The World Health Organization expressed "grave concern" Thursday over the rising pace of coronavirus infections in Europe, as&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;registered its biggest daily increase since the start of the pandemic.

"We are, once again, at the epicentre," WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told a press conference.

He warned that according to "one reliable projection" the current trajectory would mean "another half a million Covid-19 deaths" by February.

Alarm bells were ringing especially in&nbsp;Germany, the European Union's most populous country, where the number of new cases over the past 24 hours soared to almost 34,000 on Thursday&nbsp;an all-time high, according to the Robert Koch Institute health agency.

Meanwhile Britain on Thursday became the first country in the world to approve the use of Merck's anti-Covid pill to treat patients suffering from mild to moderate coronavirus infections.

Health minister Sajid Javid called the molnupiravir antiviral "a game-changer for the most vulnerable and the immunosuppressed".

German Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Wednesday that the country of 83 million people was facing a "massive" pandemic among the unvaccinated and that intensive care beds were starting to run out in some regions.

"Corona is once again raging with full force, the fourth wave is hitting us hard," the top-selling Bild daily wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-once-again-at-epicentre-of-coronavirus-pandemic-who-426681">Also read |&nbsp;Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO</a>

The WHO's Europe region which spans&nbsp;53 countries and territories and includes several nations in Central Asia&nbsp;has now recorded 78 million cases since Covid-19 first emerged in China in late 2019.

Five million deaths&nbsp;

The cumulative figure exceeds that of South East Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean region, the Western Pacific, and Africa combined, the organisation said.

The "current pace of transmission" across the European region "is of grave concern", Kluge said.

The WHO blamed a combination of insufficient vaccination rates and a relaxation of preventative measures like mask-wearing and social distancing.

Hospital admission rates were higher in countries where fewer people are vaccinated, Kluge added.

The number of new daily cases has been rising for nearly six consecutive weeks in Europe and the number of new deaths per day has been rising for just over seven consecutive weeks, with about 250,000 cases and 3,600 deaths per day, according to official national data compiled by AFP.&nbsp;

Over the past seven days, Russia -- a country with strong vaccine hesitancy&nbsp;has led the rise with 8,162 deaths, followed by Ukraine with 3,819 deaths and Romania with 3,100 deaths, according to the data.

Globally, the virus has killed more than five million people, while the overall caseload has topped 248 million.

The WHO estimates however that the pandemic's real toll could be two to three times higher than official records, due to the excess mortality that is directly and indirectly linked to Covid-19.

Although&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;was initially praised for its handling of the pandemic, the rapid uptick in cases and sluggish uptake in vaccinations among adults has led to mounting concern.

Despite vaccines being widely available, just 66.9 percent of the German population was fully inoculated as of Thursday, according to official figures.&nbsp;

The Covid surge comes as&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;is in political limbo following a September general election, with the winning Social Democrats hoping to have a new coalition government in place by early December.

Curbs on unvaccinated

Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel has called&nbsp;Germany's coronavirus trend "very worrying" and signalled that she is in favour of tougher curbs targeting the unvaccinated.

Health Minister Spahn too has called for stricter measures, including more thorough checks at establishments and events where people need to show proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid or a recent negative test before entering.

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He has also urged all vaccinated Germans to get booster shots after six months.

Under&nbsp;Germany's federal system, regional states have significant powers to decide their own Covid approach, at times leading to a confusing patchwork of regulations.

The health ministers of all 16 states were holding crisis talks on Thursday and Friday to discuss the next steps.

The states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Bavaria have already agreed or introduced harsher restrictions, including rules excluding the unvaccinated from bars or nightclubs.

The World Health Organization expressed "grave concern" Thursday over the rising pace of coronavirus infections in Europe, as Germany registered its biggest daily increase since the start of the pandemic.

The World Health Organization expressed "grave concern" Thursday over the rising pace of coronavirus infections in Europe, as Germany registered its biggest daily increase since the start of the pandemic. "We are, once again, at the epicentre," WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told a press conference. He warned that according to "one reliable projection" the current trajectory would mean "another half a million Covid-19 deaths" by February. Alarm bells were ringing especially in Germany, the European Union's most populous country, where the number of new cases over the past 24 hours soared to almost 34,000 on Thursday an all-time high, according to the Robert Koch Institute health agency. Meanwhile Britain on Thursday became the first country in the world to approve the use of Merck's anti-Covid pill to treat patients suffering from mild to moderate coronavirus infections. Health minister Sajid Javid called the molnupiravir antiviral "a game-changer for the most vulnerable and the immunosuppressed". German Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Wednesday that the country of 83 million people was facing a "massive" pandemic among the unvaccinated and that intensive care beds were starting to run out in some regions. "Corona is once again raging with full force, the fourth wave is hitting us hard," the top-selling Bild daily wrote. Also read | Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO The WHO's Europe region which spans 53 countries and territories and includes several nations in Central Asia has now recorded 78 million cases since Covid-19 first emerged in China in late 2019. Five million deaths The cumulative figure exceeds that of South East Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean region, the Western Pacific, and Africa combined, the organisation said. The "current pace of transmission" across the European region "is of grave concern", Kluge said. The WHO blamed a combination of insufficient vaccination rates and a relaxation of preventative measures like mask-wearing and social distancing. Hospital admission rates were higher in countries where fewer people are vaccinated, Kluge added. The number of new daily cases has been rising for nearly six consecutive weeks in Europe and the number of new deaths per day has been rising for just over seven consecutive weeks, with about 250,000 cases and 3,600 deaths per day, according to official national data compiled by AFP. Over the past seven days, Russia -- a country with strong vaccine hesitancy has led the rise with 8,162 deaths, followed by Ukraine with 3,819 deaths and Romania with 3,100 deaths, according to the data. Globally, the virus has killed more than five million people, while the overall caseload has topped 248 million. The WHO estimates however that the pandemic's real toll could be two to three times higher than official records, due to the excess mortality that is directly and indirectly linked to Covid-19. Although Germany was initially praised for its handling of the pandemic, the rapid uptick in cases and sluggish uptake in vaccinations among adults has led to mounting concern. Despite vaccines being widely available, just 66.9 percent of the German population was fully inoculated as of Thursday, according to official figures. The Covid surge comes as Germany is in political limbo following a September general election, with the winning Social Democrats hoping to have a new coalition government in place by early December. Curbs on unvaccinated Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel has called Germany's coronavirus trend "very worrying" and signalled that she is in favour of tougher curbs targeting the unvaccinated. Health Minister Spahn too has called for stricter measures, including more thorough checks at establishments and events where people need to show proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid or a recent negative test before entering. Also read | Australia: 36-year-old man charged for abduction of Cleo Smith He has also urged all vaccinated Germans to get booster shots after six months. Under Germany's federal system, regional states have significant powers to decide their own Covid approach, at times leading to a confusing patchwork of regulations. The health ministers of all 16 states were holding crisis talks on Thursday and Friday to discuss the next steps. The states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Bavaria have already agreed or introduced harsher restrictions, including rules excluding the unvaccinated from bars or nightclubs.

'Grave concern': Covid cases soar in Germany

Britain has recorded the highest number of new cases of COVID-19 since July over the past week, reveal government figures. A total of 333,465 people in Britain tested positive for the deadly coronavirus over the past seven days.&nbsp;

As per daily figures, there were 44,985 new cases on Saturday, down from 49,298 on Friday. Daily death figures were only available for England and showed that there were 135 fatalities within 28 days of a positive test.&nbsp;

Deaths have surged by 12 per cent over the past week, and the total since the start of the pandemic now stands at 139,461, which is the second-highest in Europe after Russia.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday ruled out the possibility of a lockdown. This comes in as the advisers warned that acting early with lighter measures to cut the rise in cases would reduce the need for tougher restrictions later.

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Johnson’s government said that there is no need yet to introduce a “Plan B”. Johnson said, “I’ve got to tell you at the moment that we see absolutely nothing to indicate that, that is on the cards at all.”

Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), in minutes from an October 14 meeting, said, "In the event of increasing case rates, earlier intervention would reduce the need for more stringent, disruptive, and longer-lasting measures."

“SAGE advises that policy work on the potential reintroduction of measures should be undertaken now so that it can be ready for rapid deployment if required.”

Britain has recorded the highest number of new cases of COVID-19 since July over the past week, reveal government figures. A total of 333,465 people in Britain tested positive for the deadly coronavirus over the past seven days.

Britain has recorded the highest number of new cases of COVID-19 since July over the past week, reveal government figures. A total of 333,465 people in Britain tested positive for the deadly coronavirus over the past seven days. As per daily figures, there were 44,985 new cases on Saturday, down from 49,298 on Friday. Daily death figures were only available for England and showed that there were 135 fatalities within 28 days of a positive test. Deaths have surged by 12 per cent over the past week, and the total since the start of the pandemic now stands at 139,461, which is the second-highest in Europe after Russia. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday ruled out the possibility of a lockdown. This comes in as the advisers warned that acting early with lighter measures to cut the rise in cases would reduce the need for tougher restrictions later. Also read | Northern Ireland Brexit issues: As talks resume, UK warns of 'gaps' with EU Johnson’s government said that there is no need yet to introduce a “Plan B”. Johnson said, “I’ve got to tell you at the moment that we see absolutely nothing to indicate that, that is on the cards at all.” Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), in minutes from an October 14 meeting, said, "In the event of increasing case rates, earlier intervention would reduce the need for more stringent, disruptive, and longer-lasting measures." “SAGE advises that policy work on the potential reintroduction of measures should be undertaken now so that it can be ready for rapid deployment if required.”

UK: Highest weekly COVID-19 cases reported since July; Johnson rules out the possibility of lockdown

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days.

As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.At present, active infections account for less than 1 per cent of total cases and are currently at 0.73 per cent, the lowest since March 2020.

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The Union Health Ministry informed that the weekly positivity rate is at 1.68 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 103 days whereas the daily positivity rate has remained under 3 per cent for the last 37 days and is currently at 1.34 per cent.With 24,770 fresh recoveries, the cumulative recoveries have gone up to 3,31,75,656.

The national recovery rate is currently at 97.94 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to October 5 is 57,68,03,867 including 14,09,825 samples tested yesterday.

