5 years ago
New Delhi:
Coronavirus Live Updates: The government today said the number of recovered COVID-19 cases in the country exceeds that of the active ones by 2,81,668 as on Thursday. The remarks came as India's COVID-19 tally surged to 9.68 lakh while the death count climbed to 24,915.
The Union Health Ministry also said that less than two per cent coronavirus patients in the country are admitted in the ICUs.
A cumulative total of 1,27,39,490 samples have been tested up to July 15. A total of 3,26,826 samples were tested on Wednesday, it said.
India saw a record single-day jump of 32,695 COVID-19 cases pushing the tally to 9,68,876 on Thursday, according to the Union Health Ministry data. This is the first time that COVID-19 cases crossed the 30,000-mark.
Of the 582 deaths reported on Wednesday, 213 are from Maharashtra, 85 from Karnataka, 67 from Tamil Nadu, 43 from Andhra Pradesh, 35 from Delhi, 28 from Uttar Pradesh, 24 from West Bengal, 14 each from Bihar and Gujarat, 10 each from Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.
Here are the Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases In India:
World's 1st Phase 3 Clinical Trial Of COVID-19 Inactivated Vaccine Begins
Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical company Sinopharm has begun Phase III clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine in Abu Dhabi using up to 15,000 volunteers, the government in the capital of the United Arab Emirates said on Thursday.
The human trial is a partnership between Sinopharm's China National Biotec Group (CNBG), Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company Group 42 (G42) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.
The study, which began on Wednesday, is the world's first Phase III trial of an inactivated vaccine, G42 Healthcare CEO Ashish Koshy said. Inactivated vaccines are well known and have been used against diseases such as influenza and measles.
Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical company Sinopharm has begun Phase III clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine in Abu Dhabi using up to 15,000 volunteers, the government in the capital of the United Arab Emirates said on Thursday.
The human trial is a partnership between Sinopharm's China National Biotec Group (CNBG), Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company Group 42 (G42) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.
The study, which began on Wednesday, is the world's first Phase III trial of an inactivated vaccine, G42 Healthcare CEO Ashish Koshy said. Inactivated vaccines are well known and have been used against diseases such as influenza and measles.
Sonu Sood Gives 25,000 Face shields To Maharashtra Cops
Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has given 25,000 face shields for the police personnel in Maharashtra, state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Thursday.
Mr Deshmukh thanked the actor for his gesture.
"I thank @SonuSood Ji for your generous contribution of giving 25,000 #FaceShields for our police personnel," Mr Deshmukh tweeted.
The minister also shared a picture of the two on the micro-blogging site.
Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has given 25,000 face shields for the police personnel in Maharashtra, state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Thursday.
Mr Deshmukh thanked the actor for his gesture.
"I thank @SonuSood Ji for your generous contribution of giving 25,000 #FaceShields for our police personnel," Mr Deshmukh tweeted.
The minister also shared a picture of the two on the micro-blogging site.
COVID-19: Complete lockdown in parts of Odisha from tomorrow till July-end
Odisha government on Thursday announced a 14-day complete lockdown in Ganjam, Khorha, Cuttack, Jajpur districts and Rourkela Municipal Corporation area from 9 pm of July 17 till midnight of July 31 to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Chief Secretary of Odisha, Asit Tripathy shared this information today.
A total of 14,898 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Odisha to date, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.
Of these cases, 4,345 are active cases, 10,476 are recovered/discharged. The death toll in the state due to COVID-19 stands at 77.
Odisha government on Thursday announced a 14-day complete lockdown in Ganjam, Khorha, Cuttack, Jajpur districts and Rourkela Municipal Corporation area from 9 pm of July 17 till midnight of July 31 to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Chief Secretary of Odisha, Asit Tripathy shared this information today.
A total of 14,898 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Odisha to date, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.
Of these cases, 4,345 are active cases, 10,476 are recovered/discharged. The death toll in the state due to COVID-19 stands at 77.
COVID-19: Janata Curfew on in Goa, three-day lockdown from Friday
The streets of Goa wore a deserted look after 8 pm on Thursday as the state observed "Janata Curfew'' to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The streets of Goa wore a deserted look after 8 pm on Thursday as the state observed "Janata Curfew'' to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The state government has announced Janata Curfew between 8 pm to 6 am till August 10.
Besides, lockdown will be in force on July 17, 18 and 19.
During the Janata Curfew, movement for all non-essential activities has been prohibited.
Ahead of lockdown, people thronged markets across the state to stock essentials.
COVID-19: 26 Border Security Force employees among 31 test COVID-19 positive in Meghalaya
Twenty-six BSF personnel were among 31 people found infected with coronavirus on Thursday, pushing the states COVID-19 count to 377, officials said.
These 26 BSF staffers were posted in East Khasi Hills district, where the number of border guards afflicted with the disease has gone up to 222.
The state now has 326 active cases, while 49 patients have recovered from the disease and two died.
Of the active cases, 288 were reported from East Khasi Hills district alone, officials said. State capital Shillong is in this district.
Twenty-six BSF personnel were among 31 people found infected with coronavirus on Thursday, pushing the states COVID-19 count to 377, officials said.
