Tamil Nadu government said on Tuesday that it would be receiving a consignment of 420,000 vaccines from the central government. The consignment is expected to land at the city airport by 5:20 pm.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Health Minister M&nbsp;Subramanian said that vaccination will be halted in Tamil Nadu from Tuesday evening onwards, as stocks would be exhausted. He said that vaccination would have to be halted until doses arrive on June 6th. 
&nbsp; 
Speaking at the government hospital in Chengalpet, the minister said Tamil Nadu had received about 9.6 million vaccines, of which 9.2 million were administered and the rest&nbsp; were wasted. He claimed that there was a delay from the central government in sending 175,000 doses that were due by May-end.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Subramanian said that DMK representatives in Delhi had met central ministers and officials in Delhi to seek adequate vaccines for the state. He expressed confidence that about 4.2 million vaccines would arrive in Tamil Nadu in a phased manner this month. Those vaccines would be dispatched to the districts based on the population and other requirements, he added. 
&nbsp; 
The minister said he was requesting state BJP President L&nbsp;Murugan and BJP Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan to provide support and urge the Central Government to provide adequate vaccines for Tamil Nadu. 
&nbsp; 
The DMK Government had earlier floated a global tender to procure vaccines for Tamil Nadu, which is yet to yield any results. DMK leaders and Chief Minister Stalin had written to the prime minister to permit the state government to take on lease the unused Integrated Vaccine Complex, at Chengalpet near Chennai.

The plant, which was established by the central government in 2021, has been lying idle ever since. Stalin wanted the factory to be handed over to the State Government on the lease, without any past liabilities and full operational freedom. However, questions loom over which Covid-19 vaccine would be manufactured here.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On the issue of people queuing up for vaccines in Tamil Nadu despite the looming shortage, he said that it was heartening to see people eagerly waiting to take the shot, rather than hesitating to take the shot.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Tamil Nadu continues to witness the highest daily number of Covid-19 cases of all states in India. The daily case numbers are nearly 28,000 and active cases are a little over 300,000.

Over the last few days, the number of persons discharged following treatment has surpassed the daily cases. However, the worry remains the fatality numbers which have been hovering over 450 for more than a week. So far, 24,232 people have lost their lives to the pandemic in Tamil Nadu, with most lives lost being in May.

Tamil Nadu government said on Tuesday that it would be receiving a consignment of 420,000 vaccines from the central government. The consignment is expected to land at the city airport by 5:20 pm.

Tamil Nadu government said on Tuesday that it would be receiving a consignment of 420,000 vaccines from the central government. The consignment is expected to land at the city airport by 5:20 pm. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Health Minister M Subramanian said that vaccination will be halted in Tamil Nadu from Tuesday evening onwards, as stocks would be exhausted. He said that vaccination would have to be halted until doses arrive on June 6th. Speaking at the government hospital in Chengalpet, the minister said Tamil Nadu had received about 9.6 million vaccines, of which 9.2 million were administered and the rest were wasted. He claimed that there was a delay from the central government in sending 175,000 doses that were due by May-end. Subramanian said that DMK representatives in Delhi had met central ministers and officials in Delhi to seek adequate vaccines for the state. He expressed confidence that about 4.2 million vaccines would arrive in Tamil Nadu in a phased manner this month. Those vaccines would be dispatched to the districts based on the population and other requirements, he added. The minister said he was requesting state BJP President L Murugan and BJP Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan to provide support and urge the Central Government to provide adequate vaccines for Tamil Nadu. The DMK Government had earlier floated a global tender to procure vaccines for Tamil Nadu, which is yet to yield any results. DMK leaders and Chief Minister Stalin had written to the prime minister to permit the state government to take on lease the unused Integrated Vaccine Complex, at Chengalpet near Chennai. The plant, which was established by the central government in 2021, has been lying idle ever since. Stalin wanted the factory to be handed over to the State Government on the lease, without any past liabilities and full operational freedom. However, questions loom over which Covid-19 vaccine would be manufactured here. On the issue of people queuing up for vaccines in Tamil Nadu despite the looming shortage, he said that it was heartening to see people eagerly waiting to take the shot, rather than hesitating to take the shot. Tamil Nadu continues to witness the highest daily number of Covid-19 cases of all states in India. The daily case numbers are nearly 28,000 and active cases are a little over 300,000. Over the last few days, the number of persons discharged following treatment has surpassed the daily cases. However, the worry remains the fatality numbers which have been hovering over 450 for more than a week. So far, 24,232 people have lost their lives to the pandemic in Tamil Nadu, with most lives lost being in May.