Active coronavirus cases in Kerala continue to remain over 1 lakh and are currently at 1,25,030. Maharashtra has 36,744 active infections while there are 16,749 active cases in Tamil Nadu.

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As many as 92.17 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive which began on January 16 this year.

Under the new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21, the Government of India is procuring and supplying (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccine doses being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

More than 92.57 crore (92,57,51,325) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category, read the release by the Union Health Ministry.More than 6.93 crore (6,93,46,080) balance and unutilised COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

On October 4, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that 70 per cent of the population has been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

India started the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pandemic-expose-pcr-test-kit-orders-doubled-months-before-first-covid-19-case-418395">&nbsp;China's pandemic expose: PCR-test kit orders doubled months before first COVID-19 case</a>

The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1 while vaccinations for people belonging to the age group 18-44 began from May 1.

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days. As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days. As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.At present, active infections account for less than 1 per cent of total cases and are currently at 0.73 per cent, the lowest since March 2020. Also Read | India, UK in talks for early resolution on Covid travel rules row The Union Health Ministry informed that the weekly positivity rate is at 1.68 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 103 days whereas the daily positivity rate has remained under 3 per cent for the last 37 days and is currently at 1.34 per cent.With 24,770 fresh recoveries, the cumulative recoveries have gone up to 3,31,75,656. The national recovery rate is currently at 97.94 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to October 5 is 57,68,03,867 including 14,09,825 samples tested yesterday. Active coronavirus cases in Kerala continue to remain over 1 lakh and are currently at 1,25,030. Maharashtra has 36,744 active infections while there are 16,749 active cases in Tamil Nadu. Also Read | Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study As many as 92.17 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive which began on January 16 this year. Under the new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21, the Government of India is procuring and supplying (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccine doses being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs. More than 92.57 crore (92,57,51,325) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category, read the release by the Union Health Ministry.More than 6.93 crore (6,93,46,080) balance and unutilised COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered. On October 4, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that 70 per cent of the population has been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. India started the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first. Also Read | China's pandemic expose: PCR-test kit orders doubled months before first COVID-19 case The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1 while vaccinations for people belonging to the age group 18-44 began from May 1.

India's COVID-19 active caseload drops to 2,46,687, lowest in 203 days

Israel has revoked all the green passes issued till date as new guidelines have been issued. The new guidelines limit COVID-19 immunity status only to those who naturally recovered or received their latest vaccine shot within the past six months.

Israel has revoked all the green passes issued till date as new guidelines have been issued. The new guidelines limit COVID-19 immunity status only to those who naturally recovered or received their latest vaccine shot within the past six months. According to reports by the Jerusalem Post, at least 1.5 million Israelis lost their green passes as the new rules kicked in on Sunday. However, Channel 12 news estimated that the number would be close to 2 million. As per the new guidelines, a person retains their immunity status for just six months after receiving their second or third dose of the vaccine. Those with natural immunity also get a pass. However, they must receive a vaccine shot six months after recovery, or they end up losing the privilege. Also read | UK: 15-year-old dies from Covid on day she was scheduled for vaccine People who are neither naturally immune nor vaccinated, including children under 12 who are not yet eligible for the jab, can get a limited seven-day pass after a negative PCR test. The results of a rapid antigen test will only be valid for 24 hours. Israeli officials have recently been caught admitting that in many situations the pass system is not “medically justified,” but exists to pressure more citizens into getting vaccinated. Israel indeed largely led the world in vaccinations and boosters. As of Friday, out of a population of some 9.2 million, over 5.6 million Israelis were vaccinated with two doses and nearly 3.5 million had already received their third jab.

1.5 million Israelis lose green pass privileges as government issues new COVID-19 guidelines

As the battle against the third wave of COVID-19 continues, Australia has surpassed 100,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease. &nbsp;

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As per the figures from the Department of Health, there were 99,032 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in the country on Monday afternoon. &nbsp;

On Tuesday morning, over 1,700 new locally acquired cases were reported. It took the total number of confirmed cases to beyond 100,000 since the beginning of the pandemic. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-japan-to-ease-emergency-measures-gradually-as-number-of-cases-fall-416687" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Japan to ease emergency measures gradually as number of cases fall &nbsp;</a>

Health Minister Greg Hunt on Tuesday said that from November 1, Australians will be able to test themselves for COVID-19 at home. He also invited test manufacturers to apply for at-home use. &nbsp;

"This is an important additional protection for Australians. One of the important things is that we can supplement what is known as PCR testing - the testing that we all know if we go to a Commonwealth or a state clinic - with the home testing," Hunt told reporters. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-ceos-of-pfizer-and-moderna-say-life-will-be-back-to-normal-in-a-year-416527" hreflang="en">Covid pandemic: CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna say life will be back to normal in a year</a>

In a media release, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said that to support the safe use of rapid antigen self-tests, it will make a new regulation that will allow companies to formally apply for TGA regulatory approval after October 1 to legally supply their self-tests for use at home in Australia. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the battle against the third wave of COVID-19 continues, Australia has surpassed 100,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease. Watch: × As per the figures from the Department of Health, there were 99,032 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in the country on Monday afternoon.

As the battle against the third wave of COVID-19 continues, Australia has surpassed 100,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease. Watch: × As per the figures from the Department of Health, there were 99,032 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in the country on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday morning, over 1,700 new locally acquired cases were reported. It took the total number of confirmed cases to beyond 100,000 since the beginning of the pandemic. Also Read | COVID-19: Japan to ease emergency measures gradually as number of cases fall Health Minister Greg Hunt on Tuesday said that from November 1, Australians will be able to test themselves for COVID-19 at home. He also invited test manufacturers to apply for at-home use. "This is an important additional protection for Australians. One of the important things is that we can supplement what is known as PCR testing - the testing that we all know if we go to a Commonwealth or a state clinic - with the home testing," Hunt told reporters. Also Read | Covid pandemic: CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna say life will be back to normal in a year In a media release, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said that to support the safe use of rapid antigen self-tests, it will make a new regulation that will allow companies to formally apply for TGA regulatory approval after October 1 to legally supply their self-tests for use at home in Australia. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Australia surpasses 100,000 cases as third wave continues

South&nbsp;Korea's&nbsp;daily&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;infections&nbsp;topped&nbsp;3,000&nbsp;for the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time&nbsp;as an outbreak fuelled by this week's three day&nbsp;holiday&nbsp;spreads, authorities said on Saturday.

Friday's 3,273 coronavirus&nbsp;cases&nbsp;surpassed the previous high&nbsp;a day earlier, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said, taking the nation's tally to 298,402 infections and 2,441 deaths.

Domestically transmitted&nbsp;cases&nbsp;accounted for 3,245 of the new infections, while 28 were imported. More than 77% of the former were in Seoul and areas neighbouring the capital, which is home to about half the population of 52 million.

"We estimate that the surge in travel during the thanksgiving&nbsp;holiday, as well as the increase in person-to-person contact, could be major reasons for the sharp increase," said the agency's director, Jeong Eun-kyeong.

The current outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant has contributed to the jump in infections, she told a briefing.

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Daily&nbsp;infections may continue to surge over the next one or two weeks, she added, urging people to delay or cancel private gatherings over the period.

The mortality rate and the number of severe&nbsp;cases&nbsp;remain relatively low and steady at 0.82% and 339, respectively, helped by vaccinations that focused on older people at high risk of severe infection, the KDCA said.

The number of coronavirus tests jumped more than 50% to 227,874 from a week earlier, it added.

Authorities have urged those returning from the&nbsp;holiday&nbsp;to get tested even for the mildest symptoms similar to&nbsp;COVID-19, especially before going back to work.

By Friday, 73.5% of the population had received at least one dose of vaccine, with nearly 45% fully inoculated.

South Korea's daily COVID-19 infections topped 3,000 for the first time as an outbreak fuelled by this week's three day holiday spreads, authorities said on Saturday.

South Korea's daily COVID-19 infections topped 3,000 for the first time as an outbreak fuelled by this week's three day holiday spreads, authorities said on Saturday. Friday's 3,273 coronavirus cases surpassed the previous high a day earlier, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said, taking the nation's tally to 298,402 infections and 2,441 deaths. Domestically transmitted cases accounted for 3,245 of the new infections, while 28 were imported. More than 77% of the former were in Seoul and areas neighbouring the capital, which is home to about half the population of 52 million. "We estimate that the surge in travel during the thanksgiving holiday, as well as the increase in person-to-person contact, could be major reasons for the sharp increase," said the agency's director, Jeong Eun-kyeong. The current outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant has contributed to the jump in infections, she told a briefing. Also read | 'Biden won US election against Trump in fair ways,' Republican-funded review claims Daily infections may continue to surge over the next one or two weeks, she added, urging people to delay or cancel private gatherings over the period. The mortality rate and the number of severe cases remain relatively low and steady at 0.82% and 339, respectively, helped by vaccinations that focused on older people at high risk of severe infection, the KDCA said. The number of coronavirus tests jumped more than 50% to 227,874 from a week earlier, it added. Authorities have urged those returning from the holiday to get tested even for the mildest symptoms similar to COVID-19, especially before going back to work. By Friday, 73.5% of the population had received at least one dose of vaccine, with nearly 45% fully inoculated.

South Korea's daily COVID-19 cases top 3,000 for first time after holiday

Reclusive&nbsp;Laos&nbsp;has locked&nbsp;down&nbsp;its&nbsp;capital&nbsp;Vientiane and barred travel between&nbsp;Covid-hit&nbsp;provinces, as&nbsp;cases&nbsp;soared to a&nbsp;record&nbsp;high.

The communist country appeared to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, and by March this year had reported fewer than 60&nbsp;cases, though the low number was due in part to limited testing.

But a surge since mid-April has seen its caseload steadily increase, and on Saturday the country reported 467 new&nbsp;cases&nbsp;of community infection, its highest ever single-day tally.

The mayor of Vientiane, where the bulk of the&nbsp;cases&nbsp;were detected, declared a strict lockdown on Sunday for two weeks, ordering residents to stay in their homes unless obtaining food, medicine or making their way to a hospital.

