As India battles a devastating second wave, China is sensing an opportunity. It has refused to de-escalate further and deployed advanced rocket launchers. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you how Beijing is keeping the border standoff with India alive.

Gravitas: India's Covid Surge: China senses an opportunity

The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across the world, since the pandemic began in China in late 2019, climbed to 141,819,360 today while the global death toll has surged to 3,027,353.

Global COVID-19 cases cross 141.819 million

India's daily COVID-19 cases stayed above the 200,000 mark for a sixth straight day, with cases increasing by 259,170 over the last 24 hours.

With this, India's Covid tally has shot up to 15,321,089 cases. India, also&nbsp;reported the highest-ever single-day spike in Covid-related deaths with 1,761 fatalities. The death toll from the deadly infection stands at 180,550. The country now has over 2 million active cases.

The Health Department stated that Maharashtra witnessed a dip in its daily Covid-19 count by recording 58,924 fresh infections; a day after reporting the highest number of 68,631 cases on Sunday.&nbsp;

However, 351 people succumbed to the deadly virus in the last 24 hours. Delhi recorded 240 deaths in the past 24 hours, much higher than the 161 reported a day earlier.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's daily COVID-19 cases stayed above the 200,000 mark for a sixth straight day, with cases increasing by 259,170 over the last 24 hours. With this, India's Covid tally has shot up to 15,321,089 cases.

India's daily COVID-19 cases stayed above the 200,000 mark for a sixth straight day, with cases increasing by 259,170 over the last 24 hours. With this, India's Covid tally has shot up to 15,321,089 cases. India, also reported the highest-ever single-day spike in Covid-related deaths with 1,761 fatalities. The death toll from the deadly infection stands at 180,550. The country now has over 2 million active cases. The Health Department stated that Maharashtra witnessed a dip in its daily Covid-19 count by recording 58,924 fresh infections; a day after reporting the highest number of 68,631 cases on Sunday. However, 351 people succumbed to the deadly virus in the last 24 hours. Delhi recorded 240 deaths in the past 24 hours, much higher than the 161 reported a day earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

Record 1,761 deaths in a day in India; Lockdown in Delhi

Amid a surge in deadly coronavirus cases in India, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has told its citizens to avoid travelling to India.

"Travellers should avoid all travel to India. Even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting &amp; spreading variants and should avoid all travel to India. If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an advisory.

"The Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travellers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends US citizens reconsider all travel abroad," it said.

"Because of the current situation in India even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to India.

"If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel. All travellers should wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, avoid crowds, and wash their hands," it said.

The number of active coronavirus cases surpassed the 2 million&nbsp;mark in India as the country continued to record a mammoth surge in daily cases of the coronavirus disease.

The nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases mounted to 1,53,21,089 with a record single-day rise of 2,59,170 coronavirus infections, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The State Department announced Monday that it would begin to update its travel advisories to more closely align with those from the CDC. The update comes as the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, which has now claimed more than 3 million lives worldwide.

It strongly recommended US citizens reconsider all travel abroad encompassing 80 per cent of the world.

The advisories, it said, also take into account logistical factors, including in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions for US citizens.

“This update will result in a significant increase in the number of countries at Level 4: Do Not Travel, to approximately 80 per cent of countries worldwide,” the State Department said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travellers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends US citizens reconsider all travel abroad,” it said.

According to the State Department, this does not imply a reassessment of the current health situation in a given country, but rather reflects an adjustment in the State Department's Travel Advisory system to rely more on CDC''s existing epidemiological assessments.

On Monday, Britain added India to its COVID-19 travel "red list", which effectively bans all travel from the country and makes a 10-day hotel quarantine compulsory for UK residents arriving back to the country.

Earlier this month, New Zealand also restricted travellers from India due to a spike in infections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid a surge in deadly coronavirus cases in India, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has told its citizens to avoid travelling to India.

Amid a surge in deadly coronavirus cases in India, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has told its citizens to avoid travelling to India. "Travellers should avoid all travel to India. Even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting & spreading variants and should avoid all travel to India. If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an advisory. "The Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travellers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends US citizens reconsider all travel abroad," it said. "Because of the current situation in India even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to India. "If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel. All travellers should wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, avoid crowds, and wash their hands," it said. The number of active coronavirus cases surpassed the 2 million mark in India as the country continued to record a mammoth surge in daily cases of the coronavirus disease. The nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases mounted to 1,53,21,089 with a record single-day rise of 2,59,170 coronavirus infections, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The State Department announced Monday that it would begin to update its travel advisories to more closely align with those from the CDC. The update comes as the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, which has now claimed more than 3 million lives worldwide. It strongly recommended US citizens reconsider all travel abroad encompassing 80 per cent of the world. The advisories, it said, also take into account logistical factors, including in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions for US citizens. “This update will result in a significant increase in the number of countries at Level 4: Do Not Travel, to approximately 80 per cent of countries worldwide,” the State Department said. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travellers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends US citizens reconsider all travel abroad,” it said. According to the State Department, this does not imply a reassessment of the current health situation in a given country, but rather reflects an adjustment in the State Department's Travel Advisory system to rely more on CDC''s existing epidemiological assessments. On Monday, Britain added India to its COVID-19 travel "red list", which effectively bans all travel from the country and makes a 10-day hotel quarantine compulsory for UK residents arriving back to the country. Earlier this month, New Zealand also restricted travellers from India due to a spike in infections. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19: US advises its citizens to avoid travelling to India

India will waive its 10% customs duty on imported COVID-19 vaccines, a senior government official told Reuters on Monday, as it tries to boost supplies to counter a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases.

Imports of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine are due to arrive soon and the government has also urged Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson to sell their products to India.

The official, who declined to be named, also said the government was considering allowing private entities to import approved vaccines for sale on the open market without government intervention. They could also be given the freedom to set pricing, he added.

The Indian government currently regulates the sale and purchase of all COVID-19 shots in the country.

A finance ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment outside business hours.

Other South Asian countries, including Nepal and Pakistan, as well as Latin American nations such as Argentina and Brazil levy vaccine import tariffs ranging between 10% and 20%.

New COVID-19 infections and deaths in India have jumped by record numbers for days, with hospitals running short of beds, oxygen and key medicines. Total deaths have swelled to nearly 179,000 and cases have climbed above 15 million, the world's second-highest tally behind the United States.

The government has now decided to open vaccinations for all adults from May 1.

India will waive its 10% customs duty on imported COVID-19 vaccines, a senior government official told Reuters on Monday, as it tries to boost supplies to counter a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases.

India will waive its 10% customs duty on imported COVID-19 vaccines, a senior government official told Reuters on Monday, as it tries to boost supplies to counter a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases. Imports of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine are due to arrive soon and the government has also urged Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson to sell their products to India. The official, who declined to be named, also said the government was considering allowing private entities to import approved vaccines for sale on the open market without government intervention. They could also be given the freedom to set pricing, he added. The Indian government currently regulates the sale and purchase of all COVID-19 shots in the country. A finance ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment outside business hours. Other South Asian countries, including Nepal and Pakistan, as well as Latin American nations such as Argentina and Brazil levy vaccine import tariffs ranging between 10% and 20%. New COVID-19 infections and deaths in India have jumped by record numbers for days, with hospitals running short of beds, oxygen and key medicines. Total deaths have swelled to nearly 179,000 and cases have climbed above 15 million, the world's second-highest tally behind the United States. The government has now decided to open vaccinations for all adults from May 1.

India to waive import duty on Covid-19 vaccines: Report

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation, dispelling fears of another lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to break new records everyday.

Modi urged state governments to use the lockdown as a last resort in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. He also implored citizens to stay-at-home, and to not spread panic about the pandemic and to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

In addition, Modi reassured people that the government is working with states and private companies to accentuate the supply of oxygen, and to improve the production of vaccines. He also reminded that vaccination is open for all aged 18 and above starting May 1 in the country.

PM Modi said that the government has taken several steps to increase availability of hospital beds in the country. He said that sensitivity and speed are the dictating factors for the government's approach to tackling the medical crisis brewing in the country.

"The demand for oxygen has seen sharp increase in many parts of the country due to corona crisis. The Centre, state governments, private sector are trying to make oxygen available to all those who are in need of it. Many steps are being taken in this direction," he said.

"Work is on to increase the number of beds in hospitals. In some cities, large COVID-19 dedicated hospitals are being built," he added.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the pain of people who had lost their loved ones to the pandemic and expressed his sympathies.

"I understand the pain you are going through and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones due to COVID-19."

Modi also referred to the challenge before the country as big, but urged people to "overcome it with our resolve, courage and preparation". "Till now, more than 12 crore vaccine doses have been administered. From May 1, those above the age of 18 years can be vaccinated", the PM added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation, dispelling fears of another lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to break new records everyday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation, dispelling fears of another lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to break new records everyday. Modi urged state governments to use the lockdown as a last resort in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. He also implored citizens to stay-at-home, and to not spread panic about the pandemic and to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. In addition, Modi reassured people that the government is working with states and private companies to accentuate the supply of oxygen, and to improve the production of vaccines. He also reminded that vaccination is open for all aged 18 and above starting May 1 in the country. PM Modi said that the government has taken several steps to increase availability of hospital beds in the country. He said that sensitivity and speed are the dictating factors for the government's approach to tackling the medical crisis brewing in the country. "The demand for oxygen has seen sharp increase in many parts of the country due to corona crisis. The Centre, state governments, private sector are trying to make oxygen available to all those who are in need of it. Many steps are being taken in this direction," he said. "Work is on to increase the number of beds in hospitals. In some cities, large COVID-19 dedicated hospitals are being built," he added. The Prime Minister also spoke about the pain of people who had lost their loved ones to the pandemic and expressed his sympathies. "I understand the pain you are going through and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones due to COVID-19." Modi also referred to the challenge before the country as big, but urged people to "overcome it with our resolve, courage and preparation". "Till now, more than 12 crore vaccine doses have been administered. From May 1, those above the age of 18 years can be vaccinated", the PM added. (With inputs from agencies)

No lockdown: PM Modi's address to nation focuses on vaccination and prevention

Europe’s drug regulator on Tuesday said that it had found a possible link between Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine and blood clots. Multiple blood clots were reported among adults who took the J&amp;J vaccine in the United States.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA)’s safety committee on Tuesday concluded that there exists a link between unusual blood clots with low blood platelets and the vaccine. It also said that the warning should be added to the vaccine’s labels.

