Coronavirus Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on June 7 at 5 pm, and announced that free vaccine will be provided to all citizens above 18 years of age from June 21. His address came at a time when India reported 1,00,636 fresh COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 61 days, taking the infection tally to 2,89,09,975, while the number of active cases dropped to 14,01,609, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Monday. The death toll due to coronavirus reached 3,49,186 with 2,427 new fatalities, the lowest in around 45 days, 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, 15,87,589 tests were conducted on Sunday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 36,63,34,111, while the daily positivity rate was recorded at 6.34 per cent. It has been less than 10 per cent for 14 consecutive days, the ministry said. The weekly positivity rate has declined to 6.21 per cent. The number of active cases has reduced to 14,01,609, comprising 4.85 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 93.94 per cent.
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Coronavirus in India LIVE Updates |
Two Covid-positive senior citizens with heart complications, who were administered the monoclonal antibody therapy at a leading private facility here a week ago, have "tested negative" for the coronavirus infection, a senior doctor of the hospital said on Tuesday. The therapy is said to reduce the chances of hospitalisation by 70 per cent in patients with mild to moderate symptoms, according to medical experts. (PTI)
Coronavirus in India LIVE Updates |
The number of active coronavirus cases reached 471 in Ghaziabad and came down to 324 in Gautam Buddh Nagar on Tuesday, official data showed. No death linked to Covid was reported in Ghaziabad while one more person succumbed in Gautam Buddh Nagar, according to Uttar Pradesh's Health Department data for a 24-hour period. (PTI)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Less than 10k new cases and 179 deaths in Karnataka
Karnataka on Tuesday reported less than 10,000 new COVID-19 cases and 179 fatalities, taking the total number of infections to 27.17 lakh and the toll to 32,099.
The day also saw 23,449 discharges, continuing to outnumber the fresh cases.
Out of 9,808 new cases reported on Tuesday, 2,028 were from Bengaluru Urban, as the city saw 7,664 discharges and 44 deaths.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Cumulative COVID-19 vaccine coverage reaches 23.88 crore
The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has reached 23.88 crore, the Union health ministry said on Tuesday. It said 13,32,471 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years received their first dose and 76,723 beneficiaries of the same age group received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine during the day. (PTI)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Centre revises charges of COVID-19 vaccine; Covishield to cost Rs 780, Covaxin Rs 1,410, Sputnik V Rs 1,145
Union Health Ministry caps charges for administration of Covishield at Rs 780, Covaxin at Rs 1,410, and Sputnik V at Rs 1,145 in private hospitals, based on the prices currently declared by vaccine manufacturers.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | State government:
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel has announced free distribution of rice to all BPL ration cardholders from July to November. Besides, CM also announced that the ration cardholders will be provided an additional quantity of rice under State Food Security Act.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Karnataka CMO:
CM BS Yediyurappa released Rs 2000 each subsidy for registered street vendors under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission. Scheme comes under relief package announced for street vendors whose livelihoods have been hit by COVID-192nd wave.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Coronavirus variant causing increased disease severity identified in India by NIV scientists
Scientists at Pune’s National Institute of Virology have isolated and characterised a coronavirus variant from two travellers -- one who returned from the UK and the other from Brail -- that exhibits increased disease severity in hamsters but doesn’t pose a public health problem at the moment.The two samples of the B.1.1.28.2 variant are the only ones of its kind isolated by Indian labs so far.The variant was isolated from nasal/throat swabs from a traveller who returned to India from the UK in December 2020, and another who came back from Brazil in January 2021.The samples of the variant, first identified in Brazil last year, were collected as part of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Uddhav Thackeray welcomes Centre's move on COVID-19 vaccines; says getting free jabs is people's right
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday welcomed the Centre's decision to supply free COVID-19 vaccines for people in the age group of 18-44 years, saying it is not only their right but also a necessity.He, however, added that those who want to pay for the vaccine can choose the option as in the case of LPG cylinder subsidy.Thackeray said after the Centre had given the responsibility of vaccinating people within the age group of 18-44 to the states, his government had made preparations and allocated money for the same.He said Maharashtra has six crore people in this age group and would require 12 crore doses for inoculating them."We had also started it but the supply was inadequate. Yesterday, the PM again gave the responsibility to the Centre. We are thankful to him and hope that all obstacles will be cleared and all citizens will be vaccinated at the earliest," Thackeray, who was here to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said."Getting a free vaccine is both a right and a necessity," the chief minister asserted.Modi had on Monday announced that the central government will provide free coronavirus vaccines to states and union territories for inoculation of all above 18 from June 21 and that the Centre will take over the 25 percent state procurement quota.Asserting that vaccine supply would be increased significantly in the coming days, the prime minister said the Centre has now decided to buy 75 percent of jabs from vaccine makers for free supply to states.Private sector hospitals will continue to procure 25 percent of vaccines, but they cannot charge more than Rs 150 per dose over the pre-fixed price.When asked about this, Thackeray said, "It is good to give the vaccines for free but if some people want it they can take it (by paying). Some time back, there was also a talk of (giving up) subsidy (on LPG cylinder)."