COVID-19: Tamil Nadu stops vaccination due to shortages, will receive 420,000 doses

China is grappling with the issue of coronavirus once again with a flurry of flight cancellations announced in the city of Guangzhou.&nbsp;

Some are citing it to be another wave of the pandemic in China as new clusters emerge and the outbreak becomes bigger.

On Thursday, thousands of Guangzhou residents queued up to take their COVID-19 vaccines after authorities reported several fresh infections in the area over the past week.

The national health authority of China reported that a total of 27 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the city and only seven infections were imported, with the remainder originating in Guangdong province.

Watch | Wuhan Virus: Chinese scientists created the virus; study

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The urban residents in an area spanning five streets within the Liwan district have been barred from leaving their homes except for selected family members to buy daily products, the city government said on Saturday. Authorities didn't mention the length of the newly imposed lockdown.

All in-person lessons and classes have been banned in the area. Indoor stadiums, wholesale markets and entertainment facilities in the affected areas were also closed, while dine-in services were banned at restaurants.

As of 11:40 am, a total of 519 flights at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport were cancelled, accounting for 37% of total flights on Monday, according to aviation data provider Variflight. 
 
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which carried 43.8 million passengers last year, was the world`s busiest airport amid a global pandemic.

People leaving the city from airports, train stations and shuttle bus stations need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days unless they were transiting, the city said in a statement late on Sunday.

The city administration had started taking measures to contain the spread since May 21 when confirmed cases and asymptomatic infections began showing up in the city.

As of May 30, China had a total of 91,099 confirmed COVID-19 cases, while its death toll remained unchanged at 4,636.

Even though Chinese leader Xi Jinping had declared a win over COVID-19 but with the emergence of new cases, it seems that China has certainly not defeated the virus entirely.

(With inputs from agencies)

China is grappling with the issue of coronavirus once again with a flurry of flight cancellations announced in the city of Guangzhou. Some are citing it to be another wave of the pandemic in China as new clusters emerge and the outbreak becomes bigger.

China is grappling with the issue of coronavirus once again with a flurry of flight cancellations announced in the city of Guangzhou. Some are citing it to be another wave of the pandemic in China as new clusters emerge and the outbreak becomes bigger. On Thursday, thousands of Guangzhou residents queued up to take their COVID-19 vaccines after authorities reported several fresh infections in the area over the past week. The national health authority of China reported that a total of 27 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the city and only seven infections were imported, with the remainder originating in Guangdong province. Watch | Wuhan Virus: Chinese scientists created the virus; study The urban residents in an area spanning five streets within the Liwan district have been barred from leaving their homes except for selected family members to buy daily products, the city government said on Saturday. Authorities didn't mention the length of the newly imposed lockdown. All in-person lessons and classes have been banned in the area. Indoor stadiums, wholesale markets and entertainment facilities in the affected areas were also closed, while dine-in services were banned at restaurants. As of 11:40 am, a total of 519 flights at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport were cancelled, accounting for 37% of total flights on Monday, according to aviation data provider Variflight. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which carried 43.8 million passengers last year, was the world`s busiest airport amid a global pandemic. People leaving the city from airports, train stations and shuttle bus stations need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days unless they were transiting, the city said in a statement late on Sunday. The city administration had started taking measures to contain the spread since May 21 when confirmed cases and asymptomatic infections began showing up in the city. As of May 30, China had a total of 91,099 confirmed COVID-19 cases, while its death toll remained unchanged at 4,636. Even though Chinese leader Xi Jinping had declared a win over COVID-19 but with the emergence of new cases, it seems that China has certainly not defeated the virus entirely. (With inputs from agencies)

Fresh COVID-19 outbreak in China: Queue for jabs, flight cancellations after new cases

India`s economic growth likely picked up in the January-March quarter from the previous three months, but economists have grown more pessimistic about this quarter after a harsh second wave of COVID-19 hit the country last month. 
 
The median forecast from a Reuters survey of 29 economists showed the gross domestic product in Asia`s third-largest economy grew 1.0% in the March quarter from a year earlier, up from 0.4% in the previous quarter when India began pulling out of a steep pandemic-induced recession in earlier six months. 
 
But the second wave of infections and deaths across the world`s second-hardest hit country has caused forecasters to trim their projections for the coming months. 
 
