A Brazilian Roman Catholic bishop admitted to hospital with critical coronavirus infection since July 4, died on Saturday at the Memorial Hospital São José, in Recife.

Henrique Soares da Costa believed that the coronavirus is “a sign from God” and proof that “science is always precarious”

Recently through a video, Dom Henrique had said that the coronavirus is “a sign of God” and that “science is always precarious”.&nbsp;

Two days ago, his respiratory condition worsened and he needed to be intubated. 
 
Costa is the third Brazilian bishop to die because of coronavirus.He served as bishop of the diocese of Palmares from 2014 until his death in 2020.

Meanwhile, with some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases are increasing at an alarming stage.

While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America.

According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.1 million infected worldwide, while the global death toll has surpassed 600,000.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Brazilian Roman Catholic bishop admitted to hospital with critical coronavirus infection since July 4, died on Saturday at the Memorial Hospital São José, in Recife.

A Brazilian Roman Catholic bishop admitted to hospital with critical coronavirus infection since July 4, died on Saturday at the Memorial Hospital São José, in Recife. Henrique Soares da Costa believed that the coronavirus is “a sign from God” and proof that “science is always precarious” Recently through a video, Dom Henrique had said that the coronavirus is “a sign of God” and that “science is always precarious”. Two days ago, his respiratory condition worsened and he needed to be intubated. Costa is the third Brazilian bishop to die because of coronavirus.He served as bishop of the diocese of Palmares from 2014 until his death in 2020. Meanwhile, with some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases are increasing at an alarming stage. While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America. According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.1 million infected worldwide, while the global death toll has surpassed 600,000. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian Bishop believes covid-crisis a ‘sign from God’, dies of coronavirus

Delhi on Sunday recorded 1,075 COVID-19 cases, taking the caseload in the city to over 1.30 lakh, while the death toll mounted to 3,827, authorities said.

Twenty-one fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the health department's bulletin.

The death toll from the coronavirus infection has risen to 3,827 in the national capital and the total number of cases has climbed to 1,30,606, it said.

From July 11-19, the number of fresh cases were being reported in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 consecutively. The number of fresh cases reported on July 19 stood at 1,211.

On July 20, the fresh case count dipped to 954, but it increased the next day to 1,349.

Since Tuesday, the number of fresh cases have been recorded in excess of 1,000 again. However, the number of active cases on Sunday was 11,904, down from 12,657 on the previous day.

On June 23, the national capital had reported its highest single-day spike, till date, at 3,947.&nbsp;

Delhi on Sunday recorded 1,075 COVID-19 cases, taking the caseload in the city to over 1.30 lakh, while the death toll mounted to 3,827, authorities said. Twenty-one fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the health department's bulletin.

Delhi on Sunday recorded 1,075 COVID-19 cases, taking the caseload in the city to over 1.30 lakh, while the death toll mounted to 3,827, authorities said. Twenty-one fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the health department's bulletin. The death toll from the coronavirus infection has risen to 3,827 in the national capital and the total number of cases has climbed to 1,30,606, it said. From July 11-19, the number of fresh cases were being reported in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 consecutively. The number of fresh cases reported on July 19 stood at 1,211. On July 20, the fresh case count dipped to 954, but it increased the next day to 1,349. Since Tuesday, the number of fresh cases have been recorded in excess of 1,000 again. However, the number of active cases on Sunday was 11,904, down from 12,657 on the previous day. On June 23, the national capital had reported its highest single-day spike, till date, at 3,947.

Delhi records 1,075 fresh COVID-19 cases; tally rises to 1,30,606

The health minister of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, Dr. Jesus Grajeda, has died, Chihuahua's governor said on Sunday.

Grajeda died two weeks after he was hospitalized with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

"I have no words to express all my feelings in this moment, except for profound sadness," Chihuahua Governor Javier Corral wrote on Facebook on Sunday morning, saying Grajeda had died of heart failure.

With more than 385,000 confirmed cases and nearly 43,500 deaths as of Saturday, Mexico has the world's fourth-highest death toll from the coronavirus.

Latin America is the region most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The health minister of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, Dr. Jesus Grajeda, has died, Chihuahua's governor said on Sunday. Grajeda died two weeks after he was hospitalized with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

The health minister of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, Dr. Jesus Grajeda, has died, Chihuahua's governor said on Sunday. Grajeda died two weeks after he was hospitalized with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. "I have no words to express all my feelings in this moment, except for profound sadness," Chihuahua Governor Javier Corral wrote on Facebook on Sunday morning, saying Grajeda had died of heart failure. With more than 385,000 confirmed cases and nearly 43,500 deaths as of Saturday, Mexico has the world's fourth-highest death toll from the coronavirus. Latin America is the region most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Mexican state health minister dies after being hospitalised for COVID-19

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Sunday declared an emergency and announced a lockdown in a border town after a person suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus returned from South Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Sunday declared an emergency and announced a lockdown in a border town after a person suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus returned from South Korea. The suspect reportedly entered the country after illegally crossing the border, state media said on Sunday. If confirmed, it would be the first case officially acknowledged by North Korean authorities. Kim convened an emergency politburo meeting in response to what he called a "critical situation in which the vicious virus could be said to have entered the country", the North's KCNA state news reported. A person who defected to South Korea three years ago returned across the fortified border that divides the two Koreas to the town of Kaesong this month with symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, KCNA reported. "An emergency event happened in Kaesong City where a runaway who went to the south three years ago, a person who is suspected to have been infected with the vicious virus returned on July 19 after illegally crossing the demarcation line," KCNA said. KCNA did not say if the person had been tested, but said an "uncertain result was made from several medical check-ups of the secretion of that person's upper respiratory organ and blood", prompting officials to quarantine the person and investigate anyone he may have been in contact with. Also read: North Korea reports 'suspected' case of COVID-19 in defector One analyst said the announcement was important, not only because North Korea was for the first time reporting a suspected coronavirus case but also because it suggested it was appealing for help. "It's an ice-breaking moment for North Korea to admit a case," said Choo Jae-woo, a professor at Kyung Hee University. "It could be reaching out to the world for help. Perhaps for humanitarian assistance." North Korea is under economic pressure because of international sanctions over its nuclear programme.

North Korea declares emergency in border town over first suspected COVID-19 case

The United States has reached a grim milestone of 4 million coronavirus cases, according to the latest update by the Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp; 
 
According to the data, the US has till now reported 4,021,053 COVID-19 cases and 143,967 deaths. 
 
Infections in the United States have rapidly accelerated since the first case was detected on Jan. 21. It took the country 98 days to reach 1 million cases. 
 
It took another 43 days to reach 2 million and then 27 days to reach 3 million. It has only taken 16 days to reach 4 million at a rate of 43 new cases a minute. 
 
The total COVID-19 case count worldwide stands at 15,348,877 and 626,190 fatalities have been reported so far.

Despite the surge in cases, countries across the world including the US, India, Denmark and Italy have started the process of lifting the lockdown by easing restrictions. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has reached a grim milestone of 4 million coronavirus cases, according to the latest update by the Johns Hopkins University. According to the data, the US has till now reported 4,021,053 COVID-19 cases and 143,967 deaths.

The United States has reached a grim milestone of 4 million coronavirus cases, according to the latest update by the Johns Hopkins University. According to the data, the US has till now reported 4,021,053 COVID-19 cases and 143,967 deaths. Infections in the United States have rapidly accelerated since the first case was detected on Jan. 21. It took the country 98 days to reach 1 million cases. It took another 43 days to reach 2 million and then 27 days to reach 3 million. It has only taken 16 days to reach 4 million at a rate of 43 new cases a minute. The total COVID-19 case count worldwide stands at 15,348,877 and 626,190 fatalities have been reported so far. Despite the surge in cases, countries across the world including the US, India, Denmark and Italy have started the process of lifting the lockdown by easing restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus in US: 76,570 cases and 1,225 deaths reported in last 24 hours, total count surpasses 4 million

Pakistan reported 1,209 new coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the nation-wide tally of infections to 270,400.

In the last 24 hours, 54 virus-related deaths have been reported, the Ministry of National Health Services said.

A total of 5,763 people have died of COVID-19 in Pakistan, it said.

Out of the total cases, 115,883 are from Sindh, followed by 91,423 cases in Punjab, 32,898 cases in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 14,766 cases in Islamabad, 11,523 cases in Balochistan, 1,989 cases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and 1,918 cases in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The number of people who have recovered from the disease is now 219,783.

Another 1,316 patients are in critical condition.

The ministry said 1,821,296 tests have been performed since the virus outbreak, including 22,006 tests in the last 24 hours.

Pakistan reported 1,209 new coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the nation-wide tally of infections to 270,400. In the last 24 hours, 54 virus-related deaths have been reported, the Ministry of National Health Services said.

Pakistan reported 1,209 new coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the nation-wide tally of infections to 270,400. In the last 24 hours, 54 virus-related deaths have been reported, the Ministry of National Health Services said. A total of 5,763 people have died of COVID-19 in Pakistan, it said. Out of the total cases, 115,883 are from Sindh, followed by 91,423 cases in Punjab, 32,898 cases in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 14,766 cases in Islamabad, 11,523 cases in Balochistan, 1,989 cases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and 1,918 cases in Gilgit-Baltistan. The number of people who have recovered from the disease is now 219,783. Another 1,316 patients are in critical condition. The ministry said 1,821,296 tests have been performed since the virus outbreak, including 22,006 tests in the last 24 hours.

Pakistan's COVID-19 tally crosses 2, 70,000 with 1,209 fresh cases

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 15 million people, with 6.20 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 15,077,182 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 620,257.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected. It has recorded over 67,000 cases in a day to take its total to 4,028,569 coronavirus cases. including143, 826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,166,532 cases and 81,597 deaths, and India (1,194,888 cases, 28,770 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage.

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage. The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 15 million people, with 6.20 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 15,077,182 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 620,257. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected. It has recorded over 67,000 cases in a day to take its total to 4,028,569 coronavirus cases. including143, 826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,166,532 cases and 81,597 deaths, and India (1,194,888 cases, 28,770 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 15 million, death toll at 620,257

In its most recent update, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Government of India placed the total number of cases at 1192915 and the death toll at 28732. The ministry said that 753050 people have so far recovered from the infection. &nbsp;

India’s doubling time for total cases stands at 21.6 days, for active cases at 32.8 days, and for deaths at 30.4 days.