Travel between seven other hard-hit&nbsp;provinces is banned, while entry into Vientiane requires a quarantine of 14 days.

All public gatherings, even religious ceremonies&nbsp;are also banned, as are activities including outdoor exercise and selling street food, according to state-run media KPL.

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The surge in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;over the weekend was linked to fresh clusters found in the country's garment factories, with the bulk of workers infected with the highly contagious Delta strain.

Laos&nbsp;has so far recorded a total of 19,399&nbsp;cases&nbsp;and 16 deaths.

According to the country's health ministry, it has administered more than 4.5 million vaccine doses,&nbsp;mostly Sinopharm donated from neighbouring China and the Pfizer-BioNTech jab obtained via the Covax programme for low-income countries.

State-run media reported that any violation of Vientiane's lockdown would result in a fine of three million kip, a punishing fee in a country where the annual income per capita is about $2,600.

Reclusive Laos has locked down its capital Vientiane and barred travel between Covid-hit provinces, as cases soared to a record high. The communist country appeared to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, and by March this year had reported fewer than 60 cases, though the low number was due in part to limited testing.

Reclusive Laos has locked down its capital Vientiane and barred travel between Covid-hit provinces, as cases soared to a record high. The communist country appeared to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, and by March this year had reported fewer than 60 cases, though the low number was due in part to limited testing. But a surge since mid-April has seen its caseload steadily increase, and on Saturday the country reported 467 new cases of community infection, its highest ever single-day tally. The mayor of Vientiane, where the bulk of the cases were detected, declared a strict lockdown on Sunday for two weeks, ordering residents to stay in their homes unless obtaining food, medicine or making their way to a hospital. Travel between seven other hard-hit provinces is banned, while entry into Vientiane requires a quarantine of 14 days. All public gatherings, even religious ceremonies are also banned, as are activities including outdoor exercise and selling street food, according to state-run media KPL. Also read | Paul Rusesabagina: 'Hotel Rwanda' hero convicted on terror charges The surge in cases over the weekend was linked to fresh clusters found in the country's garment factories, with the bulk of workers infected with the highly contagious Delta strain. Laos has so far recorded a total of 19,399 cases and 16 deaths. According to the country's health ministry, it has administered more than 4.5 million vaccine doses, mostly Sinopharm donated from neighbouring China and the Pfizer-BioNTech jab obtained via the Covax programme for low-income countries. State-run media reported that any violation of Vientiane's lockdown would result in a fine of three million kip, a punishing fee in a country where the annual income per capita is about $2,600.

Laos locks down capital as COVID-19 cases hit record high

India recorded 30,773 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, 13.7 per cent lower than cases registered on Saturday, according to the data released by the Union Health Ministry.

The daily positivity rate stood at 1.97 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 20 days As of 8 am on Sunday, the total caseload reached 3,34,48,163, the health ministry said.

In the last 24 hours, 309 people died due to COVID-19 in the country, pushing the total death toll to 4,44,838.

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As per the health ministry, the weekly positivity rate for the COVID-19 in the country stood at 2.04 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 86 days.

Around 86.6 per cent of the new cases are reported from states including, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Mizoram, with Kerala alone responsible for 62.8 per cent of the new cases.

India recorded 30,773 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, 13.7 per cent lower than cases registered on Saturday, according to the data released by the Union Health Ministry.

India recorded 30,773 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, 13.7 per cent lower than cases registered on Saturday, according to the data released by the Union Health Ministry. The daily positivity rate stood at 1.97 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 20 days As of 8 am on Sunday, the total caseload reached 3,34,48,163, the health ministry said. In the last 24 hours, 309 people died due to COVID-19 in the country, pushing the total death toll to 4,44,838. Also read | PM Modi all set to visit US this week for Quad; key bilateral meetings on the anvil As per the health ministry, the weekly positivity rate for the COVID-19 in the country stood at 2.04 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 86 days. Around 86.6 per cent of the new cases are reported from states including, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Mizoram, with Kerala alone responsible for 62.8 per cent of the new cases.

India records 30,773 new COVID-19 cases

Norway on Thursday again postponed the full lifting of its health restrictions as Covid-19 infections reach record highs in the Scandinavian country.&nbsp;

The government also said it would open vaccination to 12 to 15-year-olds, in a bid to inoculate more people as the highly contagious Delta variant takes hold.&nbsp;

Norway gradually began peeling back restrictions just before the summer as vaccines were rolled out and the number of new infections fell.

Originally, the government had said it hoped to enter the fourth and final phase of the reopening in July. But that has been pushed back several times, most recently in mid-August, because of concerns over how well the virus was being contained.

"A further reopening now leads to an increased risk of spread," Prime Minister Erna Solberg told reporters on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We don't want to take that risk when there is so little time left before all adults have had the opportunity to protect themselves with the vaccine," she added.

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Solberg said she was aiming for a return to normal life "at the end of September" when she hoped about 90 percent of the adult population will have been vaccinated.&nbsp;

That figure was 71.9 percent on Wednesday, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, while 89.1 percent of adults had received a first dose.

The government has also opened vaccines to people aged 12 to 15, who can now get a single dose.&nbsp;

Vaccine have until now been available only to people aged 16 and over.

The number of infections in the country has risen sharply in recent days, reaching record highs.&nbsp;

The rise is blamed in part on the Delta variant, which has taken hold among young people in particular as the school year began last month.&nbsp;

Among the restrictions that will remain in place is a cap on the size of gatherings, which is 5,000 people indoors and 10,000 outdoors.&nbsp;

The announcement comes ahead of parliamentary elections on September 13 in Norway, where polls suggest a victory for the opposition even though the current government is generally praised for its handling of the health crisis.

Norway on Thursday again postponed the full lifting of its health restrictions as Covid-19 infections reach record highs in the Scandinavian country. The government also said it would open vaccination to 12 to 15-year-olds, in a bid to inoculate more people as the highly contagious Delta variant takes hold.

Norway on Thursday again postponed the full lifting of its health restrictions as Covid-19 infections reach record highs in the Scandinavian country. The government also said it would open vaccination to 12 to 15-year-olds, in a bid to inoculate more people as the highly contagious Delta variant takes hold. Norway gradually began peeling back restrictions just before the summer as vaccines were rolled out and the number of new infections fell. Originally, the government had said it hoped to enter the fourth and final phase of the reopening in July. But that has been pushed back several times, most recently in mid-August, because of concerns over how well the virus was being contained. "A further reopening now leads to an increased risk of spread," Prime Minister Erna Solberg told reporters on Thursday. "We don't want to take that risk when there is so little time left before all adults have had the opportunity to protect themselves with the vaccine," she added. Also read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work Solberg said she was aiming for a return to normal life "at the end of September" when she hoped about 90 percent of the adult population will have been vaccinated. That figure was 71.9 percent on Wednesday, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, while 89.1 percent of adults had received a first dose. The government has also opened vaccines to people aged 12 to 15, who can now get a single dose. Vaccine have until now been available only to people aged 16 and over. The number of infections in the country has risen sharply in recent days, reaching record highs. The rise is blamed in part on the Delta variant, which has taken hold among young people in particular as the school year began last month. Among the restrictions that will remain in place is a cap on the size of gatherings, which is 5,000 people indoors and 10,000 outdoors. The announcement comes ahead of parliamentary elections on September 13 in Norway, where polls suggest a victory for the opposition even though the current government is generally praised for its handling of the health crisis.

Norway postpones reopening as COVID-19 cases mount

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities. The test positivity rate is at a historic high of 19.67 per cent.

With this, the total death toll in the country touched 4,38,210 including the fresh fatalities. Of the 380 fresh fatalities, 75 deaths were from Kerala, 131 deaths were from Maharashtra, 67 deaths were from Odisha and the rest 107 deaths were reported from the rest of the states.

The total cases in the country are 3,26,95,030 with 3,76,324 active cases. Active cases account for 1.15 per cent of the total cases.

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The total recoveries reached 3,19,23,405 wherein 34,763 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours. Following this, the recovery rate is currently at 97.51 per cent.

Of the 52.01 crore total tests conducted so far, daily positivity rate reported stands at 3.02 per cent. Also, the weekly positivity rate is at 2.41 per cent that is less than 3 per cent for last 66 days.

52,01,46,525 samples have been tested till date wherein 14,19,990 samples were tested yesterday to detect the virus, informed the Indian Council of Medical Research.

As a part of the ongoing vaccination drive, 63.43 crore vaccine doses have been administered till date in the country. India commenced its COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year.

Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Sunday that a revised Covid-19 testing strategy is being introduced in the state in the wake of 71 per cent out of total population eligible to be vaccinated taking at least first dose of the vaccine against Coronavirus.

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday. Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities.

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday. Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities. The test positivity rate is at a historic high of 19.67 per cent. With this, the total death toll in the country touched 4,38,210 including the fresh fatalities. Of the 380 fresh fatalities, 75 deaths were from Kerala, 131 deaths were from Maharashtra, 67 deaths were from Odisha and the rest 107 deaths were reported from the rest of the states. The total cases in the country are 3,26,95,030 with 3,76,324 active cases. Active cases account for 1.15 per cent of the total cases. Also read | Hurricane Ida pummels Louisiana; power lines in New Orleans destroyed The total recoveries reached 3,19,23,405 wherein 34,763 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours. Following this, the recovery rate is currently at 97.51 per cent. Of the 52.01 crore total tests conducted so far, daily positivity rate reported stands at 3.02 per cent. Also, the weekly positivity rate is at 2.41 per cent that is less than 3 per cent for last 66 days. 52,01,46,525 samples have been tested till date wherein 14,19,990 samples were tested yesterday to detect the virus, informed the Indian Council of Medical Research. As a part of the ongoing vaccination drive, 63.43 crore vaccine doses have been administered till date in the country. India commenced its COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year. Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Sunday that a revised Covid-19 testing strategy is being introduced in the state in the wake of 71 per cent out of total population eligible to be vaccinated taking at least first dose of the vaccine against Coronavirus.

