Coronavirus LIVE Updates: India reported 1,14,460 new coronavirus infections, the lowest in 60 days, while the daily positivity rate further dropped to 5.62 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. With the fresh cases, the total tally of coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 2,88,09,339. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,46,759 with 2,677 daily deaths, the lowest after around 42 days, while the active cases dropped below 15 lakh, the data updated at 8 am showed. A total of 96,982 new cases were recorded in a span of 24 hours on April 6. Also, 20,36,311 tests were conducted on Saturday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 36,47,46,522, while the daily positivity has further declined to 5.62 per cent . It has been less than 10 per cent for 13 consecutive days, the ministry said. The weekly positivity rate has declined to 6.54 per cent. The active cases have reduced to 14,77,799 comprising 5.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 93.67 per cent. A net decline of 77,449 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for 24 consecutive days.The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,69,84,781, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.20 per cent, the data stated.
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Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Over 2 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in Uttar Pradesh till now
Uttar Pradesh has administered over two crore COVID-19 vaccine doses till now with over 30 lakh jabs given to beneficiaries in the 18-44 age group, the state government said on Sunday. So far, 1,66,27,059 people have received the first dose of vaccine while 36,27,433 have received both doses, it said. (PTI)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Covaxin doses must be reserved for second dose of 18-44 age group: Delhi Govt
"All private hospitals and nursing homes functioning as COVID vaccination centres for Covaxin shall ensure that the doses shall be used to vaccinate only people of 18-44 age group, who are eligible for receiving the second dose during June,"the Delhi government said, according to news agency ANI.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | AIIMS Delhi to start screening for clinical trials of Covaxin on children from June 7, reports ANI
After AIIMS Patna, AIIMS Delhi to start screening for clinical trials of Covaxin on children from June 7, news agency ANI reported citing sources.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Mumbai reports 794 new COVID-19 cases, 20 deaths
Mumbai has reported 794 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths in the past 24 hours. The city's active caseload stood at 16,070.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Maharashtra reports 12,557 new COVID-19 cases, lowest in 3 months
The Maharashtra health department recorded 12,557 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. This is the lowest daily count in over 3 months. The state also reported 233 deaths due to coronavirus and 14,433 recoveries. The active caseload stood at 1.85 lakh, whereas, the recovery rate has surged to 95.05 percent.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Tamil Nadu reports 20,421 new cases, 434 deaths in last 24 hours
Tamil Nadu registered a total of 20,421 COVID-19 cases and 434 deaths in the past 24 hours. The corresponding period also witnessed 33,161 patients recovering from coronavirus. The active caseload in the state stood t 2,44,289.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Kerala reports 14,672 new cases, 227 more deaths
Keralahas recorded14,672 freshCOVID-19infections, at a positivity rate of 14.27 percent. In the period of past 24 hours,21,429 recoveries, and 227 deaths were also reported.
Active cases in the state: 1,60,653
Total recoveries: 24,62,071
Death toll: 9,946
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Nod for film, TV shoots in Mumbai if daily COVID-19 case count under control: Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said permissions for film and TV shootings in Mumbai would be given if the city''s daily coronavirus case count is brought under control.
In a virtual interaction with the representatives of the film and television industry, he appealed to them to cooperate with the government in the measures being taken to fight the pandemic. "After the second wave of COVID-19, film and TV shootings were stopped in the state, but now the number of cases have started getting under control and the unlock process has also begun," he said.
