health Ministry
The total 99,773 COVID-19 deaths reported so far in the country include 37,056 from Maharashtra followed by 9,586 from Tamil Nadu, 8,994 from Karnataka, 5,869 from Andhra Pradesh, 5,864 from Uttar Pradesh, 5,401 from Delhi, 5,017 from West Bengal, 3,460 from Gujarat, 3,451 from Punjab and 2,336 from Madhya Pradesh.
The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.
The 1,095 latest fatalities include 394 from Maharashtra, 130 from Karnataka, 80 from Uttar Pradesh, 66 from Tamil Nadu, 59 from West Bengal, 45 from Punjab, 41 from Andhra Pradesh, 40 from Delhi and 29 each from Chhattisgarh and Kerala.
Indian Council of Medical Research or ICMR said a cumulative total of 7,67,17,728 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to October 1, with 10,97,947 samples tested on Thursday.
Donald Trump, Melania test positive for COVID-19
US President Donald Trump today tweeted to say that he and First Lady Melania had tested positive for the coronavirus.
53 lakh people have recovered from the disease so far pushing the recovery rate to 83.70 per cent, the Union health ministry said.
India's Covid tally had crossed 60-lakh mark on September 28
India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20 lakh-mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past the 50 lakh-mark on September 16 and crossed 60 lakh on September 28.
Kerala government imposes Section 144 to curb coronavirus spread
The Kerala government has banned the assembly of more than five people to control the surge in coronavirus cases in the state.
"In light of the surge in number of COVID-19 cases in the state, public congregations and gatherings pose an impending danger of a super spread of the infection. Hence, an assembly or gathering of more than five people at a time cannot be permitted. For the enforcement of social distancing, the provisions of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1973 shall be effected...," the order said.
The will come into force from 9 am on October 3 and will remain in effect till October 31.
5 states which reported highest number of cases and deaths in last 24 hours
Cases
Maharashtra: 16,476
Karnataka: 10,070
Kerala: 8,135
Andhra Pradesh: 6,751
Tamil Nadu: 5,688
Deaths
Maharashtra: 394
Karnataka: 130
Uttar Pradesh:80
Tamil Nadu: 66
West Bengal: 59
Maharashtra remains worst affected state in India
Maharashtra remains the worst affected state with more than 14 lakh confirmed cases. The western state has reported over 37,000 deaths and nearly 2.6 lakh are active cases.
Over 81,000 New Cases, 1,095 Covid-Related Deaths In India In 24 Hours
India added 81,484 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, government data showed this morning. A total of 1,095 deaths linked to the virus were reported in the same period, the data showed.
Coronavirus India: Mizoram reports 41 more recovered COVID-19 cases
Forty one people recovered from COVID-19 in Mizoram on Thursday.
According to the Department of Information and Public Relations, the total count of cases in the state has risen to 2,018, including 1,638 discharges and 380 active cases until October 1. No COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the state.
With an increase of 86,821 new cases in the last 24 hours, India''s COVID-19 count crossed the 63-lakh mark on Thursday, according to the Union Health Ministry.
Uttarakhand Minister Harak Rawat hospitalised after he complained of breathing problem: Report
Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Harak Singh Rawat has been hospitalised after he complained of breathing problem, reports news agency ANI.
He tested positive for COVID-19 on September 23 and was in home isolation.
Jharkhand reports 1,013 new cases, 8 fresh fatalities
Jharkhand's COVID-19 caseload rose to 84,664 on Friday as 1,013 more people tested positive for the infection, a health official said.
Eight more people succumbed to the infection, taking the state''s coronavirus death toll to 721, he said.
The state now has 11,482 active coronavirus cases, while 72,461 people have been cured of the disease so far, the official said.
Donald Trump's Adviser Tests Positive For Coronavirus: Report
A close adviser to US President Donald Trump, Hope Hicks, has tested positive for the coronavirus, a Bloomberg reporter said on Twitter on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.
There was no indication Trump has contracted the virus, the reporter said. Hicks traveled with Trump aboard Air Force One on Tuesday to the presidential debate in Cleveland and to a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday, according to the reporter.
Nearly 20,000 employees got COVID-19: Amazon
Amazon said that slightly more than 19,800 of its employees have tested positive for Covid-19 since the start of March.
Data on the e-commerce giant's 1.37 million frontline workers, including those at its Whole Foods Market grocery stores in the United States, showed a lower infection rate than expected, Amazon said.
Amazon has ramped up testing to 50,000 a day across 650 sites, according to the Seattle-based company.
Second Russian Virus Vaccine Passes Early Trials: Report
Early clinical trials of a second Russian coronavirus vaccine have proved successful, its developer said Thursday after Russia boasted of approving the world's first vaccine. Russia's Vektor -- a top-secret state virology research centre in Siberia -- said that early-stage trials were successful for its own experimental vaccine, named EpiVacCorona.
"The first two phases of clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the EpiVacCorona vaccine," Vektor's press department told the Interfax news agency.
Top health body, biopharmaceutical firm develop "Antisera" as potential COVID-19 treatment
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with a Hyderabad-based biopharmaceutical company has developed "highly purified antisera" prepared by injecting inactivated SARS-CoV2 in horses, which can be a potential treatment for COVID-19.
"The ICMR and Biological E Limited, Hyderabad, have developed highly purified antisera (raised in animals) for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19," the top health research body said.
Antisera are blood serum high in antibodies against specific antigens and are injected in humans to help kickstart the immune system to fight specific infections.