The median forecast for April-June growth is 21.6%, down from a month-earlier estimate of 23% after the resurgence prompted most industrial states to impose lockdowns, throwing millions out of work. For the fiscal year to March 2022, economists cut their median forecast to 9.8% from 10.4%. 
 
The statistics ministry is to announce the data at 1200 GMT. 
 
India has recorded 27.9 million COVID-19 infections, behind only the United States, and 325,972 deaths as of Sunday, although the rise has begun to slow. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s administration says the economic impact will not be as severe as last year, as lockdowns are looser this time and growth in manufacturing and exports is higher. 
 
But Arun Singh, global chief economist at Dun &amp; Bradstreet, said the downside risks to growth were intensifying as the second wave makes the return to pre-pandemic growth rates difficult. 
 
"Owing to the intensifying nature of the pandemic and the spread to the rural areas, which were largely spared in 2020, we expect growth prospects to have deteriorated for 2021/22." 
 
The central bank, which has kept monetary policy loose while boosting liquidity to the economy, said on Thursday that growth prospects will depend on how fast India can arrest infections. 
 
Modi has faced criticism for the slow pace of his four-month-old vaccination campaign, which has inoculated fewer than 4% of India`s 1.38 billion people. Analysts warn the slow rollout could pose medium-term risks to growth, especially if the country were to experience the third wave of COVID-19. 
 
The economy, which was facing a slowdown even before the pandemic, now confronts a crash of consumer demand - constituting over 55% of the economy - as household incomes and jobs have declined. 
 
Unemployment soared to a near one-year high of 14.73% in the week ending May 23, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, a Mumbai-based private think tank. 
 
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who said on Friday that no decision has been taken for another stimulus package, has limited space due to a fall in tax collections and rising public debt.

India`s economic growth likely picked up in the January-March quarter from the previous three months, but economists have grown more pessimistic about this quarter after a harsh second wave of COVID-19 hit the country last month.

India`s economic growth likely picked up in the January-March quarter from the previous three months, but economists have grown more pessimistic about this quarter after a harsh second wave of COVID-19 hit the country last month. The median forecast from a Reuters survey of 29 economists showed the gross domestic product in Asia`s third-largest economy grew 1.0% in the March quarter from a year earlier, up from 0.4% in the previous quarter when India began pulling out of a steep pandemic-induced recession in earlier six months. But the second wave of infections and deaths across the world`s second-hardest hit country has caused forecasters to trim their projections for the coming months. The median forecast for April-June growth is 21.6%, down from a month-earlier estimate of 23% after the resurgence prompted most industrial states to impose lockdowns, throwing millions out of work. For the fiscal year to March 2022, economists cut their median forecast to 9.8% from 10.4%. The statistics ministry is to announce the data at 1200 GMT. India has recorded 27.9 million COVID-19 infections, behind only the United States, and 325,972 deaths as of Sunday, although the rise has begun to slow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s administration says the economic impact will not be as severe as last year, as lockdowns are looser this time and growth in manufacturing and exports is higher. But Arun Singh, global chief economist at Dun & Bradstreet, said the downside risks to growth were intensifying as the second wave makes the return to pre-pandemic growth rates difficult. "Owing to the intensifying nature of the pandemic and the spread to the rural areas, which were largely spared in 2020, we expect growth prospects to have deteriorated for 2021/22." The central bank, which has kept monetary policy loose while boosting liquidity to the economy, said on Thursday that growth prospects will depend on how fast India can arrest infections. Modi has faced criticism for the slow pace of his four-month-old vaccination campaign, which has inoculated fewer than 4% of India`s 1.38 billion people. Analysts warn the slow rollout could pose medium-term risks to growth, especially if the country were to experience the third wave of COVID-19. The economy, which was facing a slowdown even before the pandemic, now confronts a crash of consumer demand - constituting over 55% of the economy - as household incomes and jobs have declined. Unemployment soared to a near one-year high of 14.73% in the week ending May 23, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, a Mumbai-based private think tank. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who said on Friday that no decision has been taken for another stimulus package, has limited space due to a fall in tax collections and rising public debt.

India's economy likely accelerated in Jan-Mar, before second wave of COVID-19 hit

Chile on Sunday reported a 21 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases in the last 14 days, and the government has urged Chileans to get vaccinated and continue to maintain personal protection measures to prevent the spread of the virus. 
 