Thackeray said film and TV producers need to follow all COVID-19 safety rules and take precautions during the shootings. "We should ensure that we do not get knocked down by the virus," he said, and asked the entertainment sector to cooperate with the government in the unlock process. (PTI)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | BEST bus serives to resume for all in Mumbai tomorrow
Bus services for general public will resume in Mumbai tomorrow. Number of passengers will not be more than the number of seats on any bus. Wearing of face mask will be mandatory: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Delhi reports 381 new cases, positivity rate 0.5%
Delhi records 381 new COVID-19 cases, lowest since March 15, and 34 deaths in a day. Positivity rate stood at 0.5 per cent, stated thehealth bulletin issued by the government.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | West Bengal govt forms expert panel to recommend on conducting Class 10, 12 exams amid pandemic
The West Bengal government formedan expert committee to recommend whether state board exams for secondary and higher secondary classes should be conducted. The government also invitedthe opinion of students and parents on the subject.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Government fighting for blue tick, be self-reliant for vaccine: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday took a swipe at the Centre, saying the Modi government is fighting for a blue tick and people need to become self-reliant for getting Covid vaccines. His remarks came a day after outrage over the removal of ''blue tick'' badge from the personal accounts of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and RSS top functionaries including Mohan Bhagwat, by Twitter, only to restore it later.
Twitter said as per rules, the blue badge and verified status could be automatically removed from an account if it is incomplete or inactive for six months. "The Modi government is fighting for the blue tick. If you want a Covid vaccine, then be self-reliant," he said in a tweet in Hindi, using the hashtag "#Priorities". In another tweet, he talked about stopping language discrimination after a Delhi government hospital asked nurses not to converse in Malayalam. The hospital order has been revoked.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | HDFC commits Rs 40 crore for COVID-19 relief during second wave
As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, HDFC Ltd has committed an initial amount of Rs 40 crore this year for COVID-19 support and pledged to increase this commitment over the next two quarters based on need. The COVID-19 initiatives are being undertaken through its philanthropic arm the HT Parekh Foundation, HDFC Ltd said in a statement.
Through partnerships with government and charitable hospitals, HDFC has planned healthcare initiatives to support long-term health infrastructure across India, it said. The support includes direct procurement and distribution of 80 high-quality ICU ventilators, to support critical patients in hospitals across Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. It will also set up at least 10 oxygen enrichment plants to meet medical oxygen demands.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Uttar Pradesh lifts Covid-lockdown restrictions in all districts, except 3
Uttar Pradesh has lifted Covid-imposed lockdown restrictions in all districts except in Meerut, Saharanpur and Gorakhpur, ACS Information Navneet Sehga said on Sunday. Active cases of the coronavirus are above 600 in Meerut, Saharanpur and Gorakhpur, he said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Second Covid wave not to impact India's agri sector in any way: Niti Aayog
Niti Aayog Member (Agriculture) Ramesh Chand on Sunday said the second Covid-19 wave will not impact the Indian agriculture sector in anyway as rural areas saw spread of infections in May when agriculture activities remained at bare minimum. In an interview with PTI, Chand said that India's policies on subsidy, price and technology have remained too much in favour of rice, wheat and sugarcane, and there is need to make the procurement and minimum support price policy favourable to pulses.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | IOA asks 5 Tokyo-bound COVID-19 recovered athletes to get first dose of vaccine
The Indian Olympic Association on Sunday asked five Olympic-bound sportspersons, who have recovered from COVID-19 in the recent past, to take their first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible. Simranjit Kaur (60kg), who is a 2018 World Championships bronze medallist, is the lone boxer in the list while the other four are shooters, including 19-year-old Saurabh Chaudhary who won a silver medal at this year''s ISSF World Cup in the men''s 10m air pistol event.
The other three are 2018 Jakarta Asian Games gold medallist Rahi Sarnobat (women''s 25m pistol), silver medallist at the same edition Deepak Kumar (10m air rifle) and veteran shotgun shooter Mairaj Ahmed Khan. "Request boxing and shooting to get needful done urgently and revert," IOA President Narinder Batra said in a statement.
