The death count increased to 1,97,894 with 2,771 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
The Election Commission of India has banned all victory processions on the day of counting of votes (May 2) polled -- or even after -- to the five states in the past few weeks after amid COVID-19 surge.
Coming amid a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the poll panel had laid down protocol for the contesting parties and leaders to follow to minimise the spread of infections. The rules were mostly observed only breach by most political outfits and their contestants, with huge rallies and marches giving social distancing a toss.
Meanwhile, with 3,23,144 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,76,36,307, while the national recovery rate has further dropped to 82.54 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.
The death count increased to 1,97,894 with 2,771 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
There has been a slight dip in the daily cases as compared to the number of new infections reported in the past few days.
The active cases have increased to 28,82,204 comprising 16.34 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 82.54 per cent.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,45,56,209 while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.12 per cent, the data stated.
Here are the Highlights:
One Dose Of Covid Vaccine Cuts Household Spread By Up To 50%: UK StudyOne dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines reduces the chances of someone infected with coronavirus from spreading it to other household members by up to 50 percent, according to a English study published Wednesday. The Public Health England (PHE) research found that those who became infected three weeks after receiving their first jab were between 38 and 49 percent less likely to pass the virus on to their household contacts than those who were unvaccinated.
"This is terrific news -- we already know vaccines save lives and this study is the most comprehensive real-world data showing they also cut transmission of this deadly virus," said British Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
62 held for black marketing of oxygen, drugs across UP: Police
Sixty-two people were arrested in the last 10-12 days across Uttar Pradesh for black marketing of oxygen cylinders and life-saving drugs, police said. Additional Director General (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said raids were conducted in different parts of the state on black marketeers of oxygen cylinders and life-saving drugs over the last 10-12 days.
Bengal reports record 16,403 new COVID-19 cases, 73 more deaths
West Bengal on Tuesday logged 16,403 fresh COVID-19 cases, the highest-single spike recorded in the state so far, pushing the tally to 7,76,345, a bulletin issued by the state health department said. The death count climbed to 11,082 with 73 more fatalities, it said.
Canada reports first death linked to AstraZeneca jabA 54-year woman has died in Canada after receiving the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, the first fatality linked to the drug in the country, provincial authorities announced Tuesday.
"I'm sad to know that a healthy 54-year-old woman... died because she was vaccinated. It's hard to take," Francois Legault, the premier of Quebec, said. The French-speaking province's chief public health officer Horacio Arruda said life-saving treatments did not work and the unidentified patient died of cerebral thrombosis after being vaccinated.
But he cautioned that the death should not change the government's recommendations to use the vaccine for those over 45 years old. "We knew about serious complications, there was one in 100,000 (doses administered). But we must remember that, to date, we have had more than 400,000 people who have been vaccinated with AstraZeneca," Quebec health minister Christian Dube added.
Assam logs 3,132 new COVID-19 cases, 18 more deaths
Assam's COVID-19 tally surged to 2,43,802 as 3,132 more people tested positive for the infection while 18 new fatalities pushed the coronavirus death count to 1,233, according to the bulletin issued by the state National Health Mission. The 18 new fatalities were reported from Kamrup Metropolitan district, 5, two each from Cachar, Goalpara, Nalbari and one each from Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Hojai, Jorhat, Kamrup Rural, Karimganj and Sivasagar districts, it said.
Delhi High Court Questions BJP Leader For Procuring, Distributing Covid DrugsThe Delhi High Court on Tuesday questioned a BJP leader for procuring huge quantities of medicines required for treating COVID-19 patients and distributing it to people in need from his offices. "How is anybody procuring these drugs in large quantities? These medicines are supposed to be given with prescription only. Is he holding a licence," a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said.
The bench was informed that the leader has tweeted that those who need 'Remdesivir' and 'Fabiflu' can collect it from his offices here after showing Aadhaar card of the patient and prescription.
Petitioner advocate Rakesh Malhotra, without naming the leader, said he had tweeted that he had these medicines but how he was procuring it when people were unable to get even one dose. The bench said, "we thought he would stop but it is still going on. How can he procure it in large quantities?"
Delhi Allows Hospitals To Engage Retired Nursing, Para-Medical Staff Amid Surge
Amid a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the city, the Delhi government on Tuesday allowed hospitals to engage retired nursing and para-medical staff to handle the situation, reported news agency PTI.
"In view of the surge of the COVID pandemic and to meet the demand of increased manpower, the medical directors/medical superintendents/directors of all COVID Hospitals of the Delhi government are authorised to engage nursing and para-medical staff who have either retired as on March 31, 2021 or are retiring soon on contractual basis for a period of six months or up to September 30 whichever is earlier," an official order said.
