Tag: COIVD-19

  • Active COVID-19 cases in country rise to 11,860

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: With 1,247 coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,30,45,527, while the active cases increased to 11,860, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

    The death toll climbed to 5,21,966 with one fresh fatality being reported from Uttar Pradesh, the data updated at 8 am stated.

    The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said.

    An increase of 318 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.31 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.34 per cent, according to the ministry.

    The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,11,701, while the case fatality rate was recorded a 1.21 per cent.

    The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 186.72 crore.

    India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

    It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year.

  • Covid: Around 83 per cent of adult population fully vaccinated in UP, says government

    By PTI

    LUCKNOW: Around 83 per cent of the adult population in Uttar Pradesh has received two doses of the covid vaccine while “over 100 per cent” have got one dose, a state government statement said on Thursday.

    In the age group of 15-17, around 93 per cent children have received at least one dose. Calling it a milestone, the statement said according to the CoWin portal, around 30 crore doses have been administered in the state till 2 pm on Thursday.

    Uttar Pradesh became the first state in the country to have administered more than 30 crore doses, the government said.

    About 83 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated while “over 100 per cent” has received one dose, the statement said.

    So far, 2,05,03,327 children in the age group of 15-17 and 9,60,066 aged between 12 and 14 have been administered the vaccine in the state, it added.

    Over 24.25 lakh “precautionary doses” have been administered in the state so far. To speed up the vaccination drive for children, CM Yogi Adityanath has asked officials to ensure adequate availability of vaccine doses in Uttar Pradesh, the statement said.

  • India has not imposed travel curbs like some other countries: MEA on Omicron

    The list was a result of a 'technical decision' based on evidence by India's health regulatory authorities, Bagchi said.

  • 6 Covid cases detected on screening passengers of 11 flights from ‘at-risk’ countries: Government

    The 'at-risk' nations are countries in Europe, including the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.

  • Lok Sabha to have discussion on COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday: Minister

    The discussion will be held under Rule 193, under which members may seek details about the new 'Omicron' variant of SARS-CoC-2.

  • Stricter norms for international passengers to be effective from Tuesday midnight

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Strict norms for arriving international passengers, especially from ‘at-risk’ countries, will come into effect from Tuesday midnight and authorities are stepping their vigil for effective surveillance amid mounting concerns over the emergence of the coronavirus variant Omicron.

    While no cases of Omicron have been reported so far in India, the Union government has asked states and Union Territories to ensure RT-PCR tests for travellers coming from ‘at-risk’ countries on the first day of arrival and retesting on the eighth day.

    Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Tuesday advised states not to let their guards down and keep a strict vigil on the international passengers coming to the country through various airports, ports and land border crossings.

    ALSO READ: Current Covid vaccines may be less effective against Omicron variant, predicts Moderna 

    Under the new norms, RT-PCR tests are mandatory for passengers arriving from ‘at-risk’ countries and they will be allowed to leave the airport only after the test results come.

    Also, randomly 5 per cent of the passengers arriving in flights from other countries will be subject to the test.

    As the authorities ready to implement the new norms from Tuesday midnight, the Union health ministry has advised international passengers from ‘at-risk’ countries to prepare to wait at the airports till the report of the RT-PCR test has come and not book connecting flights beforehand.

    Further, the ministry has asked states to send all positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs (mapped with states) promptly.

    ALSO WATCH:

    International airports in the national capital and other parts of the country have made preparations for implementation of the new norms.

    In the wake of the new guidelines, aviation regulator DGCA has issued a circular asking airlines and airport operators to ensure various measures are in place.

    “Separate holding area (while they are waiting for their RT-PCR test results) may be demarcated for the passengers coming from ‘at-risk’ countries in each airport, with proper amenities for passengers,” the regulator said in the circular dated November 29.

    To avoid congestion, the DGCA has emphasised the need to ensure that COVID appropriate behaviour is followed.

    ALSO READ: There could be mild breakthrough with Omicron but severity is not expected: ICMR expert

    “Signages may be put up at prominent places and volunteers may be placed to guide the passengers to prevent any chaos,” it noted.

    With respect to identifying passengers for random RT-PCR tests, the watchdog said that airlines should put in place proper randomisation process.

    “Announcements as to the seat numbers selected through the randomisation process may be made in the flight itself so that passengers are prepared,” the regulator said.

    Among other requirements, international passengers have to fill the self declaration form on Air Suvidha portal.

    While filling up the form, all incoming passengers may be advised to plan their onward journey keeping in mind the stay at the airport to obtain the test results, the DGCA said.

    Also, passengers should be prepared for movement to quarantine facilities identified by state governments if they test positive at the airport. “Additional RT-PCR facilities, as required, may also be set up at all airports,” the regulator said.

