The worsening Covid situation in China and a few other countries has rung alarm bells for States as well as the Centre. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya today informed the House regarding various measures that have been pressed into action. Gauging the situation, Centre has issued guidelines effective December 24, including mandatory random testing of 2 percent of international passengers at airports on arrival.
Stay tuned for real-time updates on COVID-19 from India and across the globe.
The live blogsessionhas concluded. For more news, views and updates, stay tuned withMoneycontrol.com.
Fire breaks out in NLC India's Neyveli thermal power station; 5 injured
NLC India: There was a fire incident in Unit - I of Neyveli New Thermal Power Station at 11:30 Hours
5 workmen sustained fire injuries
The injured have been referred to Apollo Hospitals, Chennai for further treatment
Fire was quenched and situation brought under control
NLC India: Unit-I of NNTPS has been stopped to check the healthiness of the system
An enquiry Committee has been constituted to study the root cause of the fire incident
NFL Sunday ticket goes to YouTube in $2 billion deal
-- The National Football League had been in talks for months with potential partners, including Apple and Amazon
-- The Sunday Ticket deal is for roughly $2 billion a year.
-- DirecTV had been paying $1.5 billion annually for the rights.
COVID-19 update | 2% of international passengers to undergo random testing at airports: Centre
Amid spike in COVID-19 cases in several countries, the Union Health Ministry on December 22 asked the Civil Aviation Ministry to ensure that samples of 2 percent of international passengers in every flight is tested for coronavirus.
Additionally, the Centre also stated that if found positive, these samples will be subjected to genomic sequencing. The passengers, from whom random samples would be collected, however can leave airports after submitting samples, it added.
Piyush Goyal meets Bangladesh counterpart, agree to start CEPA discussions
-- Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution and Textiles and Tipu Munshi, Commerce Minister, Government of Bangladesh met in Delhi today.
-- India and Bangladesh sides agreed that CEPA will create new jobs, raise living standards, and provide wider social and economic opportunities in the two countries. Both sides agreed to starting the CEPA discussions at an early date, Piyush Goyal's Office informed.
-- A Joint feasibility study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) carried out after India & Bangladesh agreed for exploring a bilateral Free Trade Agreement.
Adani Logistics enters into joint venture with DA Group
-- Adani Logistics enters into joint venture with DA Group to explore opportunities in warehousing business.
-- ALL and DAG will form JV company in 50:50 partnership
13th Annual Russia-India Business Dialogue Forum held today
"Participated today in the 13th Annual Russia-India Business Dialogue Forum. We’re seeing a huge surge of interest from businesses, both large and small. Provinces play an important role in bilateral economic cooperation," says Denis Alipov, Russian government official.
India, UK held discussions on 11 policy areas during sixth round of trade agreement talks
Assam Chief Minister lays foundation for a multi-utility complex
-- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lays foundation for a multi-utility complex to be built at a cost of Rs 14 crore on the residential premises of Assam Legislative Assembly.
-- “It will have a mini hospital with ambulance service, departmental store, canteen, gym, etc, for the convenience of residents,” the Assam CM said.
IAF to be strengthened with new range of missile systems, long-range guided bombs: Defence Minister
-- Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accords approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals which include 6 for Indian Army, 6 for Indian Air Force, 10 for Indian Navy and 2 for Indian Coast Guard of total value Rs 84,328 crore: Defence Ministry
-- The procurement of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard will enhance surveillance capability in the coastal areas to new heights: Defence Ministry
-- Indian Air Force will be further strengthened with enhanced lethal capabilities by induction of new range of missile system, Long Range Guided Bombs, Range Augmentation Kit for conventional bombs and advanced surveillance systems: Defence Ministry
PM Modi chairs high-level meeting to assess Covid-19 situation in country, says Covid isn't over
-- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 22 chaired a high-level meeting to review the status and preparedness of public health response to COVID-19.
-- The Prime Minister cautioned against complacency and advised strict vigil. He reiterated that Covid is not over yet and directed officials to strengthen the ongoing surveillance measures, especially at international airports.
-- He stressed the need to ensure that the entire COVID-19 infrastructure at all levels is maintained at a high level of preparedness in terms of equipment, processes and human resources. He advised states to audit coronavirus care specific facilities to ensure operational readiness of Hospital Infrastructure, including Oxygen Cylinders, PSA plants, ventilators and human resources.
