Coronavirus Cases Updates: The death count increased to 3,94,493 with 1,183 new fatalities.
A single-day rise of 48,698 COVID-19 infections took India's case tally to 3,01,83,143 while the weekly positivity rate declined to 2.97 per cent, according to Union Health Ministry data on Saturday.
The death count climbed to 3,94,493 with 1,183 more people succumbing to the viral disease in a day.
The number of active cases has further declined to 5,95,565 and now accounts for 1.97 per cent of the total infections, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Recoveries outnumbered daily new cases of COVID-19 for the 44th consecutive day with the number of people who have recuperated from the disease surging to 2,91,93,085. The case fatality rate stood at 1.31 per cent.
While the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.72 per cent, the weekly case positivity rate has come down to 2.97 per cent.
Meanwhile, rich countries are opening up societies and vaccinating young people who are not at great risk from COVID-19, while the poorest countries cruelly lack doses, the World Health Organization said on Friday, condemning a global failure.
The situation in Africa, where new infections and deaths jumped by nearly 40% last week compared to the previous week, is "so dangerous" as the Delta variant spreads globally, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
"Our world is failing, as the global community we are failing," he told a news conference.
Here are the updates on coronavirus (COVID-19) cases:
Digital divide no more constraint as walk-in, free vaccination allowed: Centre to Supreme CourtThe Centre on Saturday told the Supreme Court that digital divide is no more a constraint as walk-in Covid vaccination has been permitted and a poor person and a multi-millionaire in the 18 years and above age group are equally entitled to get vaccine free of cost.
Till June 25, over 31 crore doses have been administered in the country to curb the pandemic, the government said while responding to a slew of questions raised by the top court in its May 31 order during hearing of a suo motu case related to Covid management.
In a 375-page affidavit filed in the apex court, Union health ministry said as per the projected mid-year population for 2020, the population of the country aged 18 years and above is approximately 93-94 crore and as such, administering two doses to these beneficiaries would require an estimated 186 to 188 crore doses.
COVID-19: Tamil Nadu reports 5,415 new cases, 148 deaths in last 24 hours
Tamil Nadu reported 5,415 new COVID cases, 7,661 recoveries, and 148 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the health bulletin issued by the state health department.
The total count of active cases in the state now stands at 44,924.
As per the state government data, 23,83,624 people have recovered from the disease so far, while the death toll has mounted to 32,199.
Meanwhile, Union Health Ministry on Saturday stated that India reported 48,698 new cases in the last 24 hours.
Till June 25, more than 31 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses administered: Centre to Supreme CourtThe Centre on Saturday told the Supreme Court that till June 25 more than 31 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered across the country which includes over 1.73 crore doses to Health Care Workers (HCWs).
Over 2.66 crore doses have been administered to Frontline Workers (FLWs), over 9.93 crores doses to persons between 45 to 59 years of age and over 8.96 crore doses to persons above the age of 60 years, it said.
The government said besides these, over 7.84 crore doses have been administered to persons between 18 to 44 years of age.
Covid-19: Bengal logs 32 more deaths, 1,894 new casesWest Bengal's Covid-19 cases rose to 14,93,113 as 1,894 more people tested positive for the contagion on Saturday, the health department said. The death count increased to 17,583 after 32 people succumbed to the disease during the day.
North 24 Parganas accounted for 229 new positive cases and nine fatalities while Kolkata recorded eight deaths and 176 fresh infections, the department said in a bulletin.
Since Friday, 1,994 recoveries were registered in the state taking the discharge rate to 97.34 per cent.
Till Saturday, 14,53,431 people have recovered from the disease. The number of active cases is 22,099 at present.
"Continuously Preparing" States To Deal With Future Covid Surge: Centre
The Centre on Saturday told the Supreme Court that it is "continuously preparing" the states and union territories, and their infrastructure to deal with future resurgence of COVID-19 in the country.