These 26 BSF staffers were posted in East Khasi Hills district, where the number of border guards afflicted with the disease has gone up to 222.
The state now has 326 active cases, while 49 patients have recovered from the disease and two died.
Of the active cases, 288 were reported from East Khasi Hills district alone, officials said. State capital Shillong is in this district.
COVID-19: School, marriage halls to be used as care centres in Puducherry
A high school in Yanam, an enclave of Puducherry in Andhra Pradesh, is to be converted into a COVID-19 care centre owing to the rise in cases of the virus.
Even marriage halls of the Yanam municipality are to be turned into such a centre.
Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao, representing Yanam in the territorial Assembly, visited the government general hospital there on Thursday and enquired about its requirements, an official press release said.
A high school in Yanam, an enclave of Puducherry in Andhra Pradesh, is to be converted into a COVID-19 care centre owing to the rise in cases of the virus.
Even marriage halls of the Yanam municipality are to be turned into such a centre.
Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao, representing Yanam in the territorial Assembly, visited the government general hospital there on Thursday and enquired about its requirements, an official press release said.
COVID-19: Delhi government nod to make 200 beds operational at Ambedkar Nagar hospital
The Delhi government on Thursday gave its not to make 200 beds operational at the under-construction Ambedkar Nagar Hospital in order to ramp up the bed strength amid the surge in the coronavirus cases in the city.
An official order said the Council of Ministers of the Delhi government has approved the proposal of the Department of Health and Family Welfare to make beds operational at the hospital.
The order said a medical officer, some specialists and experienced doctor shall be posted in diverted capacity.
It also said the hospital is permitted to directly engage senior resident and junior resident doctors on already settled terms and conditions.
The Delhi government on Thursday gave its not to make 200 beds operational at the under-construction Ambedkar Nagar Hospital in order to ramp up the bed strength amid the surge in the coronavirus cases in the city.
An official order said the Council of Ministers of the Delhi government has approved the proposal of the Department of Health and Family Welfare to make beds operational at the hospital.
The order said a medical officer, some specialists and experienced doctor shall be posted in diverted capacity.
It also said the hospital is permitted to directly engage senior resident and junior resident doctors on already settled terms and conditions.
COVID-19: Delhi Court asks Centre to file fresh affidavit on sero-surveillance study
The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Centre to file a fresh affidavit on the report regarding the preliminary results relating to the sero-surveillance study in the national capital by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
A Division Bench of Justices Hima Kohli and S Prasad while taking on record the affidavit of the NCDC, asked it to file a fresh affidavit before the next date of hearing, placing on record its preliminary results relating to the sero-surveillance study.
In its affidavit filed on Wednesday, the NCDC stated that the Anti Body Detection test is utilised during sero-survey studies to assess the prevalence of infection at the community level and its primarily used for evidence-based public health response.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Centre to file a fresh affidavit on the report regarding the preliminary results relating to the sero-surveillance study in the national capital by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
A Division Bench of Justices Hima Kohli and S Prasad while taking on record the affidavit of the NCDC, asked it to file a fresh affidavit before the next date of hearing, placing on record its preliminary results relating to the sero-surveillance study.
In its affidavit filed on Wednesday, the NCDC stated that the Anti Body Detection test is utilised during sero-survey studies to assess the prevalence of infection at the community level and its primarily used for evidence-based public health response.
Coronavirus: Foldable, portable hospitals developed by IIT Madras-incubated startup
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras-incubated start-up has developed a unique foldable and portable hospital unit that can be installed anywhere within two hours by four people.
MediCAB, the foldable portable hospital developed by Modulus Housing solution by IIT alumni, is composed of four zones including a doctor's room, an isolation room, a medical room/ward and a twin-bed ICU.
The startup is developing micro-hospitals that can be deployed rapidly across the nation.
This is a decentralised approach to detect, screen, identify, isolate and treat COVID-19 patients in their local communities through these portable microstructures.
Shreeram Ravichandran, Chief Executive Officer of Modulus Housing, said, "The outcome of this pilot project in Kerala will help in proving the applicability of the technology and advantages of micro
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras-incubated start-up has developed a unique foldable and portable hospital unit that can be installed anywhere within two hours by four people.
MediCAB, the foldable portable hospital developed by Modulus Housing solution by IIT alumni, is composed of four zones including a doctor's room, an isolation room, a medical room/ward and a twin-bed ICU.
The startup is developing micro-hospitals that can be deployed rapidly across the nation.
This is a decentralised approach to detect, screen, identify, isolate and treat COVID-19 patients in their local communities through these portable microstructures.
Shreeram Ravichandran, Chief Executive Officer of Modulus Housing, said, "The outcome of this pilot project in Kerala will help in proving the applicability of the technology and advantages of micro
Coronavirus: Punjab minister's wife, son test positive for COVID-19
After Punjab minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, his wife and son also tested positive for coronavirus, officials said here on Thursday.
Meanwhile, state ministers Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Aruna Chaudhary and three Congress MLAs--Kulbir Singh Zira, Barindermeet Singh Pahra and Parminder Singh Pinki--tested negative for coronavirus, they said.
Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Bajwa was found infected with the infection on Tuesday. He had undergone a COVID-19 test last Friday after his department's director tested positive for the disease.
After Punjab minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, his wife and son also tested positive for coronavirus, officials said here on Thursday.
Meanwhile, state ministers Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Aruna Chaudhary and three Congress MLAs--Kulbir Singh Zira, Barindermeet Singh Pahra and Parminder Singh Pinki--tested negative for coronavirus, they said.
Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Bajwa was found infected with the infection on Tuesday. He had undergone a COVID-19 test last Friday after his department's director tested positive for the disease.
Mumbai's COVID-19 tally reaches 97,751 with 1,498 new cases; 56 deaths take count to 5,520, said city's civic body,
Coronavirus: Philanthropic organisation donates medical kits to Jharkhand government
A philanthropic organisation partnering with Azim Premji Foundation on Thursday donated medical kits worth Rs 3.28 crore to the Jharkhand government to deal with COVID-19 pandemic.
The kits include 12,700 PPE (personal protective equipment), 20,300 N-95 masks, five TruNet machines and two
Thermo Fisher RNA extractor machines, an official release said.
The machines are used for COVID-19 testing. Representatives of Partnering Hope Into Action (PHIA) foundation handed the kits in the presence of Chief Minister
Hemant Soren at the state secretariat. Expressing gratitude to Azim Premji Foundation, Mr Soren said that the state would surely win the fight against novel coronavirus with everyone's cooperation.
A philanthropic organisation partnering with Azim Premji Foundation on Thursday donated medical kits worth Rs 3.28 crore to the Jharkhand government to deal with COVID-19 pandemic.
The kits include 12,700 PPE (personal protective equipment), 20,300 N-95 masks, five TruNet machines and two
Thermo Fisher RNA extractor machines, an official release said.
The machines are used for COVID-19 testing. Representatives of Partnering Hope Into Action (PHIA) foundation handed the kits in the presence of Chief Minister
Hemant Soren at the state secretariat. Expressing gratitude to Azim Premji Foundation, Mr Soren said that the state would surely win the fight against novel coronavirus with everyone's cooperation.
COVID-19 news: Over 1 lakh Indians returned home from Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, says Centre
Over one lakh Indians have returned home from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh by land borders as part of the central government's ''Vande Bharat'' Mission operationalised to evacuate stranded citizens from foreign countries amid the coronavirus-infused lockdown, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
"As of July 15, 6,87,467 Indian nationals have returned to India; 1,01,014 nationals have returned from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh by land borders," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a weekly briefing.
On Monday, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured that the government is making all efforts to facilitate the evacuation of citizens who are stranded abroad and those who want to fly out.
He said that over 80,000 people have also flown out since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over one lakh Indians have returned home from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh by land borders as part of the central government's ''Vande Bharat'' Mission operationalised to evacuate stranded citizens from foreign countries amid the coronavirus-infused lockdown, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
"As of July 15, 6,87,467 Indian nationals have returned to India; 1,01,014 nationals have returned from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh by land borders," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a weekly briefing.
On Monday, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured that the government is making all efforts to facilitate the evacuation of citizens who are stranded abroad and those who want to fly out.
He said that over 80,000 people have also flown out since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus: 13 new cases in Mumbai's Dharavi, tally rises to 2,428
Coronavirus cases in Mumbai's Dharavi area rose to 2,428 with 13 new patients being reported on Thursday, a senior official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
The civic body has stopped disclosing the number of deaths in the area, considered to be Asia's largest slum.
The area has only 99 active COVID-19 cases at present as 2,080 patients have been discharged after recovery, the official said.
Dharavi is spread over 2.5 sq km and has a population of around 6.5 lakh, most of them living in congested tenements.
Last week, the World Health Organisation had praised the BMC's efforts to contain the spread of the virus in Dharavi.
Coronavirus cases in Mumbai's Dharavi area rose to 2,428 with 13 new patients being reported on Thursday, a senior official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
The civic body has stopped disclosing the number of deaths in the area, considered to be Asia's largest slum.
The area has only 99 active COVID-19 cases at present as 2,080 patients have been discharged after recovery, the official said.
Dharavi is spread over 2.5 sq km and has a population of around 6.5 lakh, most of them living in congested tenements.
Last week, the World Health Organisation had praised the BMC's efforts to contain the spread of the virus in Dharavi.
Coronavirus news: J&K records 490 fresh COVID-19 cases, 16 deaths in 24 hours
Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday witnessed its largest single-day COVID-19 death toll as 16 patients died within 24 hours even as 490 fresh cases were detected during the corresponding period, officials said.
"Sixteen persons, who were COVID-19 positive, have died over the past 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir," the officials said, adding that all the deaths took place in the Kashmir valley.
This has taken the death count of coronavirus-infected people in the union territory to 222 of which 204 were from the Valley and 18 from the Jammu region.
Meanwhile, 490 new cases of coronavirus were detected in the union territory during the past 24 hours, the officials said.
While 62 of these new cases were from Jammu region, 428 were from the Kashmir valley, they said.
Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday witnessed its largest single-day COVID-19 death toll as 16 patients died within 24 hours even as 490 fresh cases were detected during the corresponding period, officials said.
