Coronavirus Cases India: The country's total number is now at 1,00,75,116. (Representational)
India added only 19,556 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, the lowest since early July, according to Health Ministry data released this morning. The country's total number is now at 1,00,75,116. The number of Covid-related deaths reported from across the country in this period was 301, taking the total to 1,46,111.
In India, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala remained the worst-hit states, though others like Delhi, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh also reported high number of fresh cases in the past 24 hours.
Maharashtra on Monday imposed an 11 pm-6 am curfew till January 5 in Mumbai and other cities, and announced new quarantine rules for arrivals from the Europe and Middle East, in view of the new coronavirus strain emerging in the UK. Authorities in Delhi have surveyed over 1.72 crore residents so far for coronavirus-like symptoms to assess the spread of the infection and found that just over 39,500 had cough, fever and other indicators of the viral disease, officials said Monday.
The US also on Monday surpassed 18 million reported Covid-19 cases, figures from Johns Hopkins University showed.
Here are the Highlights on Coronavirus Cases:
Coronavirus news: Top US Doctor Anthony Fauci Receives COVID-19 Vaccine In "Symbol" For US
Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease specialist, received his Covid-19 vaccine on Tuesday along with other senior officials and six health workers at a live streamed event at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The widely-respected scientist rolled up his left shirt sleeve, and said he was taking the shot "as a symbol to the rest of the country that I feel extreme confidence in the safety and the efficacy of this vaccine.
"I want to encourage everyone who has the opportunity to get vaccinated so that we could have a veil of protection over this country, that would end this pandemic," he added.
He then gave a thumbs-up sign and clapped for his colleagues as he left the stage of an auditorium at the NIH's headquarters in Bethesda, a Washington suburb.
Covid-19: 75 new cases take Assam's tally to 2,15,585
With 75 new cases reported on Tuesday, the tally for coronavirus cases in Assam reached 2,15,585, according to the State Health Department.
There are 3,483 active Covid-19 cases in the state.
While 1,024 people have succumbed to the deadly virus in the state, 2,11,075 persons have recovered from the infection till December 22.
Meanwhile, India continues to witness a steady decline in daily new coronavirus cases as 19,556 new Covid-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total count to 1,00,75,116.
Joe Biden Says Will Push Congress For Another Covid Relief Bill
President-elect Joe Biden said Tuesday he will ask the US Congress to pass another Covid-19 relief bill after taking office in January.
"Congress did its job this week. And I can and I must ask them to do it again next year," Biden said in a pre-holiday address to the American people.
Biden was speaking a day after lawmakers approved a $900 billion relief package that will provide a long-sought boost for millions of Americans and businesses battered by the pandemic.
The Democratic president-elect, who takes office January 20, applauded Congress for finally reaching a long-sought bipartisan compromise on the vital aid.
Coronavirus news: France Set To Ease UK Travel Ban Over New Coronavirus Variant
France will relax a temporary UK travel ban introduced after a new variant of coronavirus emerged, the prime minister's office said on Tuesday.
EU nationals and residents as well as Britons will be allowed to enter from Wednesday providing they can show a negative Covid-19 test no more than 72 hours old.
The tests must be of a type capable of detecting the new variant that emerged in Britain, the office said in a statement.
People who "must carry out essential travel" will also be allowed into the country, it said.
Night Curfew In Pune Till January 5 Amid Fears Of New Covid Variant
After the Maharashtra government on Monday declared night curfew in municipal corporation areas in the state, the Pune police imposed curfew in the city from Tuesday night.
It will be in force between 11 pm to 6 am from the night of December 22 to January 5, said the order issued by senior police officer Ravindra Shisave.
Essential services and goods have been excluded from the night curfew, he added.
COVID-19 Live News: Karnataka Reports 1,141 New Cases, 1,136 Discharges And 14 Deaths
Coronavirus Latest Updates: 332 New Cases Reported In Himachal Pradesh
Medical Fraternity At Forefront Of Covid Crisis, Not Less Than ''Superman'': Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday equated the medical fraternity's commitment during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to that of a "superman" saving the world.
He also mentioned that the Russian-made vaccine Sputnik V will be coming to India soon.
"During this crisis, the entire world understood that the real superman is our doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. I am the Defence Minister. And, I urge you to come forward and render your services to the armed forces," Mr Singh said while addressing the foundation day programme of King George's Medical University (KGMU) through video-conferencing.
Coronavirus Latest Updates: Six Passengers On London-Delhi Flight Test Positive For COVID-19
Six passengers travelling on Air India's London-Delhi flight tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival, a senior government official said on Tuesday.