In addition, the EMA ascertained that all instances of blood clots were reported in adults aged below 60, mostly women.

They developed the clots three weeks after the vaccination. It also took into account the eight cases of blood clots that were reported in the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/jj-reports-100-million-in-vaccine-sales-as-results-top-forecasts-378829" hreflang="en">J&amp;J reports $100 million in vaccine sales as results top forecasts</a>

Similar to the AstraZeneca vaccine, most blood clots took place in the brain and the abdomen. Even then, the agency reiterated that the benefits of the vaccines largely outweigh the risks.

The United States is also expected to announce its decision on the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine by Friday, as nations around the world try to accelerate their rollouts and revive their pandemic-ravaged economies.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-sticks-to-plan-to-give-jj-vaccine-to-over-55s-377554" hreflang="en">France sticks to plan to give J&amp;J vaccine to over 55s</a>

Top US pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci described the clots as 'an extraordinarily rare event'.&nbsp;

Most countries around the world are accelerating vaccination efforts to stop the chain of transmission.

(With inputs from agencies)

Europe’s drug regulator on Tuesday said that it had found a possible link between Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine and blood clots. Multiple blood clots were reported among adults who took the J&J vaccine in the United States.

Europe’s drug regulator on Tuesday said that it had found a possible link between Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine and blood clots. Multiple blood clots were reported among adults who took the J&J vaccine in the United States. The European Medicines Agency (EMA)’s safety committee on Tuesday concluded that there exists a link between unusual blood clots with low blood platelets and the vaccine. It also said that the warning should be added to the vaccine’s labels. In addition, the EMA ascertained that all instances of blood clots were reported in adults aged below 60, mostly women. They developed the clots three weeks after the vaccination. It also took into account the eight cases of blood clots that were reported in the United States. Also read: J&J reports $100 million in vaccine sales as results top forecasts Similar to the AstraZeneca vaccine, most blood clots took place in the brain and the abdomen. Even then, the agency reiterated that the benefits of the vaccines largely outweigh the risks. The United States is also expected to announce its decision on the single-shot J&J vaccine by Friday, as nations around the world try to accelerate their rollouts and revive their pandemic-ravaged economies. Also read: France sticks to plan to give J&J vaccine to over 55s Top US pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci described the clots as 'an extraordinarily rare event'. Most countries around the world are accelerating vaccination efforts to stop the chain of transmission. (With inputs from agencies)

EU finds link between blood clots and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has tested positive for Covid-19, he informed on Tuesday.

"After experiencing mild symptoms, I’ve just tested positive for COVID. All those who’ve been in contact with me recently, please follow all safety protocols and stay safe," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After experiencing mild symptoms, I’ve just tested positive for COVID. 
 
All those who’ve been in contact with me recently, please follow all safety protocols and stay safe.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1384442319638867969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Yesterday, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh tested positive for covid-19 and was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciencies hospital in New Delhi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has tested positive for Covid-19, he informed on Tuesday. "After experiencing mild symptoms, I’ve just tested positive for COVID.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has tested positive for Covid-19, he informed on Tuesday. "After experiencing mild symptoms, I’ve just tested positive for COVID. All those who’ve been in contact with me recently, please follow all safety protocols and stay safe," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. After experiencing mild symptoms, I’ve just tested positive for COVID. All those who’ve been in contact with me recently, please follow all safety protocols and stay safe. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 20, 2021 × Yesterday, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh tested positive for covid-19 and was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciencies hospital in New Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi tests positive for Covid-19, says has 'mild symptoms'

India's COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly. Experts also identified third mutation in Indian variant.

Coronavirus Update: Triple mutant appears in India’s virus variant

Top&nbsp;officials have said 90-95 per cent&nbsp;of the Indian Army has been vaccinated with the first dose of vaccines.&nbsp;Field formation has&nbsp;been&nbsp;given priority during the entire campaign. Approximately 50 to 55 per cent&nbsp;of the forces have been vaccinated with the second&nbsp;dose.&nbsp;Field formation was given priority during the vaccination drive.

An official aware of the developments said, "no let-up was done when the country was easing up, the mandatory quarantine period was being followed".

According to data shared by the defence ministry&nbsp;in the Indian Parliament in the month of March, 33,003 positive cases were detected in the Army, 8,159 in the Air Force, and 3,604 cases reported in the Navy. The Army reported the death of 81 personnel, the Air Force reported 36 deaths and the Navy reported two&nbsp;deaths due to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, as cases surged in the country amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, senior-most Army officers in every state have been asked to interact with civil counterparts to deal with the situation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier today chaired a meeting through video conference to review the COVID-19 situation. The meet was attended by all the Service Chiefs, CDS, all Secretaries, DRDO Chairman and DG AFMS.&nbsp;

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed COVID-19 facilities in Delhi with 250 beds, which will be increased to 500. The organisation has been working on a&nbsp;war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

India began its vaccination drive in January and in the first phase frontline workers were prioritised.

Top officials have said 90-95 per cent of the Indian Army has been vaccinated with the first dose of vaccines. Field formation has been given priority during the entire campaign.

Top officials have said 90-95 per cent of the Indian Army has been vaccinated with the first dose of vaccines. Field formation has been given priority during the entire campaign. Approximately 50 to 55 per cent of the forces have been vaccinated with the second dose. Field formation was given priority during the vaccination drive. An official aware of the developments said, "no let-up was done when the country was easing up, the mandatory quarantine period was being followed". According to data shared by the defence ministry in the Indian Parliament in the month of March, 33,003 positive cases were detected in the Army, 8,159 in the Air Force, and 3,604 cases reported in the Navy. The Army reported the death of 81 personnel, the Air Force reported 36 deaths and the Navy reported two deaths due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, as cases surged in the country amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, senior-most Army officers in every state have been asked to interact with civil counterparts to deal with the situation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier today chaired a meeting through video conference to review the COVID-19 situation. The meet was attended by all the Service Chiefs, CDS, all Secretaries, DRDO Chairman and DG AFMS. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed COVID-19 facilities in Delhi with 250 beds, which will be increased to 500. The organisation has been working on a war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad. India began its vaccination drive in January and in the first phase frontline workers were prioritised.

Vaccination drive: 90-95% Indian Army inoculated with first dose, say officials

Israel recorded eight cases of a coronavirus variant first found in India, the country’s health official said on Tuesday.&nbsp;The country also found that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine remains partially effective against the variant.

The first seven cases of the variant from India were detected in the country last week among people coming from abroad. The health ministry was cited by Reuters as saying that the people had undergone preliminary testing since then.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/outdoor-mask-wearing-no-longer-required-in-israel-378515/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The impression is that the Pfizer vaccine has efficacy against it, albeit a reduced efficacy," the health ministry's director-general, Hezi Levy, told Kan public radio. He also added that the cases have increased to eight now.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/covid-19-double-mutant-now-most-prevalent-variant-in-india-report-378140" hreflang="en">COVID-19 double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report</a>

Recently, Britain and Ireland also said that they probing the variant after it was found among many patients in their territories.

India is currently experiencing a major wave of COVID-19 cases, which many analysts have attributed to the “double mutation” variant. The country has logged in over 2 lakh cases everyday over the last week.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/south-african-variant-may-break-through-pfizer-vaccine-protection-says-study-378504" hreflang="en">South African variant may 'break through' Pfizer vaccine protection, says study</a>&nbsp;

Israel has been seen as a success story in terms of vaccinations, for it has successfully been able to inoculate over 81 per cent of its citizens aged 16 and above. Due to this, hospitalisations in the country have been lowered tremendously.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel recorded eight cases of a coronavirus variant first found in India, the country’s health official said on Tuesday. The country also found that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine remains partially effective against the variant.

Israel recorded eight cases of a coronavirus variant first found in India, the country’s health official said on Tuesday. The country also found that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine remains partially effective against the variant. The first seven cases of the variant from India were detected in the country last week among people coming from abroad. The health ministry was cited by Reuters as saying that the people had undergone preliminary testing since then. "The impression is that the Pfizer vaccine has efficacy against it, albeit a reduced efficacy," the health ministry's director-general, Hezi Levy, told Kan public radio. He also added that the cases have increased to eight now. Also read: COVID-19 double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report Recently, Britain and Ireland also said that they probing the variant after it was found among many patients in their territories. India is currently experiencing a major wave of COVID-19 cases, which many analysts have attributed to the “double mutation” variant. The country has logged in over 2 lakh cases everyday over the last week. Also read: South African variant may 'break through' Pfizer vaccine protection, says study Israel has been seen as a success story in terms of vaccinations, for it has successfully been able to inoculate over 81 per cent of its citizens aged 16 and above. Due to this, hospitalisations in the country have been lowered tremendously. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel records eight cases of coronavirus variant first found in India

In view of the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has announced a 15-day lockdown starting from Monday and will continue till May 3. 
 
The home department, late on Sunday night, issued new guidelines, and the lockdown period has been named 'Public Discipline Fortnight'. All offices except those connected with essential services shall remain closed. 
 