This has strongly boosted the recovery rate among COVID-19 patients to 63.13 per cent. The total number of cases include 4, 11,133 active cases, 7, 53,050 cured/discharged/migrated and 28,732 deaths, the Health Ministry informed.

Now, India is the third-most-affected country by total cases and seventh by death toll, has added 256,734 cases — 21.5% of its total tally — in the past 7 days alone.

India is responding with utmost urgency to coronavirus from the very beginning and has been continuously strengthening preparedness and response measures, WHO Regional Director (South-East Asia) Poonam Khetrapal Singh said on Wednesday.

"India is responding with utmost urgency to COVID-19 from the start. It`s been continuously strengthening preparedness and response measures, including ramping up testing capacities, readying more hospitals, arranging and stocking up medicines and essentials," Singh said at a virtual briefing.

Replying to the question of what more needs to be done in controlling the spread of COVID-19, she said all countries including India must continue to implement core public health and social distancing measures.

(With inputs from agencies)

In its most recent update, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Government of India placed the total number of cases at 1192915 and the death toll at 28732.

In its most recent update, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Government of India placed the total number of cases at 1192915 and the death toll at 28732. The ministry said that 753050 people have so far recovered from the infection. India’s doubling time for total cases stands at 21.6 days, for active cases at 32.8 days, and for deaths at 30.4 days. This has strongly boosted the recovery rate among COVID-19 patients to 63.13 per cent. The total number of cases include 4, 11,133 active cases, 7, 53,050 cured/discharged/migrated and 28,732 deaths, the Health Ministry informed. Now, India is the third-most-affected country by total cases and seventh by death toll, has added 256,734 cases — 21.5% of its total tally — in the past 7 days alone. India is responding with utmost urgency to coronavirus from the very beginning and has been continuously strengthening preparedness and response measures, WHO Regional Director (South-East Asia) Poonam Khetrapal Singh said on Wednesday. "India is responding with utmost urgency to COVID-19 from the start. It`s been continuously strengthening preparedness and response measures, including ramping up testing capacities, readying more hospitals, arranging and stocking up medicines and essentials," Singh said at a virtual briefing. Replying to the question of what more needs to be done in controlling the spread of COVID-19, she said all countries including India must continue to implement core public health and social distancing measures. (With inputs from agencies)

India becomes 7th-worst-hit by death toll, overtakes Spain

India on Thursday added 45,720 new coronavirus cases and 1,129 deaths, its highest so far. The country's tally is now over 12 lakh.&nbsp;

The death toll from the virus nears 30,000. Now, India is the third-most-affected country by total cases and seventh by death toll.

Total COVID-19 positive cases stand at 12,38,635 including 4,26,167 active cases, 7,82,606 cured/discharged/migrated and 29,861 deaths, as per the Health Ministry data.

India’s doubling time for total cases stands at 21.6 days, for active cases at 32.8 days, and deaths at 30.4 days.

The total number of COVID19 samples tested up to 22nd July is 1,50,75,369 including 3,50,823 samples tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research

Globally, coronavirus cases surged past 15 million as some of the worst-hit nations, such as US, Brazil continued to record over 60,000 daily cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Thursday added 45,720 new coronavirus cases and 1,129 deaths, its highest so far. The country's tally is now over 12 lakh. The death toll from the virus nears 30,000.

India on Thursday added 45,720 new coronavirus cases and 1,129 deaths, its highest so far. The country's tally is now over 12 lakh. The death toll from the virus nears 30,000. Now, India is the third-most-affected country by total cases and seventh by death toll. Total COVID-19 positive cases stand at 12,38,635 including 4,26,167 active cases, 7,82,606 cured/discharged/migrated and 29,861 deaths, as per the Health Ministry data. India’s doubling time for total cases stands at 21.6 days, for active cases at 32.8 days, and deaths at 30.4 days. The total number of COVID19 samples tested up to 22nd July is 1,50,75,369 including 3,50,823 samples tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research Globally, coronavirus cases surged past 15 million as some of the worst-hit nations, such as US, Brazil continued to record over 60,000 daily cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Highest spike of 45,720 new cases, 1,129 deaths take India's tally past 12 lakh mark

84 staff at the Tamil Nadu Governor’s official residence, the Raj Bhavan, in Chennai, have tested positive for Covid-19, a statement has revealed. It added that the Governor Banwarilal Purohit and senior staff were safe and had not come in contact with the personnel who had tested positive.

Tests were conducted after a few staff had shown symptoms. Of the 147 tests conducted, 84 have returned positive, said the statement.

The staff who have tested positive include security and fire safety personnel. All of them were working in the outer portion of the premises, such as the main gate and not in the main building. They have been quarantined by the health Department.

As a precautionary measure the whole area of Raj Bhavan including the offices have been disinfected and sanitized by Corporation health Authorities.

The Raj Bhavan website also mentions that, as preventive measure Raj Bhavan tours for the tourists stands cancelled till 31st July 2020. However, the premises has been closed from tourists since the first phase of the pan-India lockdown began in late March.

The Raj Bhavan, which is at an arterial location in the city, is situated in the Guindy National Park Reserved Forest Area. There are species of deer (spotted deer, black buck and albino), besides mongoose, jackals, many varieties of reptiles and a large number of birds like partridges, pheasants, parrots, quail, paradise fly-catcher within the campus and the adjoining forest areas.

Over the last one week Tamil Nadu has been seeing a consistent spike in Corona virus cases. On Wednesday, the state had recorded a single-day highest of 5849 cases. As per the bulletin issued on Wednesday, the state has seen a total of 1, 86492 Covid-19 cases, which include 1, 31,583 recoveries. There are 51,765 active cases in the state.

However, in last a few weeks capital city Chennai has seen a marked dip in cases. When compared to June, the daily cases have nearly come down by half. Chennai saw recorded 1171 new cases on Wednesday, thus taking the active cases to 13941.

84 staff at the Tamil Nadu Governor’s official residence, the Raj Bhavan, in Chennai, have tested positive for Covid-19, a statement has revealed. It added that the Governor Banwarilal Purohit and senior staff were safe and had not come in contact with the personnel who had tested positive.

84 staff at the Tamil Nadu Governor’s official residence, the Raj Bhavan, in Chennai, have tested positive for Covid-19, a statement has revealed. It added that the Governor Banwarilal Purohit and senior staff were safe and had not come in contact with the personnel who had tested positive. Tests were conducted after a few staff had shown symptoms. Of the 147 tests conducted, 84 have returned positive, said the statement. The staff who have tested positive include security and fire safety personnel. All of them were working in the outer portion of the premises, such as the main gate and not in the main building. They have been quarantined by the health Department. As a precautionary measure the whole area of Raj Bhavan including the offices have been disinfected and sanitized by Corporation health Authorities. The Raj Bhavan website also mentions that, as preventive measure Raj Bhavan tours for the tourists stands cancelled till 31st July 2020. However, the premises has been closed from tourists since the first phase of the pan-India lockdown began in late March. The Raj Bhavan, which is at an arterial location in the city, is situated in the Guindy National Park Reserved Forest Area. There are species of deer (spotted deer, black buck and albino), besides mongoose, jackals, many varieties of reptiles and a large number of birds like partridges, pheasants, parrots, quail, paradise fly-catcher within the campus and the adjoining forest areas. Over the last one week Tamil Nadu has been seeing a consistent spike in Corona virus cases. On Wednesday, the state had recorded a single-day highest of 5849 cases. As per the bulletin issued on Wednesday, the state has seen a total of 1, 86492 Covid-19 cases, which include 1, 31,583 recoveries. There are 51,765 active cases in the state. However, in last a few weeks capital city Chennai has seen a marked dip in cases. When compared to June, the daily cases have nearly come down by half. Chennai saw recorded 1171 new cases on Wednesday, thus taking the active cases to 13941.

84 staff at Tamil Nadu Governor’s residence test Covid-19 positive; Guv, senior staff safe

US President Donald Trump said his administration is willing to work with anybody, including China, if they are the first to produce a successful COVID-19 vaccine.

"We are willing to work with anybody that's going to get us a good result," Trump said on Tuesday when asked whether he would be ready to work with China if it were first to develop a vaccine.

Trump noted that progress is being made in the United States regarding COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccine development.

"We're doing very well with vaccine development and therapeutic development," he said.

Trump also said a potential vaccine is going to arrive much sooner than expected and become available immediately as the US military will assist in distributing it.

The novel coronavirus pandemic started in China last December in the city of Wuhan in Hubei Province. The United States has criticized China for initially hiding the extent of the spread of the virus. Trump has claimed that China's influence in the World Health Organization allowed the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan to morph into a global pandemic when the disease should have been contained within China.

US President Donald Trump said his administration is willing to work with anybody, including China, if they are the first to produce a successful COVID-19 vaccine.

US President Donald Trump said his administration is willing to work with anybody, including China, if they are the first to produce a successful COVID-19 vaccine. "We are willing to work with anybody that's going to get us a good result," Trump said on Tuesday when asked whether he would be ready to work with China if it were first to develop a vaccine. Trump noted that progress is being made in the United States regarding COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccine development. "We're doing very well with vaccine development and therapeutic development," he said. Trump also said a potential vaccine is going to arrive much sooner than expected and become available immediately as the US military will assist in distributing it. The novel coronavirus pandemic started in China last December in the city of Wuhan in Hubei Province. The United States has criticized China for initially hiding the extent of the spread of the virus. Trump has claimed that China's influence in the World Health Organization allowed the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan to morph into a global pandemic when the disease should have been contained within China.

US ready to work with China if first to produce successful COVID-19 vaccine, says Trump

As many as 2,300 people have tested positive for coronavirus infection on Wednesday in the largest single-day rise in cases till date in Uttar Pradesh, while 34 died of the disease in the last 24 hours.

With this, the death toll rose to 1,263, while the total number of cases reported in the state so far climbed to 55,588. The state had reported 53,288 COVID-19 cases till Tuesday.

Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad, however, said the count of new cases in the state was 2,308.

Of the 34 fresh deaths, five were reported from Lucknow, four from Kanpur and three from Gorakhpur. Two deaths each were reported from Meerut, Moradabad, Prayagraj, Sultanpur, Jhansi and Mirzapur.

Agra, Jaunpur, Basti, Barabanki, Aligarh, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Ballia, Badaun and Kasganj reported one death each.

Prasad said the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state stood at 20,825. "As many as 1,263 COVID-19 patients have died in the state," he said, adding 33,500 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far.

In total, 16 lakh samples have been examined for COVID-19 with 45,650 of them being tested on Tuesday, Prasad said.

