Coronavirus News Highlights: India’s cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage touches 33,96,28,356 on July 1

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Jharkhand prepares COVID-19 warriors to contain any possible third wave

Recognising the crucial role played by the ground-level health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jharkhand government in collaboration with HDFC bank and a social organisation is imparting special training to a band of 90 women as part of preparation against the anticipated third wave of the pandemic.

Under the initiative 'Parivartan’ -- a collaboration among the Jharkhand government, the Prejha Foundation, and HDFC Bank -- health workers, ANMs, and others are receiving appropriate training across the state, the state government said in a statement released on July 1.

Retired Indian Army doctors and health professionals are also providing training to the Jharkhand health workers.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Lawyers' body to provide financial aid to Covid-affected members

The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has decided to implement a pandemic relief scheme to provide ex-gratia financial assistance to its members who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19, including the death of an advocate or a family member. According to a statement issued by the DHCBA, the ex-gratia amount will be provided to the deserving members falling in certain categories.

Under the scheme, which has come into effect from July 1, ex-gratia amount of Rs 1.5 lakh will be given in case of demise of a member due to COVID-19, to his or her kin. An amount of Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 would also be given to the members of the association who have lost an immediate family member or undergone hospitalisation due to COVID-19. (PTI)

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Punjab adds 290 COVID-19 cases, 15 deaths

Punjab recorded 290 fresh COVID-19 cases on July 1 taking the state’s infection tally to 5,95,899 while 15 more fatalities pushed the death toll to 16,072, according to the health bulletin. Amritsar reported the maximum fresh cases at 37, followed by 32 in Mohali, and 27 in Bathinda. The latest deaths were reported from several districts including Amritsar, Barnala, and Fazilka. There are 2,961 active COVID-19 cases in Punjab. While 105 critical patients are on ventilator support, 334 critical patients and 1,471 others are on oxygen support, the state health bulletin added.

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Mumbai logged 661 new coronavirus infections and 21 fresh fatalities on Thursday, while 489 patients recovered from the infection, the city civic body said. In June, Mumbai reported 21,811 new COVID-19 cases and 567 fatalities, a significant drop from 57,627 infections and 1,723 deaths recorded in May, as per BMC data, indicating the second wave of the pandemic is ebbing in the metropolis.

With the addition of 661 new infections, the tally of COVID-19 cases jumped to 7,22,879, while the death toll increased to 15,472 after 21 more patients succumbed to the infection, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) updated data. The city has registered a marginal drop in new COVID-19 cases and fatalities as compared to Wednesday when the case tally stood at 692 and the deaths at 25.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | 66 new infections, 82 recoveries recorded in Nagaland on July 1

Eighty-two patients recovered from COVID-19 while 66 more people tested positive for the infection in Nagaland on Thursday when a 10-day unlock began in the state after over a month-and-half lockdown, a health official said. The number of active cases now stands at 1,321 while the caseload has gone up to 25,305.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Maharashtra reports 9,195 COVID-19 cases, 252 deaths

Maharashtra reported 9,195 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday which took its infection tally to 60,70,599, the health department said. With 252 fatalities, the death toll due to the pandemic rose to 1,22,197, it added. With 252 fatalities, the death toll due to the pandemic rose to 1,22,197, it added.

The state reported about 600 fewer new cases but over 100 more fatalities compared to Wednesday when it had reported 9,771 new infections and 141 deaths. Of 252 deaths reported on Thursday, 206 had occurred in the last 48 hours and 46 in the last week, the official release said. Of 252 deaths reported on Thursday, 206 had occurred in the last 48 hours and 46 in the last week, the official release said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Maharashtra's Nashik adds 159 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths

Maharashtra's Nashik district on Thursday recorded 159 new cases of COVID-19 and five casualties that took the tally of infections to 3,94,615 and toll to 8,354, an official said. Of the latest casualties, one was reported from the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) area, while four were from other parts of the district, the official said. Of the latest casualties, one was reported from the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) area, while four were from other parts of the district, the official said.