Shops connected to grocery, fruit, dairy products, etc. shall remain open till 5 pm. Vegetable vendors have been allowed to sell their stuff by 7 pm. Petrol pumps shall remain open till 8 pm, as per the new guidelines. 
 
Public transport shall remain open in the state and factories and manufacturing units shall also remain operational. NREGA projects will also continue to ensure workers get regular jobs. 
 
According to the guidelines, the bazaars, malls, shopping complexes, cinema halls and all religious places shall remain closed. All the educational institutes, coaching centres, libraries, social and political programmes, etc. have also been suspended. 
 
"All commercial offices and markets shall remain closed except the essential services. Commuters from bus stops, metro stations and airports shall have to show tickets to commute, those coming to Rajasthan from other states shall have to show their RT-PCR reports collected within 72 hours of travel. 
 
"Pregnant women will be allowed to travel to hospital. Those going to take Covid shots will be permitted and the PDS shops will also run all through the week. Only 50 people will be allowed to attend wedding parties while 20 for a funeral. Telecom, Internet services, postal services, cable services, etc. will remain open" said the guidelines.

In view of the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has announced a 15-day lockdown starting from Monday and will continue till May 3. The home department, late on Sunday night, issued new guidelines, and the lockdown period has been named 'Public Discipline Fortnight'.

In view of the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has announced a 15-day lockdown starting from Monday and will continue till May 3. The home department, late on Sunday night, issued new guidelines, and the lockdown period has been named 'Public Discipline Fortnight'. All offices except those connected with essential services shall remain closed. Shops connected to grocery, fruit, dairy products, etc. shall remain open till 5 pm. Vegetable vendors have been allowed to sell their stuff by 7 pm. Petrol pumps shall remain open till 8 pm, as per the new guidelines. Public transport shall remain open in the state and factories and manufacturing units shall also remain operational. NREGA projects will also continue to ensure workers get regular jobs. According to the guidelines, the bazaars, malls, shopping complexes, cinema halls and all religious places shall remain closed. All the educational institutes, coaching centres, libraries, social and political programmes, etc. have also been suspended. "All commercial offices and markets shall remain closed except the essential services. Commuters from bus stops, metro stations and airports shall have to show tickets to commute, those coming to Rajasthan from other states shall have to show their RT-PCR reports collected within 72 hours of travel. "Pregnant women will be allowed to travel to hospital. Those going to take Covid shots will be permitted and the PDS shops will also run all through the week. Only 50 people will be allowed to attend wedding parties while 20 for a funeral. Telecom, Internet services, postal services, cable services, etc. will remain open" said the guidelines.

COVID-19 in India: Rajasthan state imposes strict 15-day lockdown from today

India registered 2,73,810 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 1,619 fatalities in the past 24 hours, the highest single-day spike in terms of cases and deaths since the&nbsp;pandemic began, according to the data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

The fresh addition took the total tally to 1,50,61,919 while the death toll soared to 1,78,769.

As many as 2,73,810 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours.

The active number of cases in the country stands at 19,29,329.

In the last 24 hours, 1,44,178 people recovered from the disease. With this, the total recoveries reached 1,29,53,821.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 13,56,133 samples were tested on Monday. And, as many as 26,78,94,549 samples have been tested across the country till April 18.

(With inputs from agencies)

India registered 2,73,810 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 1,619 fatalities in the past 24 hours, the highest single-day spike in terms of cases and deaths since the pandemic began, according to the data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

India registered 2,73,810 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 1,619 fatalities in the past 24 hours, the highest single-day spike in terms of cases and deaths since the pandemic began, according to the data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Monday. The fresh addition took the total tally to 1,50,61,919 while the death toll soared to 1,78,769. As many as 2,73,810 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours. The active number of cases in the country stands at 19,29,329. In the last 24 hours, 1,44,178 people recovered from the disease. With this, the total recoveries reached 1,29,53,821. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 13,56,133 samples were tested on Monday. And, as many as 26,78,94,549 samples have been tested across the country till April 18. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19: India reports record 2,73,810 cases, highest ever deaths in a day

Months after the nominees and certain details of the 93rd Academy Awards were announced, the show`s producers- Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, and Steven Soderbergh spelt out the plans for the ceremony and how the COVID safety procedure would be integrated throughout. 
 
Cinema maniacs have been on their toes since the nominations of the 93rd annual Academy Awards were announced in March by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas. Following the announcement, certain guidelines and details were also announced to keep the fans updated about the prestigious ceremony to be held on April 25, this year. 
 
Now, the producers of the show- Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, and Steven Soderbergh have come out to reveal the actual details on how Covid-19 protocols would be integrated into the show`s broadcast while assuring that they are taking every measure to make sure all nominees and participants are safe throughout the three-hour ceremony, reported Deadline. 
 
"The narrative of the evening will be how we have gotten people back to work and what is involved exactly in doing that. There is that sort of strand that is going to run throughout the program of following the science of keeping people safe," said Sher. 
 
"The whole situation has been incredibly fluid in making sure that we are adhering to the guidelines in terms of capacity, and how we are allowed to move people, and how long we are allowed to keep them in certain places. There is no universe in which we are ever going to put anybody at risk," she added. 
 
The 58-year-old film producer also mentioned that she is hoping to combine safety with a show that feels like a glimpse of what is going to be possible when most people are vaccinated and rapid testing is the norm. "Covid is going to be there because it is everywhere. But we want to put it in its place and then sort of move forward," she said. 
 
As for the content of the 93rd Annual Academy Awards itself, producers assured it will be optimistic about the love for and need for the moviegoing experience, with Sher even invoking the announced closure of Arclight Theatres and the venerable Cinerama Dome this week, as per Deadline. 
 
Collins also joined and shared that the show is developing into something they only dreamed it could be and said they have been following Soderbergh`s `manifesto` that states the show will certainly look like a novel, and not at like a TV show. "It will be 24 frames per second, widescreen, with shots designed like movie shots, including over the shoulder," he explained. 
 
With the location for most of the ceremony taking place at Union Station, he told that the room there has been beautifully laid out by David Rockwell- production designer, with a hope to encourage winners to say something meaningful. 
 
Soderbergh was also asked about his own memorable acceptance speech when he won Best Director for Traffic in 2001, something that has been played as a good example at past Oscar nominee lunches to show potential winners what makes a good speech. "I was drunk. That`s not a lie," laughed Soderbergh, who said it was a surreal moment being handed that Oscar by Tom Cruise affecting his whole equilibrium since he had no idea he would possibly win.According to Deadline, Soderbergh also told that wearing a mask throughout the whole ceremony will be important for all the people who will be in attendance. 
 
"Masks will play a very important role in the story of the evening. That topic is very central to the evening," he said without elaborating.The producers also uniformly agreed that the ambitious show they are doing would not have been possible two months ago when the 93rd ceremony was originally planned for February 28th (the date the Golden Globes swooped in and took after AMPAS abandoned it). 
 
"That February date would have been impossible. Things have so improved with the vaccines. It was a great decision to push the show," said Soderbergh.Answering a question as to whether there has been outreach to invite President Biden, who has appeared before on an Oscar cast (to introduce Lady Gaga`s song `Til It Happens to You`), Sher said, "I think they have bigger fish to fry." Also, producers, especially Soderbergh, were terse when answering a question about the use of Zooms like other awards shows have done this year. The answer again to that, as they have repeatedly stated, is `No`. 
 
"We will use satellite hookups," told Soderbergh for those nominees who would not be able to attend the show. "We can control the image, the sound, working it into the overall show [more seamlessly]."The "red carpet" so associated with Oscars and awards shows will be "tiny," as per the Deadline.Producers also announced earlier that all the nominated songs will be performed during a 90-minute pre-show with each track having unique creative elements. 
 
A list of 15 presenters was also revealed earlier this week, but Soderbergh promised two more presenters would be named by the end of the week.Wrapping up the details, Soderbergh also expressed that he wants the Oscar show to be uplifting and hopeful for people, despite the fact that many of the nominated films this year can be construed as depressing or dark in some ways."I hope it doesn`t remind us of the pain and dislocation people have been feeling over the past year. We want to see a potential future," he said. 
 
The Oscar telecast will air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Sunday, April 25.

Months after the nominees and certain details of the 93rd Academy Awards were announced, the show`s producers- Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, and Steven Soderbergh spelt out the plans for the ceremony and how the COVID safety procedure would be integrated throughout.

