News Analysis India

Tag: covid-19

  • Indian vaccine works against BF.7 sub-variant: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

    By Express News Service

    New Delhi, Jan 11: Indian vaccine works against Omicron sub-variant BF.7, which is driving the Covid-19 surge in China and other East Asian countries, said Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday.

    “Our vaccine works against BF.7, which has been detected in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and other places,” said Mandaviya on the sidelines of a book release ‘Braving a viral storm – India’s Covid-19 vaccine story.’

    The minister, however, did not specify which Covid vaccine works against the BF.7 sub-variant.

    He said India had taken several proactive actions, including conducting Covid testing at all the Indian airports.

    Till Wednesday, over 15 lakh international passengers travelling in a total of 8,700 flights have been tested following the health ministry’s directive to conduct random testing of two per cent of international travellers, he said.

    Out of these, over 200 passengers were found to be Covid positive. “They were immediately sent to the hospital, isolated, and their samples were sent for genome sequencing. Genome sequencing found the presence of the BF.7 variant, found in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and other places.”

    ALSO READ | No surge in Covid cases in India despite presence of Omicron variants

    He said BF.7 – which had last year driven the Covid surge in the US and Europe – is already present in India for the previous three months. 

    In future, if there is any new Covid variant, or if the current one mutates and takes a new form, then we will be ready, and that’s why we are carrying out genome sequencing, he said. 

    “We are also alert against any new variant entering India. We are ready because of our Covid management. We are taking all precautions and keeping surveillance.” 

    The minister said that India has 200 types of Covid variants. “We are satisfied that no new type of variant is in India at the moment,” he added.

    The ministry said that despite all Omicron variants in India, no mortality or rise in the transmission had been reported.

    From January 1, passengers arriving from hotspots countries like China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand are mandatorily required to provide Covid-negative reports. It applies to those travellers who are transiting through these hot-spots countries.

    New Delhi, Jan 11: Indian vaccine works against Omicron sub-variant BF.7, which is driving the Covid-19 surge in China and other East Asian countries, said Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday.

    “Our vaccine works against BF.7, which has been detected in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and other places,” said Mandaviya on the sidelines of a book release ‘Braving a viral storm – India’s Covid-19 vaccine story.’

    The minister, however, did not specify which Covid vaccine works against the BF.7 sub-variant.

    He said India had taken several proactive actions, including conducting Covid testing at all the Indian airports.

    Till Wednesday, over 15 lakh international passengers travelling in a total of 8,700 flights have been tested following the health ministry’s directive to conduct random testing of two per cent of international travellers, he said.

    Out of these, over 200 passengers were found to be Covid positive. “They were immediately sent to the hospital, isolated, and their samples were sent for genome sequencing. Genome sequencing found the presence of the BF.7 variant, found in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and other places.”

    ALSO READ | No surge in Covid cases in India despite presence of Omicron variants

    He said BF.7 – which had last year driven the Covid surge in the US and Europe – is already present in India for the previous three months. 

    In future, if there is any new Covid variant, or if the current one mutates and takes a new form, then we will be ready, and that’s why we are carrying out genome sequencing, he said. 

    “We are also alert against any new variant entering India. We are ready because of our Covid management. We are taking all precautions and keeping surveillance.” 

    The minister said that India has 200 types of Covid variants. “We are satisfied that no new type of variant is in India at the moment,” he added.

    The ministry said that despite all Omicron variants in India, no mortality or rise in the transmission had been reported.

    From January 1, passengers arriving from hotspots countries like China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand are mandatorily required to provide Covid-negative reports. It applies to those travellers who are transiting through these hot-spots countries.

  • COVID-19: Covovax to get approval as booster in 10-15 days, says SII CEO Adar Poonawalla 

    By PTI

    PUNE: Serum Institute of India chief executive officer Adar Poonawalla on Sunday said its Covovax vaccine will get approval as a booster in the next 10 to 15 days, adding it works very well against the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

    Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at Bharti Vidyapeeth University here, Poonawalla, when asked about states and districts not getting Covishield vaccines, said there are ample stocks with the Union government for supply.

    “Covovax will be approved as a booster in the next 10-15 days. It is actually the best booster because it works very well against Omicron, more than Covishield,” said Poonawalla.

    He said everyone was looking at India, not just in terms of healthcare but because the country managed to take care of a huge and diverse population and also helped 70 to 80 nations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “This was all possible because of the leadership of our Central government, our state governments, healthcare workers, manufacturers, all of whom worked together with one common goal,” he said.

    On the occasion, Poonawalla was conferred with the first Dr Pantangrao Kadam Memorial Award at the hands of NCP Chief Sharad Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in an event to mark the birth anniversary of the late minister and education baron from western Maharashtra.

    Appealing to students who wished to pursue education abroad, he said there was no place like India to fulfil dreams due to the presence of institutions like Bharti Vidyapeeth and others.

    “Even if you have to go abroad, come back as soon as possible,” he said.