As many as 2,300 people have tested positive for coronavirus infection on Wednesday in the largest single-day rise in cases till date in Uttar Pradesh, while 34 died of the disease in the last 24 hours.

As many as 2,300 people have tested positive for coronavirus infection on Wednesday in the largest single-day rise in cases till date in Uttar Pradesh, while 34 died of the disease in the last 24 hours. With this, the death toll rose to 1,263, while the total number of cases reported in the state so far climbed to 55,588. The state had reported 53,288 COVID-19 cases till Tuesday. Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad, however, said the count of new cases in the state was 2,308. Of the 34 fresh deaths, five were reported from Lucknow, four from Kanpur and three from Gorakhpur. Two deaths each were reported from Meerut, Moradabad, Prayagraj, Sultanpur, Jhansi and Mirzapur. Agra, Jaunpur, Basti, Barabanki, Aligarh, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Ballia, Badaun and Kasganj reported one death each. Prasad said the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state stood at 20,825. "As many as 1,263 COVID-19 patients have died in the state," he said, adding 33,500 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far. In total, 16 lakh samples have been examined for COVID-19 with 45,650 of them being tested on Tuesday, Prasad said.

COVID-19 tally in UP reaches 55,588 with record single-day rise in cases; death toll climbs to 1,263

India recorded 37,724 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, pushing its tally to 11,92,915, while the total number of recoveries increased to 7,53,050, according to Union health ministry data on Wednesday.

The death toll due to the disease rose to 28,732 with 648 fatalities reported in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed.

There are 4,11,133 active cases of the coronavirus infection currently in the country.

On Tuesday the health ministry announced that India's COVID-19 recovery rate is increasing day by day and today it stands at 62.72 per cent.

Addressing the press conference in New Delhi, Rajesh Bhushan, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Health Ministry said that there are currently 4,02,529 active cases in India and 7,24,577 people have recovered. 
The recovery rate in India is increasing, he said and added that today it is 62.72 per cent.

"The case facility rate in India is 2.43 per cent. A very important role in this is that of doctors and paramedical staff. AIIMS also has an important role. Case intensity rate is below the national average in many states," added Bhushan.

Earlier in the day, Bhushan said that number of COVID-19 deaths per million population in India continues to be among the lowest in the world. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India recorded 37,724 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, pushing its tally to 11,92,915, while the total number of recoveries increased to 7,53,050, according to Union health ministry data on Wednesday.

India recorded 37,724 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, pushing its tally to 11,92,915, while the total number of recoveries increased to 7,53,050, according to Union health ministry data on Wednesday. The death toll due to the disease rose to 28,732 with 648 fatalities reported in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed. There are 4,11,133 active cases of the coronavirus infection currently in the country. On Tuesday the health ministry announced that India's COVID-19 recovery rate is increasing day by day and today it stands at 62.72 per cent. Addressing the press conference in New Delhi, Rajesh Bhushan, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Health Ministry said that there are currently 4,02,529 active cases in India and 7,24,577 people have recovered. The recovery rate in India is increasing, he said and added that today it is 62.72 per cent. "The case facility rate in India is 2.43 per cent. A very important role in this is that of doctors and paramedical staff. AIIMS also has an important role. Case intensity rate is below the national average in many states," added Bhushan. Earlier in the day, Bhushan said that number of COVID-19 deaths per million population in India continues to be among the lowest in the world. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: 37,724 cases and 648 deaths reported in India in the last 24 hours

The United States is leading the world in terms of COVID-19 testing and India is at second position, President Donald Trump said while giving an update on his administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

So far more than 140,000 Americans have died due to coronavirus and 3.8 million have tested positive. While the US economy is slowly coming back to normal, the pandemic is now spreading in the Sun Belt of the country.

"As one family, we mourn every precious life that's been lost. I pledge in their honour that we will develop a vaccine and we will defeat the virus. We're doing very well with vaccine development and therapeutic development," Trump said at a White House news conference on Tuesday, his first on coronavirus after several weeks.

Trump also said his administration will stop at nothing to save lives and shield the vulnerable.

"We've learned so much about this disease. And we know who the vulnerable are, and we are going to indeed shield them," he said.

Trump assured that the vaccines against the novel coronavirus will be coming a lot sooner than expected.

Replying to a question, Trump said the US is "leading the world" in terms of COVID-19 testing.

"We're going to be over 50 million tests," he said, adding that "second country is India with 12 million (tests). Then you have seven million, six million, and four million. I think that we are doing a tremendous amount of testing."

The "China virus", Trump said, is a vicious and dangerous illness.

"It's a nasty, horrible disease that should''ve never been allowed to escape China, but it did. It infected the world, and the world is suffering. But we''re going to get it taken care of, and we''re helping lots of other countries," the US president said.

On tackling the virus, Trump said his administration is developing a powerful strategy.

"We've learned a great deal about it (COVID-19) and who it targets. We are in the process of developing a strategy that''s going to be very, very powerful," he said.

"Some areas of our country are doing very well; others are doing less well. It will probably, unfortunately, get worse before it gets better," Trump said.

He said the median age of those who succumb to COVID-19 infection is 78 years, adding that roughly half of all deaths have been individuals in nursing homes or in long-term care.

"Young adults may often have mild or even no symptoms. They won't even know they're sick. They won't have any idea that they have a virus. They won''t have any idea at all," he said, adding that youth will act responsibly.

Trump said the data shows children have the lowest fatality risk as 99.96 per cent of all virus fatalities are adults.

"By understanding these risk profiles and learning how to treat the disease, we've been able to greatly reduce mortality in the United States," Trump said.

Several treatments are already available in the US that can significantly reduce the severity and duration of the disease, including remdesivir, he said.

"We've learned best practices for treatment of the virus at every stage and have shared these findings with medical providers, and we've shared them all over the world. The relationship with other countries has been very strong. We''re all working together," Trump said.

The United States is leading the world in terms of COVID-19 testing and India is at second position, President Donald Trump said while giving an update on his administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The United States is leading the world in terms of COVID-19 testing and India is at second position, President Donald Trump said while giving an update on his administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic. So far more than 140,000 Americans have died due to coronavirus and 3.8 million have tested positive. While the US economy is slowly coming back to normal, the pandemic is now spreading in the Sun Belt of the country. "As one family, we mourn every precious life that's been lost. I pledge in their honour that we will develop a vaccine and we will defeat the virus. We're doing very well with vaccine development and therapeutic development," Trump said at a White House news conference on Tuesday, his first on coronavirus after several weeks. Trump also said his administration will stop at nothing to save lives and shield the vulnerable. "We've learned so much about this disease. And we know who the vulnerable are, and we are going to indeed shield them," he said. Trump assured that the vaccines against the novel coronavirus will be coming a lot sooner than expected. Replying to a question, Trump said the US is "leading the world" in terms of COVID-19 testing. "We're going to be over 50 million tests," he said, adding that "second country is India with 12 million (tests). Then you have seven million, six million, and four million. I think that we are doing a tremendous amount of testing." The "China virus", Trump said, is a vicious and dangerous illness. "It's a nasty, horrible disease that should''ve never been allowed to escape China, but it did. It infected the world, and the world is suffering. But we''re going to get it taken care of, and we''re helping lots of other countries," the US president said. On tackling the virus, Trump said his administration is developing a powerful strategy. "We've learned a great deal about it (COVID-19) and who it targets. We are in the process of developing a strategy that''s going to be very, very powerful," he said. "Some areas of our country are doing very well; others are doing less well. It will probably, unfortunately, get worse before it gets better," Trump said. He said the median age of those who succumb to COVID-19 infection is 78 years, adding that roughly half of all deaths have been individuals in nursing homes or in long-term care. "Young adults may often have mild or even no symptoms. They won't even know they're sick. They won't have any idea that they have a virus. They won''t have any idea at all," he said, adding that youth will act responsibly. Trump said the data shows children have the lowest fatality risk as 99.96 per cent of all virus fatalities are adults. "By understanding these risk profiles and learning how to treat the disease, we've been able to greatly reduce mortality in the United States," Trump said. Several treatments are already available in the US that can significantly reduce the severity and duration of the disease, including remdesivir, he said. "We've learned best practices for treatment of the virus at every stage and have shared these findings with medical providers, and we've shared them all over the world. The relationship with other countries has been very strong. We''re all working together," Trump said.

India second in world with most coronavirus tests after US, says Donald Trump

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged "the entire world" Tuesday to stand up to China but denied forcing Britain's hand in its decision to ban the communist superpower's private telecoms giant Huawei. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-and-johnson-discuss-chinas-actions-in-hong-kong-and-xinjiang-314947">Also read: Pompeo and Johnson discuss China's actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang</a>

Mr Pompeo met Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the heat of an emerging crisis in relations between London and Beijing over everything from China's treatment of Hong Kong to its persecution of more than one million ethnic Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-time-to-push-back-against-challenge-posed-by-china-pompeo-313923">Also read | It's time to push back against challenge posed by China: Pompeo</a> 
 
The top US diplomat used a press conference with his UK opposite number Dominic Raab to air a host of grievances President Donald Trump's administration had built up against Beijing.

He accused China of engaging in "a cover-up and co-opting" the World Health Organization by allegedly suppressing early details of the "preventable" coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 610,000 people globally.

The Chinese Community Party's "exploitation of this disaster to further its own interest has been disgraceful", he said.

Mr Pompeo also castigated China for claiming disputed areas of the South China Sea "you have no lawful claim to" and trying to "threaten and bully" its neighbours.

"We think that the entire world needs to work together to ensure that every country, including China, behaves in the international system in ways that are appropriate and consistent with the international order," he said.

'Right thing to do'

Mr Pompeo's last visit to London in January came just days after Johnson ignored Washington's warnings and allowed Huawei to take a leading role in building Britain's next-generation mobile data network.

This trip was announced just a day after Johnson last week decided to risk drawing the wrath of China and phasing out Huawei from the speedy new system.

The Chinese foreign ministry responded by accusing Britain of becoming "America's dupe".

But Mr Pompeo and Mr Raab both tried to dispel suggestions the White House was dictating British affairs.

"I think that decision was made not because the United States said it was a good decision but because the leadership here in the United Kingdom concluded (that it was) the right thing to do," Mr Pompeo said.

Mr Johnson is keen to avoid being too closely associated with Mr Trump -- whose approval in Britain is languishing at around 20 percent -- despite the "special relationship" between the two historical allies.

The UK government stresses it only ditched Huawei after new US sanctions imposed in May endangered the safety of future 5G equipment produced in China.