India reports 42,909 new COVID-19 infections, Kerala logs 29,836 cases

With 46,759 people testing positive for COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, India's infection tally rose to 3,26,49,947 on Saturday, while the count of active cases registered an increase for the fourth consecutive day, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll has climbed to 4,37,370 with 509 more fatalities being recorded, according to the data updated at 8 am.&nbsp;The number of active cases has now increased to 3,59,775 which comprises 1.10 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.56 per cent, the ministry said.

Watch:&nbsp;Rate of inoculation in South Africa remains 20 per cent

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An increase of 14,876 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. 
The count of daily new cases has stayed below 50,000 for 62 consecutive days now, the ministry said.

Also, 17,61,110 coronavirus tests were conducted in the country on Friday, taking the cumulative number of such examinations done so far to 51,68,87,602.&nbsp;

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.66 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 33 days.&nbsp;The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.19 per cent. This has been below three per cent for 64 days now, according to the Health Ministry.

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The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,18,52,802, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. India administered a record 1,03,35,290 COVID-19 vaccine doses on Friday.

The 509 new fatalities include 179 from Kerala and 170 from Maharashtra.&nbsp;A total of 4,37,370 deaths due to the disease have been reported so far in the country, including 1,36,900 from Maharashtra, 37,248 from Karnataka, 34,835 from Tamil Nadu, 25,080 from Delhi, 22,796 from Uttar Pradesh, 20,313 from Kerala and 18,410 from West Bengal.

With 46,759 people testing positive for COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, India's infection tally rose to 3,26,49,947 on Saturday, while the count of active cases registered an increase for the fourth consecutive day, according to Union Health Ministry data.

With 46,759 people testing positive for COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, India's infection tally rose to 3,26,49,947 on Saturday, while the count of active cases registered an increase for the fourth consecutive day, according to Union Health Ministry data. The death toll has climbed to 4,37,370 with 509 more fatalities being recorded, according to the data updated at 8 am. The number of active cases has now increased to 3,59,775 which comprises 1.10 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.56 per cent, the ministry said. Watch: Rate of inoculation in South Africa remains 20 per cent × An increase of 14,876 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The count of daily new cases has stayed below 50,000 for 62 consecutive days now, the ministry said. Also, 17,61,110 coronavirus tests were conducted in the country on Friday, taking the cumulative number of such examinations done so far to 51,68,87,602. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.66 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 33 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.19 per cent. This has been below three per cent for 64 days now, according to the Health Ministry. Also Read | COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,18,52,802, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. India administered a record 1,03,35,290 COVID-19 vaccine doses on Friday. The 509 new fatalities include 179 from Kerala and 170 from Maharashtra. A total of 4,37,370 deaths due to the disease have been reported so far in the country, including 1,36,900 from Maharashtra, 37,248 from Karnataka, 34,835 from Tamil Nadu, 25,080 from Delhi, 22,796 from Uttar Pradesh, 20,313 from Kerala and 18,410 from West Bengal.

India records 46,759 COVID-19 cases, 509 deaths

Australia's new daily cases of COVID-19 topped 1,000 for the first time since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

Two major hospitals in Sydney have set up emergency outdoor tents to help deal with a rise in patients.

The city is struggling to stamp out a surge in the fast-spreading Delta variant as daily infections are hitting record levels even after two months under lockdown.

New South Wales (NSW) state reported 1,029 new locally acquired cases, exceeding the previous record of 919 a day earlier.&nbsp;

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Of the new cases, 969 were detected in greater Sydney, up from 838.

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that the authorities had quadrupled the number of the state's intensive care ventilators to 2,000 early last year.&nbsp;

Although the system is "under pressure", it can withstand the current crisis once vaccination rates rise, she said.

"It might be different to the help you got before because of the situation, but please know the system is kicking in," Berejiklian said at a televised media conference.

Australia's new daily cases of COVID-19 topped 1,000 for the first time since the pandemic began. Two major hospitals in Sydney have set up emergency outdoor tents to help deal with a rise in patients.

Australia's new daily cases of COVID-19 topped 1,000 for the first time since the pandemic began. Two major hospitals in Sydney have set up emergency outdoor tents to help deal with a rise in patients. The city is struggling to stamp out a surge in the fast-spreading Delta variant as daily infections are hitting record levels even after two months under lockdown. New South Wales (NSW) state reported 1,029 new locally acquired cases, exceeding the previous record of 919 a day earlier. Also read | 'Terror threat' at Kabul airport, say US and allies amid evacuation Of the new cases, 969 were detected in greater Sydney, up from 838. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that the authorities had quadrupled the number of the state's intensive care ventilators to 2,000 early last year. Although the system is "under pressure", it can withstand the current crisis once vaccination rates rise, she said. "It might be different to the help you got before because of the situation, but please know the system is kicking in," Berejiklian said at a televised media conference.

Australia sees a record high in COVID-19 cases

India saw a single-day rise of 25,072 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 160 days, while active cases declined to 3,33,924, comprising 1.03 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the union health ministry data updated on Monday.

The tally of COVID-19 cases has increased to 3,24,49,306, while the death toll has climbed to 4,34,756 with 389 daily fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am.

Watch | Vietnam COVID-19: Over 11,000 cases and 737 deaths in 24 hours

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The active cases have declined to 3,33,924, the lowest in 155 days, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 97.63 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the health ministry said.

A reduction of 19,474 cases has been recorded in the total number of active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours. 
Also, 12,95,160 tests were conducted on Sunday, taking the cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 50,75,51,399.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-rolls-out-its-first-indigenously-made-covid-19-vaccine-407790">Taiwan rolls out its first indigenously made COVID-19 vaccine</a>

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.94 per cent. It has been less than 3 per cent for the last 28 days. 
Weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.91 per cent. It has been below 3 per cent for the last 59 days, according to the health ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,16,80,626, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.

The 389 new fatalities include 145 from Maharashtra, 69 from Odisha and 66 from Kerala.&nbsp;

India saw a single-day rise of 25,072 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 160 days, while active cases declined to 3,33,924, comprising 1.03 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the union health ministry data updated on Monday.

India saw a single-day rise of 25,072 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 160 days, while active cases declined to 3,33,924, comprising 1.03 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the union health ministry data updated on Monday. The tally of COVID-19 cases has increased to 3,24,49,306, while the death toll has climbed to 4,34,756 with 389 daily fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am. Watch | Vietnam COVID-19: Over 11,000 cases and 737 deaths in 24 hours × The active cases have declined to 3,33,924, the lowest in 155 days, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 97.63 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the health ministry said. A reduction of 19,474 cases has been recorded in the total number of active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours. Also, 12,95,160 tests were conducted on Sunday, taking the cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 50,75,51,399. Also Read: Taiwan rolls out its first indigenously made COVID-19 vaccine The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.94 per cent. It has been less than 3 per cent for the last 28 days. Weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.91 per cent. It has been below 3 per cent for the last 59 days, according to the health ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,16,80,626, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. The 389 new fatalities include 145 from Maharashtra, 69 from Odisha and 66 from Kerala.

India sees single-day rise of 25,072 new Covid cases, lowest in 160 days

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;on Friday urged people to refrain from&nbsp;travelling as&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;spiked to new records in Tokyo and nationwide, heaping pressure on the medical system.

His comments follow health expert recommendations to strengthen states of emergency now in place in the capital and other hot spots.

Days after the end of the Tokyo Olympics, Paralympic organisers decided to hold the event mostly without spectators to limit infection risks, local media reported.

Suga&nbsp;said the government will strive to restrain the flow of people in commercial areas, and he urged residents to avoid&nbsp;travelling during&nbsp;Japan's traditional Obon holidays.

"I would like to ask citizens to avoid going back to their home towns or&nbsp;travelling, and to refrain from going out unnecessarily,"&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;told reporters.

Japan&nbsp;is experiencing a fifth wave of&nbsp;COVID-19, driven by the highly infectious delta variant. A woman related to the Olympics was identified as&nbsp;Japan's first case of the lambda variant of the virus, first identified in Peru, Kyodo reported on Friday, citing government sources.

Planners of the Paralympic Games, due to start on Aug. 24, agreed on Thursday to limit spectators, following in the footsteps of their Olympics counterparts, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, citing Games sources. The organiser's office told Reuters that no decision on spectators has been made.

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The Tokyo government reported a record 5,773 new coronavirus infections on Friday, as well as an all-time high 227 patients with serious symptoms. New daily&nbsp;cases&nbsp;nationwide exceeded 20,000 for the first time, public broadcaster NHK said.

Tokyo is already under a state of emergency, the fourth so far in the pandemic, though some experts have said it should be expanded to cover the whole country.

Paralympic venues in Shizuoka, central&nbsp;Japan, will limit spectators to under 5,000 people, the Yomiuri said. Organisers are still considering inviting school children to events, it said. Officials previously said they planned to make a decision after the Olympics, which ended on August 8.

The Paralympic competitions include swimming, table tennis, wheelchair fencing and basketball, with over 4,000 athletes with various impairments such as paraplegia.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday urged people to refrain from travelling as COVID-19 cases spiked to new records in Tokyo and nationwide, heaping pressure on the medical system.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday urged people to refrain from travelling as COVID-19 cases spiked to new records in Tokyo and nationwide, heaping pressure on the medical system. His comments follow health expert recommendations to strengthen states of emergency now in place in the capital and other hot spots. Days after the end of the Tokyo Olympics, Paralympic organisers decided to hold the event mostly without spectators to limit infection risks, local media reported. Suga said the government will strive to restrain the flow of people in commercial areas, and he urged residents to avoid travelling during Japan's traditional Obon holidays. "I would like to ask citizens to avoid going back to their home towns or travelling, and to refrain from going out unnecessarily," Suga told reporters. Japan is experiencing a fifth wave of COVID-19, driven by the highly infectious delta variant. A woman related to the Olympics was identified as Japan's first case of the lambda variant of the virus, first identified in Peru, Kyodo reported on Friday, citing government sources. Planners of the Paralympic Games, due to start on Aug. 24, agreed on Thursday to limit spectators, following in the footsteps of their Olympics counterparts, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, citing Games sources. The organiser's office told Reuters that no decision on spectators has been made. Also read | Over 9,000 anti-Asian incidents reported in US since start of COVID-19 pandemic The Tokyo government reported a record 5,773 new coronavirus infections on Friday, as well as an all-time high 227 patients with serious symptoms. New daily cases nationwide exceeded 20,000 for the first time, public broadcaster NHK said. Tokyo is already under a state of emergency, the fourth so far in the pandemic, though some experts have said it should be expanded to cover the whole country. Paralympic venues in Shizuoka, central Japan, will limit spectators to under 5,000 people, the Yomiuri said. Organisers are still considering inviting school children to events, it said. Officials previously said they planned to make a decision after the Olympics, which ended on August 8. The Paralympic competitions include swimming, table tennis, wheelchair fencing and basketball, with over 4,000 athletes with various impairments such as paraplegia.

