4 years ago
New Delhi:
New cases of coronavirus infection in India were recorded above 17,000 taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,12,62,707, according to the Union Health Ministry data.
The COVID-19 active caseload is 1,84,598 which now comprises 1.64 per cent of the total infections.
The recovery rate has increased to 96.96 per cent, the data stated.
A total of 17,921 new infections were registered in a day, while the death toll increased to 1,58,063 with 133 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Meanwhile, More than 20 lakh people were inoculated against coronavirus on March 8, the highest in a day so far, taking the total number of vaccine doses administered in the country to over 2.3 crore, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. "India has recorded a significant achievement in its countrywide COVID-19 vaccination drive which was rolled out from January 16. More than 2 million vaccine doses were administered in a span of 24 hours," the ministry said.
Here are the Latest News Highlights:
First Covid-19 Case With South Africa Strain Found In KarnatakaThe first case of the South African COVID-19 strain has been found in Karnataka, the state health department said.
Brazil Covid deaths top 2,000 in 24 hours
Brazil registered a record 2,286 deaths from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said Wednesday, as a worrying surge pushed the figure past 2,000 for the first time. The South American country of 212 million people, which has the world's second-highest death toll in the pandemic, is struggling to deal with a crush of cases that has pushed many hospitals close to the breaking point.
The new daily record brought the number of people who have died of Covid-19 in Brazil to 270,656, second only to the United States. The country also registered its third-highest number of coronavirus infections Wednesday, with nearly 80,000.
US to build COVID-19 vaccine supply with 100 million additional doses of Johnson & Johnson
The United States plans to double its order of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine with an additional 100 million doses, the White House said on Wednesday, building up supply in a bid to inoculate the full country soon. US President Joe Biden will direct the Department of Health and Human Services to secure the additional supply, a move the company indicated had not yet happened.
Joe Biden is likely to highlight the issue at a meeting with the chief executives of J&J and Merck & Co later on Wednesday. Merck has agreed to partner with J&J to produce its vaccine.
"This order allows for the president to plan for the future," White House COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt said. "It gives us maximum flexibility for our upcoming needs."
West Bengal reports 241 new COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths
West Bengal's COVID-19 tally rose to 5,77,267 as 241 more people tested positive for the infection while two fresh fatalities pushed the death count to 10,283, the health department said. The two deaths were due to the comorbidities where COVID-19 was incidental, it said.
The state now has 3,127 active COVID-19 cases, while 5,63,857 people have recovered from the disease. The COVID-19 recovery rate in the state is 97.68 per cent.
Vial from first US COVID-19 vaccine dose goes to museum
Items connected to the first known doses of Covid-19 vaccine to be administered in the United States have been acquired by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, the institution has announced. New York-based health care provider Northwell Health -- whose nurse Sandra Lindsay was the first person to be inoculated in the country hardest hit by the coronavirus -- donated the items, the Smithsonian announced.
The empty vial containing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine given to Lindsay, other vials, syringes and the nurse's vaccination record card are among the objects donated, the Smithsonian said in a statement Tuesday.
US Congress Passes $1.9 Trillion Covid Package In Big Win For US President Joe BidenThe US Congress on Wednesday passed Joe Biden's enormous economic relief package, delivering a resounding victory for the US president and a desperately needed injection of cash to millions of families and businesses enduring the coronavirus pandemic.
AstraZeneca vaccine not to blame for Austria death: Europe watchdog
Europe's medicines watchdog said Wednesday a preliminary probe showed that a batch of AstraZeneca vaccines used in Austria was not to blame for the death of a nurse who received a jab.
"There is currently no indication that vaccination has caused these conditions, which are not listed as side effects with this vaccine," the European Medicines Agency said in a statement, also referring to another nurse who was hospitalised after being vaccinated.
UK records another 5,926 coronavirus cases, 190 deaths
Another 5,926 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,234,924, according to official figures released Wednesday.
The country also reported another 190 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 124,987. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.
Earlier Wednesday, British vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi warned against the misinformation that coronavirus vaccines may impact fertility, which has caused some women to become hesitant about having the jab.
Another 5,926 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,234,924, according to official figures released Wednesday.
The country also reported another 190 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 124,987. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.
Earlier Wednesday, British vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi warned against the misinformation that coronavirus vaccines may impact fertility, which has caused some women to become hesitant about having the jab.
COVID-19: 12 new cases in Noida; tally 25,639
With 12 fresh cases, the COVID-19 tally in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar has gone up to 25,639, the state government said on Wednesday.
The number of active cases of the coronavirus infection has come down to 85 in the district from 88 the previous day, according to data released by the Uttar Pradesh health department for a 24-hour period.
Fifteen COVID-19 patients got discharged from hospitals during the period, pushing the total number of recoveries to 25,463, the fifth highest in the state, the data showed.