So far, 356 people have died due to the infection in Malegaon, 3,883 in the NMC limits, and 3,989 in other parts of the district, he said. Of the total number of cases reported so far, 2,26,640 were from Nashik city, 1,50,020 from other parts of the district, 12,534 from Malegaon, and 5,421 were patients from outside the district seeking treatment here, he said. Of the total number of cases reported so far, 2,26,640 were from Nashik city, 1,50,020 from other parts of the district, 12,534 from Malegaon and 5,421 were patients from outside the district seeking treatment here, he said. (PTI)

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | India’s cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage reaches 34 crore

India’s cumulative COVID vaccination coverage reaches nearly 34 crore (33,96,28,356), till 7 pm today including more than 38.17 lakh doses administered today. More than 9.61 cr vaccine doses administered in the age group 18-44, so far: Government of India

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The second wave of the pandemic has taken a "grievous toll" on India. Economic activity was dented in April, but has started to look up in late May and early June: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said in Financial Stability Report

Coronavirus LIVE Updates |

Delhi govt waives two-month license fee for bars in hotels, restaurants closed due to lockdown during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in city

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | 3,203 new cases, 94 deaths in Karnataka

Karnataka on Thursday reported 3,203 new cases of COVID-19 and 94 deaths, pushing the infection count to 28,47,013 and toll to 35,134, the health department said.The day also saw 14,302 discharges,taking the total recoveries to 27,46,544.Out of 3,203 new cases recorded today, 676 were from Bengaluru Urban, as the city saw 10,840 discharges and 18 deaths.Active cases wer at at 65,312.While the positivity rate for the day stood at 2.05 per cent, case fatality rate (CFR) was at 2.93 per cent.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | 127 orphanage inmates test COVID-19 positive in Mizoram

At least 127 inmates of an orphanage-cum-rehabilitation centre in the Mizoram state capital were among the 417 people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the north-eastern state in the last 24 hours, a health official said on Thursday.With the 127 inmates, more than 670 people from the centre have been infected with COVID-19 so far, the official said.However, 527 inmates have recovered from the infection.The privately run centre, Thutak Nunpuitu Team (TNT), registered with the state government, houses about 1,500 inmates.The 417 fresh COVID-19 cases detected from 3,235 samples put the single-day infection rate at 12.89 per cent, pushing the state's coronavirus tally to 20,492, he said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Uttar Pradesh reports 147 new COVID-19 cases, 260 discharges and 4 deaths in the last 24 hour

Total recoveries 16,80,980

Death toll 22,601

Active cases 2671

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | COVID-19 vaccination myth vs facts: Vaccine strategy doesn’t neglect the vulnerable or privilege the rich, says govt

The Government of India (GOI) clarified on July 1 that the country’s COVID-19 vaccination programme is built on scientific and epidemiological evidence, WHO guidelines, and global best practices. Contrary to allegations levelled by certain sections of the media, India’s vaccine strategy does not ‘neglect the older and vulnerable population’, or ‘privilege the rich’, the GOI said in a statement.

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Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Chief Medial Officer (CMO) Kangra, Dr Gurdarshan Gupta: 

The first case of Delta plus found in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. There are 69 cases of Delta variant in Kangra.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Any WHO-approved vaccine should be allowed for travel: UN

The World Health Organisation said Thursday that any COVID-19 vaccines it has authorised for emergency use should be recognised by countries as they open up their borders to inoculated travellers.The move could challenge Western countries to broaden their acceptance of two apparently less effective Chinese vaccines, which the UN health agency has licensed but most European and North American countries have not.

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Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Daman, Diu complete first dose vaccination for all eligible beneficiaries

The districts of Daman and Diu of Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu have administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to their entire eligible population, an official said on Thursday. Vaccination camps were set up in all three districts - Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu - when the inoculation drive commenced from January 16, the release issued by the administration stated. By June end, Daman and Diu have achieved 100 per cent coverage of the first dose of vaccine to all eligible beneficiaries, including healthcare workers, frontline personnel and people in 18-44 and 45-60 age categories, it was stated. More than 35,400 persons were administered the first dose in Diu, while over 1.65 lakh beneficiaries were covered in Daman, the official said, adding that the drive to administer the second dose has also commenced in these districts. Vaccination coverage in Dadra and Nagar Haveli districts stands at 59.3 per cent, as over 1.85 lakh people have been vaccinated against the target of 3.12 lakh, it was stated.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Double COVID-19 jab seems to curb Delta variant: EMA

Two doses of COVID vaccine appear to provide protection against the rapidly spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus, the European Medicines Agency said on Thursday.The upbeat assessment came as the World Health Organization warned that the variant first spotted in India could fuel a new wave of cases in Europe.

