LIVE: Delhi records zero Covid-19 related deaths on Wednesday, 134 new cases
Coronavirus cases are dropping worldwide but experts have asked people to exercise caution and follow preventative measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that it has recorded a drop in number of new cases of Covid-19 across the world. It also said that the number of fresh fatalities has also dropped by 10%."...Read More
With 11,610 new Covid-19 cases, 100 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, India’s tally of Covid-19 infections reached 10,937,320, according to figures released by the Union ministry of health and family welfare on Tuesday. The toll from the disease has gone up to 155,949 with 109 deaths recorded since Monday. The fatalities per million due to the coronavirus disease were at 112 on Tuesday.
Globally, the disease has infected 110,022,111. The UK government identified an extra 1.7 million people in England at serious risk of coronavirus after using a new computer model that takes into account age, ethnicity and body mass index as well as medical conditions. Japan's first coronavirus shots were given to health workers Wednesday, beginning the vaccination campaign considered crucial to holding the already delayed Tokyo Olympics.
Follow all the updates here:
Delhi records zero Covid-19 related deaths on Wednesday, 134 new cases
Delhi recorded zero deaths for the second time on Wednesday, and 134 new cases, reported news agency ANI.
China's Sinopharm to send 200,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine to Senegal
Senegal is all slated to receive 200,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine from China's Sinopharm, reported Associated Press. Senegal is also expecting nearly 1.3 million vaccine doses through the COVAX initiative.
Covid-19 mutant strains: Civil aviation ministry releases updated SOP
The Union ministry of Civil Aviation on Wednesday released updated standard operating procedure (SOP) for international passengers arriving in India. The new SOP is set to come into effect on 23:59 hrs on 22nd Feb, 2021.
India to send 200,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses for UN Peacekeepers
External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar announced that India will be sending 200,000 vaccine doses for UN Peacemakers, reported ANI. "Keeping in mind UN Peacekeepers, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 vaccine doses for them. We're working actively with GAVI, WHO and ACT Accelerator" said Jaishankar.
Karnataka records 378 new cases of Covid-19, 3 fatalities
Maharashtra records 4,787 new cases of Covid-19, 40 fatalities
Maharashtra records 4,787 new cases of Covid-19, taking the country wide tally to 2,076,093. 40 fatalities were also recorded on Wednesday, the current death toll stands at 51,631.
Kerala Records 4,892 new cases of Covid-19, 16 fatalities
Kerala has recorded a total of 4,892 new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said at a press briefing. Active cases at the state now stands at 60,803 after 4,832 people successfully recovered from the virus. 16 fatalities were also recorded in the last 24 hours.
Andhra Pradesh records 51 new cases of Covid-19, 2 fatalities
Andhra Pradesh reported 51 fresh cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday, taking the state-wide tally to 8,89,010. 2 fatalities were also recorded in the last 24 hours, the death toll currently stands at 7,165, reported news agency PTI.
Zanzibar's first Vice President succumbs to Covid-19
Seif Sharif Hamad, 77, the first Vice President of Zanzibar succumbed to Covid-19 on Wednesday, reported AFP. He was hospitalised in January.
BMC has collected ₹30,96,21,200 as penalty for not wearing masks in Mumbai
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has collected ₹30,96,21,200 as penalty for not wearing masks in Mumbai from April 2020 till date, reported news agency ANI. Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar on Tuesday warned citizens to take Covid-19 precautions seriously in order to avoid another lockdown. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday directed authorities to stringently enforce the SOPs laid down to facilitate unlocking in the state.
AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria gets second shot of Covid-19 vaccine
Gaza's first Covid-19 vaccine to ship with Israel's approval
Gaza's first shipment of coronavirus vaccines, comprising 1,000 doses, was en route to the territory from the occupied West Bank on Wednesday after Israel approved transfer of the shipment, Israeli and Palestinian officials said.
Odisha reports 75 new Covid-19 cases, tally rises to 3,36,397
Odisha's Covid-19 caseload on Wednesday surged to 3,36,397 after 75 more people tested positive for the virus, according to news agency PTI. The new cases were detected in 17 of the state's 30 districts. The state has inoculated 4,92,695 health care workers and frontline workers till Tuesday,a health department official said.
Russia reports 12,828 new coronavirus cases, 467 deaths
Russia on Wednesday reported 12,828 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, including 1,282 in Moscow, taking the national tally to 4,112,151.