In an affidavit filed in the top court, the Centre said the possibility of a resurgence would necessarily be "speculative" at this stage.
However, the possibility of resurgence would depend on the behaviour pattern of the virus, behaviour of citizens as to whether they are following Covid appropriate behaviour or not, the affidavit said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Odisha Rushes Epidemiology Team To Deogarh To Observe Delta Plus Patient StatusA day after detection of a Delta Plus variant case coming to the fore in the state, the Odisha government Saturday rushed an epidemiology team to Deogarh district which reported the first such case, news agency PTI said citing official sources. The patient who has been found carrying the Delta Plus variant of the SARS-CoV-2, was stable and has no such health complaints.
The epidemiology team will further examine his health condition after six weeks of his illness, said Director of Health Service (DHS) Dr Bijay Mohapatra. He said the state government had undertaken contact tracing of the infected person and the health condition of all of them will now be examined again. The team will also verify the vaccination status of the people who have come in contact with the patient.
The DHS said that the Delta Plus variant infected person from Deogarh had taken the first dose of the jab on March 30. He was infected in April, maybe after coming in contact with another Covid patient. He was asymptomatic due to the effect of vaccination. His entire genome has been sequenced and he has fully recovered, he said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Delhi Vaccinated Over 2.05 Lakh People On Saturday: Manish SisodiaOver 2.05 lakh people in Delhi received anti-coronavirus vaccine shots on Saturday, the highest in a day till now, said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, according to news agency PTI. He tweeted Saturday's vaccination figures and claimed it has "surpassed all records".
"Vaccination in Delhi is happening at a record pace! For the last three days, we have vaccinated more than 1.5 lakh beneficiaries. Today, surpassing all previous records Delhi has vaccinated 2,05,170 people! This is how we are going to protect Delhi from the 3rd wave!" he tweeted.
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Atishi said the Delhi government has written to the Centre requesting them to provide 45 lakh doses of vaccine for July. "About 1.5 lakh vaccine doses are being administered daily in Delhi. Therefore, at least 45 lakh doses should be given to Delhi in July so that we can vaccinate the people of the city as soon as possible and save them from the third wave," she said, issuing the vaccine bulletin.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: More Vaccine Doses Made Available To 5 Uttarakhand Districts For Chardham Yatra
With Chardham Yatra beginning for locals on July 1, additional Covid vaccine doses were made available on Saturday to Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi districts where the four Himalayan temples are located, according to news agency PTI. Additional doses were also made available to the Pauri and Tehri districts which are on the way to the four Himalayan shrines.
Additional vaccine doses were made available to these districts on directions of Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat who wants everyone associated with the Chardham Yatra, including priests, shopkeepers, people running roadside eateries, local residents, pony operators and cab drivers, to be vaccinated on priority, an official release said. This is being done for the safety of both pilgrims and those who are likely to come into their contact in the course of the yatra, it said.
Delhi Gyms To Reopen From Monday, Weddings Can Have 50 GuestsGyms and yoga centres have been allowed to reopen in Delhi from Monday at 50 per cent capacity, an official government order said. Banquet halls, marriage halls, and hotels have also been permitted to host weddings but the number of guests have been capped at 50, the order said. Read here.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Punjab Logs 308 New Cases, 15 More Deaths
Punjab on Saturday registered 308 fresh Covid cases, which took the tally to 5,94,586, while 15 more fatalities pushed the death count to 15,979 in the state, news agency PTI quoted a medical bulletin as saying. The number of active cases has dropped to 4,376, it said. Deaths were reported from several districts including Amritsar, Faridkot and Ferozepur. Bathinda reported 37 new cases, followed by 32 in Ludhiana and 24 in Hoshiarpur, according to the bulletin. The state's positivity rate stands at 0.63 per cent.