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Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Education sector incurred maximum loss due to COVID-19, need to reduce learning gap: Manish Sisodia

Noting that the education sector has incurred maximum losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday stressed upon newer approaches for teaching to reduce the learning gap."The education sector has incurred maximum loss due to the pandemic. Reducing the learning gap is a very difficult mission to undertake, but an important one," Sisodia said after laying the foundation stone for a new placement centre, open theatre and auditorium at the GGSIP University.There is a need to come together and take the responsibility of adopting newer and better approaches to teaching and learning in order to reduce this learning gap, he added."COVID-19 has widened the learning gap in students, and to reduce this learning gap, we have to urgently adopt novel approaches in our teaching and learning. We have to decide whether we should continue to teach our children using archaic and traditional approaches or really teach them how to learn," the deputy chief minister said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | UK prepares to offer COVID-19 booster shots from September: Reports

The UK government is preparing to offer millions of vulnerable Britons, who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, a booster jab from September to ensure that the protection is maintained against new variants of the coronavirus before winter comes, according to media reports.The National Health Service (NHS) has been given the green light to start planning a Covid vaccine booster programme, the BBC reported.Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said ministers were working with the NHS to rapidly deliver the programme from September."Our first COVID-19 vaccination programme is restoring freedom in this country, and our booster programme will protect this freedom," he said.

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Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Medical fraternity stood out in tackling COVID-19: Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan

The medical fraternity has stood out in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said on the occasion of Doctor's Day on Thursday.'Your (doctors) efforts will be recorded in golden letters in history. I salute the doctors and healthcare workers without whom the journey would not have been possible,' he said at a virtual event of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).It was organised to mark Doctors’ Day and pay tribute to healthcare professionals who lost their lives fighting the pandemic.'For the last one year, India has been in a constant fight against the pandemic but the medical fraternity managed to stand out in tackling it. Real challenges were at the field level in the hands of the doctors,' Bhushan said.Besides him, NITI Aayog Member (Health) V K Paul and AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria also attended the event organised by the doctors' body.'We all have worked tirelessly in these challenging circumstances and yet kept the professionalism high. I salute the 'Corona Marytrs' and humbly pay my tribute to their service, sacrifice and patriotism. My heart goes out to their families. Their sacrifices made our country safe. I commend the IMA for its initiatives, including pledging to vaccinate as many people as possible,' Paul said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Goa reports 231 cases, 6 deaths and 221 recoveries; active caseload at 2,278

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Embassy of Estonia in Delhi: 

As of 21 June 2021, vaccination certificates issued by the Government of India are recognised by Estonia as proof of vaccination against COVID-19. At the moment, persons fully vaccinated and holding required travel documents can enter Estonia.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Delhi reports 93 new COVID-19 cases, 111 recoveries and 4 deaths in the last 24 hours

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Zydus Cadila plans to roll out ZyCoV-D in 45-60 days following regulatory approvals

Cadila Healthcare (Zydus Cadila)on July 1 said it plans to roll out its COVID-19 vaccine ZyCoV-D in 45-60 days, subject to regulatory approvals and manufacturing scale-up.The company has filed an application with the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) seeking emergency use authorisation (EUA) of the ZyCoV-D vaccine.

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Coronavirus LIVE Updates | FM Nirmala Sitharaman, in Bengaluru: 

Every state gets allocation as per the density of the population/number of the vulnerable population. Centre supplies vaccines well in advance to the states. All states will be taken care of. I wish to assure that everybody will be vaccinated.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | PM Modi hails doctors' contribution in saving lives from Covid

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed the contribution of doctors in saving lives from coronavirus and asserted that his government gave paramount importance to augmenting healthcare infrastructure to combat the pandemic.While stressing that losing even one life is saddening, Modi said India saved the lives of lakhs of its people and a big credit for that goes to doctors, healthcare and frontline workers.Addressing doctors on the occasion of National Doctors' Day, he also highlighted "limitations" of the kind of medical infrastructure that was created in the country over several decades and how medical infrastructure was neglected in earlier times."In our country, the population pressure makes this challenge even more difficult. But despite this, India's per lakh population rate of infection and death rate has still been manageable compared with more developed countries," Modi said."Losing the life of even one person is very saddening but India has also saved the lives of lakhs of its people from coronavirus. A big credit for it goes to our hard working doctors, healthcare workers and front line workers," he said.Noting that the virus is new and is mutating, the prime minister said India's doctors, with their knowledge and experience, are fighting the challenges posed by the virus."Our government has given paramount priority to healthcare. Last year, during the 1st wave, we had allotted Rs 15,000 crore to improve our health infrastructure. This year, allocation of budget for healthcare is over Rs 2 lakh crore," Modi said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Indonesia to impose emergency measures as COVID-19 cases spike