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Kerala reports 15,567 COVID-19 cases, 124 deaths
Kerala on Tuesday reported 15,567 new COVID-19 cases and 124 deaths, taking the tally to to 26.27 lakh and the toll to 10,281. Recoveries continued to outnumber fresh infections with 20,019 people testing negative, taking the total to 25,04,011, the state government said. Active cases stood at 1,43,254 and the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) was 14.15 per cent.
Coronavirus in Bihar LIVE Updates |
Bihar Cabinet decides to provide an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakhs each to the next of kin of those who succumbed to COVID-19 in the state.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Jammu and Kashmir reports 1184 new COVID-19 cases, 2880 recoveries and 11 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Total cases 3,02,651
Total recoveries 2,76,733
Death toll 4101
Active cases 21,817
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Special Vaccination Drive Held at Akshardham
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital on Tuesday administered the second dose of COVID vaccine to 500 volunteer staff members of Akshardham Temple in Delhi. A special inoculation camp was conducted on the premises of the famous temple. A special inoculation camp was conducted on the premises of the famous temple.Akshardham Temple spokesperson Dr JM Dave said, "The drive was fast, efficient and so smooth. We support and encourage all to get vaccinated."
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Mumbai's Dharavi records six new COVID-19 cases
A day after the civic authorities relaxed certain curbs, the daily count of COVID-19 cases inMumbai's Dharavi rose to six on Tuesday, a senior official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.With the addition of six new cases in the last 24-hours, the tally of infection in the slum-dominated area hasreached 6,844, the official said. At least 6,465 patients have recovered from theinfection so far, leaving the area with 20 active cases, he said.Dharavi has been seeing a daily count of one to three cases since May 31.The BMC on Monday reopened public places, grounds, shops, restaurants and gyms for limited hours and alsopermitted BEST buses to ferry passengers at 100 percent seating capacity.
Coronavirus in Uttarakhand LIVE Updates | Uttarakhand reports 546 new COVID-19 cases, 2717 recoveries and 13 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Total cases 3,34,965
Total recoveries 3,10,291
Death toll 6797
Active cases 11,885
Coronavirus in Kerala LIVE Updates |
15,567 new cases, 124 deaths and 20,019 recoveries reported in Kerala today.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Avoid large gatherings, follow Covid-appropriate behaviour to avert future wave: Govt
The government on Tuesday stressed on avoiding large gatherings for a couple of months and following COVID-19-appropriate behaviour to avert any future wave, even as it noted that there has been a continued and sharp decline in daily new coronavirus cases in the country.In a joint press briefing on the pandemic situation, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said almost 79 per cent decline in daily new COVID-19 cases has been noted since the peak on May 7.There has been a continued and sharp decline in daily new cases, he said on the second wave of COVID-19.India reported 86,498coronavirus cases, the lowest in 66 days, and 2,123 deaths, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday.On May 7, the country saw a record 4,14,188 new coronavirus infections.Agarwal said India has reported 20,822 coronavirus cases and 252 deaths per million population, which is among the lowest in the world.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | CM Bhupesh Baghel:
Chhattisgarh govt will provide free rice to families in below poverty line category from July to November this year as relief in wake of COVID-19 crisis.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Pankaj Garg, Deputy Forest Conservator, Nashik:
Some people are felling trees due to fears of black fungus. This disease has no connection with trees. This fungus is in environment. Continuously taking steam, use of the same face mask for a long time & steroids are major reasons.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Order for 25 crore doses of Covishield and 19 crore of Covaxin placed : Health Ministry
The government on June 8 said it has placed an order of 44 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses. This includes 25 Crore Covishield from Serum Institute of India and 19 Crore doses of Covaxin from Bharat Biotech, the government said.This comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a revised vaccination policy in which all citizens aged above 18 would be vaccinated at free of cost bythe Centre. All state-level vaccine procurement would also be taken over by the central government, the Prime Minister had said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | 28 elephants at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve tested for COVID-19