With 740 recoveries, the number of cured persons has reached 5,74,231 in Punjab, according to the bulletin. There are 120 critical patients who are on ventilator support, 373 other critical patients and 1,628 are on oxygen support, it said. The bulletin said that 1,07,12,980 samples have been collected for testing so far in the state. Meanwhile, Chandigarh reported 20 fresh cases, which took the tally to 61,604, according to the medical bulletin.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Over 58.1 Lakh Vaccine Doses Administered On SaturdayIndia's cumulative Covid vaccination coverage has crossed 32 crore doses with over 58.10 lakh jabs being administered on Saturday, the Union Health Ministry said, according to news agency
PTI. About 36,68,189 vaccine doses were administered as first dose and 1,14,506 vaccine doses given as second in the age group 18-44 years Saturday, the ministry said in a statement.
Cumulatively, 8,30,23,693 people across the country have received their first dose and a total 18,48,754 have received their second dose since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive, it said.
Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have administered more than 10 lakh beneficiaries in the age group 18-44 years for the first dose, the ministry said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Sunday "Corona" Curfew To Be Lifted: Madhya Pradesh Chief MinisterWith Madhya Pradesh recording a steady decline in COVID-19 cases, the state government has decided to lift the "corona curfew" on Sundays, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Saturday. However, the night curfew will remain in force in the state. Mr Chouhan also said Madhya Pradesh has set a record for one more time with 9,64,756 doses of vaccines being administered till 7.30 pm since Saturday morning.
"We are lifting Sunday's corona curfew with immediate effect. Those who want to open their shops, continue their economic activities, can do so in accordance with COVID-19 protocol," Mr Chouhan tweeted. The pandemic has come under control in Madhya Pradesh as not a single COVID-19 positive case was registered in 35 districts in the state, he said. "For the first time, the number of active cases has fallen below 1,000. The case positivity rate has come down to 0.06%. In such a situation, it seems unreasonable to impose corona curfew on Sunday as well," he said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Maharashtra Administers Over 7 lakh Covid Vaccine Doses, Highest In A Day
Maharashtra administered 7,02,432 COVID-19 vaccine doses, the highest single-day vaccinations in the state so far, on Saturday till 6 pm, said Dr Pradip Vyas, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the State Health Department, according to news agency ANI. With this, the cumulative total of vaccine inoculation reached 3,09,79,469.
In an official statement, Dr Vyas said, "Today we have achieved another milestone in COVID vaccination in our state. Today till 6 pm, we have administered 7,02,432 COVID vaccine doses, it is the highest ever figure for the state. With this total vaccination till 6 pm today as per dashboard is 3,09,79,469."
On Friday, Maharashtra became the first state to cross the vaccination mark of 3 crores. However, the state still has the highest number of active cases in India, as per the Union Health Ministry.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Madhya Pradesh Logs 46 New COVID-19 Cases, 25 Deaths
With the addition of 46 new COVID-19 cases and 25 casualties, the tally of infections in Madhya Pradesh reached 7,89,657, while the death count rose to 8,896 on Saturday, an official from the state health department said, according to news agency PTI. At least 35 out the 52 districts in the state did not record a single new case in the last 24 hours, the official said.
As many as 204 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours, taking the count of recoveries to 7,79,834, he said. With nine new cases, Indore's caseload went up to 1,52,814, while Bhopal's tally rose to 1,23,095 after 11 persons tested positive for the infection. Indore reported five casualties, taking its death count to 1,390, Bhopal's death count stands at 972 with no new fatalities, it was stated.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Contact Tracing Started In Rajasthan's Bikaner For Delta Plus Variant: MinisterRajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma on Saturday said the state government is vigilant about the Delta plus variant of Coronavirus, for which contact tracing has been started in Bikaner and micro containment zones created to thwart its spread, according to news agency
PTI. His comments came in the wake of a woman in Bikaner found infected with the new variant.
Contact tracing has been started on a large scale in Bikaner and micro containment zones created so that there is no spread of the infection, he said in a statement. He said that according to a data released by the Centre, 48 patients have been found infected with the variant in 11 states of the country.