President Joko Widodo said on Thursday that Indonesia will impose emergency measures until July 20 to contain an exponential spike in coronavirus cases that has strained the medical system.There has been an alarming climb in virus cases in the world's fourth most populous country in recent weeks, prompting warnings from health experts the outbreak could be as bad as India's devastating second wave if tighter measures are not introduced."With cooperation from all of us and the grace of God, I'm certain that we can suppress COVID-19 transmission and restore people's lives quickly," said the president, who is known as Jokowi, as he announced the stricter measures. (Reuters)

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Will look at text for India's WTO move on vaccines IP waiver: UK vaccines minister

The UK will look at any text submitted to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) seeking an intellectual property (IP) waiver to boost the supply and production of COVID-19 vaccines, the country’s vaccines minister said on Thursday.Nadhim Zahawi, the minister in charge of the UK’s COVID-19 vaccine deployment, however, issued a word of warning over any patent waiver moves to ensure they do not impact the confidence in the jabs being administered. Since the US threw its support behind temporarily suspending IP protections for COVID-19 vaccines back in May, the movement led by India and South Africa has come into sharp focus.“President (Joe) Biden talked about looking at vaccine IP. We would look at any text presented at the WTO because no one is safe until we are all safe," Zahawi said, in response to a question on patent waivers at the India Global Forum in London.“I would issue a word of warning here, that simple solutions don’t always work for complex manufacturing requirements because technology transfer is not easy. Quality control is very important. There are no easy answers,” he warned.The Cabinet minister also revealed that he had spoken to the Serum Institute of India (SII) this week and was informed that it is now producing the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, named Covishield in India, at the rate of 100 million doses a month which would soon be doubled to 200 million.“They (SII) are backed by the world’s most highly regarded regulator, the UK’s MHRA (Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), which makes them one of the safest, best and largest vaccine manufacturers in the world. They are also about to manufacture the Novavax vaccine, which is looking like a really great vaccine,” he said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | No death due to Covid in Ladakh in 11 days

The Union Territory ofLadakhdid not report any death due to COVID-19 in the past 11 days, officials said on Thursday.According to data shared on Thursday, the Union Territory recorded 35 new coronavirus cases -- 33 inLehand two inKargil-- taking the infection tally to 20,073.Ladakhreported aCovidfatality last on June 19.It has a total of 202 deaths due to COVID-19 -- 58 inKargiland 144 inLeh.Ladakhhas discharged 27 patients on Wednesday. Of them, 20 patients were discharged inLehand seven inKargil, they said.The active coronavirus cases in the union territory stands at 279 -- 241 inLehand 38 inKargil-- they said, adding 19,592 patients have recovered till date.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Covid vaccines reduce severity, symptoms, viral load in re-infected people: Study

People who contract COVID-19 even after vaccination are likely to have a lower viral load or quantity, experience a shorter infection time and have milder symptoms than unvaccinated individuals, according to a study of mRNA preventives in the US.Researchers noted that while COVID-19 vaccines are proving to be highly effective in preventing infection, no vaccine is 100 per cent effective, and breakthrough infections – infections after immunisation -- do occur.'If you get vaccinated, about 90 per cent of the time you're not going to get COVID-19,' said Jeff Burgess, a professor at the University of Arizona Health Sciences in the US.'Even if you do get it, there will be less of the virus in you and your illness is likely to be much milder,' Burgess said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Vaccinate all college students by July 7: Karnataka Deputy CM Dr C N Ashwath Narayan to vice chancellors of universities