"Sixteen persons, who were COVID-19 positive, have died over the past 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir," the officials said, adding that all the deaths took place in the Kashmir valley.
This has taken the death count of coronavirus-infected people in the union territory to 222 of which 204 were from the Valley and 18 from the Jammu region.
Meanwhile, 490 new cases of coronavirus were detected in the union territory during the past 24 hours, the officials said.
While 62 of these new cases were from Jammu region, 428 were from the Kashmir valley, they said.
COVID-19 news: Over 6.87 lakh Indians have returned under Vande Bharat mission, says Centre
Over 6.87 lakh Indians have returned from abroad after the government launched the "Vande Bharat" evacuation mission on May 7 in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
The fourth phase of the Vande Bharat mission, which is currently underway, has been augmented with the addition of around 120 flights between July 15-31, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a media briefing.
"These additional flights will cater to the demand for repatriation from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Europe, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine," Mr Srivastava said.
With this augmentation, this phase now has 751 international flights catering to 34 airports in India, he said.
Over 6.87 lakh Indians have returned from abroad after the government launched the "Vande Bharat" evacuation mission on May 7 in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
The fourth phase of the Vande Bharat mission, which is currently underway, has been augmented with the addition of around 120 flights between July 15-31, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a media briefing.
"These additional flights will cater to the demand for repatriation from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Europe, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine," Mr Srivastava said.
With this augmentation, this phase now has 751 international flights catering to 34 airports in India, he said.
Coronavirus: Punjab Chief Minister asks state police chief to create special "COVID reserve'' unit
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday asked the state police chief to create a special "COVID reserve'' unit in the force for the next few months by withdrawing police personnel deployed on non-essential duties.
The chief minister gave the direction while chairing a COVID review video conference during which he also expressed concern over the increasing cases and fatalities in the state.
He also asked Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta to tighten the noose against violators of safety norms, especially those moving around without wearing face masks.
Mr Singh also directed the DGP to instruct senior superintendents of police of cities with large caseloads to strictly enforce all curbs and norms to check further spread of the disease.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday asked the state police chief to create a special "COVID reserve'' unit in the force for the next few months by withdrawing police personnel deployed on non-essential duties.
The chief minister gave the direction while chairing a COVID review video conference during which he also expressed concern over the increasing cases and fatalities in the state.
He also asked Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta to tighten the noose against violators of safety norms, especially those moving around without wearing face masks.
Mr Singh also directed the DGP to instruct senior superintendents of police of cities with large caseloads to strictly enforce all curbs and norms to check further spread of the disease.
Coronavirus: 14 priests of Tirupati temple test COVID-19 positive
As many as 14 priests of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) were tested positive for COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, said Anil Kumar Singhal, Executive officer, TTD.
Mr Singhal also held a meeting with temple priests, health and vigilance officials today.
On July 14, Mr Singhal held ''Dial your EO'' programme at TTD administrative building conference hall wherein the EO addressed the devotees and media and informed that 91 TTD employees have tested positive for COVID-19 till date.
As many as 14 priests of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) were tested positive for COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, said Anil Kumar Singhal, Executive officer, TTD.
Mr Singhal also held a meeting with temple priests, health and vigilance officials today.
On July 14, Mr Singhal held ''Dial your EO'' programme at TTD administrative building conference hall wherein the EO addressed the devotees and media and informed that 91 TTD employees have tested positive for COVID-19 till date.
COVID-19: Record single-day jump in UP coronavirus count
Uttar Pradesh today reported its highest single-day spike in coronavirus numbers, with 34 fatalities and 2,061 infections pushing the cumulative figures to 1,046 deaths and 43,444 cases, officials said.
Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Amit Mohan Prasad said the state now has 15,723 active cases, while 26,675 patients have been discharged after treatment.
"In the past 24 hours (since 3 pm Wednesday), 2,061 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 34 deaths were reported, pushing the total number of cases to 43,444 and deaths to 1,046," the health department said.
In the fresh report, a maximum of 308 COVID-19 cases were recorded in the state capital and the highest nine deaths were reported from Kanpur.
Three deaths each were reported from Lucknow and Prayagraj, and two each from Gautam Buddh Nagar, Varanasi, Jaunpur and Ballia, a health department report said.
Uttar Pradesh today reported its highest single-day spike in coronavirus numbers, with 34 fatalities and 2,061 infections pushing the cumulative figures to 1,046 deaths and 43,444 cases, officials said.
Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Amit Mohan Prasad said the state now has 15,723 active cases, while 26,675 patients have been discharged after treatment.
"In the past 24 hours (since 3 pm Wednesday), 2,061 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 34 deaths were reported, pushing the total number of cases to 43,444 and deaths to 1,046," the health department said.
In the fresh report, a maximum of 308 COVID-19 cases were recorded in the state capital and the highest nine deaths were reported from Kanpur.
Three deaths each were reported from Lucknow and Prayagraj, and two each from Gautam Buddh Nagar, Varanasi, Jaunpur and Ballia, a health department report said.
Coronavirus news: Maharashtra's Ex-Election Commissioner Neela Satayanarayana dies of COVID-19
Former Maharashtra Election Commissioner and acclaimed Marathi author, Neela Satyanarayan, died of Covid-19 on Thursday.