Reuters also reported another 467 deaths, raising the official toll to 81,446.
No Covid-19 deaths in last 24 hours in 18 states and UTs: Health Ministry
Eighteen states and Union Territories reported zero death due to Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday. Nearly 90 lakh vaccine doses have been given to beneficiaries through 1,91,373 sessions till 8 am on Wednesday, as per the provisional report.
Biotech group Biophytis to recruit more patients for Covid-19 treatment trial
Biotechnology group Biophytis received regulatory approval in France and Belgium to recruit more patients for a study of Sarconeos as a potential treatment for breathing problems associated with Covid-19, Reuters reported.
Ukrainian minister says 'information attacks' hindered vaccine buying
The Ukrainian health minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv's coronavirus vaccine purchases were being hampered by "dirty information attacks" that have triggered a corruption investigation against his ministry, Reuters report.
Karnataka: BBMP finds two Covid-19 clusters in Bengaluru
Two clusters of Covid-19 infection were found at Manjushree Nursing College near Kaval Byrasandra and SNN Raj Lakeview apartment in Bommanahalli zone of Bengaluru, said N Manjunath Prasad, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Karnataka has 5,879 active Covid-19 cases currently, with 9,27,924 recovered.
Boris Johnson urged to focus post-Covid plans on vulnerable children
UK children’s commissioner, Anne Longfield will accuse the Treasury of an “institutional bias against children,” saying it’s failing to take account of the “cumulative impact” of multiple spending decisions on families, according to Bloomberg.
Rahul says Centre being overconfident regarding Covid-19 situation
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Centre of being "grossly" negligent and overconfident about the handling of the coronavirus. The tweet came after South African and Brazilian variants of the pathogen were reported to have entered India.
No new Covid-19 case in Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh did not report any new Covid-19 case in the last 24 hours, a senior health department official said on Wednesday. The total caseload in the state remained at 16,833 with 3 active cases, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said.
New Zealand ends lockdown after deciding outbreak contained
New Zealand will uplift Auckland from lockdown at midnight, the government announced Wednesday after concluding a coronavirus outbreak had been contained. The move came as health authorities said the outbreak had grown by three cases to six in total. But Ardern said the additional cases were to be expected because they involved close contacts.
S.Korea gives final approval for shipment of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines
South Korea's drug safety ministry granted final approval for a shipment of 1.57 million doses of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine on Wednesday. The delivery is expected to arrive next week.
Andamans reports 4 new Covid-19 cases, tally rises to 5,013
Andaman and Nicobar Islands reported 4 new Covid-19 cases, pushing the caseload to 5,013 on Wednesday, according to PTI. The union territory now has 8 active cases , all patients in South Andaman district. Other two districts on the island are Covid-19 free.
Andhra Pradesh reports 73 new Covid-19 cases
Andhra Pradesh reported 73 new Covid positive cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 8,88,423 cases in the state, on Tuesday. No deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours and 83 persons have been discharged, according to ANI. As of now, there are 1,003 active cases and the death toll in the state remains at 7,159.
India detects new South Africa Covid-19 variant
Coronavirus variant first detected in South Africa and Brazil have been found in India. It was detected in 4 travellers last month, according to Associated Press. Over 150 cases of another variant from the United Kingdom have previously been found in India.
US: El Salvador to get its first vaccine from India
The Central American nation, El Salvador will receive its first shipment of coronavirus vaccine from India on Wednesday. The office of President Nayib Bukele says the shipment of AstraZeneca vaccine will arrive on a flight from India and first doses will vaccinate healthcare workers, reports PTI.
Singapore PM: Use of reserves depends on Covid’s course
Singapore’s extraction from its reserves for funding in 2021 will depend on the coronavirus situation, according to Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. The plans to utilise the reserves were announced but actual usage depends on "trajectory of the pandemic," he told Bloomberg on Wednesday.
Shiv Sena warns another lockdown in Maharashtra amid surge in Covid-19 cases
Maharashtra reported 3,663 new Covid-19 cases and 2,700 recoveries on Tuesday, according to the news agency ANI . Due to further spike of cases in the state, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray directed officials on Tuesday to take strict action against those who flout COVID-19 guidelines.