Simranjit had recently competed at the Asian Championships, losing the her only bout of the event, the semifinals, to fetch a bronze medal. The Games in Tokyo will open on July 23. The IOA said 120 athletes and 27 para-athletes have so far received at least one dose of the vaccine. The body said that there are 62 fully-vaccinated athletes, including four para athletes. From among coaches and support staff members, 114 have received their first shots while 37 are fully vaccinated. The IOA was supposed to provide details of the country''s vaccinated athletes to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by May 27 and had asked the national federations to share the information.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Too soon to say if English lockdown will end June 21: Matt Hancock
British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday it was too early to say whether the government would stick to its plan to lift COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in England on June 21. "It's too early to make a final decision on that. The Prime Minister and I and the team will be looking at all the data over this week. We've said that we'll give people enough time ahead of the June 21 date," Hancock told Sky News "We are not saying 'No' to June 21 at this point," he added.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Doorstep ration delivery scheme should be implemented across India in view of COVID-19: Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi why the doorstep ration delivery scheme by his government was stalled by the Centre and appealed to him to allow its implementation in the national interest. He said the scheme should be implemented across the country in view of COVID-19 otherwise ration shops will act as super-spreaders.
"If pizza, burgers, smartphones and clothes can be delivered at home, then why can't ration be delivered at their doorstep," Kejriwal asked. He alleged that the Centre was fighting with everyone, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Maharashtra, Delhi and Jharkhand governments, farmers and the people of Lakhsadweep.
"People are distressed that the central government is fighting everyone. If we fight like this, how will we tackle COVID-19,” the chief minister said in an online briefing."The Delhi government did not require the Centre''s approval for the implementation of the scheme, but it sought permission five times to avoid any dispute," Kejriwal said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Over 1.63 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses available with states/UTs: Centre
More than 1.63 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and union territories, the Union health ministry said on June 6. So far, over 24 crore doses have been provided to the states and UTs, it said in a statement. The total consumption, including wastage, stands at 22,65,08,508 doses, according to data available at 8 am on June 6.
More than 1.63 crore COVID Vaccine doses (1,63,85,701) are still available with the States/UTs to be administered, it said. So far, 24,60,80,900 vaccine doses have been provided free of cost to the states and UTs by the government of India and through the direct state procurement category, it said. Meanwhile, India reported 1,14,460 new coronavirus infections, the lowest in 60 days, while the daily positivity rate further dropped to 5.62 percent, according to the Union Health Ministry data. With the fresh cases, the total tally of coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 2,88,09,339.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Vaccinate all above 40 by July 15, says Kerala CM
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday directed the authorities to ensure that all those above the age of 40 years in the State are vaccinated by July 15. While speaking at the daily COVID-19 evaluation meet, Vijayan asked all the State departments to work together to fight the pandemic. "There are 50 lakh people, above the age of 45, yet to receive the vaccine in the State. We will get 38 lakh doses this month. The Chief Minister has directed to get all above the age of 40 vaccinated by July 15," a release issued by the CMO said.
The State government has also decided to include the mentally challenged in the priority list for vaccination. Meanwhile, State Health Minister Veena George said the State has administered over one crore vaccines till Friday. "We have given 78,75,797 people the first dose of "We have given 78,75,797 people the first dose of vaccine while 21,37,389 got the second. We were able to vaccinate this many due to the intervention of the government and the health workers," George said in a release. "We've received 1,04,13,620 doses of vaccine till now.
That included 8,84,680 doses purchased by the State government which comprised 7,46,710 doses of Covishield and 1,37,580 doses of Covaxin," Minister said. The State government has also decided to administer the second dose of Covishield vaccine, within a gap of four to six weeks, to those who are bound to travel to foreign countries.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | If pizza can be delivered at home during Covid, why not ration, asks Delhi CM
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday questioned the central government over its move to stall the 'doorstep delivery of ration' scheme that was set to be launched in the national capital. "Just two days before 'Doorstep Delivery of Ration' scheme's implementation in Delhi, the central government stopped it. If pizza delivery can be allowed amid the Covid-19 pandemic, then why not ration? asked Kejriwal.