Prohibitory Orders In Srinagar As J&K Reports Biggest Single-Day SpikeJammu and Kashmir administration has imposed prohibitory orders in Srinagar on a day when the Union Territory registered its biggest single-day jump in Covid cases with 3,164 fresh infections. Srinagar alone logged 1,144 cases of the virus.
"In view of massive spurt in positive cases in District Sringar & after due deliberations, Section 144 CrPc is imposed hereby within the Municipal limits of the district to contain further spread of the epidemic. Assembly of five or more persons is banned with immediate effect," Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar Aijaz Asad tweeted.
20 More Admitted To ITBP Covid Centre In DelhiThe Covid care centre run by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in south Delhi admitted about 20 patients today, including some through referrals, taking the total to about 145 in two days, officials said, reported news agency PTI.
They said though the Delhi government has not issued any official order doing away with the mandatory process of getting an approval of the district surveillance officer (DSO) for admitting patients at the facility, some were allowed in "on the basis of referrals, considering the condition of the patient and following due processes".
The 500 oxygen-bed facility in south Delhi's Radha Soami Beas centre in Chhattarpur had admitted 123 patients on Monday, and it did 20 today.
Minority Affairs Ministry Approves Proposal To Convert Ajmer Dargah Rest House Into Covid Care CentreMinority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today approved a proposal to convert a rest house of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah into a temporary COVID Care Centre, reported news agency PTI.
In a letter written in response to Dargah Committee President Amin Pathan's request of converting the rest house into a "Corona Care Centre", Mr Naqvi said that during the coronavirus pandemic, it is the moral and humanitarian duty of every institution in the country to provide full support for the health and well-being of the people in this challenging time.
Approving the proposal to convert the Ajmer Dargah rest house into a COVID care centre and hand it over to the Rajasthan government, the minister asked the dargah committee and its people to cooperate fully with the state government in the fight against coronavirus.
Never Asked For 100-Bed Facility At 5-Star Hotel For Judges: Delhi High CourtThe Delhi High Court today said it had never asked for Covid facilities at a five-star hotel and told the city government that its order assigning a prominent hotel in the capital exclusively for judges was "wrong". Yesterday, an order had said 100 rooms at the hotel Ashoka had been booked for High Court judges and their families.
"When did we ask for a 100-bed facility at a five-star hotel? We had only said if a judicial officer or a judge or their family is infected, they should get hospital admission," the High Court sternly told the Delhi Government.
"Why did you cause this sort of a controversy? It is as if we asked Delhi Government for this facility. Or you did it to please us. You did everything on paper," said the judges, apparently upset at questions raised over luxury Covid facilities set aside for them at a time people are struggling for hospital beds.
Railways Deploying 31 Covid Care Coaches In Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra: Piyush GoyalThe railways is deploying 31 Covid care coaches in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra and these will have facilities like oxygen cylinders for patients, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI.
The minister in a tweet said that at Indore's Tehri station, 320 beds have been arranged by the Railways in 20 Covid care coaches.
"These coaches are equipped with facilities, including oxygen cylinders, for patients. On the request of the state government, these coaches have been made available to them," he said.
"Indian Railways will deploy COVID care coaches at the Ajni Container Depot in Nagpur. These 11 coaches can together accommodate more than 170 patients," Mr Goyal said.
Kerala High Court Notifies Centre On Plea To Vaccinate Everyone For FreeKerala Deputy Leader of the Opposition, MK Muneer, has filed a petition before the High Court challenging the Centre's new phase 3 vaccination policy which is to become effective from May 1. The court has asked for a response before May 4 on the matter from, among others, the Union government.
The Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy "violates Article 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, as well as being contrary to the provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and consequent National Disaster Management Plan, 2019 (NDMP)," Mr Muneer has claimed.
His petition seeks directions "to vaccinate all citizens free of cost, and to make Covid vaccines available at uniform prices for the Centre and all the states in India so that the Central and State governments can procure vaccines from manufacturers at the same rate along with other consequential reliefs".
Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Receives 3.5 Tonnes Of Medical OxygenDelhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital received 3.5 tonnes of medical oxygen today and is in a better situation as compared to the last few days, an official said, reported news agency PTI.
The elite healthcare facility in central Delhi had sent multiple SOS messages last week amid a severe shortage of oxygen as the lives of hundreds of patients at the facility hung by a thread.
