Coronavirus News Highlights: India recorded 43,654 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday that took its tally to 3,14,84,605 while 640 more fatalities pushed the death toll to 4,22,022, according to Union health ministry data. The number of active cases stood at 3,99,436, an increase of 1,336 in a span of 24 hours, and comprises 1.27 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 97.39 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. As many as 17,36,857 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Monday, taking the total number of tests conducted so far to 46,09,00,978. The total number of Covid vaccine doses administered so far as part of the nationwide vaccination drive has reached 44.61 crore.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Google delays workers' return to office, mandates vaccines
Google is postponing a return to the office for most workers until mid-October and rolling out a policy that will eventually require everyone to be vaccinated once its sprawling campuses are fully reopened in an attempt to fight the spreading Delta variant.
In a July 28 email sent to Google’s more than 130,000 employees, CEO Sundar Pichai said the company is now aiming to have most of its workforce back to its offices beginning October 18 instead of its previous target date of September 1. The decision also affects tens of thousands of contractors who Google intends to continue to pay while access to its campuses remains limited. (AP)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Mumbai reports 404 fresh Covid-19 cases, 6 deaths, 382 recoveries
Mumbai reported 404 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, up 61 from a day ago, and six fresh fatalities, while 382 patients recovered from the infection, a civic official said.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official, with this, the tally of COVID-19 cases jumped to 7,35,165, while the death toll increased to 15,795.
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Maharashtra reports 6,857 new COVID-19 cases, 286 deaths, and 6,105 recoveries on July 28
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Gujarat govt relaxes COVID-19 norms ahead of Ganeshotsav
Gujarat govt announced on July 28 that 400 persons will be allowed at public ceremonies held in open spaces from July 31. Functions held in closed spaces will be allowed 50 percent of seating capacity. Installation of a maximum of 4 ft Ganesha statue in public permitted for the upcoming Ganeshotsav.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates |
We need to focus on getting all schools reopened. ALL staff to get vaccinated on priority to facilitate this Reopening. Very simply, the country’s future is at stake, says Mahindra and Mahindra Chairman Anand Mahindra
Coronavirus LIVE Updates |
Karnataka reports 1,531 new COVID-19 cases, 1,430 recoveries. and 19 deaths today. Active cases are 22,569. Total cases in Karnataka now stand at 28,99,195, total recoveries at 28,40,147, and the COVID-19 death toll is 36,456.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Uttarakhand HC bans Char Dham Yatra till August 18
The Nainital High Court on July 28reprimanded the Uttarakhand government for not following COVID-19 SOPs at tourist spots and alsobannedthe Char Dham Yatra till August 18, in view of the coronavirus pandemic, news agencyANIreported.The Uttarakhand government had on June 28 moved the Supreme Court challenging the High Court order staying Char Dham Yatra, reversing the state’s decision to open it partially for residents of three districts -- Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Rudraprayag -- from July 1.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | England to allow unquarantined travel from US and EU if jabbed: govt
Fully vaccinated people in the United States and European Union will be allowed to travel to England without having to quarantine on arrival, the UK government announced on Wednesday."We're helping reunite people living in the US and European countries with their family and friends," tweeted transport minister Grant Shapps, adding that the policy will come into force from 4:00 am (0300 GMT) August 2.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Himachal Pradesh reports 116 new COVID-19 cases, 84 recoveries & 02 deaths in the last 24 hours
Active cases at 953
Total positive cases: 2,05,499
Death toll: 3,504
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Manipur reports 1,003 new COVID-19 positive cases, 12 deaths, and 871 recoveries in the last 24 hours
Active cases at 10,922
Total cases: 95,824
Death toll: 1,510
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | No room for complacency in COVID fight, absolute case numbers still high: MHA to states
The Union Home Ministry Wednesday said there is no room for complacency in the approach to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic as the absolute number of positive cases is still significantly high.Extending the existing pandemic guidelines till August 31, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said there should be continuous focus on the five-fold strategy of 'test, track, treat, vaccinate and adhere to COVID-appropriate behaviour' for effective management of COVID-19.He also said there is a need to ensure adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour (CAB) in all crowded places in view of the upcoming festivals.