"Respected Prime Minister, today I am very upset. The work of delivering ration door-to-door to the poor was about to start in Delhi from next week. All our preparations were done. But you stopped it two days before. Why did you do this?" he added. He said that the scheme would have benefitted 72 lakh ration card holders in Delhi. "We are doing this to help those who are underprivileged," said the Delhi CM.
Stating that the scheme should be implemented across the country, Kejriwal said ration shops can also potentially turn into Covid hotspots. “I request with my folded hands to Centre, please allow us to deliver ration to the Delhi residents," he said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Gradual unlock in Leh to start from June 7 amid dip in new Covid cases
Ladakh recorded 71 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to 19,147, while another death pushed the toll to 195, officials said on Sunday, as the Union Territory announced a gradual unlocking here after a month-long 'corona curfew'. The new fatality was reported from Leh on Saturday. The district has so far recorded 141 coronavirus-related deaths, while the pandemic toll stands at 54 in Kargil district, the officials said.
Fifty-eight of the new cases were registered in Leh and the remaining 13 in Kargil, they said. The number of active cases in the UT dropped to 1,170 – 986 in Leh and 184 in Kargil – as 254 Covid patients were discharged during the past 24 hours, the officials said. The COVID-19 recovery count stands at 17,782 in Ladakh, they added.
Meanwhile, Leh District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Chairman Shrikant Suse issued new guidelines with certain relaxations to start gradual unlocking from June 7 till June 14. The decision was taken after extensive deliberation and a detailed assessment of the Covid situation in the district, an official spokesman said.
Sharing the roster to allow commercial activities covering almost all segments at the end of 'corona curfew', Suse however said the public transport, private offices, salons, barber shops, beauty parlours, spas and gyms would continue to remain closed till further orders, while the relaxations would not be extended nor applicable in areas notified as containment zones.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Manipal Hospitals collaborates with Dr Reddy's to include Sputnik V in its vaccine portfolio
Leading hospital chain Manipal Hospitals on Sunday said it has collaborated with Dr Reddy's Laboratories to add the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in its existing vaccine portfolio that consists of Covishield and Covaxin. The roll-out of the Sputnik V vaccine by Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru is part of the limited pilot soft launch initiated by Dr Reddy's in Hyderabad last month, Manipal Hospitals said in a statement.
"Manipal Hospitals has worked closely with Dr Reddy's to create the state-of-the-art infrastructure to maintain Sputnik V vaccine," Manipal Health Enterprises Chief Operating Officer Karthik Rajagopal said. He added that the hospital chain has successfully conducted vaccination drives with Covishield and Covaxin across the country till date and will continue the efforts along with the new addition of Sputnik V.
Manipal Hospitals expects the vaccine to be available for the public soon in the latter half of the month, Rajagopal said. "We are pleased to collaborate with Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru as we scale up our soft pilot launch of the Sputnik V vaccine in India and extend it to more cities ahead of the commercial launch later in June. "In the upcoming months, we hope to inoculate as many Indians as possible," Dr Reddy's Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets) CEO M V Ramana said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | TCI Express says 'supplied' 20 lakh COVID vaccine doses across country
Logistics firm TCI Express has supplied about 20 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses to various vaccination centres across the country under its cold chain arrangement system, a top company official has said. Besides, the company is also involved in the distribution of critical medical equipment such as ventilators, high nasal cannula, oxygen concentrators, cold chain boxes, walk in coolers, inland refrigerators etc, being used in the treatment of Covid patients and for storage of vaccines, TCI Express Managing Director Chander Agarwal said.
"Last year, TCI Express tied up with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the distribution of vaccines. The company is regularly transporting COVID-19 vaccines and till May 31, 2021, we have supplied over 20 lakh doses to various state vaccination centres in the country," he told PTI. The company's cold chain fleet, Agarwal said, is transporting both Covishield and Covaxin at temperature of (+2) to (-8) degree celsius from the warehouses, where vaccines get stored for supply.