"The reality is it is a result of US sanctions," Mr Raab said.

Washington argues that the Chinese Community Party can force Huawei to either intercept UK data or shut down the British network in times of war.

Huawei has always denied this and Britain had previously concluded that it could mitigate any security flaws.

'Golden decade'

But the range of steps taken by Johnson in the past month threaten to bring an early end to a "golden decade" in cooperation that former British finance minister George Osborne promised on a visit to Beijing in 2015.

London has also outraged Beijing by offering nearly three million residents of Hong Kong a pathway to UK citizenship in response to a highly controversial security law that China imposed on the former British colony last month.

Britain followed that up on Monday by suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extending an arms embargo of "potentially lethal weapons" that had previously applied only to mainland China.

Mr Pompeo's visit includes a sideline meeting with exiled Hong Kong protest leader Nathan Law aimed at further stressing the seemingly new understanding about Beijing.

The UK parliament's release of a delayed report that took the government to task for failing to properly look into any Russian meddling in the 2016 Brexit referendum also hung over Mr Pompeo's visit.

The report was commissioned in response to concerns that Moscow attempted to help Trump win the presidency in 2016.

Mr Trump and Mr Pompeo reject suggestions that Russia played any meaningful role in the vote.

Mr Raab said Britain viewed Russia as "a top national security priority" but Mr Pompeo did not address the issue in his public remarks.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged "the entire world" Tuesday to stand up to China but denied forcing Britain's hand in its decision to ban the communist superpower's private telecoms giant Huawei.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged "the entire world" Tuesday to stand up to China but denied forcing Britain's hand in its decision to ban the communist superpower's private telecoms giant Huawei. Also read: Pompeo and Johnson discuss China's actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang Mr Pompeo met Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the heat of an emerging crisis in relations between London and Beijing over everything from China's treatment of Hong Kong to its persecution of more than one million ethnic Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities. Also read | It's time to push back against challenge posed by China: Pompeo The top US diplomat used a press conference with his UK opposite number Dominic Raab to air a host of grievances President Donald Trump's administration had built up against Beijing. He accused China of engaging in "a cover-up and co-opting" the World Health Organization by allegedly suppressing early details of the "preventable" coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 610,000 people globally. The Chinese Community Party's "exploitation of this disaster to further its own interest has been disgraceful", he said. Mr Pompeo also castigated China for claiming disputed areas of the South China Sea "you have no lawful claim to" and trying to "threaten and bully" its neighbours. "We think that the entire world needs to work together to ensure that every country, including China, behaves in the international system in ways that are appropriate and consistent with the international order," he said. 'Right thing to do' Mr Pompeo's last visit to London in January came just days after Johnson ignored Washington's warnings and allowed Huawei to take a leading role in building Britain's next-generation mobile data network. This trip was announced just a day after Johnson last week decided to risk drawing the wrath of China and phasing out Huawei from the speedy new system. The Chinese foreign ministry responded by accusing Britain of becoming "America's dupe". But Mr Pompeo and Mr Raab both tried to dispel suggestions the White House was dictating British affairs. "I think that decision was made not because the United States said it was a good decision but because the leadership here in the United Kingdom concluded (that it was) the right thing to do," Mr Pompeo said. Mr Johnson is keen to avoid being too closely associated with Mr Trump -- whose approval in Britain is languishing at around 20 percent -- despite the "special relationship" between the two historical allies. The UK government stresses it only ditched Huawei after new US sanctions imposed in May endangered the safety of future 5G equipment produced in China. "The reality is it is a result of US sanctions," Mr Raab said. Washington argues that the Chinese Community Party can force Huawei to either intercept UK data or shut down the British network in times of war. Huawei has always denied this and Britain had previously concluded that it could mitigate any security flaws. 'Golden decade' But the range of steps taken by Johnson in the past month threaten to bring an early end to a "golden decade" in cooperation that former British finance minister George Osborne promised on a visit to Beijing in 2015. London has also outraged Beijing by offering nearly three million residents of Hong Kong a pathway to UK citizenship in response to a highly controversial security law that China imposed on the former British colony last month. Britain followed that up on Monday by suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extending an arms embargo of "potentially lethal weapons" that had previously applied only to mainland China. Mr Pompeo's visit includes a sideline meeting with exiled Hong Kong protest leader Nathan Law aimed at further stressing the seemingly new understanding about Beijing. The UK parliament's release of a delayed report that took the government to task for failing to properly look into any Russian meddling in the 2016 Brexit referendum also hung over Mr Pompeo's visit. The report was commissioned in response to concerns that Moscow attempted to help Trump win the presidency in 2016. Mr Trump and Mr Pompeo reject suggestions that Russia played any meaningful role in the vote. Mr Raab said Britain viewed Russia as "a top national security priority" but Mr Pompeo did not address the issue in his public remarks.

'China exploiting Covid situation to further its own interest': Mike Pompeo

A total of 14,845,241 people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, while more than 8,898,749 have recovered and 612,830 have died so far, according to the available data.

Country-wise, the US remains the most affected. It recorded over 62,000 cases in a day to take its tally to 3,961,429 cases, including 143,826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,121,645 cases, 80,251 and deaths, and India (1,155,143 cases, 28,099 deaths).

On a positive side, researchers have said that "Oxford University’s experimental coronavirus vaccine is safe and generated a strong immune response in the people who volunteered to help trial it", raising hopes it could contribute to ending the pandemic.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the European Union leaders broke the deadlock and solidified a deal to assist with post-pandemic recovery in the bloc. Officially announced on Tuesday morning, the deal with entail 750 billion Euros (roughly 859 billion USD) extended to member countries in the form of grants and loans in a bid to beat the recession triggered by COVID-19.

(With inputs from agencies)

A total of 14,845,241 people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, while more than 8,898,749 have recovered and 612,830 have died so far, according to the available data.

A total of 14,845,241 people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, while more than 8,898,749 have recovered and 612,830 have died so far, according to the available data. Country-wise, the US remains the most affected. It recorded over 62,000 cases in a day to take its tally to 3,961,429 cases, including 143,826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,121,645 cases, 80,251 and deaths, and India (1,155,143 cases, 28,099 deaths). On a positive side, researchers have said that "Oxford University’s experimental coronavirus vaccine is safe and generated a strong immune response in the people who volunteered to help trial it", raising hopes it could contribute to ending the pandemic. Meanwhile, the European Union leaders broke the deadlock and solidified a deal to assist with post-pandemic recovery in the bloc. Officially announced on Tuesday morning, the deal with entail 750 billion Euros (roughly 859 billion USD) extended to member countries in the form of grants and loans in a bid to beat the recession triggered by COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 14.8 million, death toll at 612,830

With 37,148 new cases being reported in last 24 hours, the total number of coronaivrus cases in India has reached 11, 55,191. And the country's Covid-19 death toll has reached 28084.&nbsp;

Total COVID-19 positive cases stand at 11, 55,191 including 4, 02,529 active cases, 7, 24,578 cured/discharged/migrated and 28084 deaths, as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.

Maharashtra has recorded 8,240 new cases in the last 24 hours to take its tally to 318,695.&nbsp;

On a positive side, researchers have said that "Oxford University’s experimental coronavirus vaccine is safe and generated a strong immune response in the people who volunteered to help trial it", raising hopes it could contribute to ending the pandemic.

Country-wise, the US remains th most affected. It recorded over 62,000 cases in a day to take its tally to 3,961,429 cases, including 143,826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,121,645 cases, 80,251 and deaths, and India (1,155,143 cases, 28,099 deaths). 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

With 37,148 new cases being reported in last 24 hours, the total number of coronaivrus cases in India has reached 11, 55,191. And the country's Covid-19 death toll has reached 28084.

With 37,148 new cases being reported in last 24 hours, the total number of coronaivrus cases in India has reached 11, 55,191. And the country's Covid-19 death toll has reached 28084. Total COVID-19 positive cases stand at 11, 55,191 including 4, 02,529 active cases, 7, 24,578 cured/discharged/migrated and 28084 deaths, as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data. Maharashtra has recorded 8,240 new cases in the last 24 hours to take its tally to 318,695. On a positive side, researchers have said that "Oxford University’s experimental coronavirus vaccine is safe and generated a strong immune response in the people who volunteered to help trial it", raising hopes it could contribute to ending the pandemic. Country-wise, the US remains th most affected. It recorded over 62,000 cases in a day to take its tally to 3,961,429 cases, including 143,826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,121,645 cases, 80,251 and deaths, and India (1,155,143 cases, 28,099 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

37,148 new cases and 587 deaths in last 24 hours take India's tally past 11.5 lakh mark, death toll reaches 28084

With the trials of the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University showing encouraging results, Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday said it will apply for a licence from the Indian regulator to start clinical trials of the shot in a week's time.

SII, the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, has been chosen by Oxford and its partner AstraZeneca to manufacture the vaccine once it gets ready.

Earlier, Pune-based SII had said that it will start manufacturing the vaccine even before the final nod so as to be ready with sizeable volumes once the vaccine gets all permissions.

"The trials have shown promising results and we are extremely happy about it. We will be applying for the licensure trials to the Indian regulator in a week's time. As soon as they grant us permission, we will begin with the trials for the vaccine in India."

"In addition, we will soon start manufacturing the vaccine in large volumes," SII Chief Executive Officer Adar Poonawalla said.

The interim results from the ongoing Phase I/II COV001 trial, led by Oxford University, showed that the vaccine was tolerated and generated robust immune responses against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in all evaluated participants, AstraZeneca said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Poonawalla had said that the SII was hoping to develop a COVID-19 vaccine by year-end as it was focusing on a "good and safe" product and is not in a "rush".

A coronavirus vaccine developed by the Oxford University appears safe and induces a strong immune response within the body, scientists announced on Monday after the first phase of "promising" human trials against the deadly disease that has infected over 1.45 crore people and claimed more than six lakh lives across the world.

Doses of the vaccine were given to 1,077 healthy adults aged between 18 and 55 in five UK hospitals in April and May as part of the phase one clinical trial and results, published in the Lancet' medical journal.

The results show they induced strong antibody and T-cell immune responses for up to 56 days after they were given.

T-cells are crucial for maintaining protection against the virus for years. The findings are seen as promising, but experts feel it is too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection as larger trials get underway.

Scientists behind the trials found the response could be even greater after a second dose.

"The Phase I/II data for our coronavirus vaccine shows that the vaccine did not lead to any unexpected reactions and had a similar safety profile to previous vaccines of this type."