Ms Satyanarayana was the first woman commissioner of the Election Commission. She was detected positive with COVID-19 a few days back and was undergoing treatment at Seven Hills Hospital at Marol in Andheri (East), where she breathed her last.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari expressed condolences on the demise of former State Election Commissioner, stating that "we have lost a dedicated officer and socially responsive thinker."
Former Maharashtra Election Commissioner and acclaimed Marathi author, Neela Satyanarayan, died of Covid-19 on Thursday.
Ms Satyanarayana was the first woman commissioner of the Election Commission. She was detected positive with COVID-19 a few days back and was undergoing treatment at Seven Hills Hospital at Marol in Andheri (East), where she breathed her last.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari expressed condolences on the demise of former State Election Commissioner, stating that "we have lost a dedicated officer and socially responsive thinker."
Coronavirus: Yogi Adityanath calls for concerted strategy for combating COVID-19
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials on Thursday to prepare a concerted strategy for effectively checking the spread of COVID-19 and communicable diseases.
In a meeting with senior officials, the chief minister also called for daily review of the prevailing situation by the nodal officers appointed in different districts, according to an official statement.
He stressed that special cleanliness and sanitisation drives should be carried out across districts, and asked officials to ensure proper medical screening and supply of clean potable water.
He directed officials to prepare a strategy by establishing coordination between different departments and to ensure its implementation for effectively checking COVID-19 and communicable diseases.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials on Thursday to prepare a concerted strategy for effectively checking the spread of COVID-19 and communicable diseases.
In a meeting with senior officials, the chief minister also called for daily review of the prevailing situation by the nodal officers appointed in different districts, according to an official statement.
He stressed that special cleanliness and sanitisation drives should be carried out across districts, and asked officials to ensure proper medical screening and supply of clean potable water.
He directed officials to prepare a strategy by establishing coordination between different departments and to ensure its implementation for effectively checking COVID-19 and communicable diseases.
Coronavirus news: Punjab caps treatment rates for private hospitals
The Punjab government on Thursday said it has fixed the coronavirus treatment rates for private hospitals in order to check profiteering.
The rates, finalised for private hospitals and medical colleges by the Dr K K Talwar Committee, cover isolation beds, ICU treatment and hospitalisation charges, per day of admission.
For moderate sickness requiring isolation beds, including supportive care and oxygen, the rates per day are fixed at Rs 10,000 for all private medical colleges or NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) private hospitals with teaching programme, the government said in a statement.
The rates have been fixed at Rs 9,000 for NABH accredited hospitals (including private medical colleges without PG/DNB Course) and Rs 8,000 for non-NABH accredited hospitals, the statement said.
The Punjab government on Thursday said it has fixed the coronavirus treatment rates for private hospitals in order to check profiteering.
The rates, finalised for private hospitals and medical colleges by the Dr K K Talwar Committee, cover isolation beds, ICU treatment and hospitalisation charges, per day of admission.
For moderate sickness requiring isolation beds, including supportive care and oxygen, the rates per day are fixed at Rs 10,000 for all private medical colleges or NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) private hospitals with teaching programme, the government said in a statement.
The rates have been fixed at Rs 9,000 for NABH accredited hospitals (including private medical colleges without PG/DNB Course) and Rs 8,000 for non-NABH accredited hospitals, the statement said.
COVID-19: Court seeks AAP government's stand on plea to resume e-coupon ration scheme
The Delhi High Court Thursday sought AAP government's reply on a plea by an NGO seeking resumption of the MMCSY scheme under which foodgrain was provided during COVID-19 lockdown to those not covered under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad issued notice to the Delhi government seeking its stand on the plea which also seeks resumption of the hunger relief centres for providing cooked meals to those in need.
The court asked the Delhi government as to why it cannot extend the Mukhya Mantri Corona Sahayta Yojna (MMCSY) while the coronavirus pandemic persists.
It sought to know as to where would the people, not covered under PDS, go for dry ration if all desks and kiosks for helping them have been shut down as claimed by the NGO.
The Delhi High Court Thursday sought AAP government's reply on a plea by an NGO seeking resumption of the MMCSY scheme under which foodgrain was provided during COVID-19 lockdown to those not covered under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad issued notice to the Delhi government seeking its stand on the plea which also seeks resumption of the hunger relief centres for providing cooked meals to those in need.
The court asked the Delhi government as to why it cannot extend the Mukhya Mantri Corona Sahayta Yojna (MMCSY) while the coronavirus pandemic persists.
It sought to know as to where would the people, not covered under PDS, go for dry ration if all desks and kiosks for helping them have been shut down as claimed by the NGO.
COVID-19: Andhra Pradesh reports 2,593 new cases, 40 deaths in last 24 hours
Andhra Pradesh on Thursday reported 2,593 new COVID-19 positive cases, taking the tally of people infected with the virus to 38,044.
"In the last 24 hours, 22,304 samples were tested in Andhra Pradesh. 18,159 are active cases. 943 persons were discharged in the said period. The total number of discharged persons now stands at 19,393," the state COVID nodal officer said.