Months after the nominees and certain details of the 93rd Academy Awards were announced, the show`s producers- Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, and Steven Soderbergh spelt out the plans for the ceremony and how the COVID safety procedure would be integrated throughout. Cinema maniacs have been on their toes since the nominations of the 93rd annual Academy Awards were announced in March by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas. Following the announcement, certain guidelines and details were also announced to keep the fans updated about the prestigious ceremony to be held on April 25, this year. Now, the producers of the show- Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, and Steven Soderbergh have come out to reveal the actual details on how Covid-19 protocols would be integrated into the show`s broadcast while assuring that they are taking every measure to make sure all nominees and participants are safe throughout the three-hour ceremony, reported Deadline. "The narrative of the evening will be how we have gotten people back to work and what is involved exactly in doing that. There is that sort of strand that is going to run throughout the program of following the science of keeping people safe," said Sher. "The whole situation has been incredibly fluid in making sure that we are adhering to the guidelines in terms of capacity, and how we are allowed to move people, and how long we are allowed to keep them in certain places. There is no universe in which we are ever going to put anybody at risk," she added. The 58-year-old film producer also mentioned that she is hoping to combine safety with a show that feels like a glimpse of what is going to be possible when most people are vaccinated and rapid testing is the norm. "Covid is going to be there because it is everywhere. But we want to put it in its place and then sort of move forward," she said. As for the content of the 93rd Annual Academy Awards itself, producers assured it will be optimistic about the love for and need for the moviegoing experience, with Sher even invoking the announced closure of Arclight Theatres and the venerable Cinerama Dome this week, as per Deadline. Collins also joined and shared that the show is developing into something they only dreamed it could be and said they have been following Soderbergh`s `manifesto` that states the show will certainly look like a novel, and not at like a TV show. "It will be 24 frames per second, widescreen, with shots designed like movie shots, including over the shoulder," he explained. With the location for most of the ceremony taking place at Union Station, he told that the room there has been beautifully laid out by David Rockwell- production designer, with a hope to encourage winners to say something meaningful. Soderbergh was also asked about his own memorable acceptance speech when he won Best Director for Traffic in 2001, something that has been played as a good example at past Oscar nominee lunches to show potential winners what makes a good speech. "I was drunk. That`s not a lie," laughed Soderbergh, who said it was a surreal moment being handed that Oscar by Tom Cruise affecting his whole equilibrium since he had no idea he would possibly win.According to Deadline, Soderbergh also told that wearing a mask throughout the whole ceremony will be important for all the people who will be in attendance. "Masks will play a very important role in the story of the evening. That topic is very central to the evening," he said without elaborating.The producers also uniformly agreed that the ambitious show they are doing would not have been possible two months ago when the 93rd ceremony was originally planned for February 28th (the date the Golden Globes swooped in and took after AMPAS abandoned it). "That February date would have been impossible. Things have so improved with the vaccines. It was a great decision to push the show," said Soderbergh.Answering a question as to whether there has been outreach to invite President Biden, who has appeared before on an Oscar cast (to introduce Lady Gaga`s song `Til It Happens to You`), Sher said, "I think they have bigger fish to fry." Also, producers, especially Soderbergh, were terse when answering a question about the use of Zooms like other awards shows have done this year. The answer again to that, as they have repeatedly stated, is `No`. "We will use satellite hookups," told Soderbergh for those nominees who would not be able to attend the show. "We can control the image, the sound, working it into the overall show [more seamlessly]."The "red carpet" so associated with Oscars and awards shows will be "tiny," as per the Deadline.Producers also announced earlier that all the nominated songs will be performed during a 90-minute pre-show with each track having unique creative elements. A list of 15 presenters was also revealed earlier this week, but Soderbergh promised two more presenters would be named by the end of the week.Wrapping up the details, Soderbergh also expressed that he wants the Oscar show to be uplifting and hopeful for people, despite the fact that many of the nominated films this year can be construed as depressing or dark in some ways."I hope it doesn`t remind us of the pain and dislocation people have been feeling over the past year. We want to see a potential future," he said. The Oscar telecast will air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Sunday, April 25.

Oscar 2021: Producers disclose plans for show with strict COVID-19 guidelines

Arjun Rampal and Nitin Nitin Mukesh are the latest Bollywood celebrities to fall prey to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both actors took to social media to inform that they have tested positive for Covid-19. 
 
In an Instagram post late on Saturday, Arjun Rampal wrote: "I have tested positive for Covid-19. Even though I am asymptomatic, I have isolated myself and home quarantined, getting the needed medical care. I am following all protocols as is required of me. To all those who have been in contact with me in the past 10 days please take care and take the necessary precautions. This is a very scary time for us but if we are aware and wise for a short span of time, it will yield long term benefits. Together we can and we will fight corona." 
 
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Neil Nitin Mukesh also posted on Instagram on Saturday evening updating about his and his family members testing positive for the virus. 
 
The actor wrote: "In spite of all necessary precautions, including staying home, unfortunately, members of my family and I have tested positive for Covid-19. We are all home quarantined, following the essential protocols, and taking medication as prescribed by our doctors. We thank all of you for your love and good wishes. Take care and stay safe." 
 
"Need all your love and blessings. Please do not take the situation out there lightly," Neil added. 
 
On Saturday, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood also tested positive for Covid-19 while actresses Bhumi Pednekar and Katrina Kaif informed on social media that they have tested negative. 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Arjun Rampal and Nitin Nitin Mukesh are the latest Bollywood celebrities to fall prey to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both actors took to social media to inform that they have tested positive for Covid-19.

Arjun Rampal and Nitin Nitin Mukesh are the latest Bollywood celebrities to fall prey to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both actors took to social media to inform that they have tested positive for Covid-19. In an Instagram post late on Saturday, Arjun Rampal wrote: "I have tested positive for Covid-19. Even though I am asymptomatic, I have isolated myself and home quarantined, getting the needed medical care. I am following all protocols as is required of me. To all those who have been in contact with me in the past 10 days please take care and take the necessary precautions. This is a very scary time for us but if we are aware and wise for a short span of time, it will yield long term benefits. Together we can and we will fight corona." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arjun (@rampal72) × Neil Nitin Mukesh also posted on Instagram on Saturday evening updating about his and his family members testing positive for the virus. The actor wrote: "In spite of all necessary precautions, including staying home, unfortunately, members of my family and I have tested positive for Covid-19. We are all home quarantined, following the essential protocols, and taking medication as prescribed by our doctors. We thank all of you for your love and good wishes. Take care and stay safe." "Need all your love and blessings. Please do not take the situation out there lightly," Neil added. On Saturday, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood also tested positive for Covid-19 while actresses Bhumi Pednekar and Katrina Kaif informed on social media that they have tested negative.

Arjun Rampal and Neil Nitin Mukesh test positive for COVID-19

A record single-day rise of 2,61,500 coronavirus infections has taken India's total tally of Covid-19 cases to 1,47,88,109, while active cases have surpassed the 18-lakh mark, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.&nbsp;

The death toll increased to 1,77,150 with a record 1,501 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

Registering a steady increase for the 39th day in a row, the active cases stand at 18,01,316, comprising 12.18 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has dropped to 86.62 per cent, the ministry said.&nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,28,09,643, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.20 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

India's Covid-19 tally had crossed 20 lakh on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.&nbsp;

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 26,65,38,416 samples have been tested up to April 17 with 15,66,394 samples being tested on Saturday. &nbsp;

The 1,501 new fatalities include 419 from Maharashtra, 167 from Delhi, 158 from Chhattisgarh, 120 from Uttar Pradesh, 97 from Gujarat, 80 from Karnataka, 66 from Madhya Pradesh, 62 from Punjab and 39 from Tamil Nadu. &nbsp;

These fresh fatalities also include 37 each from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, 34 each from Bihar and West Bengal, 32 from Haryana, 30 from Jharkhand, 27 from Kerala, 15 each from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and 12 from Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

The ministry said a total of 1,77,150 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 59,970 from Maharashtra, 13,270 from Karnataka, 13,071 from Tamil Nadu, 11,960 from Delhi, 10,540 from West Bengal, 9,703 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,834 from Punjab and 7,388 from Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to co-morbidities.&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;

A record single-day rise of 2,61,500 coronavirus infections has taken India's total tally of Covid-19 cases to 1,47,88,109, while active cases have surpassed the 18-lakh mark, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

A record single-day rise of 2,61,500 coronavirus infections has taken India's total tally of Covid-19 cases to 1,47,88,109, while active cases have surpassed the 18-lakh mark, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll increased to 1,77,150 with a record 1,501 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase for the 39th day in a row, the active cases stand at 18,01,316, comprising 12.18 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has dropped to 86.62 per cent, the ministry said. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,28,09,643, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.20 per cent, the data stated. India's Covid-19 tally had crossed 20 lakh on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 26,65,38,416 samples have been tested up to April 17 with 15,66,394 samples being tested on Saturday. The 1,501 new fatalities include 419 from Maharashtra, 167 from Delhi, 158 from Chhattisgarh, 120 from Uttar Pradesh, 97 from Gujarat, 80 from Karnataka, 66 from Madhya Pradesh, 62 from Punjab and 39 from Tamil Nadu. These fresh fatalities also include 37 each from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, 34 each from Bihar and West Bengal, 32 from Haryana, 30 from Jharkhand, 27 from Kerala, 15 each from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and 12 from Himachal Pradesh. The ministry said a total of 1,77,150 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 59,970 from Maharashtra, 13,270 from Karnataka, 13,071 from Tamil Nadu, 11,960 from Delhi, 10,540 from West Bengal, 9,703 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,834 from Punjab and 7,388 from Andhra Pradesh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to co-morbidities. "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 records highest single-day rise of 2,61,500 cases, 1,501 deaths  

Canada’s Ontario recently announced sweeping police powers in a bid to enforce stay-at-home orders.&nbsp;Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and has witnessed a record number of coronavirus cases, with health experts worried about the effects of healthcare system being overwhelmed.

“We’re losing the battle between the variants and vaccines… We’re on our heels. If we dig in, remain steadfast, we can turn this around,’’ Doug Ford, Ontario’s premier announced on Friday.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-pandemic-a-long-way-from-over-says-who-chief-tedros-adhanom-377200/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now, police officers in Ontario can now stop drivers and pedestrians. They can now ask people who are outside their address and reasons for being outside their homes. In addition, they could face fines of upto $600 (Canadian $750) in case they fail to comply.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/densely-populated-cities-not-necessarily-prone-to-coronavirus-infections-study-finds-378115" hreflang="en">Densely populated cities not necessarily prone to coronavirus infections, study finds</a>

To ensure compliance, police officers have put up checkpoints at provincial borders with Manitoba and Quebec - allowing only essential travel.

Soon after the move was announced, it received back from civil rights groups in the country. Ford has also announced restrictions on playgrounds and outdoor sports.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-immigration-programme-for-hong-kongers-received-500-applications-in-3-weeks-378101" hreflang="en">Canada's immigration programme for Hong Kongers received 500 applications in 3 weeks</a>

A new model predicts Ontario will have 15,000 new cases everyday by June if the current trajectory of daily cases continues. This model has taken into account vaccinations. In addition, the province could see 30,000 cases a day.