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I'm proud to announce an additional $25 million from the US government, through US AID, to support India’s Covid-19 vaccination program, tweets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Kerala reports 22,056 new cases, 131 deaths and 17,761 recoveries; active caseload rises to 1,49,534
Coronavirus LIVE Updates |
Nainital High Court strongly reprimands the Uttarakhand government for not following COVID19 SOPs at the tourist places in the state. Court also bans the Chardham Yatra till August 18, in view of the pandemic
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Vice Admiral Rajat Datta(DG Armed forces Medical Services) on military study on Covishield effectiveness:
In our study, Covishield is 93.5% effective against breakthrough infections & against death, it is 98% effective. It is also effective against different variants of concern.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Goa records 81 new COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths, 127 recoveries
Goa's coronavirus caseload went up by 81 and reached 1,70,810 on Wednesday, while 127 patients recovered from the infection, a health department official said. The death toll increased to 3,142 after two patients succumbed to the disease during the day, he said. The number of recovered cases rose to 1,66,586 as 127 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours, the official said. Goa now has 1,082 active cases, the official said. "With 4,210 new coronavirus tests, the number of tests conducted in the state has gone up to 10,43,212,” he added. Goa's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 1,70,810, new cases 81, death toll 3,142, discharged 1,66,586, active cases 1,082, samples tested till date 10,43,212. (PTI)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | 97,79,440 Covid vaccine doses administered in Delhi so far: Bulletin
Nearly 38,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine were administered in Delhi on Tuesday, taking the cumulative number to 97,79,440, according to the city's daily vaccination bulletin issued on Wednesday.The city administered 37,825 doses on Tuesday, of which 13,827 were first doses and 23,998 were second doses.The national capital, as on Wednesday morning, had a balance stock of 7,11,380 coronavirus vaccines comprising 4,87,410 Covishield and 2,23,970 Covaxin doses, according to the data shared by the government.A total of 62,490 Covishield and 29,360 Covaxin doses were added to the stock on Tuesday.
The doses will go out of stock in three days, the bulletin stated.On account of limited supply of Covid vaccine, the Delhi government has reserved Covishield shots only for beneficiaries whose second dose is due, across all its vaccination centres till July 31.The state government has also put a "20 per cent cap" on Covaxin due to its limited stock and irregular delivery cycles.The total number of vaccine doses administered in Delhi stands at 97,79,440, including 73,24,923 first doses and 24,54,517 second doses, it noted.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Delhi reports 67 new COVID-19 cases, 61 recoveries and 3 deaths in the last 24 hours
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Covax expecting 250 million donated doses in 6-8 weeks: WHO
Covax is expecting to receive 250 million donated Covid-19 vaccine doses over the next six to eight weeks, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.The influx of doses is a major boost for the scheme, which is aimed at ensuring poorer countries can access jabs and has so far delivered 152 million vaccine doses to 137 participating territories.In a weekly operational update issued Wednesday, the WHO said that at a recent UN Crisis Management Team meeting it "reported that there will be increased vaccine donations to the Covax facility, projecting an additional 250 million vaccines over the next six to eight weeks". (AFP)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | 65.5% of 2nd dose eligible beneficiaries received the jab as per CoWIN portal: Govt
About 65.5 percent of second dose eligible beneficiaries aged 18 years and above have received the second dose of Covid vaccine as per CoWIN portal, the health ministry said on Wednesday.Responding to a question of Rajya Sabha MPM V Shreyams Kumar, Minister of State for Health Bharati Pawar said as on July 25, about 34.04 crore persons have received at least first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Gujarat govt reduces private lab rates for RT-PCR tests
The Gujarat government on Wednesday decided to slash rates of RT-PCR tests being conducted by private laboratories to Rs 400 from the existing Rs 700. For RT-PCR samples collected from homes or hospitals, private laboratories cannot charge more than Rs 550, a reduction of Rs 350 from the existing rate of Rs 900, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel told reporters. Patel, who holds the health portfolio, also said RT-PCR tests conducted by private laboratories for passengers at airports in the state will now cost Rs 2,700, a reduction of Rs 1,300 from the existing Rs 4,000. Patel further said a private radiology centre cannot charge more than Rs 2,500 for a high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan. Charges fixed by the government for the HRCT scan are Rs 3,000, he said. The HRCT scan is vital to ascertain the COVID-19 infection in patients. The decision to reduce the rates of RT-PCR tests has been taken keeping in mind the fall in the prices of kits used in these tests and as part of the state government's preparation for a possible third wave of the pandemic, he added.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Guidelines for ex-gratia payment to kin of Covid victims under consultation: Govt