Forty people died in the state in the last 24 hours and the death toll now stands at 492.
"In the last 24 hours, 40 deaths were reported -- 8 each in East Godavari and Prakasam, 5 in Chittoor, 4 in Kadapa, 3 each in Anantapur, Guntur, Nellore and Visakhapatnam, 1 each in Kurnool, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. The total deaths increased to 492," the nodal officer added.
Andhra Pradesh on Thursday reported 2,593 new COVID-19 positive cases, taking the tally of people infected with the virus to 38,044.
"In the last 24 hours, 22,304 samples were tested in Andhra Pradesh. 18,159 are active cases. 943 persons were discharged in the said period. The total number of discharged persons now stands at 19,393," the state COVID nodal officer said.
Forty people died in the state in the last 24 hours and the death toll now stands at 492.
"In the last 24 hours, 40 deaths were reported -- 8 each in East Godavari and Prakasam, 5 in Chittoor, 4 in Kadapa, 3 each in Anantapur, Guntur, Nellore and Visakhapatnam, 1 each in Kurnool, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. The total deaths increased to 492," the nodal officer added.
Coronavirus news: Bengal's Siliguri police checks vehicles amid COVID-19 lockdown
The Siliguri police checked vehicles of commuters amid complete COVID-19 lockdown in 47 Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) wards.
Darjeeling district task force on Wednesday declared complete lockdown in these 47 wards for seven days, starting 9:00 am today due to rising COVID-19 cases, reported news agency ANI.
According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal stand at 34,427, including 12,747 active cases. While 20,680 cases are cured/discharged/migrated, the death count is at 1,000.
The Siliguri police checked vehicles of commuters amid complete COVID-19 lockdown in 47 Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) wards.
Darjeeling district task force on Wednesday declared complete lockdown in these 47 wards for seven days, starting 9:00 am today due to rising COVID-19 cases, reported news agency ANI.
According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal stand at 34,427, including 12,747 active cases. While 20,680 cases are cured/discharged/migrated, the death count is at 1,000.
COVID-19 news: Siddaramaiah slams Karnataka Health Minister for ''only God can save us'' remark
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday hit out at state Health Minister B Sriramulu for stating that "only God can save Karnataka" from COVID-19 and asked him to resign from his post.
Speaking to media in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said, "The government cannot say that we are helpless. Why is the government in power? You have power and you have money. It is your primary duty to serve the citizens of the state."
On being asked about Karnataka Health Minister's statement, the Congress leader said: "Let him resign and go out. God will help you only if you will put all your efforts."
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday hit out at state Health Minister B Sriramulu for stating that "only God can save Karnataka" from COVID-19 and asked him to resign from his post.
Speaking to media in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said, "The government cannot say that we are helpless. Why is the government in power? You have power and you have money. It is your primary duty to serve the citizens of the state."
On being asked about Karnataka Health Minister's statement, the Congress leader said: "Let him resign and go out. God will help you only if you will put all your efforts."
Coronavirus news: UP records 34 more COVID-19 deaths, 2,061 new cases of infection
Uttar Pradesh reported a record 2,061 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, taking the tally to 43,444, while 34 more fatalities pushed the death toll in the state to 1,046.
"A total of 26,675 patients have been treated and discharged, while there are 15,723 active cases in the state," Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Amit Mohan Prasad said.
He said a record 48,086 samples were tested on Wednesday and soon, the number of tests conducted per day would be increased to 50,000.
Uttar Pradesh reported a record 2,061 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, taking the tally to 43,444, while 34 more fatalities pushed the death toll in the state to 1,046.
"A total of 26,675 patients have been treated and discharged, while there are 15,723 active cases in the state," Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Amit Mohan Prasad said.
He said a record 48,086 samples were tested on Wednesday and soon, the number of tests conducted per day would be increased to 50,000.
COVID-19: Meghalaya to close all entry points to state from July 24-31
The Meghalaya government has decided to close all entry points to the state from July 24 to 31 to intensify COVID-19 surveillance, as its caseload rose to 354 on Thursday with 16 more security personnel testing positive for the infection, officials said.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said only people engaged in essential services will be permitted to enter the state during the period.
"To reduce the burden on our health workers and administration engaged in intensive surveillance for the past four months, the state government has decided to close all the entry points to the state from July 24 to 31," he said.
The entry points of Byrnihat, Ratacherra, Bajengdoba, Tikrikilla, Mirjumla and Hallidayganj will be shut during the period. They will be reopened on August 1, Sangma said, adding that the one at Byrnihat will be shifted to a new location to ensure smooth movement of traffic, reported news agency PTI.
The Meghalaya government has decided to close all entry points to the state from July 24 to 31 to intensify COVID-19 surveillance, as its caseload rose to 354 on Thursday with 16 more security personnel testing positive for the infection, officials said.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said only people engaged in essential services will be permitted to enter the state during the period.
"To reduce the burden on our health workers and administration engaged in intensive surveillance for the past four months, the state government has decided to close all the entry points to the state from July 24 to 31," he said.