Japan PM Suga urges travel curbs as COVID-19 cases surge before Paralympics

As per the federal health data, Florida has reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, making it the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic.

The state has now become the new national epicentre for the virus as it accounts for around a fifth of all new cases in the US.

The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020.&nbsp;

The state's peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over seven days.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has blamed the surge on a seasonal increase more Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather with air conditioning circulating the virus.

About 60 per cent of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states.

As per the Florida Hospital Association, the statewide COVID-19 hospitalisations are nearing last year's peak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-covid-19-variant-can-be-passed-on-even-by-those-vaccinated-us-top-health-body-402016">Also read |&nbsp;Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by those vaccinated: US top health body</a>

Also, one of the state's largest health care systems, AdventHealth's Central Florida Division, this week advised that it would no longer be conducting nonemergency surgeries to free up resources for COVID-19 patients.

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Sickness Control and Prevention (CDC) warned in an internal paper that the Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by vaccinated people and may cause more serious disease than previous coronavirus strains.

The variant requires a different way to educate the public about the hazard, according to the document "Improving communications around vaccination breakthroughs and vaccine effectiveness."&nbsp;

The document, titled 'Improving communications around vaccine breakthrough and vaccine effectiveness,' stated that the Delta variant necessitated a new approach to help the public understand the threat, including making it clear that unvaccinated people were more than 10 times more likely to become seriously ill or die than those who were vaccinated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As per the federal health data, Florida has reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, making it the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The state has now become the new national epicentre for the virus as it accounts for around a fifth of all new cases in the US.

As per the federal health data, Florida has reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, making it the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The state has now become the new national epicentre for the virus as it accounts for around a fifth of all new cases in the US. The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020. The state's peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over seven days. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has blamed the surge on a seasonal increase more Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather with air conditioning circulating the virus. About 60 per cent of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states. As per the Florida Hospital Association, the statewide COVID-19 hospitalisations are nearing last year's peak. Also read | Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by those vaccinated: US top health body Also, one of the state's largest health care systems, AdventHealth's Central Florida Division, this week advised that it would no longer be conducting nonemergency surgeries to free up resources for COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, the US Centers for Sickness Control and Prevention (CDC) warned in an internal paper that the Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by vaccinated people and may cause more serious disease than previous coronavirus strains. The variant requires a different way to educate the public about the hazard, according to the document "Improving communications around vaccination breakthroughs and vaccine effectiveness." The document, titled 'Improving communications around vaccine breakthrough and vaccine effectiveness,' stated that the Delta variant necessitated a new approach to help the public understand the threat, including making it clear that unvaccinated people were more than 10 times more likely to become seriously ill or die than those who were vaccinated.

Florida breaks record with more than 21,000 new COVID-19 cases

Millions of Americans could find themselves homeless starting Sunday when a nationwide ban on evictions expires, even as billions in government funds meant to help them go untapped.

Millions of Americans could find themselves homeless starting Sunday when a nationwide ban on evictions expires, even as billions in government funds meant to help them go untapped. The wave of evictions would come as the fast-spreading Delta variant has taken hold in the country and rental housing is in high demand in the hot real estate market. US President Joe Biden on Thursday urged Congress to extend the 11-month-old eviction moratorium after a recent Supreme Court ruling meant the White House could not extend the measure through September as intended. Democratic leaders in Congress were pushing for an extension, but it was unclear if they had the votes, even among moderates in their own party, to prevent the ban from expiring. Efforts stalled on Friday in the House after a move to pass the extension was unsuccessful, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying in a statement, that "not a single Republican would support this measure." The day before, she had said called the extension "a moral imperative." She also called on governors and local officials "to take whatever steps are necessary to distribute the rental assistance that Congress already allocated." Unlike other pandemic-related aid that was distributed from Washington, such as stimulus checks, it was states, counties and cities that were responsible for building programs from the ground up to dole out assistance earmarked for renters. The Treasury Department said that as of June, only $3 billion in aid had reached households out of the $25 billion sent to states and localities in early February, less than three weeks after Biden took office. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ordered the eviction moratorium in September 2020, as the world's largest economy lost over 20 million jobs amid the pandemic shutdowns. The CDC feared increasing homelessness would boost coronavirus infections. Although more than half of those lost jobs were recovered as businesses were able to reopen, many families still have not caught up on missed rent payments. The Census Bureau's latest Household Pulse survey through the first week of July showed that of 51 million renters surveyed, 7.4 million were behind on their rent and nearly half of those said they were at risk of being evicted in the next two months. Where is the help? Through the end of June, only about 450,000 households had received aid through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and some states and localities have yet to pay out any funds, according to Treasury data. The Treasury launched a campaign this week to spread the word about the program and help authorities get their systems up and running, modelling those in Virginia and Houston, which have been successful in helping struggling families. Also read | Unvaccinated travellers to undergo COVID-19 tests, declares Germany amid rise coronavirus cases Immediately after taking over, the Biden administration had eased paperwork and eligibility requirements for the program, but the Treasury says management remains in the hands of state and local officials. The White House also shifted responsibility to states. Biden said, "there can be no excuse for any state or locality not accelerating funds to landlords and tenants that have been hurt during this pandemic." "Every state and local government must get these funds out to ensure we prevent every eviction we can," he said in a statement Friday. And while the White House cannot act, there is nothing preventing state and local authorities from instituting their own protections, Biden added. 'Pulling out all the stops' Pelosi called the delays an unjust "bureaucratic situation." California Democrat Maxine Waters, chair of the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the bill to extend the prohibition of evictions. "I'm pulling out all the stops right now," she tweeted Friday. But some Democrats oppose the move, and a congressional source confirmed to AFP that several were planning to leave town rather than participate in a vote, making it hard for the party to use their slim majority to push through a bill. A handful of states and Washington, DC have imposed their own temporary eviction protections, and the White House also asked government departments involved in housing to extend eviction bans for federally insured properties they control. Another $21.5 billion is available in the second round of funding, but it will not go out until the first tranche is spent.

Millions of Americans at risk of losing homes as virus cases spike

India added 39,742 new cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,13,71,901, while the death toll rose to 4,20,551 with 535 fresh fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The active cases have declined to 4,08,212 and comprise 1.30 per cent of the total infections and the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 97.36 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A decline of 765 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

As many as 17,18,756 tests were conducted on Saturday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 45,62,89,567.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.31 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for 34 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.24 per cent.

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,05,43,138, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulative vaccine doses administered so far has reached 43.31 crore under the nationwide vaccination drive. 
The 535 new fatalities include 224 from Maharashtra and 98 from Kerala.

A total of 4,20551 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,31,429 from Maharashtra, 36,352 from Karnataka, 33,889 from Tamil Nadu, 25,041 from Delhi, 22,749 from Uttar Pradesh and 18,064 from West Bengal. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

India added 39,742 new cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,13,71,901, while the death toll rose to 4,20,551 with 535 fresh fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

India added 39,742 new cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,13,71,901, while the death toll rose to 4,20,551 with 535 fresh fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The active cases have declined to 4,08,212 and comprise 1.30 per cent of the total infections and the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 97.36 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A decline of 765 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. As many as 17,18,756 tests were conducted on Saturday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 45,62,89,567. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.31 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for 34 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.24 per cent. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,05,43,138, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. Cumulative vaccine doses administered so far has reached 43.31 crore under the nationwide vaccination drive. The 535 new fatalities include 224 from Maharashtra and 98 from Kerala. A total of 4,20551 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,31,429 from Maharashtra, 36,352 from Karnataka, 33,889 from Tamil Nadu, 25,041 from Delhi, 22,749 from Uttar Pradesh and 18,064 from West Bengal. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

COVID-19: India logs 39,742 new cases, 535 fresh fatalities

Iceland, one of the first nations in the world to lift all Covid restrictions for vaccinated tourists, on Friday announced new curbs following a spate of &nbsp;infections.

At the end of June,&nbsp;Iceland&nbsp;lifted rules around social distancing, mask-wearing, limits on public gatherings and the opening hours of bars and restaurants after introducing virus restrictions in March last year.

Starting from midnight on Sunday until August 13, public gatherings will be restricted to 200, the one-metre social distancing rule will be reimposed and bars and restaurants will have to close at 11:00 pm.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/four-day-workweek-trial-an-overwhelming-success-in-iceland-396160">Also read |&nbsp;Four-day workweek trial an 'overwhelming success' in Iceland</a>

Swimming pools and indoor sports facilities can only operate to 75 percent of capacity and masks will be mandatory indoors.

Although over 85 percent of the population above 16 have received two vaccine doses,&nbsp;Iceland&nbsp;has seen infections spurt with 355 new cases since July 12.

The majority of cases are due to the Delta variant, which was first detected in India.

Iceland&nbsp;will resume restrictions at its borders, requiring a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old for travellers who are fully vaccinated.

Iceland, one of the first nations in the world to lift all Covid restrictions for vaccinated tourists, on Friday announced new curbs following a spate of infections.

Iceland, one of the first nations in the world to lift all Covid restrictions for vaccinated tourists, on Friday announced new curbs following a spate of infections. At the end of June, Iceland lifted rules around social distancing, mask-wearing, limits on public gatherings and the opening hours of bars and restaurants after introducing virus restrictions in March last year. Starting from midnight on Sunday until August 13, public gatherings will be restricted to 200, the one-metre social distancing rule will be reimposed and bars and restaurants will have to close at 11:00 pm. Also read | Four-day workweek trial an 'overwhelming success' in Iceland Swimming pools and indoor sports facilities can only operate to 75 percent of capacity and masks will be mandatory indoors. Although over 85 percent of the population above 16 have received two vaccine doses, Iceland has seen infections spurt with 355 new cases since July 12. The majority of cases are due to the Delta variant, which was first detected in India. Iceland will resume restrictions at its borders, requiring a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old for travellers who are fully vaccinated.