Gautam Buddh Nagar has so far recorded 91 COVID-19 deaths with a mortality rate of 0.35 per cent. The recovery rate among the COVID-19 patients in the district has climbed to 99.31 per cent.
Kerala logs 2,475 new C0VID-19 cases, 14 more deaths
Kerala logged 2,475 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday taking the infection count to 10,83,879, even as the count went upto 4,342 with 14 more fatalities,the state government said.
While 4,192 people recovered from the disease today, 35,418 people were presently undergoing treatment for the infection and 10,43,473 have been cured, Health minister K K Shailaja, said in a press release.
In the last 24 hours ending 2 pm today, 62,486 samples were tested and the test positivity rate touched 3.96 per cent.
A total of 1,20,60,313 samples have been sent for testing so far, according to the release.
Of the positive cases, 12 were health workers, 75 had come from outside the state and 2,235 were infected through contact.
Despite Farmers' Protests And Congress Moves, BJP Wins Haryana Trust Vote
The Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana defeated the no-confidence motion moved by the Congress in the state assembly today. The ruling BJP-JJP alliance had 55 votes, the opposition scraped up 32 votes. The Congress had moved the motion, claiming two Independent MLAs supporting the government have withdrawn support to the government. The party, though, had made it clear that the exercise was meant to expose MLAs who were not supporting the farmers' cause amid widespread anger over the Centre's farm laws.
The Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana defeated the no-confidence motion moved by the Congress in the state assembly today. The ruling BJP-JJP alliance had 55 votes, the opposition scraped up 32 votes. The Congress had moved the motion, claiming two Independent MLAs supporting the government have withdrawn support to the government. The party, though, had made it clear that the exercise was meant to expose MLAs who were not supporting the farmers' cause amid widespread anger over the Centre's farm laws.
Higher airborne pollen levels linked with increased COVID-19 risk: Study
Higher concentration of airborne pollen is associated with increased novel coronavirus infection rates, according to a study that used data from 31 countries across five continents.
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen in Germany noted that people in high-risk groups can protect themselves by watching pollen forecasts and wearing dust filter masks.
The team collected data on airborne pollen concentrations, weather conditions and SARS-CoV-2 infections, taking into consideration the variation of infection rates from one day to another, and the total number of positive tests.
"Have You Seen 'Titanic'?" Bombay High Court Dubs A Vaccination Plea "Selfish"The Bombay High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing on a PIL seeking COVID-19 vaccination for lawyers and judges on priority, saying some decisions must be left to the "executive's wisdom"." itemprop="description
A Year After India's First COVID-19 Death In Karnataka's Kalaburagi
It's been more than a fortnight since no COVID-19 related death has been reported at Kalaburagi in north Karnataka but a year ago this district had hit the headlines with the first death due to the coronavirus. A 76-year-old man. from Kalaburagi, was the first victim of coronavirus in India. He had contracted the deadly virus in Saudi Arabia. The death due to the virus was confirmed on March 12, creating shock and panic in the country.
The town was the first to adjust to the new normal in the face of COVID-19 outbreak and embrace measures such as hand hygiene, maintaining physical distance, using sanitisers, face masks and marking containment zones. As on Tuesday, the district has witnessed a total of 22,208 cases, 21,665 recoveries, 213 active cases and 330 deaths.
Coronavirus #FactsVsMyths | Dr Tushar Lakhia, Consultant and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, shares his experience with 'long Covid' where his symptoms persisted long after recovery from the disease pic.twitter.com/p5CsoxuN8D
- NDTV (@ndtv) March 10, 2021
Cambodian PM, First Lady Receive Shot Of Made-In-India Covid Vaccine
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and the First Lady on Wednesday received a shot of Made-in-India coronavirus vaccine.
"PM Hun Sen received a shot of Make-in-India vaccine AstraZeneca along with the 1st lady and other senior officials incl President of Assembly, DPM of Interior, Minister of Health, Minister of Public Transport," said India in Cambodia in a tweet.
On February 6, India had approved the supply of 1,00,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Cambodia.
The embassy said the decision is a testament to India's appreciation for Cambodia as an important partner and its concern for the health and prosperity of the people of the country.
Over 2.4 Crore COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered So Far Across India
More than 2.43 crore (2,43,67,906) COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered through 3,39,145 sessions across the States and Union Territories so far, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHWF) informed on Wednesday.
"More than 2.43 cr (2,43,67,906) vaccine doses have been administered through 3,39,145 sessions across the States and UTs, as per the provisional report till 7 am today. These include 71,30,098 HCWs (first dose), 38,90,257HCWs (second dose), 69,36,480 FLWs (first dose) and 4,73,422 FLWs (second dose), 8,33,526 beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific co-morbidities (first dose) and 51,04,123 beneficiaries aged more than 60 years (first dose)," the health ministry said.