    PUNE: Serum Institute of India chief executive officer Adar Poonawalla on Sunday said its Covovax vaccine will get approval as a booster in the next 10 to 15 days, adding it works very well against the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

    Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at Bharti Vidyapeeth University here, Poonawalla, when asked about states and districts not getting Covishield vaccines, said there are ample stocks with the Union government for supply.

    “Covovax will be approved as a booster in the next 10-15 days. It is actually the best booster because it works very well against Omicron, more than Covishield,” said Poonawalla.

    He said everyone was looking at India, not just in terms of healthcare but because the country managed to take care of a huge and diverse population and also helped 70 to 80 nations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “This was all possible because of the leadership of our Central government, our state governments, healthcare workers, manufacturers, all of whom worked together with one common goal,” he said.

    On the occasion, Poonawalla was conferred with the first Dr Pantangrao Kadam Memorial Award at the hands of NCP Chief Sharad Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in an event to mark the birth anniversary of the late minister and education baron from western Maharashtra.

    Appealing to students who wished to pursue education abroad, he said there was no place like India to fulfil dreams due to the presence of institutions like Bharti Vidyapeeth and others.

    “Even if you have to go abroad, come back as soon as possible,” he said.

  • PMO reviews Covid-19 situation, focus on tracking new variant 

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The centre on Saturday held a high-level meeting, which was chaired by P K Mishra, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, with health officials and experts to review the Covid-19 situation in the country.

    In the meeting, it was also reviewed whether compliance with earlier directions issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure preparedness and effective management of the pandemic was taken. 

    In the wake of a surge in Covid cases in China and other East Asian countries, the PM held a high-level meeting last week, in which he directed to increase vigilance and surveillance and to step up testing and genome sequencing. 

    Officials said genome sequencing of around 500 samples collected in December is being done at INSACOG labs across the country. In the meeting, new emerging variants, including BF.7, which is driving a surge in China, were discussed. 

    In the meeting, it was also informed that strengthening whole genome sequencing (WGS) and ensuring that a more significant number of samples are sent from across the country to INSACOG Network is being done, according to the directions of the PM.

    As many as 1,716 international flights have been screened, and 5,666 samples have been collected for Covid-19 testing.  Around 53 international travellers tested positive for Covid-19 during two per cent random testing at airports across the country.

    Mishra has been apprised of the evolving global scenario of the pandemic with the surge in Covid observed in some countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil etc.

    India has already announced that travellers from China, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea would need an RT-PCR report from January 1. They have to upload Covid negative report on Air Suvidha, and the test has to be done 72 hours before their travel.

    In the meeting, the focus was on enhancing awareness about Covid-appropriate behaviour, strengthening surveillance, including ramping up testing across the country, and uptake of coronavirus precautionary doses, officials said.

    It was informed that according to the prime minister’s directions, mock drills across all health facilities were conducted on December 27.

    All states and union territories participated in the drills to ensure operational readiness of Covid-dedicated facilities with a specific focus on oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources.  

    Official sources said 21,097 facilities conducted the mock drill, of which 16,108 were government facilities. 

    Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who has also held separate review meetings with pharma companies to ensure adequate stock, and availability, had personally reviewed the mock drill at the centre-run Safdarjung Hospital. He had also chaired a virtual review meeting with state health ministers on Covid-19 on December 23.

    According to the directions, the Ministry of Commerce has been asked to monitor ongoing exports of medicinal products and equipment to China, official sources said.

    NEW DELHI: The centre on Saturday held a high-level meeting, which was chaired by P K Mishra, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, with health officials and experts to review the Covid-19 situation in the country.

    In the meeting, it was also reviewed whether compliance with earlier directions issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure preparedness and effective management of the pandemic was taken. 

    In the wake of a surge in Covid cases in China and other East Asian countries, the PM held a high-level meeting last week, in which he directed to increase vigilance and surveillance and to step up testing and genome sequencing. 

    Officials said genome sequencing of around 500 samples collected in December is being done at INSACOG labs across the country. In the meeting, new emerging variants, including BF.7, which is driving a surge in China, were discussed. 

    In the meeting, it was also informed that strengthening whole genome sequencing (WGS) and ensuring that a more significant number of samples are sent from across the country to INSACOG Network is being done, according to the directions of the PM.

    As many as 1,716 international flights have been screened, and 5,666 samples have been collected for Covid-19 testing.  Around 53 international travellers tested positive for Covid-19 during two per cent random testing at airports across the country.

    Mishra has been apprised of the evolving global scenario of the pandemic with the surge in Covid observed in some countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil etc.

    India has already announced that travellers from China, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea would need an RT-PCR report from January 1. They have to upload Covid negative report on Air Suvidha, and the test has to be done 72 hours before their travel.

    In the meeting, the focus was on enhancing awareness about Covid-appropriate behaviour, strengthening surveillance, including ramping up testing across the country, and uptake of coronavirus precautionary doses, officials said.

    It was informed that according to the prime minister’s directions, mock drills across all health facilities were conducted on December 27.

    All states and union territories participated in the drills to ensure operational readiness of Covid-dedicated facilities with a specific focus on oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources.  

    Official sources said 21,097 facilities conducted the mock drill, of which 16,108 were government facilities. 

    Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who has also held separate review meetings with pharma companies to ensure adequate stock, and availability, had personally reviewed the mock drill at the centre-run Safdarjung Hospital. He had also chaired a virtual review meeting with state health ministers on Covid-19 on December 23.

    According to the directions, the Ministry of Commerce has been asked to monitor ongoing exports of medicinal products and equipment to China, official sources said.

  • COVID-19 is not over yet, prepared to manage any situation: Health minister Mandviya

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Amid a spike in Covid-19 cases globally, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday held a high-level review meeting and stressed that Covid is not over yet and India is prepared to manage any situation.

    His remarks came after official sources said three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, which is driving the surge in China, have been detected in the country. 

    The ministry also announced stepping up random screening of passengers, especially those who are travelling from countries reporting a spike in cases, at Indian airports in the country, and urged people to wear masks in crowded places and to take booster doses.

    While reviewing the Covid-19 situation and the preparedness of the public health system for surveillance, containment and management gave rising Covid-19 cases worldwide; the minister directed all concerned to be on alert and strengthen surveillance. 

    “I also urge people to take Covid vaccination,” said the health minister as he advised states and union territories to send samples daily of all Covid-19 positive cases to INSACOG labs to facilitate tracking new variants.

    Underlining the challenge posed by the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in some countries across the world, such as China, Japan, South Korea, France and the US, Mandaviya noted the importance of being prepared and remaining alert against new and emerging strains, especially given the upcoming festive season

    He also urged people to follow Covid-Appropriate Behaviour.

    India has been witnessing a steady decline in cases, with average daily cases falling to 158 in the week ending December 19. However, a consistent rise in global daily average cases has been reported in the last six weeks, with 5.9 lakh average daily cases reported in the week ending December 19.

    The meeting comes a day after Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan asked state governments and union territories to submit samples of positive cases on a priority basis to the genome sequencing laboratories.

    Official sources said two cases of BF.7 have been detected in the country. BF.7, a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5, is said to have the strongest infection ability since it is highly transmissible. It also has a shorter incubation period and a higher ability to cause reinfection. 

    It has already been detected in countries like the US, the UK and European Union, Belgium., Germany, France and Denmark, and also China, which is seeing a deadly surge.

    After the review meeting, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said people should take the jab and wear masks in crowded places.

    “Only 27-28 per cent of people have taken booster doses. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take it. Precaution dose is mandated and guided to everyone.” 

    He also urged people to use masks in crowded spaces, indoors or outdoors. “This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or higher age,” Paul added.

    Dr N K Arora, chairman of the Covid-19 working group National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization(NTAGI), said there is nothing to panic about as the country’s system is “vigilant”.

    Chaos has engulfed China after the government reversed its strict lockdown guidelines under its zero-Covid policy. According to reports, crematoriums in the country are overwhelmed by the large influx of bodies, though the government has denied the death tally reaching double digits.

    ALSO READ | Masks back up, booster shots: Centre’s advice amid Covid surge in China

    NEW DELHI: Amid a spike in Covid-19 cases globally, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday held a high-level review meeting and stressed that Covid is not over yet and India is prepared to manage any situation.

    His remarks came after official sources said three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, which is driving the surge in China, have been detected in the country. 

    The ministry also announced stepping up random screening of passengers, especially those who are travelling from countries reporting a spike in cases, at Indian airports in the country, and urged people to wear masks in crowded places and to take booster doses.

    While reviewing the Covid-19 situation and the preparedness of the public health system for surveillance, containment and management gave rising Covid-19 cases worldwide; the minister directed all concerned to be on alert and strengthen surveillance. 

    “I also urge people to take Covid vaccination,” said the health minister as he advised states and union territories to send samples daily of all Covid-19 positive cases to INSACOG labs to facilitate tracking new variants.

    Underlining the challenge posed by the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in some countries across the world, such as China, Japan, South Korea, France and the US, Mandaviya noted the importance of being prepared and remaining alert against new and emerging strains, especially given the upcoming festive season

    He also urged people to follow Covid-Appropriate Behaviour.

    India has been witnessing a steady decline in cases, with average daily cases falling to 158 in the week ending December 19. However, a consistent rise in global daily average cases has been reported in the last six weeks, with 5.9 lakh average daily cases reported in the week ending December 19.

    The meeting comes a day after Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan asked state governments and union territories to submit samples of positive cases on a priority basis to the genome sequencing laboratories.

    Official sources said two cases of BF.7 have been detected in the country. BF.7, a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5, is said to have the strongest infection ability since it is highly transmissible. It also has a shorter incubation period and a higher ability to cause reinfection. 

    It has already been detected in countries like the US, the UK and European Union, Belgium., Germany, France and Denmark, and also China, which is seeing a deadly surge.

    After the review meeting, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said people should take the jab and wear masks in crowded places.

    “Only 27-28 per cent of people have taken booster doses. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take it. Precaution dose is mandated and guided to everyone.” 

    He also urged people to use masks in crowded spaces, indoors or outdoors. “This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or higher age,” Paul added.