Setting a deadline of July 7 to vaccinate all students above 18 years to facilitate reopening of colleges and resume physical classes,KarnatakaDeputy Chief Minister Dr C NAshwathNarayanasked the vice chancellors of universities to speed up vaccination. "Students have to be vaccinated by July 7 as per the schedule of the vaccine drive and theVCsshould try to ensure vaccination of all students by the said date and if required this could be extended by two to three days,"Narayan, who holds the higher education portfolio, told the vice chancellors during a virtual meet.He told them that the students are being vaccinated as a prioritygroup to facilitate the opening of physical classes of higher education classes.Narayansaid the date of opening of offline classes depends on the success of this vaccination drive and the government is ready to extend all cooperation in this regard.TheDCMalso instructed theVCsto work towards the implementation of national educational policy.Colleges have been shut since the second wave of COVID-19 hit the state in March.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Sharvil Patel, MD, Cadila Healthcare on ZyCoV-D:

We expect to produce 1 crore vaccine doses per month from August onwards and 5 crore doses by December this year. Our target is to produce 10 crore vaccine doses in a year.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Sri Lanka taking all measures to curb spread of Delta variant: Official

Health authorities in Sri Lanka have said they have taken all precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19 and urged people to cooperate with them, warning that any negligent act can wreak major havoc.Deputy Director-General of Health Services DrHemanthaHerathsaid on Wednesday that they had received adequate data on the spread of the Delta variant, which was first identified in India, Daily Mirror reported.“We are currently carrying out tests and surveillance to ascertain whether the variant has spread from areas likeDematagodawhere it was originally detected to other areas of the country,” he said, adding health authorities have taken all precautionary measures to prevent a further spread of the Delta strain.“A negligent act by one individual couldjeopardiseothers around him or her resulting in major havoc in the country at large,”Herathunderlined.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | MakeMyTrip gives mandatory leave to employees to recharge themselves

Online travel agency MakeMyTrip has announced mandatory paid time off for employees to overcome pandemic induced fatigue as part of the series of its wellness initiatives.Employees can take no-questions-asked paid time off for three working days before December 31 and will be encouraged to club these offs with a weekend to get an extended long break.

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Coronavirus LIVE Updates | PM Modi: 

I ask you all to follow COVID appropriate behaviour with more awareness. These days, people from medical fraternity are coming forward to promote Yoga. Many modern medical science institutions are doing studies on how yoga is helping in fightingpost-COVIDcomplications.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Delhi civic bodies preparing for Covid third wave, to set up dedicated care facilities for children

The three municipal corporations of Delhi will set up dedicatedCovidcare facilities for children as part of their preparations to deal with a possible third wave, officials said on Thursday.It is being anticipated that the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic will majorly affect children, so arrangements are being made to avoid any crisis-like situation and provide better care to kids, municipal officials said.According to civic authorities, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation has decided to convert its MrsGirdharLalMaternity Hospital into a dedicated child COVID-19 care facility.The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) is exploring the possibilities of setting up special child care wards at itsTilakNagarHospital. The East Delhi civic body will create two dedicated childCovidcare wards at its SwamiDayanandHospital inDilshadGarden."We have decided to convert MrsGirdhariLalMaternity Hospital into a dedicated COVID-19 facility for children. Initially we will dedicate 70 beds toCovidcare of children. All these beds will be equipped with oxygen support. Out of these 70 beds, 10 will be reserved asNICUbeds for infants and another 10 will have ICU facilities,” an official of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Over 1.24 crore unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses still with states: Centre

More than 1.24 crore balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs and over 94,66,420 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. Over 32.92 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far through Government of India (free of cost channel) and direct state procurement category.

Of this, the total consumption, including wastage is 31,67,50,891 doses, the ministry said. "More than 1.24 crore (1,24,50,909) balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. "Furthermore, more than 94,66,420 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the states and UTs within the next 3 days," the ministry said. The Centre is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calls for vaccinating at least 10% of population of every country by September

Voicing concern over many countries failing to vaccinate their people, WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday called for vaccinating at least 10 per cent of the population of every country by September as he warned that "until we end the pandemic everywhere, we will not end it anywhere." "Vast inequities in the access to vaccines are fuelling a two-track pandemic. While some countries have reached a high level of coverage, many others don't have enough to vaccinate health workers, older people & other at-risk groups," the World Health Organisation Director General said at the virtual India Global Forum.

Asserting that when some countries cannot vaccinate, it's a threat to all countries, Ghebreyesus called for a global effort to vaccinate at least 10 per cent of the population of every country by September, at least 40 per cent by the end of the year, and at least 70 per cent by the middle of next year. "Vaccine equity is not just the right thing to do. It's the best way to control the pandemic and reboot the global economy," the WHO chief said as he warned that "until we end the pandemic everywhere, we will not end it anywhere."