Genome sequencing is being done at 10 places in the country. The work of genome sequencing has started at Jaipur's SMS Medical College, he said, adding that samples are being tested to know more about the new variant so that treatment protocol could be fixed.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Special Vaccine Drive For Workers At Central Vista Project Site
A special Covid vaccination drive has been started by the New Delhi district administration for 1,500 workers employed at the Central Vista redevelopment project site here, officials said on Saturday, according to news agency PTI. The vaccination drive, started Friday, will continue for 8-10 days, they said, adding that the administration has set a target of inoculating 200 people daily.
"We vaccinated 190 people on Friday. The were administered Covishield vaccine. The workers just have to show their Aadhaar card or other identity detail to get themselves inoculated. There are approximately 1,500 construction workers at the site, and for most of them it would be their first dose," said an official. The district administration would be launching the drive to administer the second dose as well, he noted.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Punjab's Ludhiana Reports First Delta Plus Case
Ludhiana has reported the first case of Delta Plus variant of COVID-19, said Deputy Commissioner VK Sharma on Saturday, according to news agency ANI. "The patient is a 62-year-old man and is a resident of Jand village in Pakhowal block of Ludhiana district. He is a retired army officer. The patient does not have a travel history," Mr Sharma told ANI. "He was tested positive on June 15. His situation is stable. All 198 of his contacts were tested negative," the Deputy Commissioner said.
As many as 50 cases of Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 have been recorded across 11 states in India, government sources said on Friday. The Delta Plus variant cases were reported from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jammu and Karnataka.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Rajasthan Records 5 Fresh Covid Deaths, 141 Cases
Rajasthan recorded five more coronavirus deaths and 141 fresh cases on Saturday, taking the total number of fatalities and infections in the state to 8,910 and 9,51,967, respectively, according to a report by news agency PTI. Two deaths were reported in Udaipur and one each in Rajsamand, Pali and Jodhpur, according to an official report issued on Saturday. Of the fresh cases, the maximum 37 were reported from Alwar, followed by 20 from Jaipur, it said. A total of 9,41,218 persons have recovered from the infection so far in the state, as per the report. The number of active cases at present is 1,839, it added.
Coronavirus LIVE Update: Bengal Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Kolkata Fake Vaccination DriveThe West Bengal government has formed a four-member expert committee to examine the effect of the fake COVID-19 vaccination in Kolkata and also to take corrective actions, according to a report by news agency ANI.
"The committee will submit its detailed report immediately," a statement said. "The State Family Welfare Officer will do the necessary coordination in this regard. DHS, West Bengal will arrange for the detailed medical examination of the victims of this incident," it added.
The fake vaccination issue came to light after Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty claimed to have been duped by a person named Debanjan Deb at a COVID-19 vaccination drive organised by him in Kolkata. Later, an SIT was formed to investigate the matter. Debanjan Deb, who was impersonating as an IAS officer, has been arrested.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Kerala Records 12,118 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, 118 DeathsKerala's active cases touched 1,01,102 on Saturday as 12,118 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded, while 118 fatalities took the death count to 12,817, according to news agency PTI. As many as 11,124 people were cured of the infection, taking the total recoveries to 27,63,616. The cumulative cases have mounted to 28,77,989.
Thiruvananthapuram reported the highest number of 1,522 cases, followed by Ernakulam 1,414, Malappuram 1,339 and Thrissur 1,311. Of the new cases, 66 are health workers, 59 had come from outside the state and 11,394 were infected through contact, a government press release said.
A total of 1,13,629 samples were tested on Saturday, taking the cumulative number of specimens examined so far to 2,26,20,276. The Test Positivity Rate (TPR) stood at 10.66 per cent. At least 3,96,863 people are under observation in various districts, including 26,298 in hospitals.