    Dr N K Arora, chairman of the Covid-19 working group National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization(NTAGI), said there is nothing to panic about as the country’s system is “vigilant”.

    Chaos has engulfed China after the government reversed its strict lockdown guidelines under its zero-Covid policy. According to reports, crematoriums in the country are overwhelmed by the large influx of bodies, though the government has denied the death tally reaching double digits.

    ALSO READ | Masks back up, booster shots: Centre’s advice amid Covid surge in China

  • Rahul’s Bharat Jodo yatra on Covid watch, Congress cries politics

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: A political slugfest broke out Wednesday after Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya wrote to Rahul Gandhi, asking him to ensure Covid-19 guidelines are followed during the Bharat Jodo Yatra or to suspend it in “national interest,” with the Congress taking on the BJP, and accused it of playing “politics.” 

    In his letter dated December 20, the minister requested the Congress leader to ensure Covid guidelines, including masks and sanitisers, are strictly followed, and only those vaccinated are allowed to participate in the Yatra.

    “If Covid protocol cannot be followed, then, given the public health emergency, and to save the country from the Covid pandemic, I request you to suspend the Bharat Jodo Yatra in the national interest,” the minister further said in his letter.

    Reacting to the letter, Congress MP and general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “Public health is far too serious an issue to play party politics. If there is a  protocol for gatherings, Bharat Jodo Yatra will abide by it.” Later speaking with reporters, the minister said it is his “duty to ensure Covid doesn’t spread in the country.”

    He said during the Yatra, “several” people got infected with Covid-19, and that’s why he wrote to Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. He was referring to Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu getting infected with Covid-19 as an example. 

    “Congress’s reaction shows their callous attitude towards Covid. If someone thinks about how a minister can question them (Rahul Gandhi), what can I do about that mindset? Questioning me is like obstructing me from doing my duty,” he added.

    Though, Covid-19 cases in India have declined in the past few weeks, concerns have been raised following the global outbreak, especially in China, the US and East Asia. 

    The minister said he wrote to Rahul Gandhi after three Rajasthan MPs wrote to him, raising concerns about the spread of Covid-19 in the state. “Keeping this in mind, I took the view of experts, and on that basis, I wrote to Rahuji that many who took part in the Yatra have been detected with Covid-19.”

    “I have written the letter as a health minister to ensure people are healthy. But they are coming to the protection of one family, and thus I am being questioned about how I have written such a letter,” Mandaviya later told reporters.

    Congress took on the health minister, saying that the centre has not issued any advisory on Covid-19.

    In a statement, Ramesh said that the health minister has written to Rahul Gandhi based on a letter sent to him by a BJP MP from Rajasthan who alleges that Bharat Jodo Yatra has not been following Covid protocols.

    “This MP’s letter was sent following the enormous success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in his state. Parliament is meeting typically. Masks are no longer compulsory anywhere, including on flights. BJP has taken out yatras in Rajasthan and Karnataka. There has been no advisory from the Centre to states of late except the one issued yesterday on genome sequencing.” 

    “It also bears recall that in March 2020, the Modi government delayed imposition of lockdown by at least a week to enable the toppling of the Congress government in MP,” he said. 

    The Yatra has now entered Haryana on Wednesday and will then proceed to Delhi on December 24.

    The Yatra, which began from Kanyakumari on September 7, marked its 100 days on Friday, during the 12th day of its Rajasthan leg. The yatra has covered parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. It will end in Jammu and Kashmir on January 26.

    ALSO READ | Why just Bharat Jodo Yatra? Congress questions Mandaviya

    NEW DELHI: A political slugfest broke out Wednesday after Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya wrote to Rahul Gandhi, asking him to ensure Covid-19 guidelines are followed during the Bharat Jodo Yatra or to suspend it in “national interest,” with the Congress taking on the BJP, and accused it of playing “politics.” 

    In his letter dated December 20, the minister requested the Congress leader to ensure Covid guidelines, including masks and sanitisers, are strictly followed, and only those vaccinated are allowed to participate in the Yatra.

    “If Covid protocol cannot be followed, then, given the public health emergency, and to save the country from the Covid pandemic, I request you to suspend the Bharat Jodo Yatra in the national interest,” the minister further said in his letter.

    Reacting to the letter, Congress MP and general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “Public health is far too serious an issue to play party politics. If there is a  protocol for gatherings, Bharat Jodo Yatra will abide by it.” Later speaking with reporters, the minister said it is his “duty to ensure Covid doesn’t spread in the country.”

    He said during the Yatra, “several” people got infected with Covid-19, and that’s why he wrote to Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. He was referring to Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu getting infected with Covid-19 as an example. 

    “Congress’s reaction shows their callous attitude towards Covid. If someone thinks about how a minister can question them (Rahul Gandhi), what can I do about that mindset? Questioning me is like obstructing me from doing my duty,” he added.

    Though, Covid-19 cases in India have declined in the past few weeks, concerns have been raised following the global outbreak, especially in China, the US and East Asia. 