"Five passengers were found COVID-positive at the Delhi airport. One passenger who took a connecting flight to Chennai was tested there and found positive," the official said.
The flight landed around 11.30 pm on Monday. A second flight from London (British Airways BA143) landed at around 6 am on Tuesday.
All the passengers of the 6 am flight have been tested and no one has been found COVID-19 positive, said Dr Gauri Agarwal, founder of the Genestrings Diagnostic Center that is handling coronavirus testing at Delhi airport
COVID-19 Latest News: Andhra Pradesh Orders RT-PCR Tests On People Arriving From UK
The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a full-scale screening and testing of people coming into the state from the UK in the wake of a new strain of COVID-19.
An RT-PCR test would be conducted on all passengers arriving from the UK and those testing negative would have to undergo a mandatory 14-day home quarantine, according to an order issued by Health Commissioner Katamaneni Bhaskar. Those testing positive will be shifted to a hospital.
COVID-19 Live News: Tamil Nadu Reports 1,052 New Cases, 1,139 Discharges And 17 Deaths
COVID-19 Latest News: Rajasthan Reports 807 New Cases, 8 Deaths And 1,159 Recoveries
Maharashtra Reports 3,106 New COVID-19 Cases, 4,122 Discharges And 75 Deaths
Delhi Airport Aims To Start Distributing Covid Vaccine In January, Says Chief Executive Officer
India's largest airport plans to start distributing COVID-19 vaccines in January with up to 5.4 million vials a day, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said on Tuesday, underscoring the logistical challenge of reaching everyone in the country of 1.3 billion.
If we are able to rotate cargo twice a day, then 5.4 million (vials) can be distributed in a day," Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said.
4 Passengers Who Arrived From London Test Covid Positive At Ahmedabad Airport
Four passengers including a British national who arrived at Ahmedabad airport by Air India flight from London have tested positive for COVID-19, according to officials.
No Reason To Consider Vaccination In Children Based On Available Evidence: Centre
Uttarakhand Bans Christmas, New Year Celebrations In Bars, Hotels, Public Places Amid Covid
27 Deaths, 6,049 New COVID-19 Cases And 5,057 Recoveries Reported In Kerala
COVID-19 Live News: 13 Deaths And 611 New Cases Reported In Uttarakhand
Active COVID-19 Cases Slump Below 3 Lakh, Lowest In 163 Days: Health Ministry
The total number of active coronavirus cases in the country has slumped to less than 3 lakh after over five-and-a-half months and the recovery rate stands over 95 per cent, Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
"In the country, active cases are less than 3 lakh after 163 days. It is after almost 5.5 months, we have less than 3 lakh active Covid-19 cases in the country. It is a big achievement and credit goes to every frontline worker, administration and officials who are engaged in coronavirus containment related work," Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Health Ministry said.
Identified 1,800 Vaccination Centres, Over 5,000 Vaccinators: Haryana Health Department
61% Of COVID-19 Deaths In The Last 24 Hours Were From 6 States: Government
61 per cent of COVID-19 deaths reported in the last 24 hours were from Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh, according to the government.
New Strain Coronavirus Found In UK Not Seen In India So Far: Government
Coronavirus Latest News: Two Passengers From UK Test COVID-19 Positive At Kolkata Airport
Two passengers, who arrived from the UK, tested positive for COVID-19 at Kolkata airport on Sunday, the airport officials said on Tuesday.
This comes amid rising concerns over the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK.
Meanwhile, five out of 266 passengers and crew members of a London to Delhi flight have tested positive for coronavirus, an official said.
New Strain Of COVID-19 Is Not Affecting The Severity Of The Disease: NITI Aayog Member
Second wave of pandemic appears to have peaked in Hungary, says PM's aide
The second wave of the coronavirus pandemic appears to have peaked in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, said on Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, Hungary had reported 306,368 COVID-19 cases with 8,462 deaths and 108,676 recoveries. New cases rose by just 1,238 on Tuesday, but more than 7,000 people are still in hospital with COVID-19, straining the healthcare system.
WHO Europe to convene members over new virus variant
The World Health Organization in Europe said Tuesday it would convene its members to discuss how to handle a new variant of the novel coronavirus discovered in the UK.
Hans Kluge, WHO's regional director for Europe said on Twitter that the organisation was closely monitoring the spread of the new variant and would "convene member states to discuss strategies for testing, reducing transmission & communicating risks," without specifying a timeframe.