Iceland reimposes COVID-19 restrictions after cases surge

Sydney's fast-growing COVID-19 outbreak has become a "national emergency," said state leaders as Australia's largest city reported another record number of new infections.

"We have an obligation on behalf of the nation to contain the virus," said New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian. "There is no doubt that the numbers are not going in the right direction."&nbsp;

With the virus "spreading everywhere" and half the country's 25 million people currently in lockdown, Berejiklian said the government must "refocus" its glacial vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

Just 12 per cent of Australians have been fully vaccinated.

"We need, at least, more first doses of Pfizer," Berejiklian said while warning Sydney's five million residents that restrictions could run until October.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-tightens-lockdown-amid-a-spike-in-cases-398612">Also read |&nbsp;Sydney tightens lockdown amid a spike in cases</a>

She further announced that non-essential workers in specific areas of Sydney would now be barred from leaving, tightening a lockdown that is almost certain to be formally extended next week.&nbsp;

"It is fairly apparent that we will not be close to zero (cases) next Friday," Berejiklian said. "We will have a clearer view next week on what August, September, and October look like."&nbsp;

Earlier, Australian authorities ordered more businesses to along with a slew of new restrictions in the country's largest city as a weeks-long lockdown failed to bring down the outbreak of COVID-19.

Authorities clamped down on people's movements out of virus hotspots in the city's southwest. Also, locals were banned from leaving their neighbourhoods unless they worked in emergency services or health care.

Melbourne has been the epicentre of the virus in Australia with several areas listed for virus exposure including sports stadiums and shopping centres. The city recorded 18 new COVID-19 cases worrying health officials.

Sydney's fast-growing COVID-19 outbreak has become a "national emergency," said state leaders as Australia's largest city reported another record number of new infections.

Sydney's fast-growing COVID-19 outbreak has become a "national emergency," said state leaders as Australia's largest city reported another record number of new infections. "We have an obligation on behalf of the nation to contain the virus," said New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian. "There is no doubt that the numbers are not going in the right direction." With the virus "spreading everywhere" and half the country's 25 million people currently in lockdown, Berejiklian said the government must "refocus" its glacial vaccine rollout. Just 12 per cent of Australians have been fully vaccinated. "We need, at least, more first doses of Pfizer," Berejiklian said while warning Sydney's five million residents that restrictions could run until October. Also read | Sydney tightens lockdown amid a spike in cases She further announced that non-essential workers in specific areas of Sydney would now be barred from leaving, tightening a lockdown that is almost certain to be formally extended next week. "It is fairly apparent that we will not be close to zero (cases) next Friday," Berejiklian said. "We will have a clearer view next week on what August, September, and October look like." Earlier, Australian authorities ordered more businesses to along with a slew of new restrictions in the country's largest city as a weeks-long lockdown failed to bring down the outbreak of COVID-19. Authorities clamped down on people's movements out of virus hotspots in the city's southwest. Also, locals were banned from leaving their neighbourhoods unless they worked in emergency services or health care. Melbourne has been the epicentre of the virus in Australia with several areas listed for virus exposure including sports stadiums and shopping centres. The city recorded 18 new COVID-19 cases worrying health officials.

Sydney outbreak a 'national emergency' as COVID-19 cases surge

Thailand&nbsp;on Sunday announced an expansion of coronavirus restrictions that include travel curbs, mall closures and a night-time curfew to three more provinces after the country reported a third consecutive day of record case numbers.

The country reported 11,397 infections and 101 deaths on Sunday, bringing the cumulative total to 403,386&nbsp;cases&nbsp;and 3,341 fatalities, the vast majority from an outbreak since early April that is being fuelled by the highly transmissible Alpha and Delta&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;variants.

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Shopping malls will be closed and a 9 pm&nbsp;to 4 am curfew will be imposed from Tuesday onwards in Chonburi, Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao provinces, an announcement on the official Royal Gazette on Sunday showed.

Bangkok and nine other provinces have already been under these restrictions, the toughest in more than a year, since last Monday, as the country battles its longest-running and most severe outbreak so far.

The government earlier said it was planning to introduce more restrictions on movement as the surging number of&nbsp;cases, which continue to rise despite the partial&nbsp;lockdowns in high risk&nbsp;areas, had stretched healthcare capacity and health officials warned that the severe outbreak could continue for months.

Thailand on Sunday announced an expansion of coronavirus restrictions that include travel curbs, mall closures and a night-time curfew to three more provinces after the country reported a third consecutive day of record case numbers.

Thailand on Sunday announced an expansion of coronavirus restrictions that include travel curbs, mall closures and a night-time curfew to three more provinces after the country reported a third consecutive day of record case numbers. The country reported 11,397 infections and 101 deaths on Sunday, bringing the cumulative total to 403,386 cases and 3,341 fatalities, the vast majority from an outbreak since early April that is being fuelled by the highly transmissible Alpha and Delta COVID-19 variants. Also read | 3 Texas Democrats who fled elections bill vote get Covid Shopping malls will be closed and a 9 pm to 4 am curfew will be imposed from Tuesday onwards in Chonburi, Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao provinces, an announcement on the official Royal Gazette on Sunday showed. Bangkok and nine other provinces have already been under these restrictions, the toughest in more than a year, since last Monday, as the country battles its longest-running and most severe outbreak so far. The government earlier said it was planning to introduce more restrictions on movement as the surging number of cases, which continue to rise despite the partial lockdowns in high risk areas, had stretched healthcare capacity and health officials warned that the severe outbreak could continue for months.

Thailand expands lockdown areas as COVID-19 cases surge

Australian authorities ordered more businesses to close Saturday along with a slew of new restrictions in the country's largest city as a weeks-long lockdown failed to bring down the outbreak of COVID-19.

Australian authorities ordered more businesses to close Saturday along with a slew of new restrictions in the country's largest city as a weeks-long lockdown failed to bring down the outbreak of COVID-19. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian told media in Sydney, "It's not good enough for us to tread water which is what we're doing now; we've to some extent stabilised it, but we're not managing to quash that curve". Also read | Australia's Victoria state put under lockdown amid virus surge Authorities clamped down on people's movements out of virus hotspots in the city's southwest. Also, locals were banned from leaving their neighbourhoods unless they worked in emergency services or health care. Melbourne has been the epicentre of the virus in Australia with several areas listed for virus exposure including sports stadiums and shopping centres. The city recorded 18 new COVID-19 cases worrying health officials. The current lockdown measures come as Australia's vaccination drive continues at a slow pace with just 12 per cent people inoculated amid a shortage of jabs in the country.

Sydney tightens lockdown amid a spike in cases

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the numbers in and around the country's biggest city Sydney, already under a hard lockdown, are expected to rise.

"I'll be shocked if it's less than 100 this time tomorrow, of additional new cases," Berejiklian told a televised briefing.

On Saturday there were 50 cases, the previous 2021 record high. The recent outbreak stands at 566 cases.

Of Sunday's cases, 33 were people who had spent time in the community while they were infectious, raising the likelihood that the three-week lockdown of more than 5 million people in Sydney and surroundings will be extended.

"Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage," Berejiklian said.

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There are 52 cases in hospital&nbsp;or about one in 10 people infected in the current outbreak. Fifteen people are in intensive care, five require ventilation. The death, the country's first locally contracted case since December, involved a woman in her 90s.

Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, seeing just over 31,000 cases since the start of the pandemic and 911 deaths.

The vaccination rollout, however, has been sluggish due to supply constraints and changing medical advice for its mainstay AstraZeneca shots.

Vaccinations are available for now only to people over 40 and groups at risk either due to their health or exposure to the virus at work. Of those hospitalised in Sydney, 11 are under the age of 35 and more than three-quarters of the patients have not had any doses, health authorities said.

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the numbers in and around the country's biggest city Sydney, already under a hard lockdown, are expected to rise. "I'll be shocked if it's less than 100 this time tomorrow, of additional new cases," Berejiklian told a televised briefing. On Saturday there were 50 cases, the previous 2021 record high. The recent outbreak stands at 566 cases. Of Sunday's cases, 33 were people who had spent time in the community while they were infectious, raising the likelihood that the three-week lockdown of more than 5 million people in Sydney and surroundings will be extended. "Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage," Berejiklian said. Also read | Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban There are 52 cases in hospital or about one in 10 people infected in the current outbreak. Fifteen people are in intensive care, five require ventilation. The death, the country's first locally contracted case since December, involved a woman in her 90s. Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, seeing just over 31,000 cases since the start of the pandemic and 911 deaths. The vaccination rollout, however, has been sluggish due to supply constraints and changing medical advice for its mainstay AstraZeneca shots. Vaccinations are available for now only to people over 40 and groups at risk either due to their health or exposure to the virus at work. Of those hospitalised in Sydney, 11 are under the age of 35 and more than three-quarters of the patients have not had any doses, health authorities said.

Australia reports first 2021 COVID-19 death, highest case number

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games."&nbsp;

"I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.

"Until we obtain enough vaccines...the Hunger Games will continue to play out here in NSW," the Australian minister added.&nbsp;

The reference to the popular trilogy, which is set in a dystopian future in which a group of young people fight to the death in a televised battle, seems to be intended to highlight the desperation of many residents seeking appointments for the life-saving vaccines.&nbsp;

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NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. 
 
Of these locally acquired cases, 16 are linked to a known case or cluster – nine are household contacts – and the source of infection for two cases remain under investigation. <a href="https://t.co/apOPenadHa">pic.twitter.com/apOPenadHa</a>
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1412215220567560192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Australia has managed to vaccinate just 7% of its 25 million population — the lowest inoculation rate among industrialised nations.

Speedy contact tracing, lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and high community compliance have kept Australia’s COVID-19 numbers much lower among developed economies, with just over 30,800 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began.