Only 24% people have taken precaution dose, we request the people to take precaution dose: Arvind Kejriwal on Covid
Only 24% people have taken precaution dose, we request the people to take precaution dose. We have 380 ambulances, we have given orders for procuring more ambulances. We are waiting on the guidelines of Central govt, as and when it gives orders we will implement, says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
We have 15 tankers to supply oxygen: Arvind Kejriwal on Covid
During second waves, we did not have tankers to supply oxygen. Now we have 15 tankers to supply oxygen, says Dlehi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
380 ambulances are ready and today process has been started to procure more ambulances. We are waiting for Centre to give directions for preparations, he adds.
Delhi government in a day can go for one lakh test a day for COVID: Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi government in a day can go for one lakh test a day for COVID. Govt can ready 36,000 beds if need arises, says Delhi CMArvind Kejriwal
The capacity of storing 928 metric tones of oxygen has been made available in Delhi, he adds.
We don't have a single case of that variant in Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal
Covid cases are rising in China and several other countries. It has BF.7 variant. We don't have a single case of that variant in Delhi. So there's no need to worry. We are doing genome sequencing. Currently, XBB variant cases are coming in Delhi says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
Mumbai's Mumba Devi Temple management appeals to devotees to follow the mask mandate during their visit to the temple
(ANI)
Anil Eravatri used abusive language against all Senior Congress leaders: PCC Secretary
There is no issue among party people, Anil Eravatri used abusive language against all Senior Congress leaders, I request him to kindly understand situation & protect party's interest, says Vijay KumarPCC Secretary on scuffle among party workers outside party office in Hyderabad
Free Covid19 'Precautionary dose' for 18 years and above, shares Chief Medical Officer, District Shimla
Free Covid19 'Precautionary dose' for 18 years and above will be given at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital and Indira Gandhi Medical College between 10am & 4pm from 23rd December to 28th December, shares Chief Medical Officer, District Shimla
Today all MPs wore face masks in Parliament: G Kishan Reddy
Union minister G Kishan Reddy mention that today, all MPs wore face masks in Parliament. Govt of India has issued advisories to all States/UTs regarding the Covid19 situation. Rahul Gandhi can continue with his Bharat Jodo Yatra but following Covid19 protocols
A general alert has been issued in the state regarding the COVID-19 situation: Kerala Health minister
Kerala Health minister Veena George says that a general alert has been issued in the state regarding the COVID-19 situation. There is no cause for concern at present. We urge the public to remain cautious. We have achieved 100% vaccination in the state.
Karnataka CM holds a review meeting to discuss Covid situation in Karnataka
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai along with State health minister Dr K Sudhakar holds a review meeting regarding Covid19 situation in the state
SII seeks approval for Covovax as booster dose
Serum Institute of India seeks DCGI's approval for market authorisation of its COVID-19 vaccine Covovax as booster dose for those aged 18 years and above who have been administered two doses of Covishield or Covaxin, state Official sources
PM Modi reviews the situation of Covid 19 in India at a high level meet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a virtual meet in the country to review the situation regarding Covid 19.
Rahul Gandhi should follow Covid19 guidelineS, says Arun Singh in Delhi
We halted our 'Jan Aakrosh Yatra' in Rajasthan...Rahul Gandhi should follow Covid19 guidelines. The safety of people is most important, says BJP MP Arun Singh, at Parliament in Delhi.
(ANI)
We are fully prepared & vigilant: Dr Suresh, MD of LNJP Hospital on Covid fears
Dr Suresh, MD of LNJP Hospital in Delhi has mentioned that there have been no cases of BF.7 variant of Omicron in the city. "We are fully prepared & vigilant. The Centre has instructed to conduct genome sequencing of every case...We have COVID 450 beds, 50 ICU beds & other facilities." he says.