    The minister said he wrote to Rahul Gandhi after three Rajasthan MPs wrote to him, raising concerns about the spread of Covid-19 in the state. “Keeping this in mind, I took the view of experts, and on that basis, I wrote to Rahuji that many who took part in the Yatra have been detected with Covid-19.”

    “I have written the letter as a health minister to ensure people are healthy. But they are coming to the protection of one family, and thus I am being questioned about how I have written such a letter,” Mandaviya later told reporters.

    Congress took on the health minister, saying that the centre has not issued any advisory on Covid-19.

    In a statement, Ramesh said that the health minister has written to Rahul Gandhi based on a letter sent to him by a BJP MP from Rajasthan who alleges that Bharat Jodo Yatra has not been following Covid protocols.

    “This MP’s letter was sent following the enormous success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in his state. Parliament is meeting typically. Masks are no longer compulsory anywhere, including on flights. BJP has taken out yatras in Rajasthan and Karnataka. There has been no advisory from the Centre to states of late except the one issued yesterday on genome sequencing.” 

    “It also bears recall that in March 2020, the Modi government delayed imposition of lockdown by at least a week to enable the toppling of the Congress government in MP,” he said. 

    The Yatra has now entered Haryana on Wednesday and will then proceed to Delhi on December 24.

    The Yatra, which began from Kanyakumari on September 7, marked its 100 days on Friday, during the 12th day of its Rajasthan leg. The yatra has covered parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. It will end in Jammu and Kashmir on January 26.

    ALSO READ | Why just Bharat Jodo Yatra? Congress questions Mandaviya

  • Masks back up, booster shots: Centre’s advice amid Covid surge in China

    By Online Desk

    Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a high-level review meeting with top officials and experts to chalk out strategies to prevent another spike in COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. This comes after a surge in infections in China.

    Medical experts have predicted that more than 60 per cent of China’s population is likely to be infected in the next three months.

    The secretaries of the departments of health, Ayush, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog VK Paul and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) Chairman NL Arora, and other senior officials attended the meeting. 

    After the meeting concluded, Mansukh Mandaviya said, “Covid is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance.”

    ALSO READ | Covid cases on the rise across China, US warns outbreak is of concern to rest of the world

    The meeting comes a day after the secretary of the Union Health ministry Rajesh Bhushan asked state governments and Union Territories to submit samples of positive cases on a priority basis to the genome sequencing laboratories.

    “ln view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, the United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through…INSACOG (Indian SARS-COV-2 Genomics Consortium) network,” health ministry secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter to all states and UTs.

    “Such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same,” Bhushan wrote.

    Bhushan also highlighted that India with its focus on the five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour has been able to restrict the transmission of the coronavirus and is having around 1,200 cases on a weekly basis.

    Key points from meeting

    The Centre’s focus will be on blocking the new Covid cases from entering the country. Domestic and international airports are expected to come up with new guidelines for passengers after consultation with Covid experts.

    The health ministry has also directed all states and Union territories to increase the whole genome sequencing of positive samples to keep track of emerging variants.

    The government has said samples of all Covid positive cases should be sent daily to INSACOG genome sequencing labs mapped with all states and Union Territories. INSACOG is a forum under the Health Ministry to study and monitor various strains of Covid in India.

    Indian travellers returning from abroad, the Covid strains currently in the country and prevention protocols for the upcoming New Year celebrations would also be discussed, according to media reports.

    People especially senior citizens have been advised to take booster shots. 

    VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog addresses the media after a meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on the COVID-19 situation, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav, Express)

     

    What changed? 

    According to the Centre, around 35 lakh Covid cases continue to be reported every week globally, however, Dr NK Arora, chairman of the Covid-19 working group NTAGI, asserted that there is nothing to panic about as the country’s system is “vigilant”.

    The country has reported 129 fresh infections over the last 24 hours and the number of active cases currently stands at 3,408. One death was recorded over the last 24 hours — taking the total to 5,30,677. China is reportedly struggling to contain a surge in Covid-related deaths after an abrupt shift from its Zero Covid policy that imposed strict lockdowns and mass testing. 

    ALSO READ | Beijing crematoriums strain under China Covid wave

    The Zero Covid strategy had sparked massive protests after 10 people were killed in an apartment fire, allegedly because fire engines could not effectively fight the flames due to barricading protocol in the area.

    Amid the fears of the Covid outbreak reaching India, Mansukh Mandaviya wrote to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot regarding Covid norms in the party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra.

    ALSO READ | China says no new Covid deaths after changing criteria

    Mandaviya said Covid guidelines should be strictly followed during the yatra and the use of masks, and sanitiser is implemented.

    In response to the health minister’s letter, Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda said that if the government brings any Covid protocols then they will follow them while pointing out that the Parliament session is underway and there are no protocols implemented there either.

    (With inputs from agencies)

    Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a high-level review meeting with top officials and experts to chalk out strategies to prevent another spike in COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. This comes after a surge in infections in China.

    Medical experts have predicted that more than 60 per cent of China’s population is likely to be infected in the next three months.

    The secretaries of the departments of health, Ayush, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog VK Paul and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) Chairman NL Arora, and other senior officials attended the meeting. 