The WHO's European region comprises 53 countries, including Russia and several Central Asian nations -- a region that has registered nearly 24 million Covid-19 cases and over 500,000 deaths.
Germany bans UK, South Africa arrivals until January 6
Germany on Tuesday extended a ban on arrivals from Britain and South Africa until January 6 after a new more infectious coronavirus strain appeared in the two countries.
"The transport ban covers passenger traffic by train, bus, ship and flights directly from these countries," the health ministry said in a statement. "The order covers the period from December 22, 2020 until January 6, 2021."
It added that people who have valid residency permits for Germany could return from January 1.
Passengers protest at Amritsar airport over delay in virus testing
Passengers who arrived at Amritsar's Sri Guru Ramdas Jee International Airport from the UK protested against the authorities over the alleged delay in carrying out their coronavirus tests. Their family members on Tuesday claimed that they have been made to wait for hours.
The authorities, however, said the clearance may take some more time as every passenger and crew member will have to be tested for coronavirus.
The Air India flight from the UK with 250 passengers and 18 crew members had landed at 12.30 am last night.
Two passengers from UK test positive for COVID-19 at Kolkata airport
Two passengers from the UK were found positive for COVID-19 after they arrived at the airport, health department officials said on Tuesday.
A flight carrying 222 passengers from the UK arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport on Sunday night, they said. "Twenty-five passengers did not have COVID reports with them. So they were taken to a nearby quarantine centre, and their coronavirus tests were conducted. Two tested positive," the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department official said.
Five countries ban flights from South Africa amid concerns over new coronavirus strain
At least five countries have suspended flights from South Africa after a coronavirus variant was recently discovered in the country.
Germany, Turkey, Israel, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia are among the countries that have announced the banning of such flights to prevent the spread of a variant of the SARS-COV-2 virus currently termed 501.V2 Variant. The ban was coming into effect on Monday in most of these countries.
Delhi: Five flyers from UK test COVID positive amid concerns over new coronavirus strain
Amid rising concerns over the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK, five out of 266 passengers and crew members of a London to Delhi flight have tested positive for coronavirus, an official said on Tuesday.
"Five out of 266 passengers and crew members of a flight which arrived at Delhi airport from London last night have tested positive for COVID-19. Their samples have been sent to NCDC for research and they have been sent to the care centre," said a Nodal officer for COVID-19.
Maharashtra: 349 new COVID-19 cases in Thane
With the addition of 349 new COVID-19 cases, the tally in Maharashtra's Thane district has gone up to 2,39,280, an official said on Tuesday.
Six more people also succumbed to the viral infection in the district, raising the deaths to 5,884, he said. As of now, there are 4,347 active COVID-19 cases in the district, while 2,29,049 patients have recovered, he said.
The COVID-19 recovery rate in the district is 95.72 per cent, the death rate is 2.46 per cent, and the active cases constitute 1.81 per cent of the total cases recorded so far, he said.
Several Indian-American physicians publicly take COVID-19 vaccine, encourage others to get it
Several Indian-American physicians, in the frontline of the fight against the pandemic, are publicly taking the coronavirus vaccine and encouraging others to get the shots, emphasising that the vaccine is the "only saving grace" and a "scientific blessing" that will help the world win the battle against COVID-19.
The US began administering vaccines a week ago and has approved jabs developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
"We all should take the vaccine. It is very effective and we are seeing good results. The vaccine is the only saving grace we have right now and we have to take it," former President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Dr. Suresh Reddy told PTI.
AMU helped the nation during the coronavirus pandemic: PM Modi
"Even during the pandemic, the way AMU helped the nation is commendable. It organised testing camps and contributed a large share in PM care fund to aid the citizens of our nation. We see a mini India in AMU campus," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Passengers from UK quarantined in Mumbai amid new coronavirus strain concerns
Passengers arriving from the United Kingdom (UK) in Mumbai on Tuesday morning have been sent for institutional quarantine in the wake of the new coronavirus strain.
People who came to receive them said, "Government should have informed us before. Didn't passengers board flight after being permitted by authorities?"
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner, Iqbal Singh Chahal on Monday said, "No flights to land from UK post 2:30 am. Passengers who have boarded flights will undergo institutional quarantine. Asymptomatic people will be quarantined at hotels while symptomatic passengers will be admitted at GT Hospital."
COVID-19 News Updates: Jharkhand reports 173 new COVID-19 cases
Jharkhand's COVID-19 tally mounted to 1,13,198 as 173 more people tested positive for the infection, a health department official said on Tuesday. The deaths rose to 1,011 as one person from Dumka died to the disease in the last 24 hours, he said.