    Officials on Tuesday said the Delhi international airport has made arrangements to accommodate at the airport up to 1,500 international passengers at a time, including those coming from from ‘at-risk’ countries, till results of their RT-PCR tests taken after arrival are declared.

    Each passenger who will undergo the RT-PCR test will be charged around Rs 1,700. The amount includes charges for the RT-PCR test, and food and water during their stay at the airport till the test results come, they said.

    An Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson said all AAI airports that have international operations are “fully prepared” to implement the guidelines issued by the Union government in coordination with state authorities.

    The spokesperson also said that the top management of the AAI is also monitoring the situation. State-owned AAI is involved in operations of 34 international airports, including customs airports.

    In a late evening statement, Mumbai airport said that arriving passengers from high-risk countries will be segregated from those passengers coming from low-risk countries.

    “In addition to normal RT-PCR, 30 Rapid PCR machines, are available for the passengers having connecting onward flights with short connecting time. This facility will be upscaled further if required,” CSMIA said.

    According to CSMIA (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport), a large sitting area for the passengers awaiting their RT-PCR results has been set up with amenities like washrooms and F&B.

    “Passengers who have not done their pre booking of RT-PCR test online, QR codes have been displayed at various locations in the arrival corridor.

    “Physical forms for RT-PCR registration are also made available to passengers on board with help of airlines which they can fill before disembarking from flight & thus avoid queuing for the registration on arrival,” it added.

    A spokesperson for the Bengaluru international airport said, “We are working with all the airlines and other stakeholders to implement the new procedures and minimise inconvenience to passengers.” A spokesperson for full service carrier Vistara said that in light of the new guidelines for testing and screening of international passengers at airports, it has already made necessary changes to the minimum connecting time for future bookings of relevant flights.

    “Additionally, we will also try and assist our passengers, as best as we can, to ensure that they have a convenient travel experience,” the spokesperson said.

    As per updated list on November 26, the countries designated as ‘at-risk’ include European countries, the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Israel and Hong Kong.

    On Tuesday, Bhushan chaired a high-level meeting with states/UTs to review COVID public health response measures and preparedness amid concerns over Omicron.

    Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Bansal, Secretary (Health Research) & DG ICMR Balram Bhargava, NCDC Director Sujeet K Singh, State Health Secretaries and State Airport Public Health Officials (APHOs), among others, participated in the meeting.

  • Renowned dance choreographer Shiva Shankar passes away at 72

    By PTI

    HYDERABAD: Renowned dance choreographer Shiva Shankar died at a private hospital here on Sunday due to COVID-19 related complications, hospital sources said.

    The 72-year-old National Award-winning artiste had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital here for the past few days, after he tested positive for the virus.

    “He breathed his last on Sunday,” hospital sources said. His eldest son is also undergoing treatment for the viral infection. Shiva Shankar has acted in Telugu and Tamil films.

    Noted Dance Choreographer #Sivasankar Master Passes Away !He got affected by covid. He had choreographed for more than 800 movies and won national award for #Magadheera movie …#RIP pic.twitter.com/9W19dYWMXw
    — Karthigaichelvan S (@karthickselvaa) November 28, 2021
    Director SS Rajamouli, actor Sonu Sood were among those who offered their condolences over the passing away of Shiva Shankar.

    In a tweet, Rajamouli said, “Sad to know that renowned choreographer Shiva Shankar Master garu has passed away. Working with him for Magadheera was a memorable experience. May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to his family.” Actor Sonu Sood also tweeted: “Heartbroken to hear about the demise of Shiv Shankar masterji.

    Tried our best to save him but God had different plans. Will always miss you masterji. May almighty give strength to the family to bear this loss. Cinema will always miss u sir”.

  • Bengal doctors write to Mandaviya for COVID booster dose

    By PTI

    KOLKATA: A doctors’ forum in West Bengal wrote to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday requesting quick roll out of a booster dose programme for front line warriors fighting COVID-19 expressing apprehension that the efficacy of the two jabs which are being administered now will “not go further over time”.

    The West Bengal Doctors Forum (WBDF) in its two-page letter to Mandaviya cited studies stating that administration of booster doses is an effective measure to prevent COVID infection by maintaining the vaccine efficacy.

    “We are all aware that efficacy of vaccines goes no further over time and due to that numerous healthcare workers may contract the disease in their dutyline. There are studies which say that the administration of booster dose will be an effective measure to prevent COVID infection by maintaining the vaccine efficacy,” Rajib Pandey and Punyabrata Gun of the Forum said in the communication.