We have always helped other countries as the pharmacy of the world: MEA spokesperson
We are keeping an eye on the Covid situation in China. We have always helped other countries as the pharmacy of the world. We are yet to issue a travel advisory but people should follow local guidelines in the country where they're living, says the spokesperson of MEA
Here's what the states are doing to curb the spread of the virus
As COVID-19 cases rise acrossthe world, take a look at measures taken by states in India to curb the spread of the virus
- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will convene an emergency meeting today amid a sudden spurt in Covid cases
- The Maharashtra health department on Wednesday asked all the district administrations and municipal corporations to increase Covid-19 tests
- The Uttar Pradesh government has issued an alert across the state and stepped up preparedness
- Uttarakhand government is preparing to issue a fresh set of standard operating procedure
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has advised health officials to form a committee of experts to keep an eye on the emerging situation
- Odisha government asked the district administrations to strengthen surveillance and take measures for whole genome sequencing of COVID-positive samples
Mansukh Mandaviya speaks in Lok Sabha on COVID-19 situation: Key Highlights
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the Lok Sabha on the ongoing COVID-19 emergency across countries. Here are the key highlights of his speech.
- The continuously evolving nature of the virus has posed threat to global health in a way that has impacted virtually every country.
- In last few days, we have seen an increasing trajectory of COVID-19 cases across the world.
- India on the other hand has shown a continued decreasing trajectory of cases since last one year.
- Presently 153 new cases on an average are being reported daily across the country, but globally approximately 5.87 lakh new cases are still being reported on an average on daily basis.
- Regular technical support and funding support has also been provided to support states in their efforts to manage Covid-19.
- With collective efforts of Union government and all States we have already administered a record number of 220.02 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines across the country.
- Have covered 90% of eligible population with two doses including administration of 22.35 crores precaution doses.
- In view of the reported surge in cases from across the world, Union Ministry of Health has been monitoring the global situation, the challenge posed by multiple variants of COVID-19 and undertaking required public health measures.
- States are advised to focus on heightened surveillance within the community and to undertake requisite control and containment measures.
- States have also been advised to increase the whole genome sequencing of all positive cases for timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and facilitate undertaking required public health measures.
- In view of upcoming festivals and new year celebrations, states also need to focus on ensuring effective awareness within community on adherence to COVID appropriate behavior which includes use of mask, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices, besides following physical distancing.
- States should ensure that the coverage of precaution doses for COVID-19 vaccination should increase and required awareness for the same is undertaken within the community.
- The 2% random sampling of all international passengers is being considered at all international airports to minimize the risk of ingress of any new variant into the country.
- Government committed to undertake required measures in managing ongoing pandemic.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya addresses Lok Sabha on COVID-19 situation
- From the last few days, Covid cases have been rising in the world but in India, cases are depleting. We are seeing rising Covid cases & deaths due to it in China.
- The states have been told to sequence the positive samples. The states have alerted ahead of the festival season.
- The health department has been quite proactive in managing the Covid-19 pandemic.
- The central govt has provided financial assistance to states in fighting against the pandemic. So far, 220 crore covid vaccine shots have been given.
- The random sampling of RTPCR testing for atleast 2 % passengers coming from abroad has been started
We're all prepared, and have administered precautionary doses: Rajasthan Health Minister
"We're all prepared. We've administered precautionary doses. Monitoring & testing are being done. We have resources for testing. As of now, only a few cases are coming up but there is no such situation that would worsen the scenario," said Rajasthan Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena.
"If such a situation comes up we will definitely issue a guideline - masking up, social distancing. But such a situation hasn't come yet," he added.
Union Health Minister to address both Houses on Covid situation
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will speak in the Rajya Sabha on the COVID-19 situation in the country at 2:30 pm today
Modi-Kejriwal meetings in Delhi regarding COVID emergency an attempt to stop Bharat Jodo Yatra: Jairam Ramesh
- While Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to either follow “all Covid-19 guidelines” during his Bharat Jodo Yatra or suspend it “in the national interest”, Jairam Ramesh has made fresh allegations.
- "PM Modi and Delhi CM Kejriwal holding meetings today in Delhi regarding COVID emergency is an attempt to stop Bharat Jodo Yatra," he said.
Every Bharat Jodo Yatri is double vaccinated and many have taken booster doses as well: Jairam Ramesh
- "There is not a single case of COVID in Bharat Jodo Yatra. The government is trying to defame us to show Congress is not concerned about COVID. If the situation is terrible because of COVID situations, why don't you adjourn Parliament," he added.
Drug makers say no impact on Pharma industry from COVID spike in China
- While the news regarding the possible surge of Covid in China and few other countries is disturbing, as far as the Indian Pharma industry is concerned, we have enough stocks of important APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) and Medicines in the supply chain and there is no reason to panic, said the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) in a statement.
