Coronavirus News Highlights: The single day rise in new coronavirus infections inched closer to 3 lakh pushing India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,56,16,130, while the death toll increased to 1,82,553 with a record 2,023 daily fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. A total of 2,95,041 fresh infections were registered in a span of 24 hours, while the active cases crossed the 21-lakh mark, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase for the 42nd in a row, the active cases have increased to 21,57,538, comprising 13.82 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has dropped to 85.01 per cent. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,32,76,039, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.17 per cent, the data stated. India's regulator has granted restricted emergency use approval for three vaccines — Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V. All persons above the age of 45 are eligible to get vaccinated. Globally, more than 14.04 crore people have been infected by the novel coronavirus and 30.08 lakh have died so far, as per the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre.
The live blog session has concluded. For more news, views and updates, stay tuned with Moneycontrol.com.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Delhi reports 24,638 new cases, 249 deaths in last 24 hours
Delhi on April 21 reported a spike of 24,638 new coronavirus cases and 249 deaths in the last 24 hours. The state's daily COVID-19 count has been alarmingly surging since the onset of second wave of the pandemic.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Centre allocates supply of Remdesivir to 19 States/UTs with High Burden of COVID cases
"To further address reports of shortages in certain regions of the country and facilitate smoothinter-state supply of Remdesivir, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in coordination withDepartment of Pharmaceuticals has made an interim allocation of Remdesivir for 19 States/UTsfor the period up to 30th April, 2021," the Centre said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Maharashtra Govt announces additional restrictions but no full lockdown
The government of Maharashtra has announced further restrictions for the state that will come into force at 8 pm on 22 April and will be imposed till 7 am on May1. Government offices to operate with only 15% staff and people at marriages are to be limited to 25.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | COVID-19 patient allegedly attacks nurse with knife in Mumbai
A COVID-19 patient allegedly attackeda nurse with a knife at a COVID care centre in South Mumbai. The Mumbai Police has registered a case under sections 324, 504, 188 and 270 of IPC and section 4 of MESMA Act at Malabar Hill police station, news agency ANI reported.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Bihar reports biggest single-day spike with over 12,000 new cases
Bihar, which survived the first round of the pandemic last year, is among the states severely hit by the second COVID-19 wave. The state reported 12,222 new cases on April 21 - the highest in single day so far.The tally of active cases has jumped 63,746 in the state.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Karnataka reports sharpest single-day spike of 23,558 new cases
A total of 23,558 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Karnataka on Apri 21, the sharpest in a single day so far. The corresponding period also witnessed 116 deaths due to coronavirus-related complications in the state.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Gujarat reports sharpest single-day spike with 12,553 new cases
Gujarat registers sharpest single-day spike with 12,553 newCOVID-19cases. A total of4,802 discharges and 125 fatalities were also reported in the last 24 hours.
Total cases: 4,40,731
Death toll: 5,740
Total recoveries: 3,50,865
Active cases: 84,126.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Karnataka Health Minister appeals for 1500 metric tonnes of oxygen every day
Chief Minister has requested Centre to provide 1,500 metric tonnes of oxygen every day. I have also appealed to provide additional oxygen, and we are hopeful that the central govt will respond positively: Karnataka Health & Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Reports of District Administration taking control of Linde plant is false
Media reports regarding the Faridabad District Administration taking over control of Linde plant in Faridabad are malicious, false & baseless. Oxygen supply from this plant interrupted due to some technical reason & supply likely to resume soon: Haryana Information & Public Dept
Coronavirus LIVE Updates |
9,623 fresh COVID19 cases, 45 deaths and 3,928 recoveries reported in Haryana today; case tally 3,81,247, death toll 3,528
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Punjab reports 4,970 new COVID19 cases, 69 deaths and 2,727 recoveries in the last 24 hours
Total cases: 3,14,269
Total recoveries: 2,67,289
Death toll: 8,114
Active cases: 38,866
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Kerala will not implement lockdown says CM
Kerala is not going to implement any lockdown at the present juncture. Instead, people are being asked to follow the COVID guidelines strictly: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury tests positive for COVID19
West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury tests positive for COVID19. He says he will continue campaigning for WestBengalElectionsvirtually. PM Modihas tweeted, praying for his speedy recovery.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates |
In an urgent application regarding oxygen shortage at Max Hospital in Delhi, the Delhi High Court asksCentre to immediately stop the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes,
Coronavirus LIVE Updates |
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tests positive for COVID19
Coronavirus LIVE Kerala Updates | Kerala Government to provide free vaccines
Kerala government to provide COVID19 vaccine free of cost for all above 18 years of age: CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Coronavirus LIVE Gujarat Updates |Gujarat registers 12,553 new COVID19 cases, 4,802 discharges and 125 fatalities in the last 24 hours
Total cases: 4,40,731
Death toll: 5,740
Total recoveries: 3,50,865
Active cases: 84,126
Coronavirus LIVE Maharashtra Updates | Death Toll in Nasik Oxygen blast rises to 24
Death toll rises to 24. There was no negligence by the Corporation. A high-level committee has been set up to probe the incident: Nashik Mayor Satish Kulkarni
Coronavirus LIVE Delhi Updates |
The state governments have been asked to buy vaccines. But states are already going through a financial burden because of COVID-19. Instead of pushing states to further economic crisis, the Centre should give vaccines to the states for free: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Coronavirus LIVE Delhi Updates |
Linde India has commenced supply of oxygen. Sir Ganga Ram City Hospital has received 45 cylinders at 6 pm today.