    After the meeting concluded, Mansukh Mandaviya said, “Covid is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance.”

    ALSO READ | Covid cases on the rise across China, US warns outbreak is of concern to rest of the world

    The meeting comes a day after the secretary of the Union Health ministry Rajesh Bhushan asked state governments and Union Territories to submit samples of positive cases on a priority basis to the genome sequencing laboratories.

    “ln view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, the United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through…INSACOG (Indian SARS-COV-2 Genomics Consortium) network,” health ministry secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter to all states and UTs.

    “Such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same,” Bhushan wrote.

    Bhushan also highlighted that India with its focus on the five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour has been able to restrict the transmission of the coronavirus and is having around 1,200 cases on a weekly basis.

    Key points from meeting

    The Centre’s focus will be on blocking the new Covid cases from entering the country. Domestic and international airports are expected to come up with new guidelines for passengers after consultation with Covid experts.

    The health ministry has also directed all states and Union territories to increase the whole genome sequencing of positive samples to keep track of emerging variants.

    The government has said samples of all Covid positive cases should be sent daily to INSACOG genome sequencing labs mapped with all states and Union Territories. INSACOG is a forum under the Health Ministry to study and monitor various strains of Covid in India.

    Indian travellers returning from abroad, the Covid strains currently in the country and prevention protocols for the upcoming New Year celebrations would also be discussed, according to media reports.

    People especially senior citizens have been advised to take booster shots. 

    VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog addresses the media after a meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on the COVID-19 situation, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav, Express)

     

    What changed? 

    According to the Centre, around 35 lakh Covid cases continue to be reported every week globally, however, Dr NK Arora, chairman of the Covid-19 working group NTAGI, asserted that there is nothing to panic about as the country’s system is “vigilant”.

    The country has reported 129 fresh infections over the last 24 hours and the number of active cases currently stands at 3,408. One death was recorded over the last 24 hours — taking the total to 5,30,677. 
    China is reportedly struggling to contain a surge in Covid-related deaths after an abrupt shift from its Zero Covid policy that imposed strict lockdowns and mass testing. 

    ALSO READ | Beijing crematoriums strain under China Covid wave

    The Zero Covid strategy had sparked massive protests after 10 people were killed in an apartment fire, allegedly because fire engines could not effectively fight the flames due to barricading protocol in the area.

    Amid the fears of the Covid outbreak reaching India, Mansukh Mandaviya wrote to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot regarding Covid norms in the party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra.

    ALSO READ | China says no new Covid deaths after changing criteria

    Mandaviya said Covid guidelines should be strictly followed during the yatra and the use of masks, and sanitiser is implemented.

    In response to the health minister’s letter, Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda said that if the government brings any Covid protocols then they will follow them while pointing out that the Parliament session is underway and there are no protocols implemented there either.

    (With inputs from agencies)

  • James Cameron tests positive for COVID-19, skips Hollywood premiere of ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

    The movie, which is the sequel to Cameron's 2009 blockbuster science fiction film, is set to showcase on Monday evening in Los Angeles.

  • Bharat Biotech urges Centre to include its intranasal covid vaccine in CoWIN portal

    By PTI

    HYDERABAD: Bharat Biotech has requested the central government to include its intranasal covid-19 vaccine iNCOVACC, in CoWIN portal to enable the recipients of the jab to get vaccination certificate.

    The company sources said Bharat Biotech is currently holding discussions with international ‘potential partners’ who have approached the company for manufacturing and distribution of the intranasal vaccine globally.

    “Since iNCOVACC has been approved for “Restricted use under emergency situation” and vaccine recipients will require vaccine certificates, we have requested the government to include iNCOVACC in the COWIN portal. Once this is enabled, India will be one of the few countries to have introduced an intranasal vaccine in its immunization program against COVID,” the sources told PTI.

    Currently Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, Serum Institute’s Covishield and Covovax, Russian Sputink V and Biological E Ltd’s Corbevax are listed in the CoWin portal.

    The vaccine maker on September 6 announced that its iNCOVACC (BBV154), world’s first intranasal COVID-19 vaccine has received approval from Drugs Controller General of India under Restricted Use in Emergency Situation for ages 18 and above.

    “There have been no requests for procurement from state or central governments,” sources further said.

    The city-based vaccine maker also plans to export iNCOVACC to other countries once it gets approvals from the respective nations, sources added.

    iNCOVACC (BBV154) has also received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under Restricted Use in Emergency Situation for ages 18 and above in India, for heterologous booster doses.

    The vaccine was developed in partnership with Washington University, St Louis, which had designed and developed the recombinant adenoviral vectored construct and evaluated in pre-clinical studies for efficacy.

    The vaccine candidate underwent Phases I, II and III clinical trials with successful results and has been specifically formulated to allow intranasal delivery through nasal drops.

    Phase-III trials were conducted for safety, immunogenicity in approximately 3,100 subjects, at 14 trial sites across India.

    HYDERABAD: Bharat Biotech has requested the central government to include its intranasal covid-19 vaccine iNCOVACC, in CoWIN portal to enable the recipients of the jab to get vaccination certificate.