"Samples have been sent to Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Uttar Pradesh. All elephants between 2 and 60 years of age were tested, results awaited," says Forest Ranger, Theppakadu Elephant Camp
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | 29th Oxygen Express with 127 tonnes of LMO arrives in Bengaluru
The 29th Oxygen Express reached here from Rourkela in Odisha carrying 126.78 tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen, the South Western Railway said on Tuesday.This train brought the LMO in 6 Cryogenic Containers, the SWR said in a statement.According to the SWR, Karnataka has received 3,340.77 tonnes of LMO by Rail.It added that the Railways has run 383 Oxygen Expresses and transported more than 26,891 tonnes of LMO in 1,567 tankers to all over the country.The demand for LMO rose following the rise in COVID cases in the state.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Arvind Kejriwal writes to PM Modi, says ready to make whatever changes Centre wants in doorstep ration scheme
The Delhi government is ready to make whatever changes the Centre wants in the doorstep delivery of ration scheme, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.He requested permission for implementing the scheme that he claimed was stonewalled by the Centre days before its launch."People have been made to queue up for ration by the governments in last 75 years. Sir, let not they remain in ration queues for next 75 years. They will never forgive me or you," Kejriwal wrote.The AAP government last week claimed Lt Governor "rejected" its doorstep delivery of ration scheme citing lack of Centre's approval and a pending case in the high court.Kejriwal said although the Delhi government was not legally bound, yet it sought Centre's approval five times to avoid any dispute."Food minister of Delhi Imran Hussain through letters on February 4, 2019, March 4, 2020, June 17, 2020, November 19, 2020 and December 3, 2020, informed the central government that Delhi government is going to implement Mukhya Mantri Ghar Ghar Ration Yojna. No objection was raised on this from your side even once," he said.The Delhi government even changed the name of the scheme by dropping'Mukhya Mantri' and addressed other objections and yet it was said that Centre's approval was not sought and the scheme was rejected, Kejriwal said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog:
The provisional scientific date of the vaccine (Biological E's Corbevax) is very promising.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog:
We should wait for the company (Biological E) to announce the price of their vaccine (Corbevax). It will depend on our negotiation with the company, under the new policy. The financial aid that has been given will meet part of the price.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Centre says door-to-door vaccination not possible; favours ''near-to-door'' system
The Centre told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that a door-to-door COVID-19 vaccination programme for senior citizens, specially-abled, bed-ridden and wheelchair-bound people is currently not possible, but it has decided to start "near-to-door" inoculation centres.The Union government in its affidavit filed in the HC said the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration (NEGVAC) has considered the issue of door-to-door vaccination and opined that "near-to-door" vaccination would be an appropriate solution, and not door-to-door vaccination.The court noted that almost 25 crore people have been vaccinated in India."Which other country has been able to do so with so much population. The government can do this (door-to-door vaccination) too. You (government) need to find your own way," Chief Justice Dipankar Datta said.A division bench of Chief Justice Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni last month directed the NEGVAC to consider if door-to-door vaccination programmes can be started for senior citizens, specially-abled people and those who are wheelchair-bound or bed-ridden.The order was passed in a public interest litigation filed by two lawyers Dhruti Kapadia and Kunal Tiwari raising concerns over how several people would not be able to travel to the vaccination centres.The Centre in its affidavit filed on Tuesday said the issue was discussed by the NEGVAC in its meeting on May 25."All the members/experts, who participated in the meeting, unanimously agreed that the COVID-19 vaccine cannot be given at home due to issues and risks cited by the expert committee," it said.However, the NEGVAC agreed that since the elderly and specially-abled people have limited mobility, there is a need to increase access by bringing the vaccination services closer to such communities while maintaining all necessary precautions and safety measures.The affidavit said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare formulated standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to the ''Near to Home Vaccination Centres'' on May 27.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Consignment of Sputnik V vaccine arrives at Chennai airport