Preparation of guidelines for providing ex-gratia assistance to the family members of COVID-19 victims is "under consultation" with all the stakeholders, the government informed Parliament on Wednesday."The Hon''ble Supreme Court vide its judgment dated 30th June, 2021 in Writ Petition (Civil) No.539 of 2021 titled as Gaurav Kumar Bansal vs Union of India inter alia directed National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to recommend guidelines for ex-gratia assistance on account of loss of life to the family members of the persons who died due to COVID-19."Pursuant to the said judgment, the matter is under consultation with all the stakeholders," Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.The apex court, on June 30, directed the NDMA to issue guidelines in six weeks for ex-gratia compensation to the families of Covid victims. The court also said the NDMA has failed to perform its statutory duty.The top court ordered for steps to simplify the guidelines for issuance and correction of death certificates or official documents stating the exact cause of death, that is "death due to COVID-19", for enabling the dependents to get benefits of welfare schemes.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | No extra blood clot risk after second dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: Study
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is associated with a small risk of rare blood clots after the first dose, and no extra risk after the second shot, according to a study led and funded by the British-Swedish drugmaker.The research, published in The Lancet on Tuesday, shows that the rates of the very rare clotting disorder, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), following a second dose of the vaccine are comparable to those among unvaccinated population.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | In breakthrough, Tanzania kicks off COVID-19 vaccinations
In a major breakthrough for one of the world’s last countries to embrace COVID-19 vaccines, Tanzania’s president kicked off the nation’s vaccination campaign Wednesday by publicly receiving a dose and urging others to do the same.The East African country’s government under former President John Magufuli had long worried African health officials by denying the pandemic. Magufuli, who insisted the coronavirus could be defeated with prayer, died in March. The presidency went to his deputy, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has since changed Tanzania’s course on COVID-19.Hassan, who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, expressed confidence in the safety of vaccines and said the country of more than 58 million people will pursue more. The United States on Saturday announced the delivery of more than 1 million doses via the COVAX global initiative aimed at supplying low- and middle-income countries. (AP)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Aslam Shaikh, Maharashtra Mininister:
The restrictions that were brought four months ago have been slowly relaxed. Our ministers feel that people who are vaccinated with two doses should be permitted to travel. Timings in restaurants also must be increased. A decision will be taken soon.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | WHO says coronavirus deaths up 21% in last week
The World Health Organization says the number of coronavirus deaths globally jumped by 21percent in the last week.Most of the 69,000 deaths were reported in the Americas and Southeast Asia.The UN health agency also noted that COVID-19 cases rose by 8percent worldwide and that there are now nearly 194 million infections.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Black fungus cases touch 4,293 in Andhra Pradesh
The total number of black fungus cases increased to 4,293 and deaths to 400 in Andhra Pradesh as on July 27. In the last one week, the state added 195 new mucormycosis cases and 15 deaths while 245 patients had recovered, government data said. The number of active black fungus cases in the state is now 788, down from 853 the previous week. So far, 1,957 surgeries were performed on the fungus- infected patients, the data said. Anantapuramu district reported 26 fresh deaths in a week and Chittoor 20 while Guntur, Prakasam, SPS Nellore and Vizianagaram did not report any fatalities. With 85 mucormycosis deaths so far, Chittoor topped the state chart while SPS Nellore and Vizianagaram are at the bottom with just one each. Chittoor added 84, Anantapuramu 55, Kadapa 48, Kurnool 41, East Godavari 38, Guntur 37, Prakasam 31, Visakhapatnam 30, Krishna 29, Srikakulam 16 and SPS Nellore eight fresh cases in a week. Vizianagaram and West Godavari districts did not register any fresh black fungus cases in a week, the data showed. (PTI)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | 48% parents not willing to send their kids to schools till they get Covid vaccines: Survey