    The company sources said Bharat Biotech is currently holding discussions with international ‘potential partners’ who have approached the company for manufacturing and distribution of the intranasal vaccine globally.

    “Since iNCOVACC has been approved for “Restricted use under emergency situation” and vaccine recipients will require vaccine certificates, we have requested the government to include iNCOVACC in the COWIN portal. Once this is enabled, India will be one of the few countries to have introduced an intranasal vaccine in its immunization program against COVID,” the sources told PTI.

    Currently Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, Serum Institute’s Covishield and Covovax, Russian Sputink V and Biological E Ltd’s Corbevax are listed in the CoWin portal.

    The vaccine maker on September 6 announced that its iNCOVACC (BBV154), world’s first intranasal COVID-19 vaccine has received approval from Drugs Controller General of India under Restricted Use in Emergency Situation for ages 18 and above.

    “There have been no requests for procurement from state or central governments,” sources further said.

    The city-based vaccine maker also plans to export iNCOVACC to other countries once it gets approvals from the respective nations, sources added.

    iNCOVACC (BBV154) has also received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under Restricted Use in Emergency Situation for ages 18 and above in India, for heterologous booster doses.

    The vaccine was developed in partnership with Washington University, St Louis, which had designed and developed the recombinant adenoviral vectored construct and evaluated in pre-clinical studies for efficacy.

    The vaccine candidate underwent Phases I, II and III clinical trials with successful results and has been specifically formulated to allow intranasal delivery through nasal drops.

    Phase-III trials were conducted for safety, immunogenicity in approximately 3,100 subjects, at 14 trial sites across India.

  • Lucknow Diary: Innovation on a dozen wheels

    Innovation on a dozen wheels

    All that innovation needs is a brilliant mind and passion coupled with the patience to apply it. Asad Abdullah, 22, of Azamgarh proved it by developing a 6-seater electric cycle. Asad’s innovation got recognised by none other than Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, who tweeted a small video of the cycle and made the innovation so viral that the video crossed 1 million views since December 1.

    Mahindra tagged the chief design officer of the auto sector of his company asking if this device could find global application. With petrol prices increasing, Abdullah conceptualised the idea of developing an electric cycle in which six people can be accommodated.

    He used scrap material and the motor of an old battery-operated. two-wheeler to develop the cycle in a month’s time at a cost of Rs ₹10,000-12,000. “I want to make it commercial and sell it to others at an affordable price,” says Asad Abdullah, an ITI-trained diploma engineer in electricals.

    Lucknow touches zero covid mark

    After a long span of 32 months, the city of Nawabs touched zero Covid figure mark as the last patient recovered from the ailment and no new case was reported, claim health authorities. The last patient who recovered and was discharged on Tuesday had tested positive last week. “This zero is a precious figure and we are making all efforts to sustain the status in Covid,” said Dr Manoj Agrawal, Lucknow CMO.

    Lucknow has never had a status of zero Covid active cases since the 2020 pandemic. The first case in the state capital was reported in the third week of March 2020. Lucknow’s first Covid-19 patient was a doctor who returned from Canada. The second case reported was also that of a doctor and the third one was of a Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who turned out to be a mass spreader after returning from the UK.

    10 UP heritage sites up for adoption

    UP Archaeological directorate has shortlisted 10 heritage sites up for adoption under the ‘Adopt Heritage Scheme.’ These sites include the Alambagh building of Lucknow, Potrakund in Mathura, Kalpa Devi and Astik Baba temples in Sitapur, Caves of Devgarh of Lalitpur, Raj Mandir Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya, Lakshmi temple in Jhansi, Fort of Tahrauli in Jhansi, Fort of Balabehat in Lalitpur, Digragarhi inJhansi and Shiv temple of Bithoor in Kanpur.

    Those interested in adopting the heritage site would be known as Smarak Mitra who would sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the department and work towards the conservation of the site. Smarak Mitras will also be responsible for arranging logistics for the tourists at the site.

    Innovation on a dozen wheels

    All that innovation needs is a brilliant mind and passion coupled with the patience to apply it. Asad Abdullah, 22, of Azamgarh proved it by developing a 6-seater electric cycle. Asad’s innovation got recognised by none other than Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, who tweeted a small video of the cycle and made the innovation so viral that the video crossed 1 million views since December 1.

    Mahindra tagged the chief design officer of the auto sector of his company asking if this device could find global application. With petrol prices increasing, Abdullah conceptualised the idea of developing an electric cycle in which six people can be accommodated.

    He used scrap material and the motor of an old battery-operated. two-wheeler to develop the cycle in a month’s time at a cost of Rs ₹10,000-12,000. “I want to make it commercial and sell it to others at an affordable price,” says Asad Abdullah, an ITI-trained diploma engineer in electricals.

    Lucknow touches zero covid mark

    After a long span of 32 months, the city of Nawabs touched zero Covid figure mark as the last patient recovered from the ailment and no new case was reported, claim health authorities. The last patient who recovered and was discharged on Tuesday had tested positive last week. “This zero is a precious figure and we are making all efforts to sustain the status in Covid,” said Dr Manoj Agrawal, Lucknow CMO.