A consignment of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, said to be the first such one for Tamil Nadu, arrived here by a private airline from Hyderabad on Tuesday.The processing of the shipment at the Chennai airport was completed quickly and it was handed over to a transport agency, airportsources said.It was taken to a private laboratory at Periyapanicheri in Chennai by vehicle.Later, one box of vaccines was disptached to Coimbatore, sources said.Scheduled to be rolled out by mid-June, the Sputnik V vaccine was accorded emergency use authorisation by the Drugs Controller General of India and it joins Covishield and the indigenous Covaxin in the battle against COVID-19.The first dose of the imported vaccine was administered in Hyderabad last month.The vaccine, developed by Russia's Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, is said to be 91.6 per cent efficacious - the highest among COVID vaccines available in India.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Continued and sharp decline in daily Covid cases: Govt
There has been a continued and sharp decline in daily new coronavirus cases in the country, the government said on Tuesday, but stressed on following COVID-19-appropriate behaviour to avert any future wave.In a joint press briefing on the pandemic situation, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said almost 79 per cent decline in daily new COVID-19 cases has been noted since the peak on May 7.There has been a continued and sharp decline in daily new cases, he said on the second wave of COVID-19.He said India has reported 20,822 coronavirus cases and 252 deaths per million population, which is among the lowest in the world.The government also stressed on following COVID-19-appropriate behaviour till the population is vaccinated, to avert any future wave. (PTI)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry:
Our overall recovery rate stands at 94.3 percent. 1,82,000 recoveries and 4.62 percent. Positivity rate were reported in last 24 hours. Weekly positivity rate in 15 states is less than 5 percent. 23.62 crore vaccine doses given till now.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Dr VK Paul, Niti Aayog:
Govt has placed an order to purchase 25 crores doses of Covishield and 19 crore doses of Covaxin. Govt has also placed an order to purchase 30 crore doses of Biological E's vaccine, which will be available by September.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Dr VK Paul, Niti Aayog:
Vaccines' price to private sectors (hospitals) will be decided by vaccine manufacturers; States will aggregate demand of private sector, which means they will oversee how much network of facilties it has, and how many doses does it require...
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | People from Delhi-NCR travelling to Agra to get Covid vaccination, says hospital
People in the 18-44 age group from the Delhi-NCR region are travelling as far as to Agra in Uttar Pradesh to get vaccinated against COVID-19.Moolchand Medcity, Agra, started vaccinating people in the 18-44 age group four days ago. Of the 450 people inoculated so far, 40 per cent of the beneficiaries came from places like Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Meerut, Etawah and Mathura.The shortest distance between Agra and Delhi is 224 kilometers. Meerut is 232 kms away from Agra.“After a ferocious second wave of COVID-19, people have realised the importance of getting vaccinated. They are even travelling 250 kilometers to get the jabs,” Vibhu Talwar, medical director, Moolchand Medcity, Agra told PTI.“People have been coming from Mainpuri, Aligarh, Etawah, Mathura, Delhi, Meerut, Gurgaon, Noida, among other places, to get vaccinated. It is a good sign that people are travelling 250 kilometers to get inoculated against COVID-19… that they are taking it seriously,” he said Talwar said around 40 to 50 per cent of those who have been vaccinated at the hospital so far are from outside Agra.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Lav Agrawal, JS, Health Min:
86,498 cases have been reported in last 24 hours. Almost 79% decline in cases, since highest reported peak in daily new cases. Last week, 33 percent decline was seen in overall reported cases. 322 districts have seen decline in daily cases in last one month.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Dr Randeep Guleria, AIIMS Director:
No data, global or Indian, has had any observations of children being affected more. Even in the 2nd wave kids who were infected had mild illness or co-morbidities. I don't think we will have a serious infection in children in the future.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Hyundai Motor India Foundation donates COVID-19 relief products to Delhi govt
Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) on Tuesday said it has handed over 40 high-flow nasal oxygen machines, 40 BiPaP machines and 10 ventilators to the Delhi government for further distribution to hospitals in the state.Under the Hyundai Cares 3.0 initiative, project ''Back to Life'' ensures the expedited procurement and delivery of highly critical oxygen products to help provide immediate relief across most-affected states and cities, the automaker said in a statement.Under the COVID-19 relief initiative, Hyundai Motor India Foundation has expedited purchase and supply of critical medical equipment, thereby ensuring a quick dispatch of relief materials to hospitals across most-affected states of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Haryana and New Delhi, it added.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Luv Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry:
Overall recovery has increased to 94.3% (both home isolation +medical infrastructure); 6.3 percent overall decrease in positivity from June 1-7.33 percent decline in the number of cases in last one week and 65 percent reduction in active cases. State-wise, there are 15 states with less than 5 percent positivity.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Over 1,200 challans issued for violating COVID-19 norms in Delhi: Police
The Delhi Police fined over 1,200 people on Monday for not adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines, officials said.According to data shared by police on Tuesday, a total of 1,285challanswere issued on Monday, of which 1,053 were issued for not wearing face masks, 229 for not maintaining social distancing and three against the large public gatherings or congregations."The process of unlocking has been started and we urge people to follow theCovid-appropriatebehaviour. Use face mask while coming out of the house, maintain social distancing and regularlysanitisetheir hands. People should not come out of their homes unnecessarily," Delhi Police Additional Public Relations Officer (PRO) AnilMittalsaid.A total of 901challans-- 742 for not wearing a face mask and 159 for violating distancing norms -- were issued on Sunday, the officials said.As many as 1,24,196challanshave been issued by the police from April 19 to June 7, the data showed. (PTI)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Department of Public Health & Family Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh:
It is decided to vaccinate all mothers having children below 5 yrs of age. All District Medical and Health officers requested to instruct the Medical officers to prepare a list of such mothers.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Farooq Abdullah urges people to get vaccinated against Covid
National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday appealed to the people to get vaccinated at the earliest in order to stay safe from COVID-19.
"We are in the midst of a pandemic called COVID-19. Hundreds of thousands have died due to it, but thankfully we now have a vaccine which can keep us safe from this disease," Abdullah, who is the Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, said in a video posted by the NC on its social media handles.
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, however, cautioned the people against lowering the guard in the fight against Covid, saying the SOPs such as wearing mask, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene need to be followed in order to stop the spread of the infection. "Through this video, I want to appeal that please get yourself, your family and friends vaccinated at the designated centres. I am hopeful that we are able to save lives and things will improve," he said in Kashmiri. Abdullah urged the people not to waste time and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Bihar to unlock from June 9; night curfew to remain in place
Lockdown in Bihar, clamped over a month ago in view of the spurt in COVID 19 cases, will be lifted from Wednesday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said. He made the announcement on his social media handles on Tuesday after a meeting of the crisis management group which reviewed the pandemic situation in the state. "The lockdown has served the purpose of putting a check on coronavirus cases. Hence it would now be done away with, though a few restrictions will remain," the chief minister said.
He, however, clarified that night curfew will be in place from 7 pm to 5 am. Kumar said private offices will be allowed to reopen and function with 50 per cent staff. Government offices, which have so far been functioning with 25 per cent staff strength, can do so with half of employees reporting on a day.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray thanks PM Modi on new vaccine rule, says need 12 crore doses to vaccinate 18-44 group twice
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said that the state would require a total of 12 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses to inoculate 6 crore people falling under the 18-44 age group twice. Apart from this, the CM also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new vaccine rule to centralise vaccine procurement by the states.