On Friday, the province saw record 4,812 new cases of coronavirus.

Canada’s Ontario recently announced sweeping police powers in a bid to enforce stay-at-home orders. Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and has witnessed a record number of coronavirus cases, with health experts worried about the effects of healthcare system being overwhelmed.

Canada’s Ontario recently announced sweeping police powers in a bid to enforce stay-at-home orders. Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and has witnessed a record number of coronavirus cases, with health experts worried about the effects of healthcare system being overwhelmed. “We’re losing the battle between the variants and vaccines… We’re on our heels. If we dig in, remain steadfast, we can turn this around,’’ Doug Ford, Ontario’s premier announced on Friday. Now, police officers in Ontario can now stop drivers and pedestrians. They can now ask people who are outside their address and reasons for being outside their homes. In addition, they could face fines of upto $600 (Canadian $750) in case they fail to comply. Also read: Densely populated cities not necessarily prone to coronavirus infections, study finds To ensure compliance, police officers have put up checkpoints at provincial borders with Manitoba and Quebec - allowing only essential travel. Soon after the move was announced, it received back from civil rights groups in the country. Ford has also announced restrictions on playgrounds and outdoor sports. Also read: Canada's immigration programme for Hong Kongers received 500 applications in 3 weeks A new model predicts Ontario will have 15,000 new cases everyday by June if the current trajectory of daily cases continues. This model has taken into account vaccinations. In addition, the province could see 30,000 cases a day. On Friday, the province saw record 4,812 new cases of coronavirus.

Canada's Ontario gives police sweeping powers to enforce stay-at-home orders

As the daily COVID-19 cases surged to a staggering record-high level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reviewed the availability and supply of ventilators, oxygen and medicines to fight this pandemic.

India: PM Modi holds review meet on COVID-19

Coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world. In just the last 24 hours, India witnessed its highest ever coronavirus infections at 2,34,692. A new research sheds light on how the virus affects urban areas. For long, it was believed that densely populated cities are hotbeds for infectious transmission.

A new study published in Sustainable Cities and Society suggests that crowded cities are not likely to cause more infections. Researchers took data from a health application in account. They also looked at the details from Tehran, Iran which was once an epicentre of the pandemic.

Researchers found that population density alone cannot be considered a risk factor. Even then, researchers accounted for the difference between “high density” and “overcrowding”. They found that overcrowding posed a bigger risk and continues to get&nbsp;in the way of social distancing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/twos-not-the-end-pfizer-ceo-hints-at-need-for-third-dose-of-coronavirus-vaccine-378056" hreflang="en">Two's not the end: Pfizer CEO hints at need for third dose of coronavirus vaccine</a>

The researchers added that overcrowding can occur even in districts that have a low density. Owing to this, they ascertained that cities that are densely populated may not be considered a risk factor.

To achieve this, researchers from the Universities of Tehran and Isfahan, along with Hiroshima University in Japan collected data which was recorded by Iran’s COVID-19 tracing application called “AC19”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stay-home-wion-tackles-key-questions-related-to-coronavirus-pandemic-377833" hreflang="en">Stay home! WION tackles key questions related to coronavirus pandemic</a>

Tehran, the city around which the research as modelled has 8.6 million people living in 22 districts. Researchers found that population density played only a minimal role in COVID-19 transmission.

More important factors than population density included age, wealth, healthcare, along with how rigorously people follow protocols.

Coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world. In just the last 24 hours, India witnessed its highest ever coronavirus infections at 2,34,692. A new research sheds light on how the virus affects urban areas.

Coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world. In just the last 24 hours, India witnessed its highest ever coronavirus infections at 2,34,692. A new research sheds light on how the virus affects urban areas. For long, it was believed that densely populated cities are hotbeds for infectious transmission. A new study published in Sustainable Cities and Society suggests that crowded cities are not likely to cause more infections. Researchers took data from a health application in account. They also looked at the details from Tehran, Iran which was once an epicentre of the pandemic. Researchers found that population density alone cannot be considered a risk factor. Even then, researchers accounted for the difference between “high density” and “overcrowding”. They found that overcrowding posed a bigger risk and continues to get in the way of social distancing. Also read: Two's not the end: Pfizer CEO hints at need for third dose of coronavirus vaccine The researchers added that overcrowding can occur even in districts that have a low density. Owing to this, they ascertained that cities that are densely populated may not be considered a risk factor. To achieve this, researchers from the Universities of Tehran and Isfahan, along with Hiroshima University in Japan collected data which was recorded by Iran’s COVID-19 tracing application called “AC19”. Also read: Stay home! WION tackles key questions related to coronavirus pandemic Tehran, the city around which the research as modelled has 8.6 million people living in 22 districts. Researchers found that population density played only a minimal role in COVID-19 transmission. More important factors than population density included age, wealth, healthcare, along with how rigorously people follow protocols.

Densely populated cities not necessarily prone to coronavirus infections, study finds

India has reported 2,34,692 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike ever, pushing the country`s overall Covid tally to 1,45,26,609, according to the Health Ministry data released on Saturday. 
 
This is the third consecutive day that the country has registered over 2 lakh Covid cases. India recorded 2,00,739 and 2,17,353 cases on Thursday and Friday respectively. 
 
Meanwhile, as many as 1,341 people died of Covid in the last 24 hours, taking the country`s death toll to 1,75,649 so far. The daily active cases tally on Friday rose to 16,79,740. 
 
A total of 1,23,354 patients recovered in the same time span, taking the number of recoveries to 1,26,71,220, with a recovery rate of 87.23 per cent. 
 
The Health Ministry said that a total of 14,95,397 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. 
 
So far, 26,49,72,022 samples have been tested in the country. 
 
According to the government data, a total of 30,04,544 people were also vaccinated in the same period, taking the total inoculation count to 11,99,37,641. 
 
Delhi and Maharashtra recorded their biggest single-day rise in coronavirus cases since early 2020. The national capital has registered on Friday night 19,486 new cases. 
 
The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (3,703,584), Kerala (1,197,301), Karnataka (1,109,650), Tamil Nadu (962,935), and Andhra Pradesh (942,135).

India has reported 2,34,692 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike ever, pushing the country`s overall Covid tally to 1,45,26,609, according to the Health Ministry data released on Saturday.

India has reported 2,34,692 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike ever, pushing the country`s overall Covid tally to 1,45,26,609, according to the Health Ministry data released on Saturday. This is the third consecutive day that the country has registered over 2 lakh Covid cases. India recorded 2,00,739 and 2,17,353 cases on Thursday and Friday respectively. Meanwhile, as many as 1,341 people died of Covid in the last 24 hours, taking the country`s death toll to 1,75,649 so far. The daily active cases tally on Friday rose to 16,79,740. A total of 1,23,354 patients recovered in the same time span, taking the number of recoveries to 1,26,71,220, with a recovery rate of 87.23 per cent. The Health Ministry said that a total of 14,95,397 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. So far, 26,49,72,022 samples have been tested in the country. According to the government data, a total of 30,04,544 people were also vaccinated in the same period, taking the total inoculation count to 11,99,37,641. Delhi and Maharashtra recorded their biggest single-day rise in coronavirus cases since early 2020. The national capital has registered on Friday night 19,486 new cases. The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (3,703,584), Kerala (1,197,301), Karnataka (1,109,650), Tamil Nadu (962,935), and Andhra Pradesh (942,135).

India witnesses biggest spike with 2,34,692 coronavirus cases in 24 hours

Scientists have long said that giving people a single course of a COVID-19 vaccine might not be sufficient in the long term, and that booster shots and even annual vaccinations might prove necessary.

In recent days, that proposition has begun to sound less hypothetical.

Vaccine-makers are getting a jump-start on possible new rounds of shots, although they sound more certain of the need for boosters than independent scientists have.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Thursday that a third dose of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine was “likely” to be needed within a year of the initial two-dose inoculation — followed by annual vaccinations.

Dr. David Kessler, who runs the Biden administration’s vaccine effort, told a House subcommittee on Thursday that the government was also looking ahead. One factor at play is the spread of coronavirus variants and whether further vaccination could better target mutant strains.

Bourla said that “a likely scenario” is “a third dose somewhere between six and 12 months, and from there it would be an annual re-vaccination.”

Moderna said this week that it was at work on a booster for its vaccine, and Johnson &amp; Johnson has said that its single-shot vaccine will probably need to be given annually.

Kessler emphasized the “strong efficacy” of the current vaccines, including against the variants, but said that the government was “taking steps to develop next generation of vaccines that are directed against these variants if in fact they can be more effective.”

He was one of a handful of top federal health officials at the House hearing who implored Americans to get vaccinated and sought to reassure the nation that all three federally authorized vaccines are safe. They said little about restarting Johnson &amp; Johnson shots, which the Food and Drug Administration paused to examine a rare blood-clotting disorder.

Late Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had scheduled a new emergency hearing for April 23.

As of Thursday, more than 125 million people in the country had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 78 million who have been fully vaccinated by Johnson &amp; Johnson’s single-dose vaccine or the two-dose series made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

In February, Pfizer and its partner, BioNTech, said that they planned to test a third shot and to update their original vaccine. The FDA has said that vaccine developers will not need to conduct lengthy trials for vaccines that have been adapted to protect against variants.

On Tuesday, Moderna said that its vaccine continued to provide strong protection in the United States against COVID-19 six months after it is given, and the company’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel, told CNBC that he hoped to have booster shots ready by the fall.

Scientists have long said that giving people a single course of a COVID-19 vaccine might not be sufficient in the long term, and that booster shots and even annual vaccinations might prove necessary.