The cold-chain vehicles with refrigerated containers having a temperature monitoring device remain dedicatedly available at the warehouses to transport the vaccines to the state warehouses, both in the primary and secondary distribution, the managing director said. "For keeping track of all the shipments, we have a dedicated key account management team with the objective of ensuring that the shipments are delivered within the time limit. TCI Express has GPS and tracer enabled vehicles with easy access to track temperature and vehicle location. We can increase our supply capacity as we have enough arrangements," Agarwal said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Chinese city of Guangzhou reports seven new COVID-19 cases
The southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou on Sunday reported seven new local confirmed COVID-19 patients for June 5, bringing the city's total since May 21 to 80 amid a resurgent outbreak. Overall, China reported 30 new mainland coronavirus cases for June 5, up from 24 a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday. Of the new cases, 23 were imported. The remaining seven cases were all local infections in Guangzhou, according to data from Guangdong province, where Guangzhou is the capital.
In Guangzhou, the mass testing of residents is being carried out in 11 districts. People leaving the city must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within the past two days, Chen Bin, the deputy director of the Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission, said during a news briefing on Sunday carried by state-owned Xinhua News Agency on its social media account. China also reported 18 new asymptomatic infections, compared with 28 a day earlier. China does not classify symptomless COVID-19 infections as confirmed cases. As of June 5, China has counted a total of 91,248 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. Its death toll stood unchanged at 4,636.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Over 31 lakh vaccine doses administered on June 5; total crosses 23 crore
More than 31.20 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in India on June 5, the Union Health Ministry's latest provisional report suggested. With that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 23 crore. On day-141 of the vaccination drive (June 5, 2021), a total of 31,20,451 vaccine doses were given. As many as 28,70,693 beneficiaries were vaccinated for the 1st dose and 2,49,758 for the 2nd dose of vaccine, as per the provisional report till 7 pm.
The nationwide vaccination drive was launched on January 16 for healthcare and frontline workers and was subsequently expanded to include everyone over the age of 18. Registration on CoWIN platform for the third phase began on April 28 and is mandatory for the 18-44 age group.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | In boost for Africa, Senegal aims to make COVID shots next year
Senegal could begin producing COVID-19 vaccines next year under an agreement with Belgian biotech group Univercells aimed at boosting Africa's drug-manufacturing ambitions, a source involved in funding the project told Reuters. As wealthy countries begin to reopen after securing vaccine supplies early, African nations are still struggling to acquire shots. On a continent of 1.3 billion, only about 7 million have been fully vaccinated.
The collaboration highlights the opportunities created by a global push to channel money and technology towards production on a continent that makes only 1% of the vaccines it requires. Univercells announced the signing of a letter of intent for collaboration with the Institut Pasteur in Senegal's capital Dakar in April. The source shared details of the proposal, which were not made public.
Under the agreement, the Institut Pasteur would use vaccine production technology developed by Univercells to supply COVID-19 vaccine shots to countries across West Africa. The institute would initially begin packaging and distributing vaccines produced by Univercells in Belgium early next year, the source involved in securing financing for the collaboration told Reuters.
Univercells would transfer its full production line to Senegal in the second half of 2022, the source said, adding that the company would train local staff so they could eventually run the operation. Univercells chief investment officer Kate Antrobus, when asked about the timeframe for the project, confirmed that it could send vaccine doses to Senegal early next year.
She declined to comment on the exact date for a full vaccine production line in Senegal but of the timelines referenced she said: "I do not think they are unreasonable." Timing depends on Univercells securing regulatory approval for a vaccine production site in Belgium. Antrobus said that was expected "any day now".Institut Pasteur director Amadou Sall declined to comment on the timeline or size of the project but said the facility was working with donors to secure financial backing.
"There is a lot of political will, I am optimistic. But it is not about momentum, it is about creating a real opportunity," he said. It is not clear yet what vaccine will be supplied to Senegal, but Antrobus said the site in Belgium would be able to manufacture a class of so-called viral vector COVID-19 vaccine such as those developed by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Russia's Sputnik V and China's Cansino.