- IDMA will continue to work closely with the government, regulators and other stakeholders to ensure the availability and affordability of medicines. IDMA assures of best support from the industry side to cope up with any challenges that may come up. Owing to actions like PLI (production-linked incentive scheme) and others, in the recent past, Indian Pharma is much better prepared.
- Yesterday, Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla on Tuesday expressed concern over reports of a rising COVID-19 graph in China but said there is no need to panic as the vaccination coverage in India is excellent.
To get the better crux of the situation, read Moneycontrol's explainer on why China is seeing the COVID crisis yet again, and if should we be worried.
No orders issued to stop connecting flights to India from China: Govt Sources to ANI
- We don’t have any direct flights from China to India or from India to China but as of now, there is no such order issued to stop connecting flights to India which is coming via China. MoCA is an executing ministry, the final decision will come from MoHFW: Govt Sources to ANI
Indian Medical Association appeals to the country to follow COVID appropriate behaviour
"In view of the sudden surge of COVID cases in different countries, the Indian Medical Association alerts and appeals to the public to follow COVID appropriate behaviour with immediate effect."
Parliamentarians back to basic COVID rules
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union minister Piyush Goyal were among Parliamentarians who were spotted wearing masks during winter session amid fresh Covid-19 scare
- Birla said that Covid cases are once again on the rise in certain countries. He added the government has taken quick steps and asked people to wear masks in crowded places and follow Covid-related protocols.
- “We should be vigilant keeping in mind the past trends of the pandemic," he told the members. He also said masks have been made available for MPs at the entry points of the Lok Sabha chamber and they should all wear one.
- “We were asked to wear masks before entering the Lok Sabha chamber. We welcome this step. The Lok Sabha secretariat had made arrangements to ensure enough masks were available for members," said BJP MP Manoj Tiwari.
- "Masks are quite effective as far as Covid is concerned. We should take all the timely precautions. There's no harm in wearing masks as they also protect us from pollutants in the air," said Former Union health minister Harshvardhan
Opposition MPs walkout of Rajya Sabha
- Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2 pm amid opposition demand for discussion on China-India border issue
- Opposition MPs walk out of Rajya Sabha as they demand discussion on Chinese action and infrastructure along LAC & Leader of House in Rajya Sabha and Union Minister Piyush Goyal's remarks against Bihar
- Opposition boycotts Rajya Sabha proceedings for an entire day over denial of discussion on the border issue with China
- Meanwhile, Piyush Goyal has withdrawn his statement on Bihar. “I withdraw my statement,” Goyal said in the House, adding that he had no intention to hurt anyone.
DGHS to take a review of all Delhi-based Central Government hospitals on COVID preparedness
- DGHS (Directorate General Of Health Services) to take a review of all Delhi-based Central Government hospitals on #COVID19 preparedness
- Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann have called for a meeting of the officials of the state health department over #COVID19 situation. The meeting is to be held with Chandigarh secretariat shortly.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, too, is holding a meeting with State Health Minister Ma Subramanian, Health Secretary and health officials at the secretariat regarding Covid protocols and precautionary measures to be taken.
(Inputs from ANI)
"There won't be a lockdown situation in India as 95% of the people are vaccinated"
"There won't be a lockdown situation in the country since 95% of the people here are vaccinated. The immunity system of Indians is stronger than that of the Chinese...India needs to go back to COVID basics - testing, treating, tracing." - Dr Anil Goyal, Indian Medical Association
(From ANI)
Punjab and Karnataka states' health ministers take stock of the COVID situation
"We just have nine active cases of COVID. 16 districts do not have any positive cases of COVIDso far. We have established oxygen plants & have prepared hospitals as well accordingly. There's no need to worry" - Punjab state health minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra
"We've called an emergency meeting today under CM's chairmanship. PM has called a meeting with all health officials & technical committee members. Based on their directions our Govt will also follow all their recommendations & guidelines." - Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar
COVID fear spurring black market for antiviral medicines
- According to a Bloomberg report, a shortage of antiviral medicines like Pfizer Inc.’s Paxlovid appears to be spurring people to turn to the black market as Covid-19 infections soar across China.
- The worsening outbreak is boosting demand for treatments and necessary medicines, but Chinese have found the drugs in short supply across the increasingly strained healthcare system.