The entry points of Byrnihat, Ratacherra, Bajengdoba, Tikrikilla, Mirjumla and Hallidayganj will be shut during the period. They will be reopened on August 1, Sangma said, adding that the one at Byrnihat will be shifted to a new location to ensure smooth movement of traffic, reported news agency PTI.
Coronavirus: Opposition spreading wrong information about COVID-19, says Goa Chief Minister
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday accused the opposition parties of spreading incorrect information about COVID-19 through mainstream media and social media platforms.
Following a meeting with Governor Satya Pal Malik, the chief minister said the governor had expressed concerns about wrong information about COVID-19 being circulated by social and mainstream media.
Mr Sawant met the governor in the presence of state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and Health Secretary Neela Mohanan to brief him about the steps taken to contain the viral outbreak in the coastal state, reported news agency PTI.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday accused the opposition parties of spreading incorrect information about COVID-19 through mainstream media and social media platforms.
Following a meeting with Governor Satya Pal Malik, the chief minister said the governor had expressed concerns about wrong information about COVID-19 being circulated by social and mainstream media.
Mr Sawant met the governor in the presence of state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and Health Secretary Neela Mohanan to brief him about the steps taken to contain the viral outbreak in the coastal state, reported news agency PTI.
Coronavirus news: Gujarat company invents low-cost ventilator
Surat's company developed a low-cost ventilator, which is high quality, after getting inspired by Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The ventilator has the same features as that in the ventilators which are made by other International companies.
Due to the ongoing corona pandemic, there have been various changes in the lifestyles as well as the thinking process of the people. This has also paved a way for new opportunities for some people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement for the people of the country to become Aatmanirbhar i.e. self-sufficient.
Taking inspiration from the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and to tackle this difficult situation of coronavirus, Surat's two companies-DRC Techno and InnovSeed, have developed a high-quality ventilator at a low cost, under Make in India, reported news agency ANI.
Surat's company developed a low-cost ventilator, which is high quality, after getting inspired by Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The ventilator has the same features as that in the ventilators which are made by other International companies.
Due to the ongoing corona pandemic, there have been various changes in the lifestyles as well as the thinking process of the people. This has also paved a way for new opportunities for some people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement for the people of the country to become Aatmanirbhar i.e. self-sufficient.
Taking inspiration from the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and to tackle this difficult situation of coronavirus, Surat's two companies-DRC Techno and InnovSeed, have developed a high-quality ventilator at a low cost, under Make in India, reported news agency ANI.
COVID-19: Rajasthan reports 143 new cases
As many as 143 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Rajasthan till 10.30 am today, as per information provided by the State Health Department.
According to the health department, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state stands at 26,580 including 6,459 active cases and 534 deaths.
With the highest single-day spike of 32,695 cases and 606 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 tally on Thursday reached 9,68,876, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, reported news agency ANI.
As many as 143 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Rajasthan till 10.30 am today, as per information provided by the State Health Department.
According to the health department, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state stands at 26,580 including 6,459 active cases and 534 deaths.
With the highest single-day spike of 32,695 cases and 606 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 tally on Thursday reached 9,68,876, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, reported news agency ANI.
COVID-19: 147 new cases reported in Puducherry
A total of 147 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Puducherry on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 1,743.
According to the Health Department, the total number of cases includes 774 active cases and 22 deaths.
With the highest single-day spike of 32,695 cases and 606 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 tally on Thursday reached 9,68,876, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, reported news agency ANI.
A total of 147 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Puducherry on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 1,743.
According to the Health Department, the total number of cases includes 774 active cases and 22 deaths.
With the highest single-day spike of 32,695 cases and 606 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 tally on Thursday reached 9,68,876, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, reported news agency ANI.
Coronavirus: Too Many Expectations, Says UP Official On Video Exposing COVID-19 Hospital ConditionsA COVID-19 positive ward boy in a government hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district has posted a video on social media alleging bad conditions at a private hospital in the district that functions as a "Level-1" COVID-19 hospital."
As a precautionary measure, I'm on self-quarantine on my return to Nagaland from Delhi. Taking precautions to ensure safety of others & myself. Will continue discharging duties.
- Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) July 16, 2020
Please follow official advisories/guidelines, wear mask, maintain social distancing & observe hygiene.
Coronavirus Cases: Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu Says Only God Can Save Us From CoronavirusAs India's coronavirus tally continues to surge, the health minister in Karnataka - which has logged over 47,000 patients so far - on Wednesday said that "only god can help save us" from the highly contagious illness.
B Sriramulu's remarks came as Karnataka replaced Gujarat as the fourth-worst affected state in the country after Maharashtra (2.75 lakh cases), Tamil Nadu (1.51 lakh cases) and Delhi (1.16 lakh cases)."
120 people registered, 117 vehicles challaned for defying COVID-19 protocols in Punjab
Punjab government is taking strict legal actions against gathering of five or more people. Till now, as many as 81 FIRs and 120 arrests have taken place, informed Captain Amarinder Singh in a tweet on Thursday.
"To stop the spread of COVID_19, 81 FIRs have been registered in cases of large social, political or religious gatherings (gatherings of five or more persons) while 120 persons have been arrested, 117 vehicles challaned and 36 vehicles have been impounded," tweeted the Punjab government from their official account.