"If COVID amazingly subsides over the next year....that same capacity could be used for other viruses," Antrobus said. Univercells also has its own COVID-19 vaccine candidate, being developed with Germany's Leukocare and Italian firm ReiThera, which has completed Phase II trials. It is seeking financing to carry out Phase III, which the Italian government said it is ready to fund.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Mumbai at level 3; local trains yet off-limits for common people
Restaurants, shops selling non- essential items and public places are set to reopen from Monday in Mumbai which is categorised under level 3 of the ''unlock'' plan of the Maharashtra government but malls, theatres and multiplexes will continue to remain shut. As per the fresh guidelines issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday, local trains will remain available only for specific categories.
In a notification issued on Friday night, the Maharashtra government had stated local trains will remain available for "medical, few essentials and women", but authorised the civic administrations to put additional restrictions they deem fit. The reference of "women" was deleted by the BMC in its latest order which stated that entry in suburban trains will be restricted only for "medical and few essentials.
As per the state government''s notification, municipal corporations and districts in Maharashtra with a positivity rate between 5 per cent and 10 per cent and occupancy of oxygen beds over 40 per cent are categorised under level 3. As per the BMC order, shops selling essential products in Mumbai can remain open till 4 pm on all daysfrom June 7 while non-essential shops can operate till 4 pm on weekdays. Malls, theatres, and multiplexes will continue to remain shut.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | COVID-19 count in India lowest in 60 days
India reported 1,14,460 new coronavirus infections, the lowest in 60 days, while the daily positivity rate further dropped to 5.62 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. With the fresh cases, the total tally of coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 2,88,09,339. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,46,759 with 2,677 daily deaths, the lowest after around 42 days, while the active cases dropped below 15 lakh, the data updated at 8 am showed.
A total of 96,982 new cases were recorded in a span of 24 hours on April 6. Also, 20,36,311 tests were conducted on Saturday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 36,47,46,522, while the daily positivity has further declined to 5.62 per cent . It has been less than 10 per cent for 13 consecutive days, the ministry said.
The weekly positivity rate has declined to 6.54 per cent. The active cases have reduced to 14,77,799 comprising 5.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 93.67 per cent. A net decline of 77,449 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for 24 consecutive days.The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,69,84,781, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.20 per cent, the data stated.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Govt's vaccine distribution policy not fair, has inequalities; alleges Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the government''s vaccine distribution has inequalities and is not fair. "I have been saying that the vaccines should be procured by the Centre and distributed by the states. "In the absence of a fair policy for vaccine distribution, the inequality in the Modi government''s policy will give such results," he said citing a media report highlighting the inequalities in vaccine distribution.
The report claims that nine private hospitals got 50 per cent and six cities 80 per cent of Covishield and Covaxin stocks and alleged disparities in vaccine distribution. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also hit out at the government, alleging shortage of beds during the second wave of coronavirus and asked why did it not upgrade health facilities and instead is carrying forward the central vista project.
"In January, when the Prime Minister was making false declarations of ''winning the war against corona'', the number of oxygen beds in the country was reduced by 36 percent, the number of ICU beds by 46 percent and the number of ventilator beds by 28 per cent," she said in a tweet in Hindi.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Private hospitals received over 1.20 crore doses of COVID vaccines in May: Centre
The Health Ministry on Saturday said that private hospitals have received over 1.20 crore doses of anti-coronavirus vaccines in May. A large number of private hospitals that had a contract with Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have been supplied with Covishield and Covaxin doses respectively, it said in a statement.