Nearly 48 per cent parents are not willing to send their children to schools till they are vaccinated against the novel coronavirus infection, says a new survey.The survey conducted with over 32,000 parents across 361 districts in the country found that 30 per cent parents are willing to send their wards to schools if coronavirus cases in their districts come down to zero."Vaccinating children in the coming months is going to be key if children are to go to schools for physical classes. Forty-eight per cent of the surveyed parents said they are not willing to send their children to schools till they are vaccinated."At least 21 per cent of parents said whenever the schools reopen, they are ready to send their wards there," said the survey by an online platform, Local Circles.Nearly 47 per cent of the respondents of the survey were from tier 1 districts, 27 per cent from tier 2 and 26 per cent respondents were from tier 3, 4 and rural districts.Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had on Tuesday told BJP MPs that Covid vaccination for children was likely to start soon.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Saudi Arabia announces three-year travel ban for citizens visiting 'red list' countries, including India
Saudi Arabia has announced a three-year travel ban and hefty penalties on citizens who visit countries on the kingdom's COVID-19 red list, including India."Travelling to the banned countries is an obvious violation of COVID-19 related travel restrictions and the Kingdom’s updated instructions," the Gulf News on Tuesday quoted a report by the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) as saying.The SPA report said an official at the Saudi Ministry of Interior has warned Saudi citizens against travelling to countries that have been put on the no-travel list recently as these nations are currently witnessing a surge in cases of COVID-19 and its variants.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | 4,182 people violated Covid protocols at Delhi airport between March and July: Govt
A total of 4,182 people violated Covid protocols at the Delhi airport between March and July this year, Minister of State for Civil Aviation V K Singh said on Wednesday.Singh said 529 such complaints were received from the Hyderabad airport, 301 from the Mumbai airport and 150 from the Bengaluru airport, he said in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha."There have been cases of violation mainly related to non-wearing of masks by the persons at various airports for which appropriate actions have been taken by the airport operator in collaboration with local authorities/law enforcing agencies," he added.The Civil Aviation Ministry had issued specific guidelines for airlines, airports and passengers in May 2020 to ensure safe travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Record virus cases in Tokyo as more regions weigh emergency
Daily virus cases in Tokyo topped 3,000 for the first time on Wednesday, as several neighbouring regions weighed emergency restrictions to tackle a surge in infections.Tokyo, which is already under a virus state of emergency as it hosts the Olympics, reported 3,117 cases, and Governor Yuriko Koike called on people to avoid "unnecessary, non-urgent outings."Japan's vaccination programme started slowly, and only just over 25 percent of the population has had two jabs."I want young people to get vaccinated. Young people's behaviour is the key. I'm asking them please for their cooperation," Koike said. (AFP)
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S.Korea reports record daily COVID-19 cases as Moderna pledges vaccinesSouth Korea on Wednesday reported 1,896 new COVID-19 cases for Tuesday, its highest-ever daily increase, as the country struggles to subdue a fourth wave of outbreaks fanned by the more contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus. The daily tally broke a previous record set on July 22 as infections are spreading beyond the capital Seoul and its neighbouring regions where the toughest social distancing rules are in place. There were 1,823 domestically transmitted cases on Tuesday and 33.5%, or 611, of the were from areas outside the capital regions, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). (Reuters)
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | Cashless surgery scheme of Delhi Arogya Kosh extended for mucormycosis patients: Jain
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Wednesday said the city government has extended its cashless surgery scheme of Delhi Arogya Kosh for the treatment of patients suffering from black fungus or mucormycosis.The Delhi government on March 27 had declared black fungus an epidemic, in view of its rising cases.
"Delhi Govt has extended its cashless surgery scheme of Delhi Arogya Kosh for the treatment of Mucormycosis. Residents of Delhi undergoing treatment of Mucormycosis in Delhi Govt hospital can be referred to empanelled private hospital under this cashless scheme for the treatment," Jain tweeted. He also shared a copy of an official memorandum issued in connection with the extension of the scheme for black fungus patients.