"The immune responses observed following vaccination are in line with what previous animal studies have shown are associated with protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, although we must continue with our rigorous clinical trial program to confirm this in humans," said Professor Andrew Pollard, Chief investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial at Oxford University and co-author of the study.

"We saw the strongest immune response in the 10 participants who received two doses of the vaccine, indicating that this might be a good strategy for vaccination," he said.

Since emerging in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last year, the virus has killed over 606,000 people and infected more than 14,538,000 people worldwide.

In India, the virus has caused 27,497 deaths and infected over 11 lakh people, according to latest official figures.

With the trials of the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University showing encouraging results, Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday said it will apply for a licence from the Indian regulator to start clinical trials of the shot in a week's time.

With the trials of the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University showing encouraging results, Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday said it will apply for a licence from the Indian regulator to start clinical trials of the shot in a week's time. SII, the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, has been chosen by Oxford and its partner AstraZeneca to manufacture the vaccine once it gets ready. Earlier, Pune-based SII had said that it will start manufacturing the vaccine even before the final nod so as to be ready with sizeable volumes once the vaccine gets all permissions. "The trials have shown promising results and we are extremely happy about it. We will be applying for the licensure trials to the Indian regulator in a week's time. As soon as they grant us permission, we will begin with the trials for the vaccine in India." "In addition, we will soon start manufacturing the vaccine in large volumes," SII Chief Executive Officer Adar Poonawalla said. The interim results from the ongoing Phase I/II COV001 trial, led by Oxford University, showed that the vaccine was tolerated and generated robust immune responses against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in all evaluated participants, AstraZeneca said in a statement. Earlier this month, Poonawalla had said that the SII was hoping to develop a COVID-19 vaccine by year-end as it was focusing on a "good and safe" product and is not in a "rush". A coronavirus vaccine developed by the Oxford University appears safe and induces a strong immune response within the body, scientists announced on Monday after the first phase of "promising" human trials against the deadly disease that has infected over 1.45 crore people and claimed more than six lakh lives across the world. Doses of the vaccine were given to 1,077 healthy adults aged between 18 and 55 in five UK hospitals in April and May as part of the phase one clinical trial and results, published in the Lancet' medical journal. The results show they induced strong antibody and T-cell immune responses for up to 56 days after they were given. T-cells are crucial for maintaining protection against the virus for years. The findings are seen as promising, but experts feel it is too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection as larger trials get underway. Scientists behind the trials found the response could be even greater after a second dose. "The Phase I/II data for our coronavirus vaccine shows that the vaccine did not lead to any unexpected reactions and had a similar safety profile to previous vaccines of this type." "The immune responses observed following vaccination are in line with what previous animal studies have shown are associated with protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, although we must continue with our rigorous clinical trial program to confirm this in humans," said Professor Andrew Pollard, Chief investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial at Oxford University and co-author of the study. "We saw the strongest immune response in the 10 participants who received two doses of the vaccine, indicating that this might be a good strategy for vaccination," he said. Since emerging in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last year, the virus has killed over 606,000 people and infected more than 14,538,000 people worldwide. In India, the virus has caused 27,497 deaths and infected over 11 lakh people, according to latest official figures.

Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine in a week

An aerosol-based treatment could drastically reduce the number of new coronavirus patients dying from the disease or requiring intensive care, according to preliminary results released Monday by a British biotech firm.

In a randomised trial of 100 patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, those who received an inhaled formula of the protein interferon beta were at 79 percent lower risk of developing severe disease compared to those who received a placebo.

They were also more than twice as likely to make a full recovery compared with the control group.

The firm behind the treatment, known as SNG001, said the preliminary results suggested "a major breakthrough" in the pandemic.

"We are all delighted with the trial results announced today, which showed that SNG001 greatly reduced the number of hospitalised COVID-19 patients who progressed from requiring oxygen to requiring ventilation," said Richard Marsden, CEO of Synairgen.

The results published Monday have not yet been peer-reviewed and the sample size is relatively small.

But if confirmed the treatment could revolutionise the way COVID-19 is dealt with in hospitals.

"Game changer"

Interferon beta is a naturally occurring protein, commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis.

It forms part of the body's natural fight against infection, and the novel coronavirus suppresses its production in an attempt to evade an immune response.

Delivering the protein directly into the lungs of patients is designed to trigger a robust immune response to the virus, even in patients whose immune system is already weakened by infection.

"The results confirm our belief that interferon beta... has huge potential as an inhaled drug to be able to restore the lung's immune response," said Tom Wilkinson, professor or respiratory medicine at the University of Southampton.

He said the trial showed SNG001 was effective in "enhancing protection, accelerating recover and countering the impact of SARS-CoV-2 virus."

Naveed Sattar, professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow said the new treatment "could be a game changer".

"With small (trial) numbers comes less certainty on the true level of benefit, or whether benefits vary between people with differing risk characteristics," said Sattar, who was not involved in the research.

"Such work would require a larger trial but, even so, these results are very exciting."

There are currently a number of treatments available for patients hospitalised with COVID-19.

Last month a Britain-based team of researchers lead by the University of Oxford announced they had successfully reduced the risk of death among seriously ill patients by administering the commonly available steroid dexamethasone.

Several countries have also issued the emergency authorisation for treatment with anti-viral remdesivir.

An aerosol-based treatment could drastically reduce the number of new coronavirus patients dying from the disease or requiring intensive care, according to preliminary results released Monday by a British biotech firm.

An aerosol-based treatment could drastically reduce the number of new coronavirus patients dying from the disease or requiring intensive care, according to preliminary results released Monday by a British biotech firm. In a randomised trial of 100 patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, those who received an inhaled formula of the protein interferon beta were at 79 percent lower risk of developing severe disease compared to those who received a placebo. They were also more than twice as likely to make a full recovery compared with the control group. The firm behind the treatment, known as SNG001, said the preliminary results suggested "a major breakthrough" in the pandemic. "We are all delighted with the trial results announced today, which showed that SNG001 greatly reduced the number of hospitalised COVID-19 patients who progressed from requiring oxygen to requiring ventilation," said Richard Marsden, CEO of Synairgen. The results published Monday have not yet been peer-reviewed and the sample size is relatively small. But if confirmed the treatment could revolutionise the way COVID-19 is dealt with in hospitals. "Game changer" Interferon beta is a naturally occurring protein, commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis. It forms part of the body's natural fight against infection, and the novel coronavirus suppresses its production in an attempt to evade an immune response. Delivering the protein directly into the lungs of patients is designed to trigger a robust immune response to the virus, even in patients whose immune system is already weakened by infection. "The results confirm our belief that interferon beta... has huge potential as an inhaled drug to be able to restore the lung's immune response," said Tom Wilkinson, professor or respiratory medicine at the University of Southampton. He said the trial showed SNG001 was effective in "enhancing protection, accelerating recover and countering the impact of SARS-CoV-2 virus." Naveed Sattar, professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow said the new treatment "could be a game changer". "With small (trial) numbers comes less certainty on the true level of benefit, or whether benefits vary between people with differing risk characteristics," said Sattar, who was not involved in the research. "Such work would require a larger trial but, even so, these results are very exciting." There are currently a number of treatments available for patients hospitalised with COVID-19. Last month a Britain-based team of researchers lead by the University of Oxford announced they had successfully reduced the risk of death among seriously ill patients by administering the commonly available steroid dexamethasone. Several countries have also issued the emergency authorisation for treatment with anti-viral remdesivir.

‘Breakthrough’ treatment slashes death risk among Covid-19 patients: Study

President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic.

For months Trump has been refusing to encourage mask wearing as a way to combat the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-could-have-stopped-the-virus-but-didnt-trump-lashes-out-at-china-again-314740">Also read: They could have stopped the virus but didn't — Trump lashes out at China again</a> 
 
“There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!” Trump tweeted.

"We are united in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can't socially distance," Trump wrote.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! <a href="https://t.co/iQOd1whktN">pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1285299379746811915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet from the president appearing to endorse the use of face coverings in public follows months of mixed messages on whether he believed they were an essential tool to help prevent transmission of the disease.

The stylish photo and exhortation for Americans to unite around masks was a far cry from Trump's longtime mocking of masks as symbols of weakness during a pandemic that he has repeatedly suggested is overblown.

However, his tweet stopped well short of endorsing calls from some for a nationwide mandate to wear masks in public.

The nation's top medical authorities -- backed by several leading Republican figures -- say that mask wearing is crucial to halting the disease.

Amid a fierce resurgence of the virus in southern and western states -- including some that are Republican strongholds -- Trump has come under new pressure to change his tune.

He only wore a mask in public for the first time on July 11.By contrast, his Democratic challenger in the November presidential election, Joe Biden, has worn a mask in public for months. 
 
(With inputs from AFP)

President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic.

President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic. For months Trump has been refusing to encourage mask wearing as a way to combat the coronavirus. Also read: They could have stopped the virus but didn't — Trump lashes out at China again “There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!” Trump tweeted. "We are united in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can't socially distance," Trump wrote. We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2020 × The tweet from the president appearing to endorse the use of face coverings in public follows months of mixed messages on whether he believed they were an essential tool to help prevent transmission of the disease. The stylish photo and exhortation for Americans to unite around masks was a far cry from Trump's longtime mocking of masks as symbols of weakness during a pandemic that he has repeatedly suggested is overblown. However, his tweet stopped well short of endorsing calls from some for a nationwide mandate to wear masks in public. The nation's top medical authorities -- backed by several leading Republican figures -- say that mask wearing is crucial to halting the disease. Amid a fierce resurgence of the virus in southern and western states -- including some that are Republican strongholds -- Trump has come under new pressure to change his tune. He only wore a mask in public for the first time on July 11.By contrast, his Democratic challenger in the November presidential election, Joe Biden, has worn a mask in public for months. (With inputs from AFP)

After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet

The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-safe-produced-immune-response-data-reveals-314716">Also Read:&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe &amp; produced immune response, data reveals</a>

“We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said.

Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University, in a paper published in The Lancet, said their experimental vaccine had been shown to trigger a protective immune response in hundreds of people who got the shot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-university-set-to-present-initial-trial-data-as-uk-secures-90-million-doses-of-potential-cornavirus-vaccines-314690">Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines</a>

According to reports, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in the UK showed it was "safe, well tolerated and immunogenic", the vaccine according to Lancet also showed single dose elicited both "humoral and cellular responses against the virus". 
&nbsp;

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AstraZeneca's experimental coronavirus vaccine was safe and produced an immune response in early-stage clinical trials in healthy volunteers, data revealed.