Navi Mumbai Civic Body To Give Financial Aid To Children Orphaned By Covid
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) in Maharashtra announced on Saturday that it will provide financial assistance to the local children, who were orphaned due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Besides this, monetary assistance will also be provided to those women, who lost their husband due to the health crisis.
The assistance to orphans will be in the range of Rs 1,000 to Rs 6,000 based on the age of the child. Women who have lost their husband due to COVID-19 will get Rs 1.5 lakh and they will be provided equipment worth Rs 1 lakh for self-employment, the NMMC said in a statement.
Testing ramped up at Goa borders to filter out Delta Plus cases: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said testing has been ramped up at the borders of the coastal state as a precaution in view of the detection of the Delta Plus variant of coronavirus in a neighbouring state.
Speaking to reporters at the Keri-Sattari border adjoining Karnataka, Sawant said private laboratories have been roped in to set up testing facilities as a precaution against the fresh strain of coronavirus.
"We have stepped up monitoring at all the borders after (cases of) the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 was reported in the neighbouring state," he said.
COVID-19: UP reports 40 more deaths, 173 new cases
With 40 more COVID-19 fatalities, the deaths due to the viral disease in Uttar Pradesh rose to 22,443, while 173 new cases pushed the infection tally to 17,05,384, officials said on Saturday.
Eleven deaths were reported from Allahabad, 10 from Lucknow, and five from Shahjahanpur among other places, the state government said in a statement.
Of the new cases, 14 were reported from Gautam Buddh Nagar and 11 from Lucknow among others, the statement said.
Pune Civic Body's New Covid Guidelines: Essential Shops To Stay Open Till 4 PM
Pune Municipal Corporation has issued fresh COVID-19 guidelines, to be effective from Monday, according to which essential shops will remain open only till 4pm every day while non-essential shops will remain open till 4 pm between Monday to Friday, reported news agency ANI.
Restaurants and food courts will remain open with 50% seating capacity between Monday to Friday. Only parcel and home delivery to be allowed on Saturday-Sunday. Social, religious and entertainment events allowed with 50 people between Monday and Friday, it said quoting the Pune Municipal Corporation
Gyms, salons, spas will remain open till 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and wine shops will be open from Monday to Friday till 4 pm. Malls, theatres, multiplexes and religious places will remain closed, said the civic body.
"Government Fully Prepared": Anil Vij After Faridabad Reports First Delta Plus Case
After the first case of the Delta Plus variant was reported in Faridabad, Haryana Home and Health Minister Anil Vij on Saturday said that the state government is fully prepared for it, according to news agency ANI. Speaking to reporters, Mr Vij said, "The government is prepared. We've given orders that 100% of the contacts of the person be tested and genome sequencing be done."
According to ANI sources, India has over 50 cases of Delta Plus variant, with multiple cases detected in three states - Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra. It has been also traced in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Although there is no data as of now which shows that the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 is spreading faster than Delta but the former should also be treated as a "variant of concern", said Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, former Head Scientist of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, ICMR on Saturday.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Level 3 Restrictions In Nagpur Over Delta Plus Concern
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Saturday decided to clamp fresh curbs in the city from June 28 under the "level 3" of unlocking amid concerns over the Delta Plus variant of coronavirus, reported news agency PTI. Daily timings of the shops selling essential and non-essential items will be reduced by four hours till 4 pm. Malls, theatres and multiplexes will remain closed. Non-essential shops and establishments will remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays, as per the order issued by Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B. The Delta Plus variant is currently a variant of concern and therefore Nagpur District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has decided to clamp more restrictions in various activities by implementing the level 3 curbs in the city with effect from June 28, the order said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Trinamool MP Mimi Chakraborty Falls Ill Days After Taking Fake Covid VaccineActor-turned-TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty on Saturday fell ill, a few days after she was administered a fake COVID vaccine, sources said, reported by news agency
PTI. However, the doctor who attended to the Jadavpur MP said it was too early to link her illness with the fake jab that she had taken four days ago, they said.