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | COVID-19: Delhi govt to seek feedback from teachers, parents about reopening of schools
The Delhi government is seeking feedback from teachers and parents of students about the reopening of schools considering the Covid situation is under control, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced on Tuesday. During an online briefing, he said that students, parents and teachers can mail their suggestions to delhischools21@gmail.com on how the process of reopening schools be started.
"Parents and teachers want schools to reopen but are fearful. We want to want from parents, students and teachers on whether we can reopen the schools and how can it be done. In the neighbouring states, schools have reopened," he said. Sisodia, who also holds the Education portfolio, said that the Covid situation is under control now and Delhi is recording an average of 40-60 cases on a daily basis.
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | Odisha logs 1,703 new COVID-19 cases, 69 fresh fatalities
Odisha's COVID-19 tally rose to 9,72,517 on Wednesday as 1,703 more people tested positive for the infection, while 69 fresh fatalities pushed the state's coronavirus death toll to 5,703, a health official said. The daily test positivity rate (TPR) further dipped to 2.16 per cent from 2.59 per cent on Tuesday.
As many as 988 new cases were reported in quarantine centres, while 715 infections were detected during contact tracing, he said. Khurda district, under which Bhubaneswar falls, registered the highest number of new cases at 386, followed by Cuttack (240) and Kendrapara (149). While 26 other districts reported cases in double digits, Bolangir, Nuapada and Gajapati recorded three fresh infections each, the lowest in the state.
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | Blood clots in people with severe Covid linked to abnormal antibody response: Study
Inflammation and blood clotting seen in very severe cases of COVID-19 may be caused by the antibodies sent to fight the disease triggering unnecessary platelet activity in the lungs, according to a study published on Wednesday. The researchers, including those from Imperial College London in the UK, also found that it was possible to reduce or stop platelets from responding in this way by treating blood with active ingredients from different drugs known to either inhibit platelet function or immune responses. The study, published in the journal Blood, shows how antibodies produced by our bodies to protect against COVID-19 are activating increased function of platelets, which may be causing fatal blood clots in patients with severe disease.
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | India says 'few members' of WTO ensured deadline on COVID vaccine IP waiver talks was missed
At the World Trade Organization (WTO), India reportedly said that a "few members" ensured that the July-end deadline for talks on the COVID-19 vaccine intellectual property rights waiver was missed, a move crucial towards fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. India said some members did not engage in text-based negotiation and raised the issue of selective interpretation of rules and procedures.
"Despite the agreement among members in early June to start the text-based negotiation, it is unfortunate that a few members have failed to engage in the text-based negotiation," India said at the meeting. Continue reading...
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | Myanmar junta seeks international cooperation over COVID-19 crisis
Myanmar's military ruler is looking for greater cooperation with the international community to contain the coronavirus, state media reported on Wednesday, as the Southeast Asian country struggles with a surging wave of infections. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing called in a speech for more cooperation on prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19, including with fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and "friendly countries", the Global New Light of Myanmar reported.
The junta leader said vaccinations needed to be increased, through both donated doses and by developing domestic production, aided by Russia, the newspaper said, adding Myanmar would seek the release of funds from an ASEAN COVID-19 fund. (Reuters)
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | Tokyo residents continue to support the Olympics amidst rising virus cases
A day after Tokyo reported its highest number of new coronavirus infections, local residents shared their concerns and support for the Olympic Games. 53-year-old Shigeki Osada said it was a shame that the surge and the Olympics overlapped, although he believes they are two separate things. "It's not that simple. Sports is part of the culture and should be protected as well as people's lives. It's the balance that is crucial", Osada said.
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | Retailers' body RAI urges Maharashtra govt to consider reopening of malls, shopping centres
Retailers Association of India (RAI) on Wednesday said the prolonged closures of malls in Maharashtra due to COVID-19 have 'impacted' around 2 lakh jobs and asked the state government to allow them to operate with necessary safeguards. The closure has put the entire ecosystem that depends on the malls in "serious jeopardy" and is not only hurting businesses but also livelihoods of people working there, RAI said in a statement.