As per health ministry data, more than 13.5 lakh vaccine doses were given in the last 24 hours, out of which 10,60,944 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 52,351 sessions for the first dose (HCWs and FLWs) and 2,98,229 HCWs and FLWs received a second dose of vaccine.
Meanwhile, 83.76 per cent of the new cases are from Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Actor Mohanlal receives the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine at a private hospital in Kochi, Kerala.
JustIn| Tirath Singh Rawat to be new Uttarakhand Chief Minister
No new COVID-19 case in Arunachal for four days
Arunachal Pradesh did not report any fresh COVID-19 case in the past four days, a health department official said on Wednesday.
The total caseload in the northeastern state remained at 16,839, he said.
Arunachal Pradesh now has three active cases, while 16,780 people have recovered from the disease, State Surveillance Officer Dr Lobsang Jampa said.
The recovery rate among coronavirus patients in the state stands at 99.64 per cent.
Fifty-six people have succumbed to the infection.
Altogether, 4,08,728 samples have been tested for COVID-19, including 276 on Tuesday, Jampa said.
State Immunisation Officer Dimong Padung said 48,752 health and frontline workers have received vaccine shots so far.
Two new cases push Mizoram's COVID-19 tally to 4,434
Mizoram's COVID-19 tally rose to 4,434 on Wednesday as two more persons tested positive for the infection, a health department official said.
The new cases were reported from Aizawl and Saitual districts, he said.
"One patient was diagnosed with the disease after he returned from Manipur and another tested positive for the disease at a private hospital in Aizawl. They were asymptomatic, the official said.
The state now has nine active cases, while 4,415 people have recovered from the
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Two new COVID-19 cases in Andamans; tally at 5,028
Two more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, taking the tally in the Union Territory to 5,028, a health department official said on Wednesday.
The fresh cases were detected during contact tracing, he said.
The death toll remained at 62 as no new fatality due to the infection was reported in the last 24 hours.
One person was cured of the disease on Tuesday, taking the total number of recoveries in the archipelago to 4,958, the official said.
The Union Territory now has eight active cases.
Altogether, 10,164 health and frontline workers have been vaccinated, he said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: 707 new COVID-19 cases in Thane, 6 more deaths
Thane has reported707 new cases of coronavirus, raising the tally in the Maharashtra district to 2,71,161,an official said on Wednesday.
These new cases were reported on Tuesday, he said.
The virus also claimed the lives of sixmore persons, pushing the death toll in the district to 6,312, he said.
The COVID-19 mortality rate in Thane is 2.33 per cent, he said.
So far, 2,57,521 patients have recuperated from the infection in the district, which reflects a recovery rate of 94.97 per cent.
As of now, there are 7,328 active COVID-19 cases in Thane, the official said
JustIn| India reports 17,921 new COVID-19 cases, 20,652 recoveries, and 133 deaths in the last 24 hours
Update| I'm extremely pleased to report that yesterday we received our first shipment of 50,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine donated by Govt of India. We express our deep appreciation to Govt & people of India for this very much needed support: PM of Jamaica Andrew Holness
Joe Biden's Covid rescue plan expected to pass US Congress soon
US President Joe Biden's massive relief plan is on track to cross the finish line Wednesday with a final House vote, stimulating an economy digging out from the coronavirus pandemic and offering a lifeline for millions of families. The $1.9 trillion package, broadly popular with Americans and approved by the Senate at the weekend, is expected to narrowly clear Congress days before a crucial deadline, culminating a weeks-long negotiation over its cost and scope.
If it reaches his desk, Joe Biden -- who made the American Rescue Plan his top legislative priority -- could sign the historic bill into law by week's end.
India sends COVID-19 vaccines to Botswana
India has sent COVID-19 vaccines manufactured in the country to Botswana as part of the "Vaccine Maitri" initiative. The consignment of vaccines reached Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.
"Bonding with Botswana. Made in India vaccines land in Gaborone. Vaccine Maitri," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a tweet.
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Can Protect Against Brazil Variant: StudyA new study suggests that the Pfizer-BioNtech Covid-19 vaccine can protect people against the concerning coronavirus variant first identified in Brazil.
Red Cross warns of glaring gap in vaccine roll-out
The Red Cross warned of a glaring gap in the plans to roll out Covid-19 vaccines around the world, saying remote communities risked missing out. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is aiming to help vaccinate 500 million people against the disease.
The IFRC, which calls itself the world's largest humanitarian network, is planning to throw its expertise into the distribution and acceptance of vaccines among some of the hardest-to-reach communities. But it said that while the procurement of vaccines and delivery to airport hubs was crucial, "too little thought" had been given to the next step: how those doses would be distributed within countries, including the "last mile" in getting to those furthest away.