The hospital said it has 4,500 cubic metres of oxygen in its storage tanks and it may last up to 8:30 pm.
"We received two tonnes of liquid medical oxygen at 6 am on April 27. Yesterday, we had received a tanker carrying 10 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen. We are in a better situation as compared to the last few days and we hope this continues," said the official. The Delhi government sent another 1.5 tonnes around 3:30 pm, he said.
Night Curfew Imposed In Assam Till May 1 Amid Covid Surge
Amid rising cases of coronavirus, Assam today imposed a night curfew across the state from 8 pm till 5 am on May 1, reported news agency ANI.
"The situation of COVID-19 in Assam has been reviewed and it has been observed that there has been a rapid increase in the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state and therefore, night curfew needs to be imposed in all the districts of Assam, except for essential and emergency activities/services as an emergency measure for the well being and safety of the people.
Supreme Court Asks Centre To Explain Rationale Adopted In Covid Vaccine PricingThe Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Union of India (UoI) to explain the basis and rationale adopted with respect to the pricing of Coronavirus vaccines and other necessary items.
Justice DY Chandrahud also said that the UoI shall also clarify in its affidavit the basis and rationale adopted in regard to the pricing of vaccines.
"During the national crisis, Supreme Court cannot be a mute spectator. The role of the Supreme Court is complimentary in nature," the Supreme Court said.
Ashok Gehlot Apprises Sonia Gandhi Of COVID-19 Situation In Rajasthan
Amid the spiralling number of COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday apprised Congress president Sonia Gandhi of the coronavirus crisis in the state, sources in the chief minister's office (CMO) said. Speaking to Gandhi on phone, Ashok Gehlot informed her about the shortage of oxygen tankers and medicines for COVID-19 patients in the state, they said.
"National Crisis": Supreme Court Allows Sterlite To Run Oxygen Plant
The controversial Sterlite copper smelting plant in Tamil Nadu, closed in 2018 following protests against alleged pollution, has been allowed by the Supreme Court to run an oxygen plant to help the country tackle its deepening coronavirus crisis. It can begin production in around ten days and must supply it for free, the court said, adding that an expert panel will oversee production. The oxygen will be given to the centre for allocation to states.
Read Here Family members of COVID-19 patients were seen waiting for oxygen outside oxygen generation plants in Patna.
All centres will be ready but there's a question that if they'll get an adequate vaccine supply. From May 1, we've to give the vaccine to all above 18 yrs of age but we'll have to see the vaccine supply as earlier vaccination will continue and 2nd dose is to be prioritised: Mumbai Mayor
COVID-19: 44 Oxygen Plants To Be Set Up In Delhi Within A Month: Arvind Kejriwal
Amid rising demand for medical oxygen due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Delhi Government on Tuesday announced that it will set up 44 oxygen plants in the national capital within one month. Addressing a digital press conference here today, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "We're going to set up 44 oxygen plants in Delhi within the next one month - 8 of these are being installed by Centre. The remaining 36 are being installed by Delhi Government, 21 plants coming from France and 15 plants from within the country itself."
Coronavirus: Night curfew Imposed In Assam From 8 pm to 5 am
Coronavirus: Over 1,000 Covid Deaths 'Missing' In Delhi Data, Reveal Civic Records
Aerial photographs of cremations in Delhi - innumerable pyres in a row that even landed on the front pages of foreign publications - have been indicating since last week that the actual number of deaths from Covid might be different from the official figures. After visiting the city's civic body and seven cremation grounds, NDTV found that at least 1,150 deaths did not make it to the official Covid list.
Read Here Puducherry Adds 1,021 New COVID-19 Cases, Tally Reaches 55,047
Puducherry recorded 1,021 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours ending 10 am on Tuesday, raising the aggregate to 55,047. The union territory also saw 13 new deaths taking the count to 771. Director of Health and Family Welfare Services S Mohan Kumar said the 1,021 fresh cases were identified at the end of the examination of 6,502 samples and the new cases were spread over Puducherry 781, Karaikal 108, Yanam 73 and Mahe 59.
COVID 19 News: Gujarat Extends Night Curfew To 9 More Cities
Amid the surge in Covid-19 cases, the Gujarat government on Tuesday imposed night curfew in nine more cities from 8 pm to 6 am. "Earlier, curfew was imposed in 20 cities, including 8 major cities, from 8 pm to 6 am. The curfew will be imposed to other cities Himmatnagar, Palanpur, Navsari, Valsad, Porbandar, Botad, Viramgam, Chhota Udaipur and Veraval - Somnath from 8 pm to 6 am," said the Chief Minister's Office.