Globally, the coronavirus has infected over 18.2 crore people and killed nearly 40 lakh, according to Johns Hopkins University. India has recorded more than 3 crore coronavirus cases and registered nearly 400,000 deaths due to the virus since the beginning of the pandemic last year.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Maharashtra's Raigad to remain in level 4 of COVID-19 curbs

The authorities in Raigad district have said the region will continue to be in level four of the Maharashtra government''s five-level unlock plan that seeks to ease coronavirus-induced curbs as per infection positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancy numbers, an official said on Thursday. In a release issued on Wednesday, Collector Nidhi Choudhari said shops that come under the essential services category can function up to 4 pm, while hotels, resorts and lodges are permitted to remain open for tourists with 50 per cent occupancy.

The COVID-19 positivity rate in Raigad stands at 10 per cent, and hence, the district will continue to be in category 4, it was stated. Meanwhile, the district on Wednesday recorded 610 new COVID-19 cases that took the tally of infections to 1,47,148, an official said. At least 1,37,327 have recovered from the infection, while 3,582 have died of it, leaving the district with 6,239 active cases. Meanwhile, 5,34,050 beneficiaries have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine so far and 98,916 people have been administered the second dose, it was stated.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Centre, Mamata Banerjee spar over dubious COVID-19 vaccination camps in West Bengal

The Union Health Ministry has asked the West Bengal government to investigate instances of COVID-19 vaccination camps being organised allegedly by unauthorised people in some areas of Kolkata and submit a report. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written a letter to Chief Secretary Hari Krishna Dwivedi on June 29 after the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari made allegations about the fake vaccination scam.

Hundreds of people, including Trinamool Congress MP and actor Mimi Chakraborty, were injected with alleged fake vaccines at such a camp organised in the Kasba area in south Kolkata.

Here's everything you need to know about the West Bengal COVID-19 vaccination fraud:

In the letter written to West Bengal chief secretary, Bhushan referred to a letter by Adhikari to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. Adhikari had alleged that COVID-19 vaccination camps were being organised by unauthorised people. He also pointed out that in some of these camps, and notably in Kasba locality of the Kolkata Municipal area, none of the beneficiaries has received any vaccination certificates generated from Co-WIN, giving rise to apprehensions about the genuineness of these vaccination camps, Bhushan said in his letter.

"Such instances, if not promptly enquired into and suitably addressed, may also lead to the possibility of their recurrence," Bhushan said."It is requested that the matter may be urgently enquired into and the factual position about the serious allegations raised in the letter referred to above, clarified immediately and that, suitable and strict action may be taken in the matter, if necessary. It is also requested that a factual report on the matter may be sent to this ministry in the next two days," he added.

Adhikari had told Vardhan that one Debanjan Deb, impersonating as an IAS officer working as Joint Commissioner of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, has been holding illegal 'vaccination camps' in Ward No 107 of Kasba right in the heart of Kolkata under the banner of KMC.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Assam fails to achieve 30 lakh inoculation target due to short supply of vaccines: Official

The BJP-led Assam government could vaccinate only 16.63 lakh people in the last 10 days, almost 45 per cent less than Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma''s target of inoculating 30 lakh people, due to a massive shortage of COVID-19 vaccines, a senior health official said on Thursday. As per the daily COVID-19 bulletin issued by the National Health Mission under the state Health Department, a total of 16,63,405 people were inoculated across the state from June 21 to June 30.

This figure is way below the ambitious 30-lakh target set during Sarma''s meeting with all the stakeholders of the districts on June 19. "This is a part of our Enhanced Immunisation Drive. From June 21, we shall be targeting three lakh vaccinations daily till June 30," the chief minister had said in a press meet after reviewing preparations with the districts. According to the NHM data, the government could touch the daily target of three lakh vaccines only on two days -- June 21 (3,30,667 jabs) and June 23 (3,60,315 jabs).

The state government could vaccinate more than two lakh people on one day, one lakh on four days and less than one lakh on three days, a compilation of the bulletins showed. The Health Department even witnessed one of the lowest vaccination figures till now -- 14,551 doses on June 30, NHM said. The administration vaccinated 3,30,667 people on June 21, 2,84,643 on June 22, 3,60,315 on June 23, 1,79,595 on June 24, 1,66,934 on June 25, 1,52,956 on June 26, 19,924 on June 27, 1,08,623 on June 28, 45,197 on June 29 and 14,551 on June 30, it said.