Coronavirus LIVE Maharashtra Updates |
Mumbai reports 7,684 new COVID19 cases, 6,790 recoveries and 62 deaths in the last 24 hours
Total cases: 6,01,590
Total recoveries: 5,03,053
Death toll: 12,501
Active cases: 84,743
Coronavirus LIVE Delhi Updates | Acute oxygen shortage at Delhi's Stephen Hospital
We get regular supply from Linde oxygen supplier. At 1:30 pm today, they informed us that since plant in Faridabad (Haryana) is getting sealed, they won't be able to supply oxygen to us. There's an emergency now: Dr John Punnooses, asst director at St Stephens Hospital, Delhi
Coronavirus LIVE Karnataka Updates |
Karnataka records 23,558 fresh COVID19 cases, 6,412 discharges and 116 fatalities in the last 24 hours; case tally at 12,22,202 and active cases at 1,76,188
Coronavirus LIVE Assam Updates |
Assam Government converts Guwahati's Sarusajai Stadium into a COVID19 isolation facility. At least 1000 people can be quarantined at the facility.
Coronavirus LIVE Andhra Pradesh Updates |
Andhra Pradesh reports 9,716 new COVID19 cases, 38 deaths and 3,359 recoveries in the last 24 hours
Total cases: 9,86,703
Death toll: 7,510
Active cases: 60,208
Total recoveries: 9,18,985
Coronavirus LIVE Delhi Updates | Again request govt to increase oxygen supply, says Delhi Deputy CM
We again request the Government of India to increase Delhi's quota of oxygen supply as nearly 18,000 patients are currently admitted to hospitals in the city. I've visited many hospitals, people from UP, Haryana etc are also getting treatment here: Delhi Dy CM Manish Sisodia
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Acute Oxygen shortage at Apollo Hospitals in Delhi
The situation is quite grim. We've supplies that will probably take us till midnight today. If we don't get replenishment on time there can be a serious crisis.We are not getting a daily supply of oxygen due to which replenishment is not happening. The demand for oxygen has gone up. We have around 350 COVID19 patients and all of them require oxygen. Delhi govt is trying to make sure oxygen supplies come on time: P Shivakumar, MD, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals on oxygen supply shortage
Coronavirus LIVE Maharashtra Updates | Nagpur district reports 7,229 new COVID19 cases, 7,266 recoveries and 98 deaths in the last 24 hours
Total cases: 3,43,589
Total recoveries: 2,65,457
Active cases: 71,557
Death toll: 6,575
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Night curfew imposed in Goa from 10pm to 6am tonight
Night curfew imposed in Goa from 10pm to 6am tonight.Casinos, restaurants and bars, cinema halls allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity.Goa Board postpones 10th and 12th examinations.The Board will inform 15 days in advance before holding the exams: Goa CM Pramod Sawant
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Remdesivir isn't Ramban, only decreases viral load in people who need it: Dr Naresh Trehan
"We've now made a protocol that Remdesivir to be given not to everyone who tests positive.Only after doctors look at test results, symptoms, comorbidities of a patient,then,it's to be given. Remdesivir isn't a 'Ramban', it only decreases viral load in people who need it," said Dr Naresh Trehan, CMD, Medanta.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Hospital beds should be used responsibly, enough oxygen if used judiciously: Dr Naresh Trehan
"Less percentage of people require hospitalisation. The hospital beds should be utilised judiciously andwith responsibility. This responsibility rests on all of us,"said Dr Naresh Trehan, CMD,Medanta, in a live interaction hosted by news agency ANI.