Vaccine developer Sarah Gilbert said: "There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the COVID-19 pandemic, but these early results hold promise," while adding, “we still do not know how strong an immune response we need to provoke to effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection."

The Lancet medical journal said the vaccine AZD1222 under development by AstraZeneca and scientists at Britain's Oxford University did not prompt any serious side effects and elicited antibody and T-cell immune responses

The research took groups with co-morbidities, health-care workers and those with a higher risk for efficacy, safety and immunogenicity towards the virus given as single dose or two-dose administration regimen in further trials conducted in the UK and overseas.

Phase-3 trials are now underway in Brazil, South Africa and the UK. According to reports, no serious adverse reactions to the virus occurred. The majority of adverse events reported were mild or moderate in severity.

(With inputs from agencies)

The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'.

The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'. Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe & produced immune response, data reveals “We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said. Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University, in a paper published in The Lancet, said their experimental vaccine had been shown to trigger a protective immune response in hundreds of people who got the shot. Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines According to reports, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in the UK showed it was "safe, well tolerated and immunogenic", the vaccine according to Lancet also showed single dose elicited both "humoral and cellular responses against the virus". AstraZeneca's experimental coronavirus vaccine was safe and produced an immune response in early-stage clinical trials in healthy volunteers, data revealed. Vaccine developer Sarah Gilbert said: "There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the COVID-19 pandemic, but these early results hold promise," while adding, “we still do not know how strong an immune response we need to provoke to effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection." The Lancet medical journal said the vaccine AZD1222 under development by AstraZeneca and scientists at Britain's Oxford University did not prompt any serious side effects and elicited antibody and T-cell immune responses The research took groups with co-morbidities, health-care workers and those with a higher risk for efficacy, safety and immunogenicity towards the virus given as single dose or two-dose administration regimen in further trials conducted in the UK and overseas. Phase-3 trials are now underway in Brazil, South Africa and the UK. According to reports, no serious adverse reactions to the virus occurred. The majority of adverse events reported were mild or moderate in severity. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine: WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go

The prevalence of the novel coronavirus in Spain has risen three-fold over the last three weeks as authorities struggle to contain a rash of fresh clusters, mainly in the Catalonia and Aragon regions, Health Ministry data showed on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-safe-produced-immune-response-data-reveals-314716">Also Read:&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe &amp; produced immune response, data reveals</a>

After registering thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths per day during an early April peak, Spain succeeded in slowing the number of new infections to a trickle.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-university-set-to-present-initial-trial-data-as-uk-secures-90-million-doses-of-potential-cornavirus-vaccines-314690">Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines</a>

But since restrictions on movement were lifted and Spaniards relaxed back into daily life, some 201 new clusters have appeared, with heavy concentrations in and around the Catalan cities of Barcelona and Lleida.

The occurrence of the novel coronavirus has jumped from eight cases per 100,000 inhabitants at the end of June, when the country’s state of emergency ended, to 27 per 100,000, deputy health emergency chief Maria Sierra told a news conference on Monday.

Over the weekend 4,581 new cases were recorded, bringing the total to 264,836, she added. More than 28,000 people have died.

“Where measures have been relaxed is where these clusters appear,” Health Minister Salvador Illa said. “We’re talking about gatherings of extended family and spaces associated with nightlife.”

Describing the situation in Catalonia as concerning, he appealed to residents to respect health measures.

On Friday the Catalan regional government urged some four million people, including residents of Spain’s second largest city Barcelona, to stay at home and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. It also told bars and restaurants to reduce their capacity.

That was in addition to ordering the mandatory confinement of at least 160,000 people around Lleida.

To try to prevent similar outbreaks, most Spanish regions have made face masks compulsory even when social-distancing can be guaranteed, going further than a national directive.

The prevalence of the novel coronavirus in Spain has risen three-fold over the last three weeks as authorities struggle to contain a rash of fresh clusters, mainly in the Catalonia and Aragon regions, Health Ministry data showed on Monday.

The prevalence of the novel coronavirus in Spain has risen three-fold over the last three weeks as authorities struggle to contain a rash of fresh clusters, mainly in the Catalonia and Aragon regions, Health Ministry data showed on Monday. Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe & produced immune response, data reveals After registering thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths per day during an early April peak, Spain succeeded in slowing the number of new infections to a trickle. Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines But since restrictions on movement were lifted and Spaniards relaxed back into daily life, some 201 new clusters have appeared, with heavy concentrations in and around the Catalan cities of Barcelona and Lleida. The occurrence of the novel coronavirus has jumped from eight cases per 100,000 inhabitants at the end of June, when the country’s state of emergency ended, to 27 per 100,000, deputy health emergency chief Maria Sierra told a news conference on Monday. Over the weekend 4,581 new cases were recorded, bringing the total to 264,836, she added. More than 28,000 people have died. “Where measures have been relaxed is where these clusters appear,” Health Minister Salvador Illa said. “We’re talking about gatherings of extended family and spaces associated with nightlife.” Describing the situation in Catalonia as concerning, he appealed to residents to respect health measures. On Friday the Catalan regional government urged some four million people, including residents of Spain’s second largest city Barcelona, to stay at home and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. It also told bars and restaurants to reduce their capacity. That was in addition to ordering the mandatory confinement of at least 160,000 people around Lleida. To try to prevent similar outbreaks, most Spanish regions have made face masks compulsory even when social-distancing can be guaranteed, going further than a national directive.

Spain’s coronavirus rate triples in three weeks after COVID-19 lockdown easing

India's coronavirus cases tally crosses 11 lakh mark with highest single day spike of 40,425 new cases and 681 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

According to the data provided by the health ministry total cases stand at 11, 18,043 including 3, 90,459 active cases, 7, 00,087 cured/discharged/migrated.

The death toll of India stands at 27,497. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, the recovery rate is rising and now stands at 62.6 percent.

The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,390459 as on Monday with 7 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the Union Health Ministry said.

With 3,10,455 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu (1,70,693) and Delhi (1,22,793).

Meanwhile, data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show more than 14 million cases worldwide since the start of the pandemic.

The total number of cases stood at 14,430,943, while the fatalities rose to 604,725, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India's coronavirus cases tally crosses 11 lakh mark with highest single day spike of 40,425 new cases and 681 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. According to the data provided by the health ministry total cases stand at 11, 18,043 including 3, 90,459 active cases, 7, 00,087 cured/discharged/migrated.

India's coronavirus cases tally crosses 11 lakh mark with highest single day spike of 40,425 new cases and 681 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. According to the data provided by the health ministry total cases stand at 11, 18,043 including 3, 90,459 active cases, 7, 00,087 cured/discharged/migrated. The death toll of India stands at 27,497. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, the recovery rate is rising and now stands at 62.6 percent. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,390459 as on Monday with 7 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the Union Health Ministry said. With 3,10,455 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu (1,70,693) and Delhi (1,22,793). Meanwhile, data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show more than 14 million cases worldwide since the start of the pandemic. The total number of cases stood at 14,430,943, while the fatalities rose to 604,725, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Confirmed cases rise to 11.1 lakh, death toll at 27,497

The number of deaths in US due to novel coronavirus has now crossed 140,000 and the country has recorded 63,872 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours, according to the latest John Hopkins University data.

July has been the deadliest month of the pandemic in Texas, with nearly a third of the more than 3,700 coronavirus deaths in the state reported so far this month.

In one county, 85 infants under the age of one have tested positive.

That put the total number of cases in the US, the nation hardest hit by the global pandemic, at 3,762,081, the Baltimore-based University said at 8:30 pm.

Another 514 deaths were reported, bringing total fatalities to 140,474.

The US has recorded more than 60,000 new cases every day for the last six days, peaking at a record 77,638 infections on Friday.

America is losing about 5,000 people to the virus every week. By contrast, neighbouring Canada has reported total deaths of 8,800 since the pandemic started. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The number of deaths in US due to novel coronavirus has now crossed 140,000 and the country has recorded 63,872 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours, according to the latest John Hopkins University data.

The number of deaths in US due to novel coronavirus has now crossed 140,000 and the country has recorded 63,872 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours, according to the latest John Hopkins University data. July has been the deadliest month of the pandemic in Texas, with nearly a third of the more than 3,700 coronavirus deaths in the state reported so far this month. In one county, 85 infants under the age of one have tested positive. That put the total number of cases in the US, the nation hardest hit by the global pandemic, at 3,762,081, the Baltimore-based University said at 8:30 pm. Another 514 deaths were reported, bringing total fatalities to 140,474. The US has recorded more than 60,000 new cases every day for the last six days, peaking at a record 77,638 infections on Friday. America is losing about 5,000 people to the virus every week. By contrast, neighbouring Canada has reported total deaths of 8,800 since the pandemic started. (With inputs from agencies)

US coronavirus cases rise by more than 60,000 in one day to surpass 3.76 million: Johns Hopkins University

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage.

Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show more than 14 million cases worldwide since the start of the pandemic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-lowers-coronavirus-level-from-2-to-3-gyms-and-restaurants-now-reopen-314453">Also read: Beijing lowers coronavirus level from 2 to 3; gyms and restaurants now reopen</a> 
 
The total number of cases stood at 14,430,943, while the fatalities rose to 604,725, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The US accounted for the world's highest number of infections and fatalities at 3,763,395 and 140,477, respectively, according to the CSSE.

Brazil came in second place with 2,098,389 infections and 79,488 deaths.

On Sunday, the number of new cases of coronavirus rose by almost 260,000 in 24 hours -- the largest single-day increase since the pandemic began, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. The surge means that 1 million cases were reported in under 100 hours.

Meanwhile, Clinical trials of Russia's coronavirus vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology jointly with the Russian Defense Ministry are wrapping up at the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital, the vaccine is safe and reliable, Sergey Borisevich, the head of the 48th Central Scientific Research Institute of the Russian Defense Ministry, said.

"The clinical trials of the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus are ending at the Burdenko hospital … Today, on July 20, the second and last group of volunteers comprising 20 people is being released from the military hospital," Borisevich told Krasnaya Zvezda, the official newspaper of the Russian Defense Ministry. 
 