"The prolonged closures have impacted the estimated 50 malls in Maharashtra that employ more than 2 lakh people, generate a business of (around) Rs 40,000 crore and contribute Rs 4,000 crore in GST, per month," the retailers' body said. RAI further said, "It has also afflicted all the businesses associated with malls -- on an average, a mall has 200 retail stores operating in it and over 5,000 business entities associated with it as suppliers and vendors. Restarting malls will help ensure the survival of this ecosystem."
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Arunachal Pradesh reports 443 new COVID-19 cases, 3 more deathsArunachal Pradesh's COVID-19 tally surged to 46,800 as 443 more people tested positive for the virus, a senior health official said here on Wednesday. The COVID-19 death toll in the frontier state increased to 221 as three more persons succumbed to the infection in the past two days, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said. Arunachal Pradesh currently has 4,287 active COVID-19 cases, he said. As many as 472 patients were cured of the disease on Tuesday taking the total number of COVID-19 recoveries in the state to 42,292, Jampa said. The COVID-19 recovery rate in the state now is 90.37 per cent while the active percentage stands at 9.16 and the positivity rate at 6.87 per cent, the SSO said.
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | West Bengal districts asked to strictly handle flouting of Covid norms
Amid the growing trend of people flouting the Covid-19 safety protocols set by the state government, West Bengal Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi on Tuesday directed all district magistrates to handle incidents of such violation "very strictly", official sources said. In a letter to the DMs, Dwivedi directed them to increase vigilance during the night curfew from 9 pm to 5 am to ensure that Covid-19 protocols are not flouted. "As per the instructions of the chief secretary, district authorities must enhance the number of police personnel during the night curfew as well as CCTVs. District administrations can also utilise the services of the officials of the Enforcement Directorate," a source said. (PTI)
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | Covishield reduces fresh infections by 93%, deaths by 98%: AFMS study
A study by Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has found that Covishield vaccine reduces fresh COVID-19 infections by 93 per cent and deaths by 98 per cent, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. Data of 15.95 lakh healthcare workers and frontline workers -- who were administered Covishield vaccine -- of the Indian armed forces was analysed for this study, the ministry noted.
India started its vaccination drive in January 16. The aforementioned 15.95 lakh workers were among the first recipients of Covishield vaccine. "According to the study, there was a 93 per cent reduction in fresh infections and the deaths were reduced by 98 per cent. It is possibly the largest study worldwide on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, so far," the Defence Ministry's statement mentioned.
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | 16 new Olympics-related COVID-19 cases, but no athlete and none from Games Village
The Olympic Games organisers announced 16 new COVID-19 cases associated with the event on Wednesday but none of them were athletes. The fresh additions took the total number of Games-related cases to 169.It is for the first time in four days that no COVID-19 cases were reported among Olympic athletes.
Out of the 16, four are Games-concerned personnel, two from the media, nine contractors and one volunteer. But, none of the 16 were staying at the Olympic Village. According to reports, two cases previously reported proved to be negative and were removed from the cumulative total.
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker: Over 40 lakh doses administered in India on July 27
More than 40.02 lakh vaccine doses were administered in India on July 27, the Union Health Ministry's latest provisional report suggested. With that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country crossed 44.61 crore. On the 193rd day of the vaccination drive on July 27, 26.19 lakh beneficiaries received their first shot and 13.82 lakh people were given their second dose.
The government has revised the gap between the two doses for the Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, to 12-16 weeks. However, the interval for the second dose of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin remains unchanged.
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282 new COVID-19 cases in Thane, 10 more deathsThane has reported 282 new cases of coronavirus, taking the infection count in the Maharashtra district to 5,43,522, an official said on Wednesday.These new cases were reported on Tuesday, he said.The virus also claimed the lives of 10 more people, raising the death toll in the district to 10,998, he said, adding that the COVID-19 mortality rate in Thane stood at 2.02 per cent.InneighbouringPalghardistrict, the COVID-19 case count has gone up to 1,29,370, while the death toll has reached 3,129, another official said.
