New Delhi: 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:
Dec 23, 2020 04:22 (IST)
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.
Dec 23, 2020 03:29 (IST)
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.
Dec 23, 2020 03:17 (IST)
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.
Dec 23, 2020 01:32 (IST)
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.