I have written to many industrialists of the country in the last 4-5 days. I'd also written to Chief Ministers and sought help. We are receiving tremendous support, we have received offers from many people. Many of them are helping. I thank everyone who is helping Delhi Govt: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
COVID-19: 5.34 Lakh People Vaccinated In A Day In Maharashtra
Amid a sharp rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Maharashtra, the state on Monday vaccinated 5.34 lakh people in a single day, informed the state health department. 5.34 lakh people were vaccinated in 4913 vaccination sessions and a total of 1,49,21,411 vaccine doses have been administered till yesterday, it said.
Coronavirus: Delhi's Ganga Ram Hospital Receives 2 Tonnes Of Liquid Oxygen
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) in New Delhi received two tonnes of liquid medical oxygen on Tuesday morning, the hospital has informed. The hospital also said that they have 6,000 cubic meters of oxygen in storage tanks which may last for 10 hours or 6 pm on Tuesday. The hospital has a consumption of 10,000 cubic meters per day.
Women Share Phone Numbers For Covid Help, Get Vulgar Messages
In the last few weeks, India has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country. As India became the second worst-hit country in the world, government departments and healthcare services were found buckling under the surging caseload.
Read Here Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today approved the temporary hiring of additional contractual staff over and above the authorisation in 51 identified high-pressure Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinics across the country to tide over the current COVID-19 crisis. According to the defence ministry, the contractual staff, including one each of the Medical Officer, Nursing assistants, Pharmacists, Drivers and Chowkidar for identified ECHS polyclinics, will be hired through station headquarters for night duty, beyond normal working hours, for a period of three months.
Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendar Jain visit the special COVID-19 Care Centre that is being built near GTB Hospital.
Uttarakhand: Dehradun DM Ashish Srivastava issues SOPs for admissions of patients to COVID-19 Care Centre/COVID Health Centre/COVID hospital/.
Maharashtra: Bodies Of 22 COVID-19 Victims Stuffed In One Ambulance
The bodies of 22 COVID-19 victims were stuffed in one ambulance while being taken to a crematorium at Beed in Maharashtra, with the district administration citing lack of medical transport vehicles as the reason for it. The incident took place on Sunday when the bodies, kept in the mortuary of the Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Government Medical College at Ambajogai in Beed, were being transported for the last rites.
COVID-19 News: Australia Bans Passenger Flights From India Until May 15
Australia on Tuesday announced a temporary ban on direct passenger flights from India, as the South Asian nation grapples with a massive surge in coronavirus infections. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the suspension would remain in place until at least May 15 due to "clearly present" risks of travel from India, leaving thousands of Australians -- including high-profile cricketers -- stranded.
No Stretcher, Covid Patient Biked Out Of Jharkhand Hospital Ward
The ferocity of the second wave COVID-19 has left India desperate for medical resources. Thousands have been gasping for oxygen while others are still looking for a hospital bed to lie down on. Several medical centres have run out of essential drugs and vaccines. One such facility in Jharkhand has seemingly run out of even stretchers -- so much so that one patient was even wheeled out of a ward on a scooter.
Read Here JUST IN | The Election Commission of India has banned all victory processions on the day of counting of votes (May 2) polled -- or even after -- to the five states in the past few weeks after amid COVID-19 surge.
Coronavirus: Karnataka Lockdown From Today: See What Is Allowed
Karnataka on Monday announced a two-week lockdown from Tuesday amid a worrying surge in coronavirus cases. While the public transport will not be allowed, essential services can operate between 6 am and 10 am. Only construction, manufacturing and agriculture sectors will be allowed to function during the period.
Read Here First Shipment Of UK Covid Medical Aid Arrives In India: Government
The first shipment of Covid medical supplies from Britain to India, including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators, arrived early Tuesday, the foreign ministry said. Foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi tweeted photos of the equipment being unloaded from a German Lufthansa aircraft in New Delhi, calling it "international cooperation at work".
Telangana reported 10,122 new COVID-19 cases, 6446 recoveries and 52 deaths on April 26.
Coronavirus: India Reports 3,23,144 New COVID-19 Cases, 2,771 Deaths In Last 24 Hours
India's total tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 1,76,36,307 with 3,23,144 new infections being reported in a day, while the recoveries have crossed 1.45 crore, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death count increased to 1,97,894 with 2,771 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
28,09,79,877 samples tested up to April 26 2021, for COVID-19. Of these 16,58,700 samples were tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
First Shipment Of UK Covid Medical Aid Arrives In India: Government
The first shipment of Covid medical supplies from Britain to India, including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators, arrived early Tuesday, the foreign ministry said. Foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi tweeted photos of the equipment being unloaded from a German Lufthansa aircraft in New Delhi, calling it "international cooperation at work".