(With input from agencies)

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage. Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show more than 14 million cases worldwide since the start of the pandemic. Also read: Beijing lowers coronavirus level from 2 to 3; gyms and restaurants now reopen The total number of cases stood at 14,430,943, while the fatalities rose to 604,725, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. The US accounted for the world's highest number of infections and fatalities at 3,763,395 and 140,477, respectively, according to the CSSE. Brazil came in second place with 2,098,389 infections and 79,488 deaths. On Sunday, the number of new cases of coronavirus rose by almost 260,000 in 24 hours -- the largest single-day increase since the pandemic began, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. The surge means that 1 million cases were reported in under 100 hours. Meanwhile, Clinical trials of Russia's coronavirus vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology jointly with the Russian Defense Ministry are wrapping up at the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital, the vaccine is safe and reliable, Sergey Borisevich, the head of the 48th Central Scientific Research Institute of the Russian Defense Ministry, said. "The clinical trials of the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus are ending at the Burdenko hospital … Today, on July 20, the second and last group of volunteers comprising 20 people is being released from the military hospital," Borisevich told Krasnaya Zvezda, the official newspaper of the Russian Defense Ministry. (With input from agencies)

Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000

India's COVID-19 case fatality rate is "progressively falling" and is currently at 2.49 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday, crediting efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases for it.

According to a Health Ministry statement, the case fatality rate (CFR) has fallen below 2.5 per cent for the first time.

India's COVID-19 case fatality rate declined from 3.2 per cent around May 12 to 2.82 per cent around June 1.

It declined further to 2.72 per cent on July 10 and to 2.49 per cent at present.

The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,04,043 with 6.77 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the ministry said as the coronavirus infection tally surged to 10,77,618 and the death toll rose to 26,816 on Sunday.

Medical attention is being provided to all the 3,73,379 active cases, in hospitals and home isolation, the ministry said.

"The total number of recovered cases is 6,77,422.The recovery rate as of now is at 62.86 per cent," the ministry said.

There are 29 states and union territories with a case fatality rate (CFR) lower than national average, with five of them having a CFR of zero and 14 having fatality rate of less than 1 per cent.

The focused efforts of the Centre and the state and UT governments on efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases have ensured that India's case fatality rate has fallen below 2.5 per cent, the ministry said.

With effective containment strategy, aggressive testing and standardized clinical management protocols based on holistic standard of care approach, the CFR has significantly dipped, it said.

"The CFR is progressively falling and currently, it is 2.49 per cent. India has one of the lowest fatality rates in the world," the ministry said.

Under the guidance of the Centre, the state and UT governments have ramped up testing and hospital infrastructure by combining public and private sector efforts, the ministry said.

Many states have conducted the population surveys to map and identify the vulnerable population like the elderly, pregnant women and those with comorbidities.

This, with the help of technological solutions like mobile apps, has ensured keeping the high-risk population under continuous observation, thus aiding early identification, timely clinical treatment and reducing fatalities, the ministry said.

"At the ground level, frontline health workers like ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and ANMs (Auxiliary Nursing Midwives) have done a commendable job of managing the migrant population and to enhance awareness at the community level.

"As a result, there are 29 States and UTs with CFR lower than India's average. This shows commendable work done by public health apparatus of the country," the ministry said.

Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands have zero case fatality rate.

States and UTs having a CFR below the national average include Tripura (0.19 pc), Assam (0.23 pc), Kerala (0.34 pc), Odisha (0.51 pc), Goa (0.60 pc), Himachal Pradesh (0.75 pc), Bihar (0.83 pc), Telangana (0.93 pc), Andhra Pradesh (1.31 pc), Tamil Nadu (1.45 pc), Chandigarh (1.71 pc), Rajasthan (1.94 pc), Karnataka (2.08 pc) and Uttar Pradesh (2.36 pc).

India saw a record single-day jump of 38,902 COVID-19 cases pushing its tally to 10, 77,618 on Sunday, while the death toll due to the disease rose to 26,816 with 543 fatalities being reported in 24 hours, according to the health ministry data updated at 8 AM.

The country's testing infrastructure has been substantially ramped up.

The testing strategy prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) allows all registered medical practitioners to recommend testing.

The Rapid Antigen Point of Care (POC) Test, coupled with the facilitation of widespread gold-standard RT-PCR based testing by states and UTs, has resulted in a surge in the number of samples tested.

A total of 3, 58,127 samples were tested in on Saturday.

With a total of 1, 37, 91,869 samples tested so far, the testing per million (TPM) for India has reached 9994.1, the ministry said.

India's COVID-19 case fatality rate is "progressively falling" and is currently at 2.49 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday, crediting efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases for it.

India's COVID-19 case fatality rate is "progressively falling" and is currently at 2.49 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday, crediting efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases for it. According to a Health Ministry statement, the case fatality rate (CFR) has fallen below 2.5 per cent for the first time. India's COVID-19 case fatality rate declined from 3.2 per cent around May 12 to 2.82 per cent around June 1. It declined further to 2.72 per cent on July 10 and to 2.49 per cent at present. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,04,043 with 6.77 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the ministry said as the coronavirus infection tally surged to 10,77,618 and the death toll rose to 26,816 on Sunday. Medical attention is being provided to all the 3,73,379 active cases, in hospitals and home isolation, the ministry said. "The total number of recovered cases is 6,77,422.The recovery rate as of now is at 62.86 per cent," the ministry said. There are 29 states and union territories with a case fatality rate (CFR) lower than national average, with five of them having a CFR of zero and 14 having fatality rate of less than 1 per cent. The focused efforts of the Centre and the state and UT governments on efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases have ensured that India's case fatality rate has fallen below 2.5 per cent, the ministry said. With effective containment strategy, aggressive testing and standardized clinical management protocols based on holistic standard of care approach, the CFR has significantly dipped, it said. "The CFR is progressively falling and currently, it is 2.49 per cent. India has one of the lowest fatality rates in the world," the ministry said. Under the guidance of the Centre, the state and UT governments have ramped up testing and hospital infrastructure by combining public and private sector efforts, the ministry said. Many states have conducted the population surveys to map and identify the vulnerable population like the elderly, pregnant women and those with comorbidities. This, with the help of technological solutions like mobile apps, has ensured keeping the high-risk population under continuous observation, thus aiding early identification, timely clinical treatment and reducing fatalities, the ministry said. "At the ground level, frontline health workers like ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and ANMs (Auxiliary Nursing Midwives) have done a commendable job of managing the migrant population and to enhance awareness at the community level. "As a result, there are 29 States and UTs with CFR lower than India's average. This shows commendable work done by public health apparatus of the country," the ministry said. Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands have zero case fatality rate. States and UTs having a CFR below the national average include Tripura (0.19 pc), Assam (0.23 pc), Kerala (0.34 pc), Odisha (0.51 pc), Goa (0.60 pc), Himachal Pradesh (0.75 pc), Bihar (0.83 pc), Telangana (0.93 pc), Andhra Pradesh (1.31 pc), Tamil Nadu (1.45 pc), Chandigarh (1.71 pc), Rajasthan (1.94 pc), Karnataka (2.08 pc) and Uttar Pradesh (2.36 pc). India saw a record single-day jump of 38,902 COVID-19 cases pushing its tally to 10, 77,618 on Sunday, while the death toll due to the disease rose to 26,816 with 543 fatalities being reported in 24 hours, according to the health ministry data updated at 8 AM. The country's testing infrastructure has been substantially ramped up. The testing strategy prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) allows all registered medical practitioners to recommend testing. The Rapid Antigen Point of Care (POC) Test, coupled with the facilitation of widespread gold-standard RT-PCR based testing by states and UTs, has resulted in a surge in the number of samples tested. A total of 3, 58,127 samples were tested in on Saturday. With a total of 1, 37, 91,869 samples tested so far, the testing per million (TPM) for India has reached 9994.1, the ministry said.

India's COVID-19 case fatality rate falls below 2.5 per cent for first time: Health Ministry

Record 4,120 new positive cases in 24 hours shot up Karnataka`s Covid-19 tally to a whopping 63,772, including 39,370 active after 23,095 were discharged so far, with 1,290 during the day, a state health official said.

 
With 91 more patients succumbing to the infection across the state in the day, the death toll touched 1,331 since March 9.

"As the epicentre of the pandemic in the southern state, Bengaluru reported 2,156 fresh cases in the day, taking its tally to 31,777, including 24,316 active after 6,793 were discharged so far, with 253 on Sunday, while 667 died of the infection till date, with 36 in the last 24 hours," said the official.

Of the 579 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) across the state, 332 are in Bengaluru.

"Of the 35,834 samples tested during the day, 28,929 turned negative. Of the 10,20830 tests conducted since March, 9,27,945 were negative," said the official.

Of the cases registered in districts, Dakshina Kannada accounted for 285, followed by Vijayapura 171, Chikkaballapur 135, Udupi 134, Dharwad 126, Mysuru 110 and Shivamogga 104.

Similarly, of the patients discharged in districts, 127 were in Vijayapura, Uttar Kannada 98, Dakshina Kannada 90, Ballari 85, Yadigir 83, Kalaburagi 80, Kodagu 59 and Raichur 43.

Record 4,120 new positive cases in 24 hours shot up Karnataka`s Covid-19 tally to a whopping 63,772, including 39,370 active after 23,095 were discharged so far, with 1,290 during the day, a state health official said.

Record 4,120 new positive cases in 24 hours shot up Karnataka`s Covid-19 tally to a whopping 63,772, including 39,370 active after 23,095 were discharged so far, with 1,290 during the day, a state health official said. With 91 more patients succumbing to the infection across the state in the day, the death toll touched 1,331 since March 9. "As the epicentre of the pandemic in the southern state, Bengaluru reported 2,156 fresh cases in the day, taking its tally to 31,777, including 24,316 active after 6,793 were discharged so far, with 253 on Sunday, while 667 died of the infection till date, with 36 in the last 24 hours," said the official. Of the 579 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) across the state, 332 are in Bengaluru. "Of the 35,834 samples tested during the day, 28,929 turned negative. Of the 10,20830 tests conducted since March, 9,27,945 were negative," said the official. Of the cases registered in districts, Dakshina Kannada accounted for 285, followed by Vijayapura 171, Chikkaballapur 135, Udupi 134, Dharwad 126, Mysuru 110 and Shivamogga 104. Similarly, of the patients discharged in districts, 127 were in Vijayapura, Uttar Kannada 98, Dakshina Kannada 90, Ballari 85, Yadigir 83, Kalaburagi 80, Kodagu 59 and Raichur 43.

Record 4,120 new cases push Karnataka COVID-19 tally to 63,772

The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,04,043 as on Sunday with 6.77 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the Union Health Ministry said.