"Today we have enough oxygen if we try to use it judiciously. I want to tell the public that if you don't need oxygen then don't use it as a security blanket. Waste of oxygen will only lead to depriving someone who needs it," he added.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Chhattisgarh govt to bear expenses of vaccinating everyone above 18
Expenses, to vaccinate all aged above 18 years in Chhattisgarh, will be borne by state govt. We will take all possible steps to protect our citizens' lives. Request central govt to ensure availability of adequate number of vaccines: Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | New restrictions, lockdowns put malls in tight spot
In life before COVID-19, shopping malls were an intrinsic part of the existence of urban dwellers. Not any longer. Struggling to get business in the wake of a second round of pandemic restrictions, the malls are looking at cost-reduction steps such as layoffs to stay afloat, while being wary of extending rental waivers, which had been offered to retain retailers in 2020.
Thane-based Viviana Mall, for instance, has already laid off 50 percent of its 500 employees. “We are looking at ways to cut down our expenses and considering that manpower draws huge costs, we had to resort to layoffs,” says Gurvineet Singh, chief executive officer of the Viviana Mall.
According to a report released by the Shopping Centres Association of India (SCAI) in April 2020, about 25-30 percent of jobs were impacted in the industry due to restrictions. By mid-March, however, 70-75 percent of employees had re-joined.
“If the situation does not normalise after April and curbs on mall visits continue, companies will have to let go of employees again,” says Mukesh Kumar, chairman, SCAI and CEO, Infiniti Malls.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Second COVID wave Modi-made disaster, says Mamata Banerjee
Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday alleged that the second COVID-19 wave in the country and its management is a "Modi-made disaster". Addressing an election rally at Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur district, the TMC chief asserted that West Bengal will be run only by a "Bengal engine government" and not by "Modi's double-engine". "The second COVID wave is more intense. I would say this is a Modi-made disaster. There are no injections or oxygen. Vaccines and medicines are being shipped abroad even as there is a scarcity of these items in the country," she told the rally.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Pfizer says will continue to engage with govt to make its COVID-19 vaccine available in India
Drug maker Pfizer on Wednesday said it would continue engagement with the Central government towards making the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine part of the government’s immunisation programme in the country. “As we have stated earlier, during this pandemic phase, Pfizer will prioritise supporting governments in their immunisation programmes and supply the COVID-19 vaccine only through government contracts based on agreements with respective government authorities and following regulatory authorisation or approval,” the company told Moneycontrol.
Pfizer, in February, had withdrawn an application for emergency-use authorisation (EUA) of its COVID-19 vaccine in India, after failing to meet the drug regulator’s demand for a local safety and immunogenicity study.
But circumstances have changed now, with Pfizer becoming eligible to directly seek EUA from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to import its COVID-19 vaccine, as the government last week waived off the requirement of submitting local bridge trial data upfront for vaccines approved by the USFDA, European Medicines Agency (EMA), UK MHRA, PMDA Japan or those listed with the WHO under Emergency Use Listing.
All these regulatory agencies have approved Pfizer vaccine. Recently, Pfizer signed a deal with South Africa to supply Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at $10 per dose.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Only 27 ICU beds left for COVID-19 patients in Delhi
Only 27 out of 4,641 ICU beds are available for COVID-19 patients in Delhi even as the national capital is recording a surge in coronavirus infection. According to the Delhi government’s dashboard that tracks the COVID-19 care facilities available in the city, less than one percent ICU beds are available in different government and private facilities on April 21 at 12.30 pm.
Of these, 20 beds are available in Madhukar Rainbow Children Hospital in Malviya Nagar, three in All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), and two each in Lady Hardinge Medical College and Sir Ganga Ram City Hospital. The situation was such a day after the Delhi High Court asked the Central government to look into providing more beds in hospitals run by it in the national capital for COVID-19 patients as people needing hospitalisation now was 'far greater' than last year's peak.
A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli asked the Health Ministry to look into the aspect in view of the prevailing circumstances and file a report on the next date of hearing on April 22.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Centre's COVID-19 vaccine policy no less than demonetisation, says Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on April 21 compared the central government's vaccine strategy with demonetisation, which according to him, helped industrialists flourish and made common people suffer. Congress has termed the COVID vaccine policy as "discriminatory and inequitable". "The central government's vaccine strategy is no less than the demonetisation. The common people will stand in queues, will suffer the loss of wealth, health and life and in the end, only a few big industrialists will benefit," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi. The Centre on April 19 announced a liberalised vaccine policy, making all adults above 18 years of age eligible for getting vaccination from May 1.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Over 1.29 crore doses administered in Maharashtra so far
Maharashtra, the worst-affected state in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to report the highest numbers in India's vaccination drive. Maharashtra has administered over 1.29 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses so far, according to official data released by the state government. As many as 2.75 lakh shots were given on April 20, the data showed.