Ms Chakraborty became seriously ill at her residence in the morning and her maid called the family physician, sources close to the renowned actor said. The actor, who has been suffering from gall bladder and liver-related problems, suffered from dehydration, stomach ache and her blood pressure count dipped, they said.
"Mimi Chakraborty's condition is now stable and she is under treatment at her home. She is also suffering from hypertension. The doctor who attended to her said her illness cannot be immediately linked to the fake vaccine as she already had a liver problem," the sources said.
Ms Chakraborty, whose alertness led to the busting of a fake vaccine racket organised by a conman posing as a civic official in Kolkata, was scheduled to undergo a test during the day to ascertain any possible adverse effects of the jab.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Centre Asks Karnataka To Take Up Immediate Measures To Contain Delta Plus Spread
The Centre has urged Karnataka to take up immediate containment measures, including preventing crowds, conducting widespread testing as well as increasing vaccine coverage on a priority basis in districts where the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 has been detected, according to news agency PTI.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to Karnataka Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar in this regard. Pointing out that this variant has been found in Mysuru district, the letter dated June 25 said, "the Public Health Response, in this case while broadly remaining the same, has to become more focused and stringent."
"Thus, you are requested to take up immediate containment measures in these districts and clusters including preventing crowds and intermingling of people, widespread testing, prompt tracing as well as vaccine coverage on a priority basis," it said.
The letter also asks the state to ensure that adequate samples of positive persons are sent to the designated laboratories of INSACOG promptly so that the clinical epidemiological correlations can be established. Similar measures have been suggested to seven states other than Karnataka.
Brazil Chose Unauthorised Covaxin Over Cheaper Pfizer Vaccine: Official
A Brazilian congressman who has denounced alleged wrongdoing in a 1.6 billion reais ($323 million) COVID-19 vaccine contract signed by Brazil's government arrived at a Senate commission inquiry on Friday wearing a bullet-proof vest for safety. Congressman Luis Miranda and his brother Luis Ricardo Miranda, the whistleblower at the Health Ministry who raised suspicions about the vaccine deal with India's Bharat Biotech, are the key witnesses in a hearing underway on Friday.
India's Vaccination Rate vs Required Pace: Explained In Graphics
Experts say rapid vaccinations and strict adherence to anti-Covid rules can help avoid a third wave of the pandemic. An analysis of vaccination data suggests most states have not been inoculating enough people. However, over the last few days, the country has witnessed an uptick in daily vaccination figures.
Read Here Delta Plus Variant In 12 States, Maharashtra Has Maximum: Government
Fifty-one cases of Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus have been detected across 12 states in the country, with Maharashtra reporting the highest number of 22, the Centre said on Friday, stressing that there are still very limited cases of this mutation and it cannot be inferred that it is showing an upward trend. These 51 cases were detected from over 45,000 samples sequenced so far in the country.
ICMR has achieved the milestone of conducting 40 crores testing on 25th June, 2021. With average testing of more than 18 lakhs per day in the month of June, India has tested 40,18,11,892 samples across the country till 25th June 21: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Coronavirus: Mumbai To Stay On Level-3 Of COVID-19 Curbs. What's Open, Timings Here
Mumbai will continue to be in category 3 of the Maharashtra government's five-level unlock plan that seeks to ease coronavirus-induced curbs as per infection positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancy numbers, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said on Friday. While announcing the decision, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also said the metropolis has had an average positivity rate of 3.96 per cent and oxygen bed occupancy of 23.04 per cent over the last two weeks.
3rd Covid Wave Unlikely To Mirror Devastating 2nd Wave: Top Medical Body
A potential third wave of Covid infections seems unlikely to be as severe as the second wave, says a modelling study by a team of scientists from the Indian Council Of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Imperial College London, UK. Rapid scale-up of vaccination efforts, says the study, could play an important role in mitigating the present and future waves of the disease.
