Coronavirus wrap August 12 | Union minister Shripad Naik tests positive; Highest single-day spike in Puducherry

Globally, more than 2.03 crore infections and over 7.41 lakh deaths have been reported due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Reuters. Here are all the latest updates: >> Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Shripad Y Naik, said he has tested positive for COVID-19. >> National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 met for the first time on August 12 and deliberated on a strategy to ensure COVID-19 vaccines’ availability and its delivery mechanism, Union Health Ministry said. >> The West Bengal government withdrew state-wide complete lockdown on August 28 and issued revised dates. It will now be observed on August 20, 21, 27 and 31, the state government said. >> Puducherry witnessed the highest single-day spike so far with 481 cases. >> Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals' fielding coach Dishant Yagnik tested positive for COVID-19. >> The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the organisers of the 2022 Commonwealth Games to opt for a multi-site athletes village instead of building single accommodation facility for players and officials. >> Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at a private hospital in Bengaluru, tested negative and will be discharged on August 13, an official said.