New Delhi: As India continues to see alarming surge in Covid infections, a record spike of 3,79,257 fresh cases and 3,645 deaths was reported in the last 24 hours.
Over 1.83 crore people have contracted the virus so far. Hospitals and crematoria are overwhelmed amid the uptick.
Nearly 1.33 crore people applied for vaccination on Wednesday as the government's dedicated website, CoWIN, opened for registrations today. Those between 18 and 44 can get Covid shots from May 1 (Saturday).
After initial glitches, the CoWIN site was getting almost 27 lakh hits a minute, government sources said. Appointments will be based on slots made available by states and private vaccination centres, they said.
"More Appointment slots will soon be offered. If slots are not currently available, please check again after sometime. We request your patience and understanding," said government sources.
Vaccinations will begin on Saturday for everyone above 18 from May 1 (Saturday) under a more "liberalised and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of COVID-19 vaccination".
Here are the Latest News Highlights:
Apr 29, 2021 23:53 (IST)
BJP Leader Pankaja Munde Tests Positive For Coronavirus
BJP leader and former Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde on Thursday said she has tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation.
Taking to Twitter, the BJP's national secretary said, "I have tested positive for coronavirus. I have already isolated myself and taking precautions. I met so many people and families of corona victims, I must have caught there." Ms Munde further appealed to people who came in contact with her to get themselves tested.
Minister of Social Justice Dhananjay Munde, who has gotten infected twice in the past, reacted to his cousin's tweet.
"I have faced this virus twice. Start treatment with doctor's advice and also get family members tested," he tweeted.
Apr 29, 2021 23:12 (IST)
Maharashtra Extends Curbs Till May 15 To Stem COVID-19 Spread
The Maharashtra government on Thursday extended till May 15 the existing lockdown-like restrictions enforced to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
An order issued by chief secretary Sitaram Kunte said the decision to extend the restrictions has been taken as the state continued to be threatened with the spread of COVID-19.
It was imperative to continue the emergency measures to prevent and contain the spread of the virus, he said.
The sweeping curbs on movement of people and a host of other activities, imposed early this month, were to continue till 7 am on May 1.
Apr 29, 2021 21:08 (IST)
COVID-19: Essential medical supplies from Romania to arrive in India
In order to help India in its fight against COVID-19, an aircraft with 80 oxygen concentrators, 75 oxygen cylinders and 20 high-flow oxygen therapy equipment took off from Bucharest, Romania on Thursday and will arrive in New Delhi today.
The assistance was sent by Romania's Department for Emergencies, through its Foundation for Emergency Response (SMURD Foundation).
"The aircraft took off in the afternoon on April 28 from Bucharest and will arrive tonight in New Delhi," Embassy of Romania in India said in a statement.
Romania has offered humanitarian assistance to India, following the request addressed to the European Union by the Indian government.
Apr 29, 2021 17:52 (IST)
New vaccination guidelines issued in Kerala, priority for those taking second dose
Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja on Thursday said that according to the new guidelines, preference will be given to those taking the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, when scheduling a session at vaccination centres.
Speaking to media, Shailaja said, "There is no need to rush to COVID vaccination centres for this. The second dose of Covishield vaccine should be taken within 6-8 weeks and the Covaxin within 4-6 weeks. The list of those eligible to receive the second dose of vaccine at each vaccination centre will be available on the CoWIN portal. Accordingly, the managers of the vaccination centres will inform them with the help of ASHA workers and local bodies."