"Situation In India Is Beyond Heartbreaking": WHO Chief On Covid Crisis
The World Health Organization chief voiced alarm Monday at India's record-breaking wave of Covid-19 cases and deaths, saying the organisation was rushing to help address the crisis. "The situation in India is beyond heartbreaking," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.
COVID-19 Cases: 5,058 People Test Positive For COVID-19 In Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand reported 5,058 new COVID cases and 67 deaths on Monday, officials said. Maximum 2,034 cases were reported in Dehradun district, 1,002 in Haridwar, 767 in Nainital, 323 in Pauri, 283 in Udham Singh Nagar, 135 in Almoda, 104 in Champawat, they said. With the fresh cases, the number of coronavirus-infected people in the state has gone up to 1,56,859, while 1,12,265 patients have recovered.
Delhi Running Out Of Space For Funerals Amid Record Covid Deaths
With over 350 deaths recorded every day in recent days, Delhi has less and less space to cremate its dead. So much so that new facilities, even if temporary, sites are being developed to accommodate the pandemic's increasing number of victims. Delhi recorded 350 deaths on Monday, on Sunday it was 357, and 348 the day before that. The average number of Covid deaths in the past week was 304.
Read Here US To Deliver Medical Supplies To India "Within Next Few Days": Pentagon
The Pentagon is working on a war footing to begin delivery of essential medical supplies to India in the next few days, an official said, noting that prominent among these include oxygen-related equipment, rapid testing kits, and personal protective gear. "The department is also looking to begin making delivery of supplies within the next few days. We'll also provide transportation and logistics assistance to deliver these needed supplies as quickly as possible," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said on Monday.
US Says "Working Nonstop" To Deliver Supplies To India For Covid Fight
The Joe Biden Administration in the US is working nonstop to do all it can to deliver on an urgent basis the supplies most needed by India to combat the deadly COVID-19 wave, the US State Department said. The current situation in India is of great concern to the United States, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference on Monday.
Coronavirus: Punjab Announces Daily Night Curfew And Full Lockdown On Weekend
Punjab has announced a night curfew - from 6 pm to 5 am during week days - and a weekend lockdown - from 6 pm on Friday to 5 am on Monday - to combat the rapidly increasing number of coronavirus cases in the state. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh tweeted Monday night to ask for the people's co-operation and urge everyone to "stay at home and step out only if absolutely necessary".
Read Here Maharashtra: The statewide restrictions in the wake of the COVID-19 situation to continue till May 1.
COVID-19: Centre's Rules For States On Lockdowns: "Containment To Flatten Curve"
The Centre has put out guidelines for states on enforcing lockdowns and containment zones to try and flatten the curve amid spiraling Covid cases. The rules say it is time for restrictions when the positivity rate is 10 per cent or more for a week and when more than 60 per cent hospital beds are occupied. States have been urged to go for an intensive, local and focused containment network in districts, cities and areas based on the parameters specified by the Union Home Ministry.
Read Here US To Share Up To 60 Million AstraZeneca Vaccine Doses Globally: White House
The United States will start to share up to 60 million doses of AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine doses with other countries as they become available, White House senior COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt said on Monday." US to release 60 million AstraZeneca doses to other countries as they become available," he wrote on Twitter.
Madhya Pradesh: Police made violators do exercise and take oath to follow COVID-19 guidelines in Mandsaur amid lockdown.
Pentagon working on war-footing to begin delivery of supplies to India within next few daysThe Pentagon is working on a war footing to begin delivery of essential medical supplies to India in the next few days, an official said here, noting that prominent among these include oxygen-related equipment, rapid testing kits, and personal protective gear.
"The department is also looking to begin making delivery of supplies within the next few days. We''ll also provide transportation and logistics assistance to deliver these needed supplies as quickly as possible," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said. Mr Kirby said the United States deeply values its partnership with India. "We are determined to help the people of India as they bravely combat this outbreak," he said.
US working non-stop to deliver supplies to India to fight COVID-19: State DepartmentThe Joe Biden Administration is working nonstop to do all it can to deliver on an urgent basis the supplies most needed by India to combat the deadly COVID-19 wave, the US State Department said.
The current situation in India is of great concern to the United States, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. "We have always stood in solidarity with our friends and our partners in India," he added.