According to the tweet, actions are being taken against all social, political, or religious gatherings with five or more people. Government has also seized as many as 36 vehicles and fined 117 of them for breaking the law.
Twenty-nine more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, raising state''s tally to 491 cases.
Considering Covid-19 emanated from China & had its most violent explosion there, does anyone here believe this blatant lie that China is not amongst the top 25 nations with Covid cases now. How are we then supposed to trust any other statistics they put out: economic or otherwise pic.twitter.com/I446bbt2oG
- Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) July 16, 2020
143 new #COVID19 positive cases and 4 deaths have been reported in Rajasthan till 10.30 am today. Total number of cases stand at 26580 including 6459 active cases and 534 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/f3vVhBTY84
- ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020
Around 1.27 crore samples have been tested so far
Around 1.27 crore samples have been tested so far for the virus. A patient may be tested several times till the individual recovers. The highest number of samples - 3,26,826 - were tested on Wednesday, the government said.
Highest COVID-19 cases from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
With 7,975 cases Maharashtra reported the maximum number of cases to the country's COVID-19 tally today. It was followed by Tamil Nadu (4,496), Karnataka: (3,176), Andhra Pradesh (2,432) and Uttar Pradesh (1,659).
Coronavirus One-Day Tally Crosses 30,000, 9.68 Lakh Cases So Far Just In: Over 32,000 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours for first time, 9.68 lakh total cases so far, 24,915 deaths
Entry to the Court complex shall be restricted to very few authorised persons and other persons including staff are not required to come to the office from 16th July to 23rd July in view of the lockdown in Bihar from 16th July: Patna High Court. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/3a96h6Zzit
- ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020
493 new cases in 24 hours in J&K
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 493 fresh COVID-19 cases with 11 new fatalities in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of COVID-19-related deaths past 200 in the union territory, officials said.
These details were issued by the Jammu and Kashmir administration late on Wednesday night.
As many as 493 new cases of the contagious disease were detected in the union territory during the past 24 hours taking the COVID tally to 11,666, the officials said.
"Eleven persons, who were COVID-19 positive, have died over the past 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir," the officials said, adding, all the deaths took place in the Kashmir valley.
Coronavirus news: Mizoram reports 29 new COVID-19 cases
Mizoram reported 29 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, said the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Mizoram, reports ANI.
Tamil Nadu Health Secretary inaugurates 30 mobile dispensaries
Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan and Greater Chennai Municipal Corporation Commissioner G Prakash flagged off 30 mobile dispensaries offering free COVID-19 tests and medicines in the hotspots.
The mobile dispensaries have been arranged by some social organisations.
Appreciating the government's effort, Mr Radhakrishnan said, "Central health team has always been supportive, both medically or non medically." "They have been showering with daily COVID-19 updates," state Health Secretary added.
He also informed, "More than 90 percent of the testing kits have been bought by the state government."
Naveen Patnaik inaugurates Odisha's first plasma bank for COVID-19 patients
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday inaugurated the COVID Plasma Bank for treatment of serious COVID patients at SCB Medical College, Cuttack.
Odisha is the third state besides Delhi and Maharastra to start this facility.
Inaugurating the facility, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reiterated his government's commitment to providing advanced medical care and treatment to the people of the State.
"For me and my government, the life of every person is precious and the State would do everything possible to save the lives of our people. I would like to announce that Plasma Therapy will be made available free of cost to the people of Odisha," Mr Patnaik said.
Naveen Patnaik inaugurates Odisha's first plasma bank for COVID-19 patients
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday inaugurated the COVID Plasma Bank for treatment of serious COVID patients at SCB Medical College, Cuttack.
Odisha is the third state besides Delhi and Maharastra to start this facility.
Inaugurating the facility, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reiterated his government's commitment to providing advanced medical care and treatment to the people of the State.
"For me and my government, the life of every person is precious and the State would do everything possible to save the lives of our people. I would like to announce that Plasma Therapy will be made available free of cost to the people of Odisha," Mr Patnaik said.
COVID-19: NIMHANS releases guidelines for health workers'' mental health needs
The NIMHANS has come out with guidelines that define a framework to address the mental health needs of healthcare personnel in COVID-19 treatment settings.
The guidelines also aim to provide technical inputs to guide healthcare personnel to help themselves and their colleagues in distress.
The guidelines identify the source of anxiety and the indicators that healthcare professionals are facing mental health difficulties at the workplace.
"This guidance prepared by the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) defines the framework for administrators and healthcare supervisors to address the mental health needs of healthcare personnel in COVID-19 treatment settings," it said.
Jodhpur administration, police launch campaigns to curb COVID-19 spike
The Jodhpur administration and police have launched two separate campaigns to contain the sudden rise in COVID-19 cases in the city, an official said on Wednesday.
While the district administration has launched the ''Jeevan Raksha Abhiyan'' for the elderly and people with comorbidities to keep a check on the death rate, the police has launched ''Har Ghar Dastak Abhiyan'' to ensure that positive cases remain isolated at their homes.
"For this campaign, we have roped in government departments... We also expect active cooperation from the citizens and social organisations in the city," said Jodhpur district magistrate Indrajeet Singh.