Scientists have long said that giving people a single course of a COVID-19 vaccine might not be sufficient in the long term, and that booster shots and even annual vaccinations might prove necessary. In recent days, that proposition has begun to sound less hypothetical. Vaccine-makers are getting a jump-start on possible new rounds of shots, although they sound more certain of the need for boosters than independent scientists have. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Thursday that a third dose of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine was “likely” to be needed within a year of the initial two-dose inoculation — followed by annual vaccinations. Dr. David Kessler, who runs the Biden administration’s vaccine effort, told a House subcommittee on Thursday that the government was also looking ahead. One factor at play is the spread of coronavirus variants and whether further vaccination could better target mutant strains. Bourla said that “a likely scenario” is “a third dose somewhere between six and 12 months, and from there it would be an annual re-vaccination.” Moderna said this week that it was at work on a booster for its vaccine, and Johnson & Johnson has said that its single-shot vaccine will probably need to be given annually. Kessler emphasized the “strong efficacy” of the current vaccines, including against the variants, but said that the government was “taking steps to develop next generation of vaccines that are directed against these variants if in fact they can be more effective.” He was one of a handful of top federal health officials at the House hearing who implored Americans to get vaccinated and sought to reassure the nation that all three federally authorized vaccines are safe. They said little about restarting Johnson & Johnson shots, which the Food and Drug Administration paused to examine a rare blood-clotting disorder. Late Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had scheduled a new emergency hearing for April 23. As of Thursday, more than 125 million people in the country had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 78 million who have been fully vaccinated by Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine or the two-dose series made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. In February, Pfizer and its partner, BioNTech, said that they planned to test a third shot and to update their original vaccine. The FDA has said that vaccine developers will not need to conduct lengthy trials for vaccines that have been adapted to protect against variants. On Tuesday, Moderna said that its vaccine continued to provide strong protection in the United States against COVID-19 six months after it is given, and the company’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel, told CNBC that he hoped to have booster shots ready by the fall.

Booster shots could be needed. Drug companies are planning for it.

The total number of vaccinations across the country surpassed the 11.70 crore mark on Thursday.

A day after the single day case tally crossed the 2 lakh mark for the first time, the numbers have risen even higher. On Friday, India reported 2,17,353 new cases, 1,18,302 discharges and 1,185 deaths in the last 24 hours.

According to the Union health ministry, more than 26.02 lakh vaccine doses being administered. As many as 67,400 COVID vaccination centres (CVCs) were operational, marking a rise of an average of 22,400 operational vaccination centres (45,000 CVCs on average are functional on any given day). Workplace vaccinations have also enabled such a high turnout of beneficiaries, the ministry said.

As per Union Health Ministry data, the active case tally has now reached 15,69,743 even as the cumulative death toll rises to 1,74,308. At the same time, as of Friday morning, a total of 11,72,23,509 vaccine doses have been given.&nbsp;

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.&nbsp;

It went past &nbsp;60 lakh on September 28, &nbsp;70 lakh on &nbsp;October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on &nbsp;November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the ICMR, &nbsp;26,34,76,625 tested for COVID-19 up to 15th April, including 14,73,210 samples that were tested yesterday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of vaccinations across the country surpassed the 11.70 crore mark on Thursday. A day after the single day case tally crossed the 2 lakh mark for the first time, the numbers have risen even higher.

The total number of vaccinations across the country surpassed the 11.70 crore mark on Thursday. A day after the single day case tally crossed the 2 lakh mark for the first time, the numbers have risen even higher. On Friday, India reported 2,17,353 new cases, 1,18,302 discharges and 1,185 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the Union health ministry, more than 26.02 lakh vaccine doses being administered. As many as 67,400 COVID vaccination centres (CVCs) were operational, marking a rise of an average of 22,400 operational vaccination centres (45,000 CVCs on average are functional on any given day). Workplace vaccinations have also enabled such a high turnout of beneficiaries, the ministry said. As per Union Health Ministry data, the active case tally has now reached 15,69,743 even as the cumulative death toll rises to 1,74,308. At the same time, as of Friday morning, a total of 11,72,23,509 vaccine doses have been given. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 26,34,76,625 tested for COVID-19 up to 15th April, including 14,73,210 samples that were tested yesterday. (With inputs from agencies)

India's record COVID-19 surge continues: Over 200,000 cases reported for the second day in a row

India recorded 2,00,739 new Covid-19 cases in the highest single-day spike ever since the pandemic began last year. With the fresh cases, the country's positive cases tally has mounted to 1,40,74,564, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday morning. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-ignore-these-new-oral-symptoms-of-covid-19-377054">Don't ignore these new oral symptoms of Covid-19</a>

Meanwhile, a total of 1,038 people succumbed to the Covid-19 infection in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 1,73,123. The active Covid-19 caseload in India stands at 14,71,877, while 1,24,29,564 people have been cured so far. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/these-are-the-three-new-symptoms-of-covid-19-dont-take-them-lightly-375900">These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly</a> 
 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; India's Covid report

<ul>
	<li>​​​​​Total cases: 1,40,74,564</li>
	<li>Total recoveries: 1,24,29,564&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Active cases: 14,71,877</li>
	<li>Death toll: 1,73,123</li>
	<li>Total vaccination: 11,44,93,238</li>
</ul>

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.&nbsp;

It went past &nbsp;60 lakh on September 28, &nbsp;70 lakh on &nbsp;October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on &nbsp;November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the ICMR, &nbsp;26,20,03,415 samples have been tested up to April 14 with 13,84,549 samples being tested on Wednesday. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India recorded 2,00,739 new Covid-19 cases in the highest single-day spike ever since the pandemic began last year. With the fresh cases, the country's positive cases tally has mounted to 1,40,74,564, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday morning.

India recorded 2,00,739 new Covid-19 cases in the highest single-day spike ever since the pandemic began last year. With the fresh cases, the country's positive cases tally has mounted to 1,40,74,564, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday morning. Also Read | Don't ignore these new oral symptoms of Covid-19 Meanwhile, a total of 1,038 people succumbed to the Covid-19 infection in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 1,73,123. The active Covid-19 caseload in India stands at 14,71,877, while 1,24,29,564 people have been cured so far. Also read | These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly India's Covid report Total cases: 1,40,74,564 Total recoveries: 1,24,29,564 Active cases: 14,71,877 Death toll: 1,73,123 Total vaccination: 11,44,93,238 India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 26,20,03,415 samples have been tested up to April 14 with 13,84,549 samples being tested on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

With over 2 lakh new Covid cases, India breaks pandemic record

The new COVID-19 wave in India, in which the number of cases is skyrocketing, is hitting children hard. As per the data from the Union Health Ministry of India 79,688 children have been infected in the five worst hit states since March.

India: Second wave of COVID-19 is affecting more children

India`s new coronavirus infections reached a record of 184,372 in the last 24 hours, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, as most of the south Asian nation battles a second surge in cases. 
 
The nationwide tally of infections is 13.9 million, with the data showing deaths rose by 1,027, for a toll of 172,085.

More than a thousand cases have been reported in Haridwar district in the last two days, according to government data.

From reporting less than 10,000 cases per day earlier this year,&nbsp;India&nbsp;has been the world's worst-hit country since April 2 by new daily cases, with the government blaming https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-india-surge-idUSKBN2BV129 a widespread failure to heed curbs on movement and social interaction.

India's richest state Maharashtra, the epicentre of the national second wave and which accounts for about a quarter of the country's cases, is due to impose stringent restrictions from Wednesday to try to contain the spread.

Elsewhere, overstretched private hospitals are turning patients away, placing an increasing burden on government facilities.

In the western state of Gujarat, local media showed a long queue of ambulances waiting outside Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, with some patients being treated there while they waited.

A hospital source, who declined to be named as he is not authorised to speak publicly, said this was because a lot of private hospitals were short of oxygen and were sending their patients to the public hospital.

India`s new coronavirus infections reached a record of 184,372 in the last 24 hours, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, as most of the south Asian nation battles a second surge in cases.

India`s new coronavirus infections reached a record of 184,372 in the last 24 hours, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, as most of the south Asian nation battles a second surge in cases. The nationwide tally of infections is 13.9 million, with the data showing deaths rose by 1,027, for a toll of 172,085. More than a thousand cases have been reported in Haridwar district in the last two days, according to government data. From reporting less than 10,000 cases per day earlier this year, India has been the world's worst-hit country since April 2 by new daily cases, with the government blaming https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-india-surge-idUSKBN2BV129 a widespread failure to heed curbs on movement and social interaction. India's richest state Maharashtra, the epicentre of the national second wave and which accounts for about a quarter of the country's cases, is due to impose stringent restrictions from Wednesday to try to contain the spread. Elsewhere, overstretched private hospitals are turning patients away, placing an increasing burden on government facilities. In the western state of Gujarat, local media showed a long queue of ambulances waiting outside Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, with some patients being treated there while they waited. A hospital source, who declined to be named as he is not authorised to speak publicly, said this was because a lot of private hospitals were short of oxygen and were sending their patients to the public hospital.

India's daily coronavirus infections hit new record of 184,372

Brazil on Tuesday reported 3,808 deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, raising its pandemic death toll to 358,425. 
 
According to the Ministry of Health, during the same period, tests detected 82,186 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total infections to 13,599,994. 
 
With overburdened hospitals and 80 per cent of COVID-19 intensive care unit beds occupied, Brazil, which reported a daily average of 3,068 deaths over the past seven days, is registering the most coronavirus deaths for a single country, according to data from the Council of State Health Secretariates. 
 
Brazil has the world`s second-largest pandemic death toll only after the United States. Since February, the country has seen a new wave of COVID-19 infections driven by the spread of the P1 variant that emerged in the Amazon.

Brazil on Tuesday reported 3,808 deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, raising its pandemic death toll to 358,425. According to the Ministry of Health, during the same period, tests detected 82,186 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total infections to 13,599,994.