    Lucknow has never had a status of zero Covid active cases since the 2020 pandemic. The first case in the state capital was reported in the third week of March 2020. Lucknow’s first Covid-19 patient was a doctor who returned from Canada. The second case reported was also that of a doctor and the third one was of a Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who turned out to be a mass spreader after returning from the UK.

    10 UP heritage sites up for adoption

    UP Archaeological directorate has shortlisted 10 heritage sites up for adoption under the ‘Adopt Heritage Scheme.’ These sites include the Alambagh building of Lucknow, Potrakund in Mathura, Kalpa Devi and Astik Baba temples in Sitapur, Caves of Devgarh of Lalitpur, Raj Mandir Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya, Lakshmi temple in Jhansi, Fort of Tahrauli in Jhansi, Fort of Balabehat in Lalitpur, Digragarhi in
    Jhansi and Shiv temple of Bithoor in Kanpur.

    Those interested in adopting the heritage site would be known as Smarak Mitra who would sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the department and work towards the conservation of the site. Smarak Mitras will also be responsible for arranging logistics for the tourists at the site.

  • ‘PM Modi really knows how to shrug away responsibility’: Congress on deaths due to Covid vaccines

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “shrugging away” from its responsibility, a day after the government told the Supreme Court that it cannot be held liable to compensate for the deaths post administration of Covid vaccines.

    “First: No deaths due to oxygen shortage. Then: No aid to Covid victims. Now: No accountability for vaccine-related deaths. Prime Minister Modi really knows how to shrug away responsibility. A true event manager!” the Congress said on its Twitter handle.

    Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also took a dig, saying this government is never responsible for anything.

    “If there is death due to the side effects of Covid vaccine anywhere in the country, then the government is not responsible for it — people are getting it as per their wish. This is Modi government’s affidavit in the Supreme Court. (Well this government is never responsible for anything),” she said in a tweet in Hindi.

    In another tweet, she said, “Thank you Modi ji for quickly traversing the journey from photo on every vaccine certificate to no responsibility.”

    ALSO READ | ‘Not liable to compensate for deaths due to Covid vaccine,’ Centre tells SC

    The government cannot be held liable to compensate for the deaths due to an adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) post-administration of Covid-19 vaccines, the Centre has told the Supreme Court.

    The affidavit filed in the apex court by the Centre assumes significance in view of the fact that the government has been zealously pursuing the Covid-19 vaccination programme to fight the pandemic and, as per latest reports, over 219 crore doses have been administered.

    The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by the parents of two girls who died allegedly due to adverse effects following Covid vaccination.

    It claimed vaccines manufactured by third parties had successfully undergone regulatory review, and holding the state directly liable to provide compensation may not be legally sustainable.

    “The vaccines in use under the vaccination programme are manufactured by third parties and have successfully undergone thorough regulatory review in India as well as other nations, being recognised globally as safe and effective,” it said.

    “In these facts, it is most humbly submitted that holding the State directly liable to provide compensation under the narrow scope of strict liability for extremely rare deaths occurring due to AEFIs from the use of vaccines may not be legally sustainable,” the affidavit said.

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “shrugging away” from its responsibility, a day after the government told the Supreme Court that it cannot be held liable to compensate for the deaths post administration of Covid vaccines.

    “First: No deaths due to oxygen shortage. Then: No aid to Covid victims. Now: No accountability for vaccine-related deaths. Prime Minister Modi really knows how to shrug away responsibility. A true event manager!” the Congress said on its Twitter handle.

    Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also took a dig, saying this government is never responsible for anything.

    “If there is death due to the side effects of Covid vaccine anywhere in the country, then the government is not responsible for it — people are getting it as per their wish. This is Modi government’s affidavit in the Supreme Court. (Well this government is never responsible for anything),” she said in a tweet in Hindi.

    In another tweet, she said, “Thank you Modi ji for quickly traversing the journey from photo on every vaccine certificate to no responsibility.”

    ALSO READ | ‘Not liable to compensate for deaths due to Covid vaccine,’ Centre tells SC

    The government cannot be held liable to compensate for the deaths due to an adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) post-administration of Covid-19 vaccines, the Centre has told the Supreme Court.

    The affidavit filed in the apex court by the Centre assumes significance in view of the fact that the government has been zealously pursuing the Covid-19 vaccination programme to fight the pandemic and, as per latest reports, over 219 crore doses have been administered.

    The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by the parents of two girls who died allegedly due to adverse effects following Covid vaccination.

    It claimed vaccines manufactured by third parties had successfully undergone regulatory review, and holding the state directly liable to provide compensation may not be legally sustainable.

    “The vaccines in use under the vaccination programme are manufactured by third parties and have successfully undergone thorough regulatory review in India as well as other nations, being recognised globally as safe and effective,” it said.

    “In these facts, it is most humbly submitted that holding the State directly liable to provide compensation under the narrow scope of strict liability for extremely rare deaths occurring due to AEFIs from the use of vaccines may not be legally sustainable,” the affidavit said.