Read Here Odisha: A news report from the UK says that a new study tells that the 2 vaccines that India is presently using are going to work against (Delta Plus) variant. There is no need to panic. We need good public health measures: Dr Niroj Mishra, a Bhubaneswar based health expert.
A total of 40,18,11,892 samples were tested up to June 25. Of which, 17,45,809 samples were tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
"Don't Think We Could Say Delhi Exaggerated Oxygen Need 4X": AIIMS Chief
AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria today tried to play down the controversy over claims that Delhi "exaggerated" its oxygen needs by four times at the peak of the second wave of Covid, saying that a final report was not out yet. "Delhi oxygen audit is an interim report. I don't think we could say four times exaggeration," Dr Guleria, who led the audit, told NDTV this morning.
Read Here COVID-19: Thane District's Case Count Up By 488
The coronavirus infection tally in Thane district of Maharashtra has gone up to 5,30,288 with the addition of 488 cases, an official said on Saturday. These cases were reported on Friday. As the virus claimed the life of 15 persons during the day, the death toll in the district rose to 10,611. Thane's COVID-19 mortality rate is 2.00 per cent, he added.
"Subsequent Wave Will Not Be As Bad As Second Wave": AIIMS Chief To NDTV
The third wave of Covid infections is unlikely to be as severe as the second, AIIMS (Delhi) chief Dr Randeep Guleria told NDTV Saturday morning. "There are a lot of debates on whether the third wave will be more severe than the second wave. But my feeling is that the subsequent wave will not be as bad as the second wave," Dr Guleria said.
Read Here Coronavirus Latest News: India Reports 48,698 New COVID-19 Cases, 1,183 Deaths In Last 24 Hours
India's total tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 3,01,83,143 with 48,698 new infections being reported in a day, while the recoveries have crossed 2.91 crore, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The death count increased to 3,94,493 with 1,183 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Coronavirus News: "Just Give Us The Vaccines", WHO Pleads, As Poor Countries Lack Doses
Rich countries are opening up societies and vaccinating young people who are not at great risk from COVID-19, while the poorest countries cruelly lack doses, the World Health Organization said on Friday, condemning a global failure. The situation in Africa, where new infections and deaths jumped by nearly 40% last week compared to the previous week, is "so dangerous" as the Delta variant spreads globally, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
Maharashtra Holds Off On Unlock Plan, Reports 1 Death Due To Delta Plus
All districts in Maharashtra must impose at least Level 3 restrictions irrespective of indices like weekly positivity rate and hospital beds availability to prevent the spread of the more dangerous Delta Plus Covid variant, the state's Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte has said in an order. Maharashtra on Friday reported the first death from the "Delta Plus" variant of COVID-19, with an elderly woman dying in Ratnagiri civil hospital, a senior official said.
Read Here Delta Variant Makes Race Against Time For Vaccines Even BiggerThe highly-contagious Delta variant is causing a surge in new Covid-19 cases even in countries with high vaccination rates and experts warn that inoculation campaigns are in a race against time to contain it.
For the moment the pandemic is still slowing down with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting the lowest number of new cases worldwide since February and decreasing deaths attributed to the coronavirus.
But concerns are growing about the fast-spreading variant, prompting new restrictions in countries that had previously managed to control their epidemics.
UK Reports Over 35,000 More Delta Variant Cases, Probes New Lambda VariantThe number of Delta variant cases of COVID-19 in the UK have risen by 35,204 since last week to a total of 111,157, representing a 46 per cent increase, health officials said in the weekly report released on Friday.
Public Health England (PHE) said of the total Delta variant of concern (VOC) - first identified in India - 42 belong to the Delta AY.1 sub lineage, dubbed as Delta plus in some quarters over fears of its even greater transmissibility.
While the Delta variant now accounts for approximately 95 per cent of cases that are sequenced across the UK, PHE said the both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine continue to provide good protection against hospitalisations.