"As on June 1, 2021, private hospitals have received over 1.20 crore doses of Covid vaccines in the month of May. These private hospitals are not limited to the bigger metro cities but also from Tier two and three cities across states," the ministry said. It said states with fewer number of private hospitals have been requested to review the status and list the better performing hospitals under AB-PMJAY and state-specific insurance schemes, keeping a geographical spread in mind, and encourage them to get into agreement with the vaccine manufacturers.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Vaccinate all above 40 by July 15, says CM Vijayan
Kerala Chief Minister on Saturday directed the health authorities to ensure that all those above 40 years of age are vaccinated by July 15. The Kerala chief minister said there are 50 lakh people above 45 years that are yet to receive the vaccine against Covid. "We will get 38 lakh doses this month. The Chief Minister has directed to get all above the age of 40 vaccinated by July 15," the CMO said in a statement.
The state government has also decided to include the mentally challenged in the priority list for vaccination. Meanwhile, Kerala's Health Minister Veena George said the state has administered over one crore vaccines till Friday. "We have given 78,75,797 people the first dose of the vaccine while 21,37,389 got the second," George said. "We've received 1,04,13,620 doses of vaccine till now. That included 8,84,680 doses purchased by the state government which comprised 7,46,710 doses of Covishield and 1,37,580 doses of Covaxin," she added.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Haryana may get 60 million doses of Sputnik V from Malta-based pharma firm
Haryana has received an "expression of interest" from a Malta-based pharma company to provide up to 60 million doses of Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine, the state government has said. The announcement comes a day after the government's global tender inviting companies to supply 1 crore anti-Covid jabs to Haryana expired.
"Although the offer has come after the due date of tender is over but still, it is being carefully examined to see if it meets the criteria of the tender document and to ensure the optimal vaccine availability for the state," Rajeev Arora, the additional chief secretary of health in Haryana said on Saturday. The state had floated a global tender for Covid-19 vaccine shots through the Haryana Medical Services Corporation (HMSCL) on 26 May, which closed on 4 June.
"Although no bid was received in the tender, an international pharma company with its headquarters in Malta namely Pharma Regulatory Services Limited has given an expression of Interest to HMSCL to provide up to 60 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine," the Haryana government said. The government added that the cost of each dose will be nearly ₹1,120. The firm has given a timeline of 30 days to supply the first batch of five lakh doses of the vaccine, which will be followed by the supply of 10 lakh doses every 20 days.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Andhra Pradesh govt to pay Rs 1.5 crore COVID-19 treatment cost for doctor
The Andhra Pradesh government will bear the cost of treatment amounting to ₹1.5 crore of a doctor named N Bhaskar Rao who tested positive for Covid-19. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has announced that the government will bear the cost of treatment amounting to ₹1.5 crore for Government Doctor N. Bhaskar Rao, who has been battling for his life at Care hospitals, Gachibowli, informed an official release on Saturday.
Dr N. Bhaskar Rao, 38, working as a medical officer in Public Healthcare Centre (PHC), Karamchedu of Prakasam district has got tested positive for Covid and his wife Dr Bhagya Laxmi, 38, working as Assistant professor, radio diagnosis in Guntur Medical College also tested positive for Covid. Both of them were admitted to GGH, Guntur on April 30, and both took Remdesivir given by the government.
Bhaskar Rao got shifted to Aayush hospital in Vijayawada on May 3 as his condition started to deteriorate. Later, they got shifted to Yashoda Hospital, Somajiguda, Hyderabad on May 9 and admitted in Yashoda and on May 10. He was on a ventilator and then shifted to care hospitals, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. He was advised to be put on ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and transplant lungs, but could not be able to afford as the cost is ₹1.5 crore.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Sadananda Gowda launches free vaccination drive for students in Bengaluru
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers DV Sadananda Gowda on Saturday launched a free vaccination drive for students in Malleswaram Assembly constituency. The drive was taken up by Dell company, Shikshana Foundation, and Ashwatha Narayana Foundation. Gowda said that the students are being vaccinated by procuring vaccines from the open market.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Covid task force head Dr CN Ashwath Narayan, who is also the MLA of the constituency informed that on the first day of the drive 1,000 students comprising of 525 government college students and 475 private college students are being inoculated with vaccines sponsored by Dell company. He also said that Prashanth Prakash advisor to Chief Minister has arranged for another 3.5 lakh vaccines through donations.