(With inputs from agencies)

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games." "I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games." "I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines. "Until we obtain enough vaccines...the Hunger Games will continue to play out here in NSW," the Australian minister added. The reference to the popular trilogy, which is set in a dystopian future in which a group of young people fight to the death in a televised battle, seems to be intended to highlight the desperation of many residents seeking appointments for the life-saving vaccines. NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of these locally acquired cases, 16 are linked to a known case or cluster – nine are household contacts – and the source of infection for two cases remain under investigation. pic.twitter.com/apOPenadHa — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 6, 2021 × Australia has managed to vaccinate just 7% of its 25 million population — the lowest inoculation rate among industrialised nations. Speedy contact tracing, lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and high community compliance have kept Australia’s COVID-19 numbers much lower among developed economies, with just over 30,800 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began. (With inputs from agencies)

Australians chasing COVID-19 vaccines like Hunger Games: Health minister amid low supply

Australia's New South Wales state experienced a dip in new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday, July 4, following two days of record 2021 infections. Australia's most populous state recorded 16 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, out of of which 13 were already in isolation.

Australia's New South Wales state experienced a dip in new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday, July 4, following two days of record 2021 infections. Australia's most populous state recorded 16 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, out of of which 13 were already in isolation. During a press conference, NSW state premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "Whilst the numbers overnight are very encouraging, we know they have potential to bounce around. The next few days are absolutely critical". NSW recorded 16 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, 14 of which are linked to previously confirmed cases. No new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period. pic.twitter.com/ICvpPvFFoZ — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 4, 2021 × Australia has managed the coronavirus pandemic better than many other nations. However, the situation has been alarming due to the outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant over the past few weeks. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales state has been hard hit by the latest outbreaks of the Delta variant. Residents are halfway through a two-week lockdown. Also read | Australia faces AstraZeneca vaccine chaos over PM Morrison's statement Three of the New South Wales cases were detected in SummitCare nursing home in Sydney's Baulkham Hills. However, the residents were fully vaccinated and showing only mild symptoms. Also, the residents of Queensland state capital Brisbane emerged from nearly a week of lockdown, as the state recorded only one new locally acquired case. State premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told a media briefing, "This is excellent news". She further said, "It appears that everything is under control at this time so we are very, very relieved about that." Melbourne has recorded zero cases for nearly a week following a three-week lockdown in June. Meanwhile, Australian PM Scott Morrison allowed citizens under 40 to get the AstraZeneca vaccine several state governments resisted the central governments call to vaccinate people. The country's health minister Greg Hunt said that "COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 60 years of age for whom Pfizer is not available," while adding, "The benefits are likely to outweigh the risks for that individual." However, Western Australia's Premier Mark McGowan on giving access to those under 40, said: "That shouldn’t happen. Clearly, We get different advice, I suppose, or have a different approach."

Australian state reports drop in new COVID-19 cases

South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;hit a record of 26,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, its second record-breaking tally in as many days, as a rampant third wave of infections coursed through a largely unvaccinated population.

The rampant rise in infections in&nbsp;Africa's most industrialised nation has stretched health services to breaking point, with hospitals out of beds and medics to man them, and forced the government to impose partial lockdown restrictions.

South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;has recorded over 2 million cases and 61,500 deaths so far during the pandemic, the data from the Department of Health showed, while 3.3 million people have been vaccinated -- about 5% of the population.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-military-plane-carrying-92-people-crashes-40-rescued-17-dead-395665">Also read |&nbsp;Philippine military plane carrying 92 people crashes; 40 rescued, 17 dead</a>

The low vaccination rate has resulted from a mixture of bad luck and bureaucratic failures. The government had to destroy 2 million contaminated Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine doses earlier this year, while efforts to replace them have run up against global supply bottlenecks.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised what he called global "vaccine apartheid," with rich countries with plentiful vaccine supplies hoarding them while poorer countries wait.

To tackle this problem,&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;on Saturday approved China's Sinovac vaccine against COVID-19, as growing evidence emerges of its effectiveness.

South Africa hit a record of 26,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, its second record-breaking tally in as many days, as a rampant third wave of infections coursed through a largely unvaccinated population.

South Africa hit a record of 26,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, its second record-breaking tally in as many days, as a rampant third wave of infections coursed through a largely unvaccinated population. The rampant rise in infections in Africa's most industrialised nation has stretched health services to breaking point, with hospitals out of beds and medics to man them, and forced the government to impose partial lockdown restrictions. South Africa has recorded over 2 million cases and 61,500 deaths so far during the pandemic, the data from the Department of Health showed, while 3.3 million people have been vaccinated -- about 5% of the population. Also read | Philippine military plane carrying 92 people crashes; 40 rescued, 17 dead The low vaccination rate has resulted from a mixture of bad luck and bureaucratic failures. The government had to destroy 2 million contaminated Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses earlier this year, while efforts to replace them have run up against global supply bottlenecks. President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised what he called global "vaccine apartheid," with rich countries with plentiful vaccine supplies hoarding them while poorer countries wait. To tackle this problem, South Africa on Saturday approved China's Sinovac vaccine against COVID-19, as growing evidence emerges of its effectiveness.

South Africa hits a new record with 26,000 daily COVID-19 cases

India's daily COVID-19 infections rose by 50,040 on Sunday, official data showed, as concerns grew about the detection of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus in some states. 
 
The COVID-19 death toll in the country rose by 1,258, including 511 deaths reported from the state of Maharashtra, the health ministry data showed. 
 
New variants are a particular concern in India, where more than half the population has not been vaccinated. Less than 6% of India's adult population of 950 million has received two doses. 
 
At least 20 cases have been found linked to the Delta variant, which India last week designated a variant of concern, according to the health ministry. 
 
India's official death count is now 395,751. Of the 35.51 million people infected, 29.25 million have recovered. 
 
State governments eased lockdown restrictions earlier this month after a fall in cases, but scientists fear that the presence of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, and the slow pace of vaccination could trigger another wave of infections.

India's daily COVID-19 infections rose by 50,040 on Sunday, official data showed, as concerns grew about the detection of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus in some states.

India's daily COVID-19 infections rose by 50,040 on Sunday, official data showed, as concerns grew about the detection of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus in some states. The COVID-19 death toll in the country rose by 1,258, including 511 deaths reported from the state of Maharashtra, the health ministry data showed. New variants are a particular concern in India, where more than half the population has not been vaccinated. Less than 6% of India's adult population of 950 million has received two doses. At least 20 cases have been found linked to the Delta variant, which India last week designated a variant of concern, according to the health ministry. India's official death count is now 395,751. Of the 35.51 million people infected, 29.25 million have recovered. State governments eased lockdown restrictions earlier this month after a fall in cases, but scientists fear that the presence of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, and the slow pace of vaccination could trigger another wave of infections.

India COVID-19 cases rise by 50,040 amid concern about Delta variant

The Biden administration is broadening the pool of migrants who will be allowed to enter the United States to make asylum claims, in the latest effort to chip away at the restrictive immigration policies put in place under former President Donald Trump.

The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday that on Wednesday it would start considering migrants whose cases were terminated under a Trump-era program that gave border officials the authority to send asylum-seekers back to Mexico to wait for their cases to make it through the clogged American immigration system. The change could affect tens of thousands of people.

President Joe Biden had already ended the program, known officially as the Migrant Protection Protocols. His administration this month started bringing in migrants enrolled in the program who had pending asylum cases.

In a statement, the department said the latest move was “part of our continued effort to restore safe, orderly and humane processing at the southwest border.”

While many immigration and human rights advocates welcomed the development, it will do little to alleviate the pressure on the Biden administration to stop turning away hundreds of thousands of other migrants, many of whom are also seeking asylum, who have been banned from entering the United States because of a public health rule put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Democrats and human rights advocates have long assailed the Trump program, which began in 2019 as an effort to discourage immigrants from trying to cross the southwestern border despite having a legal right to apply for asylum in the United States. Many of the asylum-seekers enrolled in the program had their cases closed because they could not appear at their court hearings in the United States while they faced perilous situations in Mexico.

“By keeping migrants in dangerous conditions in Mexico, the Trump administration ensured many people would not be able to appear at their hearings and their claims would be rejected,” Reps. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and Nanette Barragán of California, both Democrats, said in a joint statement Tuesday. Thompson is the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Barragán is the chair of the subcommittee on border security. “Allowing these people to be eligible for processing is the right thing to do,” the statement said.

Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said the decision was made in haste and without transparency.

“The department’s seemingly impulsive announcement lacked explanation, justification or any other indicia that the decision had been made only after the careful deliberations and consultations that are both appropriate and lawfully required,” Guest wrote in a letter to Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary.

The development could affect more than 34,000 migrants seeking asylum in the United States, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, which collects immigration data.

Judy Rabinovitz, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, said the process would not be quick. Applicants would need to register, and someone would have to tell them what they needed to submit to reopen their cases. And there is no guarantee that an immigration judge would grant a motion to reopen, she said, let alone grant asylum.

In another significant break from the Trump administration, the Justice Department last week reversed a Trump-era immigration ruling that had made it all but impossible for people to seek asylum in the United States over credible fears of domestic abuse or gang violence. The decision could affect hundreds of thousands of Central Americans fleeing gang extortion and recruitment and women fleeing domestic abuse who arrived in the United States since 2013.

The Biden administration is broadening the pool of migrants who will be allowed to enter the United States to make asylum claims, in the latest effort to chip away at the restrictive immigration policies put in place under former President Donald Trump.