When contacted, NHM Mission Director Lakshmanan S told PTI that the supply of COVID-19 vaccines dropped after three days of commencement of the Enhanced Immunisation Drive on June 21, leading to a lower number of vaccinations. "During the first three days, we had enough vaccines and inoculated more than 9.75 lakh people. However, the numbers went down as we did not get enough supplies," he said. Initially, there was a short supply of only Bharat Biotech''s Covaxin, but later the availability of Covishield by the Serum Institute of India also became an issue, Lakshmanan said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Karnataka to build memorial for COVID warriors who succumbed to COVID-19

A first-of-its-kind grand COVID Warrior Memorial in honour of doctors and paramedical staff who 'martyred' themselves in the fight against coronavirus would be built in Bengaluru, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said on Thursday. 'We will build a memorial to pay homage to those doctors who laid down their lives due to COVID while rendering their services on our Arogya Soudha premises. I believe this is the first memorial in the country,' Sudhakar said during a function to celebrate National Doctors' Day.

The Minister said his department has decided to build it in a unique way in memory of doctors and paramedics, which will be on par with the War Memorial in New Delhi where anyone can go and pay their respects. The memorial will be a place where everyone can come and pay tribute, he added. Stating that about 800 doctors died due to COVID in the country during the second wave of COVID, Sudhakar said many of them left behind their families including children in the line of duty. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called the doctors COVID warriors. We call only those soldiers martyrs who died for the nation during the fight but we are announcing today that the doctors and paramedics who died due to COVID are martyrs and we will build a memorial for them,' Sudhakar explained.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Odisha halts vaccination drive in 16 districts due to ''shortage'' of Covishield doses

The Odisha government on Thursday halted vaccination drive in 16 districts due to "shortage" of Covishield doses, amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in the state, an official said. The inoculation exercise was temporarily stopped during the day in Angul, Bolangir, Balasore, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jajpur and Jharsuguda, he said.

No COVID-19 vaccination drive was conducted in Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Sonepur and Sundargarh, the official said. Only 114 sessions are being held on Thursday, including 72 in the state capital Bhubaneswar where Covaxin doses are being administered to the people. "Apart from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation area, Covishield vaccine is being used in other parts of the state. The health department authorities stopped the inoculation drive in the 16 districts due to shortage of the vials," the official said.

The state has a stock of only 19,520 Covishield doses and 3,24,910 Covaxin vials till this morning, he said. The government was not able to conduct the immunisation programmes in 11 districts on Wednesday due to the scarcity of Covishield doses, the official said. The state is expecting a consignment of 6 lakh vials of the vaccine on Friday, he said. Meanwhile, 3,087 more people tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, taking the tally in the state to 9,12,887, the official said. Forty-five fresh fatalities due to the infection pushed the death toll to 4,063, he said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Number of domestic passengers at Delhi airport increased by 3 times since mid-May

The number of domestic passengers at the Delhi international airport has increased by more than three times between mid-May and June-end, its operator DIAL said on Thursday. In June this year, most of those who flew were in "visiting family and friends" category (48 per cent), which was followed by "vacation" (25 per cent) and "business travellers" (19 per cent), it said in a statement.

However, in June 2019, around 44 per cent flyers were vacationers, while 41 per cent were of "visiting family and friends" category, the DIAL added. "Delhi airport has witnessed over three times rise in domestic passenger numbers from around 18,000 per day in mid of May 2021 to over 62,000 per day at the end of June 2021," said the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). Similarly, the number of international travellers grew from around 4,500 per day in mid of May to nearly 7,500 per day in June-end, it noted.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Japan likely to extend COVID-19 curbs in Tokyo as infections rise: Report

Japan is likely to extend by two weeks or more coronavirus containment measures in the greater Tokyo area, four government sources said on Thursday, as infection numbers creep up less than a month before the Summer Olympics start. Japan’s capital and three neighbouring prefectures are among areas under a ‘quasi’ state of emergency set to run through July 11, but a recent uptick in infections has officials leaning towards keeping restrictions in place - a move that could affect the number of spectators allowed into Olympic venues, the sources said.

Depending on the extent of the strain on the medical system, the government could reinstate a full state of emergency for Tokyo, the sources said. New infections in the Olympics’ host city rose to 714 on Wednesday, the highest in more than a month. A decision is expected around July 8, when International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is due to arrive in Japan, the sources said.