There has been a "sharp increase" of 23,672 COVID-19 patients recovering in the last 24 hours, the highest in a day, according to the ministry's updated data updated at 8 AM.

"The total number of recovered cases is 6,77,422. The recovery rate as of now is at 62.86 per cent," the ministry said.

India's COVID-19 case fatality rate is "progressively falling" and is currently at 2.49 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world, the ministry said on Sunday, crediting efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases for it.

Proactive measures like aggressive testing and timely diagnosis of the central, state and union territory governments have helped in detecting cases early.

"Effective clinical management of the moderate and severe cases through a well executed standard of care protocol has ensured high rate of recovery among the COVID patients," the ministry said.

Medical attention is being provided to all the 3,73,379 active cases, in hospitals and home isolation.

The country's testing infrastructure has been substantially ramped up. The testing strategy prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) allows all registered medical practitioners to recommend testing.

The Rapid Antigen Point of Care (POC) Test, coupled with the facilitation of widespread gold-standard RT-PCR based testing by states and UTs, has resulted in a surge in the number of samples tested. A total of 3,58,127 samples were tested in on Saturday.

With a total of 1,37,91,869 samples tested so far, the testing per million (TPM) for India has reached 9994.1, the ministry said.

The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,04,043 as on Sunday with 6.77 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the Union Health Ministry said.

The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,04,043 as on Sunday with 6.77 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the Union Health Ministry said. There has been a "sharp increase" of 23,672 COVID-19 patients recovering in the last 24 hours, the highest in a day, according to the ministry's updated data updated at 8 AM. "The total number of recovered cases is 6,77,422. The recovery rate as of now is at 62.86 per cent," the ministry said. India's COVID-19 case fatality rate is "progressively falling" and is currently at 2.49 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world, the ministry said on Sunday, crediting efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases for it. Proactive measures like aggressive testing and timely diagnosis of the central, state and union territory governments have helped in detecting cases early. "Effective clinical management of the moderate and severe cases through a well executed standard of care protocol has ensured high rate of recovery among the COVID patients," the ministry said. Medical attention is being provided to all the 3,73,379 active cases, in hospitals and home isolation. The country's testing infrastructure has been substantially ramped up. The testing strategy prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) allows all registered medical practitioners to recommend testing. The Rapid Antigen Point of Care (POC) Test, coupled with the facilitation of widespread gold-standard RT-PCR based testing by states and UTs, has resulted in a surge in the number of samples tested. A total of 3,58,127 samples were tested in on Saturday. With a total of 1,37,91,869 samples tested so far, the testing per million (TPM) for India has reached 9994.1, the ministry said.

India's COVID-19 recovery rate now 62.86 per cent: Health ministry

Tamil Nadu on Sunday recorded&nbsp;a new single day high of 4,979 fresh COVID-19 cases as the overall tally crossed 1.70 lakh while 78 fatalities propelled the death toll to 2,481.

As many as 52,993 COVID samples were tested, the highest so far in a day, and the cumulative tests so far touched 19,32,492, a Health department bulletin said.

Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G Prakash said the city civic body was the first in the country to have conducted five lakh RT-PCR tests.

Till July 18 from March, five lakh tests were conducted, he said adding sample testing has been increased to 13,000 per day from about 4,500 (in recent times) in the Corporation areas.

Of the dead were two men aged 22 and 37 and two 38- year old women and in total 75 had co-morbidities and 2,481 people have so far succumbed to the virus in Tamil Nadu.

Chennai and nearby Tiruvallur accounted for 1,254 and 405 cases respectively and the rest of the fresh infections were spread across the State.

Tamil Nadu's overall tally stood at 1,70,693 and the state capital's share was 85,859.

As many as 4,059 patients were discharged from various hospitals following treatment and cumulatively 1,17,915 people have got cured and active cases mounted to 50,294.

The number of labs for COVID test increased to 112 with the addition of a government facility in Tiruvannamalai district.

There are 57 labs in government and 55 in the private sector

Tamil Nadu on Sunday recorded a new single day high of 4,979 fresh COVID-19 cases as the overall tally crossed 1.70 lakh while 78 fatalities propelled the death toll to 2,481.

Tamil Nadu on Sunday recorded a new single day high of 4,979 fresh COVID-19 cases as the overall tally crossed 1.70 lakh while 78 fatalities propelled the death toll to 2,481. As many as 52,993 COVID samples were tested, the highest so far in a day, and the cumulative tests so far touched 19,32,492, a Health department bulletin said. Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G Prakash said the city civic body was the first in the country to have conducted five lakh RT-PCR tests. Till July 18 from March, five lakh tests were conducted, he said adding sample testing has been increased to 13,000 per day from about 4,500 (in recent times) in the Corporation areas. Of the dead were two men aged 22 and 37 and two 38- year old women and in total 75 had co-morbidities and 2,481 people have so far succumbed to the virus in Tamil Nadu. Chennai and nearby Tiruvallur accounted for 1,254 and 405 cases respectively and the rest of the fresh infections were spread across the State. Tamil Nadu's overall tally stood at 1,70,693 and the state capital's share was 85,859. As many as 4,059 patients were discharged from various hospitals following treatment and cumulatively 1,17,915 people have got cured and active cases mounted to 50,294. The number of labs for COVID test increased to 112 with the addition of a government facility in Tiruvannamalai district. There are 57 labs in government and 55 in the private sector

TN reports new single day high of 4,979 COVID-19 cases as samples tested cross 19.32 lakh

Kerala government has decided to implement "cluster care" method to mitigate the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases continue to surge,, state health minister K K Shailaja said on Saturday.

The minister said testing, treatment and quarantining will be strengthened inside the "clusters" in order to stop the spread of the virus beyond a particular area.

"Those in the clusters must strictly follow the health protocol including wearing of masks, social distancing, handwash, use of sanitisers etc. We must keep in mind that the clusters are formed just before the community transmission," Shailaja said in a release.

A cluster is formed when there is an "unexpected surge in COVID-19 cases" at a particular area or a region.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had on Friday said that community spread had occurred in Poonthura and Pulluvila in Thiruvananthapuram and its nearby places have seen a rapid increase in the number of contact cases.

The health minister said that there are 87 clusters in the state of which 70 are active clusters and 17 contained clusters.

"Two of such clusters havereported community transmission and the people there need to cooperate with the health department to bringthose regions from the cluster classification," she said.

Kerala government has decided to implement "cluster care" method to mitigate the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases continue to surge,, state health minister K K Shailaja said on Saturday.

Kerala government has decided to implement "cluster care" method to mitigate the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases continue to surge,, state health minister K K Shailaja said on Saturday. The minister said testing, treatment and quarantining will be strengthened inside the "clusters" in order to stop the spread of the virus beyond a particular area. "Those in the clusters must strictly follow the health protocol including wearing of masks, social distancing, handwash, use of sanitisers etc. We must keep in mind that the clusters are formed just before the community transmission," Shailaja said in a release. A cluster is formed when there is an "unexpected surge in COVID-19 cases" at a particular area or a region. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had on Friday said that community spread had occurred in Poonthura and Pulluvila in Thiruvananthapuram and its nearby places have seen a rapid increase in the number of contact cases. The health minister said that there are 87 clusters in the state of which 70 are active clusters and 17 contained clusters. "Two of such clusters havereported community transmission and the people there need to cooperate with the health department to bringthose regions from the cluster classification," she said.

Kerala to go in for 'cluster care' method to contain coronavirus spread

Americans who received enhanced unemployment benefits due to the coronavirus pandemic spent more than when they were working, a study released on Thursday said, adding to concerns about a steep fall in spending when the emergency benefits expire.

The $600 weekly supplement added to jobless benefits as part of the CARES Act helped unemployed households spend 10% more after receiving benefits than they did before the pandemic, according to research by the JPMorgan Chase Institute.

Researchers analysed transactions for 61,000 households that received unemployment benefits between March and May. Spending dropped for all households as the virus spread and led to business shutdowns, but then rose when households began receiving jobless benefits, the study found.

That contrasts with a typical recession, when households receiving unemployment benefits usually cut spending by 7% because regular jobless benefits amount to only a fraction of a person's prior earnings, the research found.

The analysis highlighted how the additional unemployment benefits are helping to prop up the U.S. economy and consumer spending after the pandemic led to a surge in joblessness across the country.

More than 30 million Americans are estimated to be receiving unemployment benefits - and they could be pushed off an income cliff when the supplemental benefits, which are due to expire at the end of July, are withdrawn.

"Our estimates suggest that expiration will result in large spending cuts, with potentially negative effects on both households and macroeconomic activity," the researchers wrote.

The data also reflected the financial pain faced by households that encountered big delays in collecting benefits after states across the country were overwhelmed by applications.

Households that had to wait several weeks for their first unemployment check to arrive cut spending by about 20%, the study found. Spending recovered after the checks arrived.

Americans who received enhanced unemployment benefits due to the coronavirus pandemic spent more than when they were working, a study released on Thursday said, adding to concerns about a steep fall in spending when the emergency benefits expire.

Americans who received enhanced unemployment benefits due to the coronavirus pandemic spent more than when they were working, a study released on Thursday said, adding to concerns about a steep fall in spending when the emergency benefits expire. The $600 weekly supplement added to jobless benefits as part of the CARES Act helped unemployed households spend 10% more after receiving benefits than they did before the pandemic, according to research by the JPMorgan Chase Institute. Researchers analysed transactions for 61,000 households that received unemployment benefits between March and May. Spending dropped for all households as the virus spread and led to business shutdowns, but then rose when households began receiving jobless benefits, the study found. That contrasts with a typical recession, when households receiving unemployment benefits usually cut spending by 7% because regular jobless benefits amount to only a fraction of a person's prior earnings, the research found. The analysis highlighted how the additional unemployment benefits are helping to prop up the U.S. economy and consumer spending after the pandemic led to a surge in joblessness across the country. More than 30 million Americans are estimated to be receiving unemployment benefits - and they could be pushed off an income cliff when the supplemental benefits, which are due to expire at the end of July, are withdrawn. "Our estimates suggest that expiration will result in large spending cuts, with potentially negative effects on both households and macroeconomic activity," the researchers wrote. The data also reflected the financial pain faced by households that encountered big delays in collecting benefits after states across the country were overwhelmed by applications. Households that had to wait several weeks for their first unemployment check to arrive cut spending by about 20%, the study found. Spending recovered after the checks arrived.

Americans on Covid-19 jobless benefits spent more than when working: Study

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