Ranchi district registered the maximum number of fresh cases at 86, followed by East Singhbhum at 23, Palamu and Bokaro at eight each.
Jharkhand now has 1,675 active coronavirus cases, while 1,10,512 people have been cured of the disease so far, the official said. The state conducted 15,347 sample tests for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, he added.
COVID-19 Live Updates: 617 new cases, 3 deaths in Telangana
Telangana reported 617 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the total caseload to over 2.82 lakh while three more fatalities pushed the toll to 1,518.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 103, followed by Medchal Malkajgiri 52 and Rangareddy 51, a government bulletin said on Tuesday providing details as of 8 pm on December 21.
As many as6,569 patients are under treatment and45,227 samples were tested on Monday. Cumulatively, over 65.20 lakh samples have been tested. The samples tested per million population was nearly 1.75 lakh, the bulletin said.
Sydney sees fewer coronavirus cases amid record testing
Sydney has seen a two-day dip in coronavirus cases after Australian authorities imposed a snap lockdown and residents flocked to testing centres in record numbers, but officials have cautioned the outbreak is still "evolving".
A Covid-19 cluster on Sydney's northern beaches has grown to 90 cases since emerging last week, sending the area's picturesque seaside suburbs into a lockdown.
Despite record testing, eight new coronavirus cases were confirmed Tuesday after 15 cases the previous day -- raising hopes that the city's five million residents may yet be able to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
Argentina reports 5,853 new COVID-19 cases
Argentina on Monday reported 5,853 new COVID-19 cases, taking its national case tally to 1,547,138, said the Ministry of Health. The ministry also reported 184 more deaths from the disease, bringing the nationwide death toll to 41,997.
The province of Buenos Aires has registered a total of 654,186 cases and remains the most affected region in the South American country.
The Argentine government has extended mandatory social distancing measures until January 31, 2021.
Airlines agree to screen JFK-bound passengers from Britain for coronavirus
British Airways, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic said on Monday they will allow only passengers who test negative for the coronavirus to fly to New York's John F Kennedy International Airport.
The decisions follow a request from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that the airlines voluntarily agree to screen passengers on flights to Kennedy airport after the emergence of a highly infectious new coronavirus strain in Britain.
Dozens of countries, though not the United States, closed their borders to Britain on Monday, causing travel chaos.
Coronavirus Updates: Covid-19 case tally in US surpasses 18 million
The number of cases of the novel coronavirus disease in the United States has surpassed 18 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. The US coronavirus case tally stands at 18,006,061, the university said. The COVID-19 deaths in the country is 319,190, it said.
Covid-19: Odisha fixes cost of Rapid Antigen Test by private labs at Rs 100
Odisha Government fixed the maximum cost for Rapid Antigen Test conducted by private laboratories at Rs 100 (inclusive GST) within the State.
The notification from Odisha''s Health and Family Welfare Department dated December 21 read, "In supersession of this Department notification dated 14.7.2020, Government after careful consideration have been pleased to refix the maximum cost for Rapid Antigen Test conducted by Private Laboratories @ Rs 100 (inclusive of GST) within the state of Odisha."
"The tests will be conducted by Private Laboratories under the supervision of RMRC, Bhubaneswar following ICMR guidelines regarding the testing protocols for Rapid Antigen Test," the notification read.
Coronavirus news: Joe Biden Receives COVID-19 Vaccine Live On Television
US President-elect Joe Biden received a Covid-19 vaccine live on television Monday in a campaign to boost Americans' confidence in the jabs.
The 78-year-old incoming president got the Pfizer vaccine at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware. His wife Jill received the shot earlier, the presidential transition team said.
Biden told Americans "there's nothing to worry about" when they get vaccinated and that in the meantime they should keep wearing masks and "listen to the experts."
They were the latest high-profile political figures publicly joining the first wave of vaccinations aimed at stopping a pandemic that has killed almost 318,000 Americans.
Coronavirus news - UK Working "As Fast As Possible" To Resolve Border Closures: Boris Johnson
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday sought to sound a note of calm saying he was working "as fast as possible" to unblock trade across the Channel after France shut its borders to UK hauliers in a bid to contain a new variant of the coronavirus.
Following conversations with French President Emmanuel Macron over the ban, which has caused chaos around the key UK port of Dover and led to concerns of food shortages just days before Christmas, Johnson said supply chains remained "strong and robust".
"These delays only apply to a very small percentage of food entering the UK," the prime minister told a press conference, adding that he wanted to sort out the problem "in the next few hours".