India records more than 11,000 cases in 24 hours
India has recorded 11,610 cases and 100 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Maharashtra: 295 new COVID-19 cases in Thane, 5 more deaths
Maharashtra’s Thane district has reached 2,58,325 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday after an addition of 295 cases. Total deaths grew to 6,208 after five new deaths were reported on Tuesday. The Covid-19 mortality rate in the district is 2.40 % with 2,48, 816 patients recovered so far, according to PTI.
Singapore: Closing borders to India, Indonesia over Covid-19 will impact economy
Singapore will have severe economic impact after closing its borders to India and Indonesia as they majorly contribute to the construction sector and domestic workers, parliament was told Tuesday. The Ministry of Health had already placed a stay-home notice on work permit holders upon arrival on Feb 2.
New Zealand ponders extending lockdown as 2 new cases reported
New Zealand considers extending the lockdown in Auckland after the total Covid-19 tally grew by 2 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, reaching a total of 5 so far. Auckland was put into a three-day lockdown after six months on Sunday following three unexplained Covid-19 cases in the community.
Maharashtra, Kerala need to substantially increase RT-PCR testing for Covid-19: Health ministry
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan asked Maharashtra and Kerala to significantly increase RT-PCR testing as both states have 61,550 and 37,383 active cases, respectively. This accounts for 72 per cent of the total active cases in the country.
Japanese authorities worry about vaccine supply as nationwide inoculation drive begins
Japan began its Covid-19 vaccination drive but healthcare workers are worried about possible shortage of imported vaccines, according to a report by Associated Press . Japan approved Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine on Feb 15 but government/doctors worry that due to vaccine hesitancy the drive may be affected.
India detects new South Africa Covid-19 variant
Coronavirus variant first detected in South Africa and Brazil have been found in India. It was detected in 4 travellers last month, according to Associated Press. Over 150 cases of another variant from the United Kingdom have previously been found in India.
US: El Salvador to get its first vaccine from India
The Central American nation, El Salvador will receive its first shipment of coronavirus vaccine from India on Wednesday. The office of President Nayib Bukele says the shipment of AstraZeneca vaccine will arrive on a flight from India and first doses will vaccinate healthcare workers, reports PTI.
Singapore PM: Use of reserves depends on Covid’s course
Singapore’s extraction from its reserves for funding in 2021 will depend on the coronavirus situation, according to Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. The plans to utilise the reserves were announced but actual usage depends on "trajectory of the pandemic," he told Bloomberg on Wednesday.
Shiv Sena warns another lockdown in Maharashtra amid surge in Covid-19 cases
Maharashtra reported 3,663 new Covid-19 cases and 2,700 recoveries on Tuesday, according to the news agency ANI . Due to further spike of cases in the state, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray directed officials on Tuesday to take strict action against those who flout COVID-19 guidelines.
India records more than 11,000 cases in 24 hours
India has recorded 11,610 cases and 100 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Maharashtra: 295 new COVID-19 cases in Thane, 5 more deaths
Maharashtra’s Thane district has reached 2,58,325 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday after an addition of 295 cases. Total deaths grew to 6,208 after five new deaths were reported on Tuesday. The Covid-19 mortality rate in the district is 2.40 % with 2,48, 816 patients recovered so far, according to PTI.
Singapore: Closing borders to India, Indonesia over Covid-19 will impact economy
Singapore will have severe economic impact after closing its borders to India and Indonesia as they majorly contribute to the construction sector and domestic workers, parliament was told Tuesday. The Ministry of Health had already placed a stay-home notice on work permit holders upon arrival on Feb 2.
New Zealand ponders extending lockdown as 2 new cases reported
New Zealand considers extending the lockdown in Auckland after the total Covid-19 tally grew by 2 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, reaching a total of 5 so far. Auckland was put into a three-day lockdown after six months on Sunday following three unexplained Covid-19 cases in the community.
Maharashtra, Kerala need to substantially increase RT-PCR testing for Covid-19: Health ministry
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan asked Maharashtra and Kerala to significantly increase RT-PCR testing as both states have 61,550 and 37,383 active cases, respectively. This accounts for 72 per cent of the total active cases in the country.
Japanese authorities worry about vaccine supply as nationwide inoculation drive begins
Japan began its Covid-19 vaccination drive but healthcare workers are worried about possible shortage of imported vaccines, according to a report by Associated Press . Japan approved Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine on Feb 15 but government/doctors worry that due to vaccine hesitancy the drive may be affected.