The Olympics are set to start on July 23 but many in Japan remain opposed to holding the event, which medical experts have warned could unleash another wave of infections. The ‘quasi’ state of emergency caps spectators at 5,000. Olympics organisers have said spectators will be allowed up to half of venue capacity or a maximum of 10,000 provided the emergency restrictions are lifted. Spectators from overseas have already been banned, and some members of the ruling coalition are beginning to favour having no spectators at the Olympics, the sources said.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Treatment for people suffering from Covid vaccine-related blood clots found

Scientists in Canada have found a new lifesaving treatment for people suffering from rare blood clots associated with COVID-19 vaccination. The researchers at the McMaster University recommend a combination of anti-clotting drugs and high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin to combat vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT).

VITT is a rare side effect of adenoviral vector vaccines against COVID-19. It occurs when antibodies attack a blood protein, which results in activation of platelets in the blood, causing them to clump together and form clots. The treatment, described in The New England Journal of Medicine, has proven effective in three Canadian patients who received AstraZeneca vaccine, known as Covishield in India, and subsequently developed VITT.

The patients were between the ages of 63 and 72 years, and one of them was a female. Two suffered clotting in their legs and the third had clots blocking arteries and veins inside their brain. "If you were a patient with VITT, I’d be telling you we know of a treatment approach," said Ishac Nazy, associate professor of medicine at McMaster University. "We can diagnose it accurately with our tests, treat it and we know exactly how the treatment works," Nazy said.

The researchers noted that blood samples taken from the patients after the new treatment showed reduced antibody-mediated platelet activation in all cases. While the study patients were older, many VITT cases have affected younger people. However, Nazy and his colleagues said VITT is a rare disorder, regardless of people’s age. The scientists devised an effective VITT test and treatment by building on their previous investigations of heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT), a disorder that results from the direct effect of blood thinner, heparin, on platelet activation.

While the two conditions are similar, using a standard HIT antibody test to detect VITT can yield false negative results, the researchers said. Due to this reason they modified the HIT test to detect VITT-specific antibodies that are found in rare cases in patients who had a COVID-19 vaccine. Subsequent lab tests on patient blood samples showed how high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin coupled with blood-thinner medications shut down platelet activation and stopped clot formation. IVIG is a blood product prepared from the serum of donors. It is used to treat patients with antibody deficiencies. "We now understand the mechanism that leads to platelet activation and clotting," Nazy added.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | More data needed before trying such policy: AIIMS director

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr. Randeep Guleria said on July 1 that more data would be required on mixing of COVID-19 vaccine doses before the practice is tried. “More data is needed on mixing of doses. Studies show that it may be effective and little more side effects may be there. But we need more data before we can say that this is a policy that should be tried,” news agency ANI quoted Guleria as saying.

A recent study in the United Kingdom had found that alternating doses of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines generate robust immune responses against the novel coronavirus' spike IgG protein. The study showed that both the mixed schedules of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer jabs, when given at a four-week interval, induced an immune response that is above that of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Experts had told Moneycontrol earlier that the data from such trials is encouraging, but also called for more such studies to find out which combination works the best and with least side-effects. Mixing of COVID-19 vaccines is currently not allowed in India. Covishield, the jab developed by Oxford University-AstraZeneca and produced in the country by the Serum Institute of India (SII), and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin are the two main vaccines currently being used on a large scale in India. Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine, is also being imported by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and used for inoculations in limited quantities in the country.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates | European Union members approve Covishield for Green Pass

At least seven European countries including, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Iceland, Ireland and Spain, and Switzerland have approved the Covishiel COVID-19 vaccine for 'Green Pass'. The development comes days after India asked the members of the 27-nation grouping to individually consider allowing Indians who have taken Covishield and Covaxin vaccines.

New Delhi also conveyed to the EU member states that it will adopt a policy of reciprocity and exempt European nationals holding the 'Green Pass' from mandatory quarantine in the country provided its request to recognise Covishield and Covaxin vaccines is heeded to. The European Union's Digital COVID certificate or "Green Pass" is set to be rolled out on July 1 with an aim to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under this framework, persons who have taken vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will be exempted from travel restrictions within the EU region. The individual member states have the flexibility to also accept vaccines that have been authorised at the national level or those recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).