- People are seeking out online sales channels to source generic versions of the drugs made elsewhere and not approved for sale in China, according to Bloomberg's report quoting social media posts and newspaper reports.
Covid numbers in China may be much more than what the official figures show
- Mike Ryan, the emergencies director at the World Health Organization (WHO) said that Covid numbers in China may be much more than what the official figures show.
- According to experts, China could have more than a million Covid deaths in 2023. Official Chinese statistics are no longer a trustworthy indicator.
- Funeral home staff claim that residents in the Chinese capital must wait days to cremate their relatives unless they pay high prices to guarantee prompt services, another sign of an increasing death toll.
(Inputs from Mint)
COVID cases spike in Japan
- Amidst the rising COVID-19 cases accross countries, Japan reported more than 2.06 lakh cases in the last 24 hours.
- In the US, more than 50 thousand cases were found and 323 people lost their lives. Apart from this, 88,172 cases of corona have been found in South Korea.
China tells factories to prioritise government Covid orders
- To battle the worsening situation in the country, China has begun requisitioning rapid testing kits, face masks and cold and fever medicine produced in factories in their regions, according to a report by Financial Times.
- Ten Chinese companies, producing Ibuprofen to Covid-19 testing kits, have confirmed in interviews that all of their production would be sent to government groups rather than fulfilling private orders, the report added.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal calls emergency meeting on Covid today
- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will convene an emergency meeting today due to sudden rise in COVID-19 cases in several countries.
- "Delhi government is alert. CM Kejriwal has called an emergency meeting regarding coronavirus tomorrow," an official told PTI on Wednesday.
- The chief minister has directed the health department to ensure ensure genome sequencing of samples and take other steps needed to meet any eventuality.
- The officials added that they would also take stock of oxygen plants and other logistics available in the state government-run hospitals.
Kerala govt to step up measures to stop Covid 19 virus spread
- With COVID-19 cases on the rise in many foreign countries, the Kerala government on Wednesday sounded an alert of a possible spread of the virus and directed the district authorities to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples for tracking the new variants.
- A meeting of the Rapid Response Team chaired by state Health Minister Veena George also urged people to wear face masks to cover their mouth and nose as it is a key measure to reduce transmission of virus and save lives.
- The meeting also decided to strengthen the awareness activities and directed the health officials to monitor the hospital admissions regularly. (PTI)
Chinese cities give out free fever drugs as COVID flares
- Cities in China began distributing free anti-fever drugs to the public, as COVID-19 sweeps through the world's most populous country largely unchecked for the first time after an abrupt shift in the country's containment policies.
- After widespread protests and a relentless rise in cases, China this month began dismantling its "zero-COVID" regime.
Still, the country's official death toll since the pandemic began in early 2020 stands at 5,241 - a fraction of what much less populous countries faced.
- China reported no new COVID deaths for a second consecutive day for Dec. 21, even as funeral parlour workers say demand and waiting time for their services has gone up in the past week, pushing fees higher.
- The country confirmed 389,306 cases with symptoms as of Tuesday. (Reuters)
Covid situation in Maharashtra | We need to strictly follow advisory of central govt & WHO, says NCP MLA Rajesh Tope
- We need to be alert in view of the outburst of Covid in China, Brazil&other countries. We need to strictly follow advisory of central govt&WHO & focus on tracking,testing,treatment & Covid appropriate behaviour.
- We made oxygen plants in rural areas but it needs to be checked whether they're in good condition now. I feel that there's shortage of medicines too. Genome sequencing is important to know variants. There shouldn't be shortage of ventilators & staff, says NCP MLA Rajesh Tope.
COVID-19: Fresh push for booster shots for adults; focus on mix-and-match doses
- With neighbouring China reporting a massive surge in COVID-19 cases and India’s COVID-19 booster coverage standing at just 28 percent, the government has decided to expand the coverage of the precautionary dose in the country.
- A high-level meeting, chaired by Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya, was held on December 21 to review the status and preparedness of COVID-19 in India.
- The Centre, however, is in no mood to offer booster doses free of cost to the 18-59-year age group even though it may decide to procure nasal COVID-19 vaccine by Bharat Biotech and Corbevax by Biological E, top sources in the Union health ministry told Moneycontrol. Read details here.
Maha Health Min: No patient infected with new variant in Maharashtra yet
- No patient infected with the new variant has been found in the state yet, said Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant.