Brazil on Tuesday reported 3,808 deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, raising its pandemic death toll to 358,425. According to the Ministry of Health, during the same period, tests detected 82,186 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total infections to 13,599,994. With overburdened hospitals and 80 per cent of COVID-19 intensive care unit beds occupied, Brazil, which reported a daily average of 3,068 deaths over the past seven days, is registering the most coronavirus deaths for a single country, according to data from the Council of State Health Secretariates. Brazil has the world`s second-largest pandemic death toll only after the United States. Since February, the country has seen a new wave of COVID-19 infections driven by the spread of the P1 variant that emerged in the Amazon.

Brazil reports 3,808 single-day COVID-19 deaths

Australia`s national cabinet will begin meeting twice a week from Monday, marking a return to a "war footing" in the country`s battle against the coronavirus pandemic amid turmoil in its national vaccination programme. 
 
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday the return to more frequent meetings of the group of federal and state government leaders was necessary to address "serious challenges" caused by patchy international vaccine supplies and changing medical advice. 
 
"This is a complex task and there are problems with the programme that we need to solve to ensure more Australians can be vaccinated safely and more quickly," Morrison said in a statement. 
 
Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries during the pandemic, with just over 29,400 COVID-19 cases and 910 deaths. 
 
No new cases have been reported on most days this year and officials have swiftly contained small outbreaks, but the country`s vaccination programme has hit major roadblocks. 
 
Morrison earlier this week abandoned a target to provide at least one vaccine dose to the country`s near 26 million population by year-end after restricting the rollout of its favoured AstraZeneca vaccine. 
 
Findings by Europe`s drug regulator of rare cases of blood clots among some adult recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccine were a major blow for Australia as the country had based its immunisation drive largely on that inoculation, with plans to manufacture 50 million doses locally. 
 
Australian officials overhauled the programme in response, doubling an earlier Pfizer order to 40 million shots and restricting AstraZeneca doses to people under 50. 
 
The rollout has also been affected by export curbs imposed by the European Union on vaccines as the bloc seeks to shore up its own supplies. 
 
Trade Minister Dan Tehan is due to travel to Europe this week to seek the release of about 3 million doses of previously promised AstraZeneca vaccines. 
 
Morrison created a national cabinet of federal, state and territory leaders early last year to coordinate measures to combat the pandemic. There has been sniping in recent weeks between different levels of government about who is responsible for delays in the vaccine rollout. 
 
The return to twice weekly meetings, the same frequency as at the peak of the crisis last year, would continue for the "foreseeable future", Morrison said, without providing detail on any potential steps to be taken.

Australia`s national cabinet will begin meeting twice a week from Monday, marking a return to a "war footing" in the country`s battle against the coronavirus pandemic amid turmoil in its national vaccination programme.

Australia`s national cabinet will begin meeting twice a week from Monday, marking a return to a "war footing" in the country`s battle against the coronavirus pandemic amid turmoil in its national vaccination programme. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday the return to more frequent meetings of the group of federal and state government leaders was necessary to address "serious challenges" caused by patchy international vaccine supplies and changing medical advice. "This is a complex task and there are problems with the programme that we need to solve to ensure more Australians can be vaccinated safely and more quickly," Morrison said in a statement. Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries during the pandemic, with just over 29,400 COVID-19 cases and 910 deaths. No new cases have been reported on most days this year and officials have swiftly contained small outbreaks, but the country`s vaccination programme has hit major roadblocks. Morrison earlier this week abandoned a target to provide at least one vaccine dose to the country`s near 26 million population by year-end after restricting the rollout of its favoured AstraZeneca vaccine. Findings by Europe`s drug regulator of rare cases of blood clots among some adult recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccine were a major blow for Australia as the country had based its immunisation drive largely on that inoculation, with plans to manufacture 50 million doses locally. Australian officials overhauled the programme in response, doubling an earlier Pfizer order to 40 million shots and restricting AstraZeneca doses to people under 50. The rollout has also been affected by export curbs imposed by the European Union on vaccines as the bloc seeks to shore up its own supplies. Trade Minister Dan Tehan is due to travel to Europe this week to seek the release of about 3 million doses of previously promised AstraZeneca vaccines. Morrison created a national cabinet of federal, state and territory leaders early last year to coordinate measures to combat the pandemic. There has been sniping in recent weeks between different levels of government about who is responsible for delays in the vaccine rollout. The return to twice weekly meetings, the same frequency as at the peak of the crisis last year, would continue for the "foreseeable future", Morrison said, without providing detail on any potential steps to be taken.

Australia returns to 'war footing' amid COVID-19 vaccine turmoil

Botswana is currently investigating the deaths of two people who had received the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine.

The country’s health ministry is currently investigating any potential link between the two. So far, Botswana has administered 31,000 doses of the vaccine, the only vaccine to be rolled out in the African country.

India had donated 30,000 doses of the vaccine which were made at the Serum Institute of India (SII).

In addition, Botswana bought 33,000 doses that were made in South Korea as part of the global vaccine distribution scheme COVAX. The two people who died had received the shots made in India.

Millions of doses of AstraZeneca vaccines have been administered around the world. But last week, European drug regulator found a potential link between the vaccine and very rare cases of blood clots.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/astrazeneca-says-diabetes-drug-farxiga-fails-in-trial-to-treat-covid-patients-377013" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca says diabetes drug Farxiga fails in trial to treat Covid patients</a>

The European Medicines Agency had received reports of 169 cases of the blood clot by April among 34 million doses that were given out. Most of these cases were reported among women below 60.

In a statement on Sunday, the Botswana health ministry said that the two deaths reported were of elderly people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australia-orders-more-alternatives-for-astrazeneca-vaccine-setting-back-its-rollout-376500" hreflang="en">Australia orders more alternatives for AstraZeneca vaccine setting back its rollout</a>

"The ministry has referred the matter to the regulator being BOMRA for immediate investigation. It is expected that BOMRA investigation will seek to establish the cause of two deaths as well as whether they are in any way linked to the COVID vaccine which was administered," the statement read.

So far, over 40,000 coronavirus cases and 630 deaths have been recorded during the pandemic.

Botswana is currently investigating the deaths of two people who had received the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. The country’s health ministry is currently investigating any potential link between the two.

Botswana is currently investigating the deaths of two people who had received the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. The country’s health ministry is currently investigating any potential link between the two. So far, Botswana has administered 31,000 doses of the vaccine, the only vaccine to be rolled out in the African country. India had donated 30,000 doses of the vaccine which were made at the Serum Institute of India (SII). In addition, Botswana bought 33,000 doses that were made in South Korea as part of the global vaccine distribution scheme COVAX. The two people who died had received the shots made in India. Millions of doses of AstraZeneca vaccines have been administered around the world. But last week, European drug regulator found a potential link between the vaccine and very rare cases of blood clots. Also read: AstraZeneca says diabetes drug Farxiga fails in trial to treat Covid patients The European Medicines Agency had received reports of 169 cases of the blood clot by April among 34 million doses that were given out. Most of these cases were reported among women below 60. In a statement on Sunday, the Botswana health ministry said that the two deaths reported were of elderly people. Also read: Australia orders more alternatives for AstraZeneca vaccine setting back its rollout "The ministry has referred the matter to the regulator being BOMRA for immediate investigation. It is expected that BOMRA investigation will seek to establish the cause of two deaths as well as whether they are in any way linked to the COVID vaccine which was administered," the statement read. So far, over 40,000 coronavirus cases and 630 deaths have been recorded during the pandemic.

Botswana is probing link between two deaths and AstraZeneca Covid shots

The Tamil Nadu government has emphasised on a slew of measures to control and act against the ongoing spike in Covid-19 cases, that are on the rise as a part of the pan-India second wave. The review meeting held here with top officials from across government departments was chaired by Chief Minister K Palaniswami. &nbsp;

Among the decisions taken and reinforced were to ensure no less than 90,000 RT-PCR tests per day to detect coronavirus infection and aggressive testing in the virus infected areas. Tracing of 25-30 contacts of the infected person, conducting fever camps. It was also decided to declare streets/residential apartments with three Covid-19 cases as micro- containment zones. &nbsp;

Admitting an infected person in a Covid Care Centre of in hospital, based on severity of infection, slapping fines against Covid-norm violators, expediting vaccination for those in the 45+ age group, following of SOP by both Government and private hospitals to reduce the mortality rate, were also mentioned. &nbsp;

The state government has also asked those, who work in cinema theatres, fruits and vegetable markets, commercial complexes to get vaccinated. It was also urged that people step out of their homes only if and when necessary, adding that they must do so while wearing masks and maintaining social distance.&nbsp;

On Monday, Tamil Nadu witnessed 6,711 new cases, which took the active cases to 46,308 and the cumulative cases to 9.40 lakh. So far, 8.8 lakhs persons have recovered, whereas 12,927 have succumbed.&nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu government has emphasised on a slew of measures to control and act against the ongoing spike in Covid-19 cases, that are on the rise as a part of the pan-India second wave.

The Tamil Nadu government has emphasised on a slew of measures to control and act against the ongoing spike in Covid-19 cases, that are on the rise as a part of the pan-India second wave. The review meeting held here with top officials from across government departments was chaired by Chief Minister K Palaniswami. Among the decisions taken and reinforced were to ensure no less than 90,000 RT-PCR tests per day to detect coronavirus infection and aggressive testing in the virus infected areas. Tracing of 25-30 contacts of the infected person, conducting fever camps. It was also decided to declare streets/residential apartments with three Covid-19 cases as micro- containment zones. Admitting an infected person in a Covid Care Centre of in hospital, based on severity of infection, slapping fines against Covid-norm violators, expediting vaccination for those in the 45+ age group, following of SOP by both Government and private hospitals to reduce the mortality rate, were also mentioned. The state government has also asked those, who work in cinema theatres, fruits and vegetable markets, commercial complexes to get vaccinated. It was also urged that people step out of their homes only if and when necessary, adding that they must do so while wearing masks and maintaining social distance. On Monday, Tamil Nadu witnessed 6,711 new cases, which took the active cases to 46,308 and the cumulative cases to 9.40 lakh. So far, 8.8 lakhs persons have recovered, whereas 12,927 have succumbed.