"Vaccination drive will be further expedited in the state and as informed by Central Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, 20 crore vaccines are being produced in the month of June. By July, production will be increased and it will reach production of 40 crore monthly vaccines by the month of August. Then there will be surplus production in the country," he explained.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Taiwan to get 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots from US
The United States will donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan as part of the country's plan to share shots globally, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth said on Sunday, offering a much-needed boost to the island's fight against the pandemic. Taiwan is dealing with a spike in domestic cases but has been affected like many places by global vaccines shortages. Only around 3% of its 23.5 million people have been vaccinated, with most getting only the first shot of two needed.
Speaking at Taipei's downtown Songshan airport after arriving on a brief visit with fellow Senators Dan Sullivan and Christopher Coons, Duckworth said Taiwan would be getting 750,000 doses as part of the first tranche of U.S. donations. "It was critical to the United States that Taiwan be included in the first group to receive vaccines because we recognise your urgent need and we value this partnership," she said at a news conference. She did not give details of which vaccines Taiwan would get or when.
Taiwan has complained about China, which claims the democratically-ruled island as its own, trying to block the island from accessing vaccines internationally, which Beijing has denied. Standing by Duckworth's side, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu thanked the United States for the donation. "While we are doing our best to import vaccines, we must overcome obstacles to ensure that these life-saving medicines are delivered free from trouble from Beijing," he said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | China reports 30 new coronavirus cases on June 5, up from previous day
China reported 30 new coronavirus cases on the mainland for June 5, up from 24 cases a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday. Of the new patients, 23 were imported, the National Health Commission said, and the seven local cases were all in southern Guangdong province. There were no new deaths. China also reported 18 new asymptomatic infections, compared with 28 a day earlier. China does not classify symptomless infections as confirmed cases. As of June 5, China had a total of 91,248 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Its death toll stood unchanged at 4,636.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | UK PM calls on G7 to vaccinate world against Covid-19 by end of 2022
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday called for leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations to make a commitment to vaccinate the entire world against COVID-19 by the end of 2022 when they meet in Britain next week. Johnson will host the first in-person summit in almost two years of G7 leaders - which follows a meeting of the group's finance ministers which wrapped up earlier in the day - and said he would seek a pledge to hit the global vaccination goal.
"Vaccinating the world by the end of next year would be the single greatest feat in medical history," Johnson said in a statement. "I’m calling on my fellow G7 leaders to join us to end this terrible pandemic and pledge we will never allow the devastation wreaked by coronavirus to happen again." The leaders of Germany, France, the United States, Italy, Japan, the European Union and Canada will join Johnson for the three-day summit in Cornwall, southwest England, which begins on Friday.
It will be the first overseas trip for U.S. President Joe Biden since he took office in January. While the richest nations have been vaccinating large numbers of their populations, many poorer countries have not had the same access to vaccines. And health experts have warned that unless more COVID shots were donated, the virus will continue to spread and mutate.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Special vaccination drive for students going abroad begins
The Telangana government has started a special Covid-19 vaccination drive for students who will be travelling abroad for their studies. "A special drive has been initiated by the Government of Telangana to vaccinate the students who are about to leave for studies abroad. The eligible students can register themselves in the special website that has been started two days back," Director of Institute of Preventive Medicine Dr Shankar was quoted as saying by ANI.
The special drive focuses on students who have to leave the country in the next two months. To avail of its benefits, the students will be required to bring their passport, student visa and official admission letter given by the respective university with them at the vaccination centres. Shankar informed on Saturday that till now, nearly about 7,000 students have registered for vaccination.
"On the first day, 350 slots were given for students to get themselves vaccinated. The students are being administered Covishield as Covaxin is not recognised in several countries," the director said. Shankar said that the beneficiary students will be administered the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine after four weeks instead of 10 weeks. "After the second dose has been administered, these students will be given a vaccination certificate," he said.
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