    “At present, the number of active COVID cases in our country is low and under this circumstance on behalf of medical fraternity, we appeal to you and your good office to issue an early advisory to commence the booster dose vaccination programme for COVID-19 for all healthcare workers and frontline warriors as early as possible,” the letter read.

    Relentless services are being provided by innumerable doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel as well as by frontline workers like the police, the missive said and pressed for prompt compensation to the kin of the members of the medical fraternity who have died fighting COVID-19 without any delay”.

    “We do not know how many warriors will lay their lives until an effective prevention and vaccination programme is proactively enforced by the administration. All frontline health workers fought from the front and many of them sacrificed their lives, though their families remain in utter dismay due to the impermissible losses. A prompt compensation for the kin of the deceased members of the medical fraternity without any delay is also the need of the hour,” it said.

    In West Bengal at least 8,06,30,430 doses have been administered till Friday, state health department statistics said.

  • Government looking to vaccinate country’s entire adult population by year-end: MoS Health

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: More than 99 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in India and the government has set a target of vaccinating the country’s entire adult population by the end of the year, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Bharati Pravin Pawar said on Wednesday.

    While virtually addressing the FICCI’s “Healthcare Excellence Awards” ceremony, Pawar informed that under the ‘Make in India’ initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi “India is one of the leading countries in the global medical devices market in the world.”

    Detailing the success amid challenges posed by COVID-19, the Union minister said, “More than 99 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the country and the government has set a target of vaccinating the country’s entire adult population by end of the year.”

    The minister thanked the dignitaries present at the event and expressed her appreciation for the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for contributing immensely to the COVID-19 response in close coordination with the Empowered Groups, central and state governments.

    Speaking on the occasion, Pawar said a “great responsibility lies on us to achieve the Prime Minister’s dream of achieving affordable, accessible, safe and modern health care in India.” 

    She further said “the Government of India launched various nationwide programs for prevention, control and eradication of communicable and non-communicable diseases and improvement of maternal and child health”.

    The minister highlighted that in working towards the goal of achieving universal health coverage, the government launched the world’s largest public funded health care programme, the ‘Ayushman Bharat Mission’.

    She added that the scheme has been expanded to include the Digital Health Mission that aims to converge the various components of health care ecosystem on one platform for seamless integration and better health outcomes.

    Pawar informed that the government has also launched numerous financial support schemes over the past couple of years for creating the appropriate environment for growth as well as augmenting public-private infrastructure of hospitals and public-funded labs across the country.

    The National Medical Commission and Paramedical Council have been key achievements in the field of medical education, she said.

    The minister also informed that India’s health indicators have shown consistent improvement in the past decade.

    She noted that “relentless efforts of the Central government have resulted in launching of various nationwide programs for prevention, control and eradication of communicable and non-communicable diseases and improvement of maternal and child health.”

  • Bihar: About 30 ventilators bought under PM-Cares fund lie unused

    Express News Service
    PATNA:  Take a look at how Bihar treats its healthcare facilities: 30 ventilators in the home districts of CM Nitish Kumar, health minister Mangal Pandey, two deputy CMs, Renu Devi, Tar Kishor Prasad, and Union MoS for health and family welfare-cum Buxar MP Ashwini Choubey, are not operational for last one year.

    These 30 ventilators, provided to the state under the PM-Cares Fund last year, have been found lying unused in government hospitals of Nalanda, Siwan, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Saharsa and Buxar districts, besides other 177 new ventilators in the same condition in other districts for years. As many as 207 ventilators were allotted to Bihar for hospitals in 36 districts in March last year after they were purchased under the PM CARES Fund.

    “Since then, ventilators in 36 districts of the state have not been made operational simply because there are no operators. It shows how the state government is concerned about the health care system,” said a senior doctor, preferring anonymity. Meanwhile, the state health society has decided to release these ventilators to private hospitals treating Covid patients for the next three months on some conditions. Applications have been sought from private hospitals, but sources said only a few private hospitals have responded to the offer so far.

    As per official figures, six new ventilators are lying unused each in Siwan, home district of state health minister Mangal Pandey, Nalanda, home district of CM Nitish Kumar, Katihar and Saharsa of deputy CM Tar Kishor Prasad, West Champaran, the home district of another deputy CM Renu Devi and Bhagalpur-Buxar, which are home district and Lok Sabha constituency of Ashwini Choubey. When this newspaper tried to contact the state health minister and health officials to know the current status of these ventilators, none of them was available or responded.

    Postpone weddings for some time, says CM Nitish

    Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has appealed to the people on Wednesday to postpone weddings and other functions for some time. A day after announcing an 11-day lockdown from May 5, Kumar tweeted saying that postponements of functions will help in breaking the Covid chain. He directed officials to take all steps to ramp up oxygen generation.