The Biden administration is broadening the pool of migrants who will be allowed to enter the United States to make asylum claims, in the latest effort to chip away at the restrictive immigration policies put in place under former President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday that on Wednesday it would start considering migrants whose cases were terminated under a Trump-era program that gave border officials the authority to send asylum-seekers back to Mexico to wait for their cases to make it through the clogged American immigration system. The change could affect tens of thousands of people. President Joe Biden had already ended the program, known officially as the Migrant Protection Protocols. His administration this month started bringing in migrants enrolled in the program who had pending asylum cases. In a statement, the department said the latest move was “part of our continued effort to restore safe, orderly and humane processing at the southwest border.” While many immigration and human rights advocates welcomed the development, it will do little to alleviate the pressure on the Biden administration to stop turning away hundreds of thousands of other migrants, many of whom are also seeking asylum, who have been banned from entering the United States because of a public health rule put in place during the coronavirus pandemic. Democrats and human rights advocates have long assailed the Trump program, which began in 2019 as an effort to discourage immigrants from trying to cross the southwestern border despite having a legal right to apply for asylum in the United States. Many of the asylum-seekers enrolled in the program had their cases closed because they could not appear at their court hearings in the United States while they faced perilous situations in Mexico. “By keeping migrants in dangerous conditions in Mexico, the Trump administration ensured many people would not be able to appear at their hearings and their claims would be rejected,” Reps. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and Nanette Barragán of California, both Democrats, said in a joint statement Tuesday. Thompson is the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Barragán is the chair of the subcommittee on border security. “Allowing these people to be eligible for processing is the right thing to do,” the statement said. Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said the decision was made in haste and without transparency. “The department’s seemingly impulsive announcement lacked explanation, justification or any other indicia that the decision had been made only after the careful deliberations and consultations that are both appropriate and lawfully required,” Guest wrote in a letter to Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary. The development could affect more than 34,000 migrants seeking asylum in the United States, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, which collects immigration data. Judy Rabinovitz, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, said the process would not be quick. Applicants would need to register, and someone would have to tell them what they needed to submit to reopen their cases. And there is no guarantee that an immigration judge would grant a motion to reopen, she said, let alone grant asylum. In another significant break from the Trump administration, the Justice Department last week reversed a Trump-era immigration ruling that had made it all but impossible for people to seek asylum in the United States over credible fears of domestic abuse or gang violence. The decision could affect hundreds of thousands of Central Americans fleeing gang extortion and recruitment and women fleeing domestic abuse who arrived in the United States since 2013.

US to allow some asylum seekers rejected under Trump to reopen cases

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh fatalities and active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

A total of 19,02,009 tests were conducted on Friday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,92,07,637, it said.&nbsp;

The daily positivity rate was recorded 2.98 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 12 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding that the weekly positivity rate has declined to 3.58 per cent.&nbsp;

Recoveries outnumbered daily cases for the 37th consecutive day and the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 2,86,78,390. The case fatality rate stands at 1.29 per cent, the data said.&nbsp;

Cumulatively, 27,23,88,783 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.&nbsp;

The 1,647 new fatalities include 648 from Maharashtra, 287 from Tamil Nadu and 168 from Karnataka.&nbsp;

The 3,85,137 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,16,674 from Maharashtra, 33,602 from Karnataka, 30,835 from Tamil Nadu, 24,900 from Delhi, 22,081 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,240 from West Bengal, 15,771 from Punjab and 13,368 from Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll climbed to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh fatalities and active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A total of 19,02,009 tests were conducted on Friday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,92,07,637, it said. The daily positivity rate was recorded 2.98 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 12 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding that the weekly positivity rate has declined to 3.58 per cent. Recoveries outnumbered daily cases for the 37th consecutive day and the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 2,86,78,390. The case fatality rate stands at 1.29 per cent, the data said. Cumulatively, 27,23,88,783 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. The 1,647 new fatalities include 648 from Maharashtra, 287 from Tamil Nadu and 168 from Karnataka. The 3,85,137 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,16,674 from Maharashtra, 33,602 from Karnataka, 30,835 from Tamil Nadu, 24,900 from Delhi, 22,081 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,240 from West Bengal, 15,771 from Punjab and 13,368 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records 60,753 fresh COVID-19 cases

A single day rise of 62,224 new coronavirus infections were reported taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,96,33,105, while the active cases were recorded below nine lakh after 70 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,79,573 with 2,542 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;The active cases further declined to 8,65,432 comprising 2.92 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.80 per cent.

A net decline of 47,946 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.&nbsp;Also, 19,30,987 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,33,06,971.

The daily positivity rate dropped to 3.22 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for nine consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 4.17 per cent.

Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 34th consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,83,88,100, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.28 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulatively, 26,19,72,014 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive.

The 2,542 new fatalities include 1,458 from Maharashtra, 267 from Tamil Nadu, 166 from Kerala and 115 from Karnataka.&nbsp;A total of 3,79,573 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,14,154 from Maharashtra, 33,148 from Karnataka, 30,068 from Tamil Nadu, 24,851 from Delhi, 21,914 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,049 from West Bengal, 15,650 from Punjab and 13,342 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

A single day rise of 62,224 new coronavirus infections were reported taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,96,33,105, while the active cases were recorded below nine lakh after 70 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

A single day rise of 62,224 new coronavirus infections were reported taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,96,33,105, while the active cases were recorded below nine lakh after 70 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,79,573 with 2,542 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The active cases further declined to 8,65,432 comprising 2.92 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.80 per cent. A net decline of 47,946 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also, 19,30,987 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,33,06,971. The daily positivity rate dropped to 3.22 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for nine consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 4.17 per cent. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 34th consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,83,88,100, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.28 per cent, the data stated. Cumulatively, 26,19,72,014 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive. The 2,542 new fatalities include 1,458 from Maharashtra, 267 from Tamil Nadu, 166 from Kerala and 115 from Karnataka. A total of 3,79,573 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,14,154 from Maharashtra, 33,148 from Karnataka, 30,068 from Tamil Nadu, 24,851 from Delhi, 21,914 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,049 from West Bengal, 15,650 from Punjab and 13,342 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India reports 62,224 fresh cases, 2,542 new fatalities

India saw a single-day rise of 60,471 new coronavirus infections, the lowest after 75 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,95,70,881, while the daily positivity rate declined to 3.45 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,77,031 with 2,726 fresh deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;The active cases further declined to 9,13,378 comprising 3.09 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.64 per cent.

A net decline of 59,780 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

Also, 17,51,358 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,13,75,984.

The daily positivity rate dropped to 3.45 per cent. It has been less than 5 per cent for 8 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 4.39 per cent.

Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 33rd consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,82,80,472, while the case fatality rate increased to 1.28 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulatively, 25,90,44,072 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive.

The 2,726 new fatalities include 1,592 from Maharashtra, 254 from Tamil Nadu, 161 from Kerala and 120 from Karnataka. A total of 3,77,031 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,12,696 from Maharashtra, 33,033 from Karnataka, 29,801 from Tamil Nadu, 24,839 from Delhi, 21,858 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,974 from West Bengal, 15,602 from Punjab and 13,334 from Chhattisgarh.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

India saw a single-day rise of 60,471 new coronavirus infections, the lowest after 75 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,95,70,881, while the daily positivity rate declined to 3.

India saw a single-day rise of 60,471 new coronavirus infections, the lowest after 75 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,95,70,881, while the daily positivity rate declined to 3.45 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,77,031 with 2,726 fresh deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed. The active cases further declined to 9,13,378 comprising 3.09 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.64 per cent. A net decline of 59,780 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also, 17,51,358 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,13,75,984. The daily positivity rate dropped to 3.45 per cent. It has been less than 5 per cent for 8 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 4.39 per cent. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 33rd consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,82,80,472, while the case fatality rate increased to 1.28 per cent, the data stated. Cumulatively, 25,90,44,072 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive. The 2,726 new fatalities include 1,592 from Maharashtra, 254 from Tamil Nadu, 161 from Kerala and 120 from Karnataka. A total of 3,77,031 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,12,696 from Maharashtra, 33,033 from Karnataka, 29,801 from Tamil Nadu, 24,839 from Delhi, 21,858 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,974 from West Bengal, 15,602 from Punjab and 13,334 from Chhattisgarh. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

Daily COVID-19 count in India lowest after 75 days

The daily COVID-19 count in India remained below the 1,00,000 mark for the fifth consecutive day with the country reporting 84,332 fresh cases, its lowest in 70 days, according to data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.

With the fresh cases, the infection tally has climbed to 2,93,59,155. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,67,081 with 4,002 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of active cases further declined to 10,80,690, accounting for 3.68 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.07 per cent.

India's active caseload declined to less than 11 lakh after 63 days while 84,332 new cases reported in 24 hours are the lowest in 70 days, the ministry said.

Also, 20,44,131 coronavirus tests were conducted on Friday taking the total number to 37,42,42,384. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 4.39 per cent. It has been less than 10 per cent for the 19th consecutive day, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has also declined to 4.94 per cent.

Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 30th consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,79,11,384, while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.25 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulatively, 24,96,00,304 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

The 4,002 new fatalities include 2,619 from Maharashtra, 378 from Tamil Nadu, 173 from Kerala and 159 from Karnataka. A total of 3,67,081 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,06,367 from Maharashtra, 32,644 from Karnataka, 28,906 from Tamil Nadu, 24,772 from Delhi, 21,667 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,731 from West Bengal, 15,435 from Punjab and 13,300 from Chhattisgarh.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

The daily COVID-19 count in India remained below the 1,00,000 mark for the fifth consecutive day with the country reporting 84,332 fresh cases, its lowest in 70 days, according to data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.

The daily COVID-19 count in India remained below the 1,00,000 mark for the fifth consecutive day with the country reporting 84,332 fresh cases, its lowest in 70 days, according to data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday. With the fresh cases, the infection tally has climbed to 2,93,59,155. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,67,081 with 4,002 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of active cases further declined to 10,80,690, accounting for 3.68 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.07 per cent. India's active caseload declined to less than 11 lakh after 63 days while 84,332 new cases reported in 24 hours are the lowest in 70 days, the ministry said. Also, 20,44,131 coronavirus tests were conducted on Friday taking the total number to 37,42,42,384. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 4.39 per cent. It has been less than 10 per cent for the 19th consecutive day, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has also declined to 4.94 per cent. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 30th consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,79,11,384, while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.25 per cent, the data stated. Cumulatively, 24,96,00,304 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. The 4,002 new fatalities include 2,619 from Maharashtra, 378 from Tamil Nadu, 173 from Kerala and 159 from Karnataka. A total of 3,67,081 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,06,367 from Maharashtra, 32,644 from Karnataka, 28,906 from Tamil Nadu, 24,772 from Delhi, 21,667 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,731 from West Bengal, 15,435 from Punjab and 13,300 from Chhattisgarh. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India reports 84,332 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, its lowest in 70 days

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