"We'd require 12 cr doses to inoculate 6 cr people twice, in 18-44 yrs group. We tried but couldn't do it as there wasn't an adequate and steady supply. Thankful to PM for centralising vaccine procurement. I hope everyone in India is vaccinated soon," Uddhav told reporters today. To recall, PM Modi on Monday announced that his government will provide free jabs to states for inoculation of all above the age of 18.
In an address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Centre has decided to buy 75 per cent of jabs from vaccine makers, including 25 per cent of the state quota, and give it for free to state governments, while private sector hospitals can continue to procure the remaining 25 per cent.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Goa's tourism activities must resume after total vaccination: Minister
Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar on Tuesday said tourism activities should resume only after the entire population of the coastal state is completely vaccinated against COVID-19. While the Goa government has allowed hotels to function, restaurants and other tourism-related activities have been shut due to the curfew, which has been in place in the state since May 9, when COVID-19 cases started peaking.
Speaking to PTI, the minister said only tourists who are "fully vaccinated" should be allowed to enter the state. "We can''t keep Goa''s tourism industry shut forever, as it is an important backbone of our state''s economy," Ajgaonkar said. The tourism industry can resume all its activities once the entire population of the state is "fully vaccinated" with both doses of the vaccines, he said.
The state should also open itself for tourists with caution, by allowing entry only to those visitors who have taken both doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, the minister said. "Once tourism resumes in Goa fully, the state will take up an intensive media campaign, inviting domestic tourists here," he said, adding that the industry will have to earn back its past glory, as it has suffered losses due to the pandemic.
In case of international travellers, Ajgaonkar said the state will have to depend on the Centre''s decision for resumption of chartered flights. Meanwhile, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is pinning its hope on early resumption of tourism activities to minimise its losses. The state-run special purpose vehicle has been operating 13 hotel properties, mostly in the coastal belt, to cater to tourists.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | HC asks Centre to consider allowing RWAs to run COVID-19 vaccination camps with pvt hospitals
The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to “seriously” consider involving RWAs in the COVID-19 vaccination drive in association with private hospitals, making it convenient and safe for residents to get jabs at nearby centres. In case the government finds merit in this suggestion, the position may be clarified without any delay and if the authorities are not inclined to permit Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) to organise such camps, the reasons shall be disclosed in a status report, the high court said.
“In our view, the said aspect deserves serious consideration, and unless there are any specific reasons why the Central Government would not want the RWAs to play a role in the vaccination drive, there should be no impediment in designating the camps organised by the RWAs in association with private hospitals as vaccination centres run by private hospitals.
“Permitting vaccinations to be undertaken at such camps would go a long way in making it convenient and safe for the residents of the colonies to get themselves vaccinated at such centres. The Central Government should, therefore, seriously consider this proposal at the earliest,” said a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh, which was hearing pleas relating to management of COVID-19 crisis in Delhi.
The court, in its June 4 order, asked the Centre to file a status report in this regard by July 7, when it will hear the matter on reopening after vacations. The issue relating to permit the RWAs to carry out vaccinations for the residents of the locality was raised by amicus curiae and senior advocate Raj Shekhar Rao. He said on May 29, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a clarification regarding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination by private hospitals in accordance with the National COVID Vaccination Programme.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Karnataka CM Yediyurappa to discuss future of lockdown restrictions in a day or two
Amid talks that Karnataka may start the unlock process by lifting restrictions after June 14, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa is likely to hold a meeting in a day or two, to discuss the matter and take a call. The state is currently under lockdown till June 14, and there are indications that the government is likely to go for graded relaxation of restrictions, in districts that have less positivity rate to begin with.
"The Chief Minister, after discussing with everyone, will take a decision on what measures need to be taken in this regard, by taking everyone into confidence," Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan said on Tuesday in response to a question on unlocking. Speaking to reporters here, he said, the Chief Minister is likely to call a meeting (with experts, Ministers and officials), in a day or two, during which all aspects will be discussed and the outcome will be made known. "In most of the districts, other than a few, the numbers have come down.. we will also have to ensure that the cases don''t increase again, it will also be looked into," he added.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Over 1.19 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses still available with states: Centre
More than 1.19 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Over 24 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far through Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category. Of this, the total consumption, including wastages is 23,47,43,489 doses, the ministry said. "A total of 1,19,46,925 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered," it said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | From allocation to pricing: Govt revises Covid-19 vaccination guidelines
The government has released revised guidelines for Covid-19 vaccine supply to states/UTs. According to the new guidelines, vaccines will be allocated to states based on population, disease burden and progress of vaccination. In respect of the vaccine doses provided free of cost by Union Govt to sates, Vaccination will be prioritised as the following: Health care Workers. Front Line Workers Citizens Above 45 years and above.