Cumulatively, while 1.14 crore beneficiaries have received their first dose, 14.98 lakh have been given their second dose. The beneficiaries, include healthcare workers, frontline workers and individuals aged above 45. According to the union health ministry's latest update, 13.01 crore doses have been administered across the country so far. About 29.9 lakh of these doses were given on April 20.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani receives first dose of anti-COVID 19 vaccine
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday received the first dose of an anti-COVID 19 vaccine at a government health centre in Gandhinagar. Rupani took the jab exactly 60 days after he tested negative for the COVID-19 infection. The chief minister had tested positive for coronavirus on February 15. On the occasion, Rupani on Wednesday appealed to the eligible people, including those who had contracted coronavirus earlier, to get themselves vaccinated.
"I contracted coronavirus around 60 days back and recovered from the infection after undergoing treatment. Don''t be under any wrong impression that you won''t need a vaccine if you had contracted the virus earlier. Even if you had tested positive for coronavirus in the past, you must take the vaccine as per the doctor''s advice," Rupani told reporters.
He said the state government started preparations to expand the vaccination drive as the Centre government has allowed the people above 18 years to get inoculated from May 1. "In the current scenario, a vaccine is the only effective remedy against the virus. I urge people to get themselves vaccinated," said Rupani.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Total lockdown in Chandigarh today
Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases, one day complete lockdown is imposed in Chandigarh today on Ram Navami. The decision was taken by UT Chandigarh Administrator V P Singh Badnore, said an official spokesperson. The administration also extended the night curfew and weekend lockdown by two hours. Currently, the night curfew is being imposed from 10 pm to 5 am.
-Home delivery of essential commodities such as food, groceries, vegetables and medicines will be allowed.
-Non-essential movement shall be prohibited.
-There shall be no curb on inter-state movement of essential and non-essential goods, said the order.
-Administration announced that the weekend lockdown will start now from 8 pm on April 23 till 5 am on April 26.
-All violators of lockdown and night curfew must be strictly dealt with, Badnore directed.
-If necessary, vehicles should be seized and heavy fine should be imposed on those indulging in non-essential travel or those violating the virus protocol, he said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | 58 test positive for COVID-19 at old age home in Mumbai
Amid the surge in coronavirus cases across the country, at least 58 people tested positive for Covid-19 at Panvel's Param Shantidham old age home in Maharashtra. "58 people are COVID positive and two died. However, 16 people requiring oxygen have been hospitalized. Those isolated at old age home are being monitored," said the Commissioner, Panvel Municipal Corporation, ANI reports.
Maharashtra reported 58,924 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours yesterday, according to the state health ministry. As many as 52,412 people recovered in the said period and 351 died. The total case tally reached 38,98,262 while the death toll reached 60,824.
Meanwhile, the state government may announce a complete lockdown today owing to surge in Covid-19 cases. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope said, "Tomorrow after 8 pm, the Chief Minister will announce the decision on lockdown in the state. We have requested the CM to announce a complete lockdown in the state from tomorrow at 8 pm. This was the request of all ministers to the chief minister. Now it is his decision."
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | For post office operations, govt issues COVID guidelines
The government has come out with broadlines for post offices in view of the surge in covid cases in the country. Many states have announced partial or full lockdowns to control the cases. In view of this, the government has allowed leeway to Heads of Postal circles to decide on introducing staggered office entry and exit timings in their circles to avoid overcrowding, depending on local conditions. "Considering the fact that Postal services are essential Services and are required to continue un-hindered during any partial lockdown or restrictions imposed by the respective State/UT Governments, the Postal Circles are hereby directed to kindly adhere to the broad guidelines," the government said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | COVID-19 vaccines to cost Rs 1,000 in private market, Bharat Biotech wants 'maximum' price for Covaxin
COVID-19 vaccine may be priced at around Rs 1,000 per dose for private players. At this rate, depending on the vaccine, manufacturers would have a profit of Rs 650 a dose. "The prices of foreign vaccines may be higher than this as they need sophisticated cold chain infrastructure. Also, the government will monitor the prices we set for the private market. So, nothing is concrete as of now,” an industry source told Business Standard.
The government has asked manufacturers to declare the price at which they would supply the COVID-19 vaccine to the open market, including companies, private hospitals, and state governments before May 1, the report said. The government has thus far procured vaccines at a lower price compared to the global market. Oxford University-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine costs $2.06 per shot in India, while it sells at $3.6 per dose globally.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Covishield pricing: Serum Institute to charge state govts Rs 400, private hospitals Rs 600 per dose
Serum Institute of India (SII) said it will charge state governments at Rs 400 and private hospitals Rs 600 for one dose of its Covishield COVID-19 vaccine, finally answering the question of how the company expects to price the product it developed and accelerate India's vaccination drive. The company said 50 percent of its capacities will be served to the government of India's vaccination programme, and the remaining 50 percent of the capacity will be for the state governments and private hospitals. “For the next two months, we will address the limited capacity by scaling up the vaccine production,” it said in a statement.