Tamil Nadu to carry out nearly 90,000 daily RT-PCR tests amid spike in Covid-19 cases

Norway will start to unwind some restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and allow more people to gather from Friday, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Tuesday. 
 
However, the country`s vaccine rollout risks being delayed by up to almost three months if it does not go ahead and use AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson`s shots, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health said. 
 
Norway will say on Thursday whether it will resume using the AstraZeneca vaccine, on hold since a small number of younger inoculated people developed a combination of blood clots, bleeding and a low platelet count, some of whom later died. 
 
Johnson &amp; Johnson, meanwhile, said it was delaying the roll-out of its vaccine to Europe as U.S. health agencies recommended pausing its use after six women under 50 given the shot developed rare blood clots. 
 
Norway has had some of Europe`s lowest rates of infections and deaths since the start of the pandemic but imposed stricter measures after a rapid increase in hospitalisations in March triggered by more contagious variants of the coronavirus. 
 
"The infection numbers are now down. Hospitalisations are fewer. The measures look to have had an effect," Solberg told a news conference. 
 
As a result, Norwegians will from Friday again be allowed to receive up to five guests in private homes, up from two currently, and restaurants can serve alcohol under certain conditions. 
 
A maximum of 100 people will be allowed to attend indoor events in for example theatres and sports arenas, provided there are fixed seating arrangements, and groups of up to 200 people can attend outdoor events. 
 
The easing of rules at the national level will not affect those in areas of the Nordic country where the infection rate is the highest, such as in the Oslo capital region, Solberg said. 
 
Non-essential stores remain closed in the Oslo area, and restaurants there are still only allowed to provide takeaway service, and some schools remain shut. 
 
Line Vold, head of infection control and emergency preparedness at the Institute of Public Health, predicted between eight and 12 weeks of delay in vaccinating Norwegians if the AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson shots were shunned. 
 
"It will be mainly for the younger groups (in the population). We will be done with vaccination of people in risk groups," she told the same news conference. 
 
The government has said earlier it estimates that everyone aged 18 or older will have been offered their first vaccine shot by the end of July.

Norway will start to unwind some restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and allow more people to gather from Friday, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Tuesday.

Norway will start to unwind some restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and allow more people to gather from Friday, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Tuesday. However, the country`s vaccine rollout risks being delayed by up to almost three months if it does not go ahead and use AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson`s shots, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health said. Norway will say on Thursday whether it will resume using the AstraZeneca vaccine, on hold since a small number of younger inoculated people developed a combination of blood clots, bleeding and a low platelet count, some of whom later died. Johnson & Johnson, meanwhile, said it was delaying the roll-out of its vaccine to Europe as U.S. health agencies recommended pausing its use after six women under 50 given the shot developed rare blood clots. Norway has had some of Europe`s lowest rates of infections and deaths since the start of the pandemic but imposed stricter measures after a rapid increase in hospitalisations in March triggered by more contagious variants of the coronavirus. "The infection numbers are now down. Hospitalisations are fewer. The measures look to have had an effect," Solberg told a news conference. As a result, Norwegians will from Friday again be allowed to receive up to five guests in private homes, up from two currently, and restaurants can serve alcohol under certain conditions. A maximum of 100 people will be allowed to attend indoor events in for example theatres and sports arenas, provided there are fixed seating arrangements, and groups of up to 200 people can attend outdoor events. The easing of rules at the national level will not affect those in areas of the Nordic country where the infection rate is the highest, such as in the Oslo capital region, Solberg said. Non-essential stores remain closed in the Oslo area, and restaurants there are still only allowed to provide takeaway service, and some schools remain shut. Line Vold, head of infection control and emergency preparedness at the Institute of Public Health, predicted between eight and 12 weeks of delay in vaccinating Norwegians if the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson shots were shunned. "It will be mainly for the younger groups (in the population). We will be done with vaccination of people in risk groups," she told the same news conference. The government has said earlier it estimates that everyone aged 18 or older will have been offered their first vaccine shot by the end of July.

Norway to ease COVID-19 curbs, vaccine rollout may be delayed

The Pakistani government is facing double trouble as hospital beds are filling up amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country and the vaccination program is progressing at a slow rate due to delayed deliveries and limited supplies.

Pakistan, which began its vaccination drive against COVID-19 in February, has failed to smoothly run the exercise as only one million people have been vaccinated so far. A huge percentage of the country's 238 million residents are still left waiting for the vaccine, according to official figures.

The country has so far reported 7,30,000 COVID-19 cases and 15,619 related deaths.

The government has received 2.56 million doses of vaccines, all from China, according to local reports citing the health ministry, as per CNN.

Pakistan has only approved a handful of vaccines for emergency use, including three Chinese vaccines, Russia's Sputnik V, and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. So far, it has largely relied on donations from other countries -- chiefly China, which has provided more than a million doses of Sinopharm.

Pakistan is still awaiting more than 17 million doses of vaccines allocated by COVAX, a global vaccine-sharing initiative with discounted or free doses for lower-income countries.

Last month, Pakistan became one of the few countries to allow the private sector to import and sell vaccines.

Thousands of Pakistanis rushed to COVID-19 vaccination sites to get inoculated in the first round of commercial sales of Sputnik V vaccines.

Though the vaccine is available for all, it is expensive. The Sputnik vaccine currently costs 12,000 Pakistani rupees ($80) for two doses, according to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), CNN reported.

That's four times the international market price, which is less than USD 20 for two doses, according to the vaccine developers. And it's about 30 per cent of an average household's monthly income, at $273.2 (41,545 rupees), according to the most recent available data by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

"The selling of this vaccine is just unethical and too bad for the community," said Dr Tipu Sultan, former head of the Pakistan Medical Association. "Only a few moneyed people are going to buy it. The bulk of the population cannot afford it."

But the process of getting a privately sold shot has numerous complications, even for those who can afford it.

"I'm super frustrated because I have to travel for work, and I'm unable to get my vaccine," said Maha Mussadaq, a content lead at Foodpanda Thailand, who has been stranded in Islamabad. She tried all week to sign up for the vaccine, but has not been able to confirm a time slot, she said. She went online to register, and was told she would receive a phone call with more details, but was given no indication of when it might come.

"There's no system in place, and there's no definition of a timeline," she said. All of her travel plans for work are dependent on whether she can get the first dose, but with news of the vaccine selling out, she is quickly losing hope of that happening.

Even those who have received the first shot are unsure whether they would be getting the second and final shot or not.

"I'm afraid there's no guarantee that we'll get the second dose, what if supplies run out?" said Anushka Jatoi. "There's a lot of uncertainty."&nbsp;

The Pakistani government is facing double trouble as hospital beds are filling up amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country and the vaccination program is progressing at a slow rate due to delayed deliveries and limited supplies.

The Pakistani government is facing double trouble as hospital beds are filling up amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country and the vaccination program is progressing at a slow rate due to delayed deliveries and limited supplies. Pakistan, which began its vaccination drive against COVID-19 in February, has failed to smoothly run the exercise as only one million people have been vaccinated so far. A huge percentage of the country's 238 million residents are still left waiting for the vaccine, according to official figures. The country has so far reported 7,30,000 COVID-19 cases and 15,619 related deaths. The government has received 2.56 million doses of vaccines, all from China, according to local reports citing the health ministry, as per CNN. Pakistan has only approved a handful of vaccines for emergency use, including three Chinese vaccines, Russia's Sputnik V, and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. So far, it has largely relied on donations from other countries -- chiefly China, which has provided more than a million doses of Sinopharm. Pakistan is still awaiting more than 17 million doses of vaccines allocated by COVAX, a global vaccine-sharing initiative with discounted or free doses for lower-income countries. Last month, Pakistan became one of the few countries to allow the private sector to import and sell vaccines. Thousands of Pakistanis rushed to COVID-19 vaccination sites to get inoculated in the first round of commercial sales of Sputnik V vaccines. Though the vaccine is available for all, it is expensive. The Sputnik vaccine currently costs 12,000 Pakistani rupees ($80) for two doses, according to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), CNN reported. That's four times the international market price, which is less than USD 20 for two doses, according to the vaccine developers. And it's about 30 per cent of an average household's monthly income, at $273.2 (41,545 rupees), according to the most recent available data by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. "The selling of this vaccine is just unethical and too bad for the community," said Dr Tipu Sultan, former head of the Pakistan Medical Association. "Only a few moneyed people are going to buy it. The bulk of the population cannot afford it." But the process of getting a privately sold shot has numerous complications, even for those who can afford it. "I'm super frustrated because I have to travel for work, and I'm unable to get my vaccine," said Maha Mussadaq, a content lead at Foodpanda Thailand, who has been stranded in Islamabad. She tried all week to sign up for the vaccine, but has not been able to confirm a time slot, she said. She went online to register, and was told she would receive a phone call with more details, but was given no indication of when it might come. "There's no system in place, and there's no definition of a timeline," she said. All of her travel plans for work are dependent on whether she can get the first dose, but with news of the vaccine selling out, she is quickly losing hope of that happening. Even those who have received the first shot are unsure whether they would be getting the second and final shot or not. "I'm afraid there's no guarantee that we'll get the second dose, what if supplies run out?" said Anushka Jatoi. "There's a lot of uncertainty."

COVID-19: Pakistanis forced to opt for expensive jabs from private markets amid slow govt vaccination drive

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