States/UTs may decide their own prioritisation factoring in supply. Vaccines will be allocated to states based on population, disease burden and progress of vaccination. Wastage of vaccine will affect the allocation negatively. Govt will provide states/UTs advance information of vaccine doses to be supplied to them. States/UTs should similarly, further allocate doses well in advance to districts and vaccination centres. They should also put in the public domain the information about the above availability at the district and vaccination centre level.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Pilots' body moves Bombay HC; seeks compensation for COVID-19 death, priority in vaccination
An association of Indian pilots has approached the Bombay High Court seeking schemes for adequate compensation for pilots who died of COVID-19 or got infected by it, priority in vaccination against the disease and insurance coverage for those working during the pandemic. The petition, filed by the ''Federation of Indian Pilots'' on June 7, said pilots are providing essential services, and sought a direction to the Union government to provide an ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 crore to the families of pilots who died due to COVID-19.
As per the public interest litigation (PIL), since February 2021, 13 pilots have succumbed to COVID-19. The petition said since March 2020, all airlines and pilots are diligently working to operate the ''Vande Bharat'' and other flights for evacuating Indian citizens stranded in other countries and also for the air transportation of medical supplies during the second wave of the pandemic this year.
"In such times, several pilots have been infected by the coronavirus and many have lost their lives. Several pilots also face the risk of permanent or temporary disability due to the after-effects of COVID-19, like mucormycosis," it said. The PIL further said pilots have operated flights during the pandemic with substantial risk to their personal and family safety. "Despite this, several pilots have been subjected to massive pay cuts since the beginning of 2020," it said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | SJTA urges Odisha govt to declare its employees as COVID-19 warriors
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has urged the Odisha government to declare its employees as COVID-19 warriors as they are exposed to risk while performing their duties inside the shrine and outside. SJTAs Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar in a letter to Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, P K Mohapatra said the temple employees "deserve" the COVID-19 warrior status.
"I am to bring to your kind notice that the employees of SJTA, Puri are involved in discharging various duties during this COVID pandemic. This includes taking care of the COVID positive persons in the institutional isolation facility at Nilachal Bhakta Nivas and assisting the medical teams in vaccination of sevayats and employees," he said.
Besides, they are continuously exposed to members of public while assisting performance of nitis (rituals) inside and outside the temple and looking after the boarding, lodging and accommodation of Ratha Khala (chariot making yard) sevaks etc, Kumar said in the letter. "In this context, I request that all such officials of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri may be declared as COVID warriors for extension of benefits as decided by the state government from time to time," he urged.
Kumar also mentioned the names of two personnel of Jagannath Temple Police (JTP) of SJTA Pruthimanyu Dash (58) and Pramod Kumar Dash (59) who succumbed to COVID-19 in April and requested the Additional Chief Secretary for financial assistance to their family members as per the same norms as being provided to other officials in similar circumstances.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | COVID fatality rate among docs one of the lowest in Karnataka, says Minister
Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar on Tuesday said nine doctors have lost their lives to COVID-19 during the second wave of the pandemic, which is one of the lowest among medical practitioners in the country. Sharing details on his Twitter handle, Sudhakar said, "Karnataka has one of the lowest mortality rates among doctors during the second wave.
Of the 646 doctors, who succumbed to Covid-19 in the country, Karnataka accounts for 9. This is a testimony to steps taken by our Government in protecting Covid Warriors." According to the Indian Medical Association, the highest is Delhi with 109 deaths followed by Bihar 97 and UP 79. Karnataka on Monday reported 11,958 fresh COVID infections and 340 deaths while there are 2,38,824 active cases. The state has so far reported 27,07,481 infections and 31,920 fatalities since the outbreak of COVID-19.