Everyone above 18 years of age will be eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 from May 1, the Centre had announced on April 19 as it liberalised the vaccination drive to allow states, private hospitals and industrial establishments to procure the doses directly from manufacturers. The second wave of coronavirus has battered India’s creaking healthcare system hard as scores of people struggle to secure hospital beds, oxygen cylinders and medicines such as Remdesivir and Tocilizumab.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | DRDO to set up Covid hospitals in 3 cities
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy has informed that work is on to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and a 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad amid the unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases. As the construction of COVID-19 care hospital at Awadh Shilp Gram in Lucknow is on a war footing, the officials there on Tuesday said that the facility will have ICU wards with ventilators along with oxygen beds, as per a defence ministry statement.
Pucca structure is being used to build the wards of the hospital, which has all state-of-the-art medical facilities under one roof. DRDO has set up a facility in New Delhi with all basic facilities free of charge. The facility set up by DRDO in Delhi has all oxygen beds, a large number of ventilators, zero charges, basic testing facilities and air-conditioning, as per WHO standards.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | IRCTC's train schedule and lockdown: Railways Minister Piyush Goyal has this to say
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has said that there is no lockdown in the country and people do not need to panic about how they will reach home. Trains will continue to run as before and people will be able to go anywhere by booking tickets. Goyal said this after a huge number of people turned up at various railway stations and bus stands in the last few days to rush home after night curfew and localised lockdowns were announced in some parts of the country.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was addressing a virtual press conference after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. He dismissed the possibility of a lockdown in response to a question and said, "There is no such thing that the migrant labourers have come in large numbers at any railway station and they are suffering. I am personally monitoring the situation. All the officers of the railway department are also closely monitoring the situation. Special trains are also running." Goyal said there is no need to panic. Trains are available. There is no lockdown of any kind and train services will continue to operate.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Sputnik vaccine provides fresh triggers for Gland Pharma
Shares of Gland Pharma, specialised niche injectables manufacturer, have been on fire, with the company's prospects getting a boost following the approval for Sputnik V vaccine amid a rapid rise in vaccinations across the country. The company has entered an agreement with Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to supply up to 252 million doses of the shots.
It is also in talks with several other vaccine developers, including Pfizer, to manufacture and supply shots, said analysts at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. Not only that, the opening of vaccination for all above 18 years can prove to be a bigger value creator for Gland Pharma. RDIF can also provide more opportunities. The company has tied up with other manufacturers to acquire 1.3 billion doses to supply to 50 countries.
"We expect at $3.5 price per dose at 25-30% capacity utilisation for domestic market, Gland Pharma could add Rs1,500 crore sales (EBITDA margins 15%)" said analysts at Axis Securities Ltd. This could add incremental EPS of Rs6.4 a share and about Rs200 value per share to Gland Pharma's share price.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | MS Dhoni's parents hospitalised after testing positive for COVID
Former India cricketer MS Dhoni's parents have tested positive for Covid-19. Dhoni's parents have been admitted to Pulse Superspeciality Hospital in Ranchi. Dhoni is currently leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The side is playing its matches at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After the completion of their next two games, the side will move to Delhi for the next leg of the tournament.
In view of rising COVID-19 cases, the Jharkhand government on Tuesday announced a lockdown in the state from April 22 to April 29 with some exemptions. During the lockdown, essential services will continue. Religious places will remain open but a gathering of devotees will not be allowed. According to the state government's order, agricultural, construction, industrial, and mining activities will be permitted during the lockdown.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Indian COVID variant under investigation, not yet of concern, says UK PM Boris Johnson
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Tuesday forced to defend what has been widely dubbed a delayed cancellation of his visit to India next week, which has been linked with the addition of India to the travel ban “red list". Addressing a briefing at 10 Downing Street in London, he said the decision to add India to the red list was taken independently by the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) on a precautionary basis because the so-called Indian variant of COVID-19 is yet to be classified as a variant of concern.
He reiterated that the reason the 103 cases of the variant had been detected quickly in the UK was the result of already fairly stringent measures in place for all international travellers entering the country. "The Indian variant is still just a variant under investigation, not a variant of concern," he said, adding that experts are currently looking carefully to see if there is any sign the variant B.1.617 can “escape the effect of vaccines".