"We will overcome this increase in new cases together and hand in hand with compliance with the vaccination schedule," said Minister of Health Enrique Paris, Xinhua news agency reported. 
 
Chile has been facing an increase in infections for the last few weeks despite the progress of the vaccination campaign, with 52 per cent of the target population fully immunized. 
 
Paris stated that 80 per cent of new cases "are people who have not received their full immunization". 
 
He warned that those who do not get vaccinated "are 3.23 times more likely to be hospitalized, 3.57 times more likely to enter an intensive care unit and 4.5 times more likely to die". 
 
According to the Ministry of Health, Chile registered 7,772 new cases of Covid-19 this Sunday, after exceeding 8,000 daily cases in the last two days, for a total of 1,377,507. 
 
A total of 44,928 people are in the active stage of the virus, a figure that has been on the rise compared to previous weeks, causing concern among epidemiology experts. 
 
Another 121 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 29,168. 
 
This week, the "mobility pass" implemented by the government began to take effect in the country, granting greater freedoms to people who have been fully vaccinated.

Chile on Sunday reported a 21 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases in the last 14 days, and the government has urged Chileans to get vaccinated and continue to maintain personal protection measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Chile on Sunday reported a 21 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases in the last 14 days, and the government has urged Chileans to get vaccinated and continue to maintain personal protection measures to prevent the spread of the virus. "We will overcome this increase in new cases together and hand in hand with compliance with the vaccination schedule," said Minister of Health Enrique Paris, Xinhua news agency reported. Chile has been facing an increase in infections for the last few weeks despite the progress of the vaccination campaign, with 52 per cent of the target population fully immunized. Paris stated that 80 per cent of new cases "are people who have not received their full immunization". He warned that those who do not get vaccinated "are 3.23 times more likely to be hospitalized, 3.57 times more likely to enter an intensive care unit and 4.5 times more likely to die". According to the Ministry of Health, Chile registered 7,772 new cases of Covid-19 this Sunday, after exceeding 8,000 daily cases in the last two days, for a total of 1,377,507. A total of 44,928 people are in the active stage of the virus, a figure that has been on the rise compared to previous weeks, causing concern among epidemiology experts. Another 121 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 29,168. This week, the "mobility pass" implemented by the government began to take effect in the country, granting greater freedoms to people who have been fully vaccinated.

Chile's Covid cases increase 21% in last 2 weeks despite vaccination

With 1,52,734 COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, India maintained its declining trend of new cases and reported the lowest single-day COVID-19 rise in 50 days. the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Monday.

With this, the total cases have reached 2,80,47,534, and the daily positivity rate stands at 9.07 per cent, which is less than 10 per cent for the seventh consecutive day. Also, the weekly positivity rate dropped to 9.04 per cent.

According to the health ministry, a total of 3,128 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 3,29,100 in the country.

Meanwhile, recoveries continue to outnumber the daily new cases for the 18th consecutive day, as India witnessed 2,38,022 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the ministry said.

The recovery tally of India has reached 2,56,92,342 and the recovery rate stands at 91.60 per cent.

Active caseload further declined to 20,26,092 after cases decreased by 88,416 in the last 24 hours according to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 16,83,135 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country and cumulatively 34,48,66,883 tests have been done so far.

The Union Health Ministry has informed that nearly 21,31,54,129 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

With 1,52,734 COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, India maintained its declining trend of new cases and reported the lowest single-day COVID-19 rise in 50 days.

With 1,52,734 COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, India maintained its declining trend of new cases and reported the lowest single-day COVID-19 rise in 50 days. the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Monday. With this, the total cases have reached 2,80,47,534, and the daily positivity rate stands at 9.07 per cent, which is less than 10 per cent for the seventh consecutive day. Also, the weekly positivity rate dropped to 9.04 per cent. According to the health ministry, a total of 3,128 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 3,29,100 in the country. Meanwhile, recoveries continue to outnumber the daily new cases for the 18th consecutive day, as India witnessed 2,38,022 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the ministry said. The recovery tally of India has reached 2,56,92,342 and the recovery rate stands at 91.60 per cent. Active caseload further declined to 20,26,092 after cases decreased by 88,416 in the last 24 hours according to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 16,83,135 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country and cumulatively 34,48,66,883 tests have been done so far. The Union Health Ministry has informed that nearly 21,31,54,129 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

With 1,52,734 new COVID-19 cases, India sees lowest daily rise in 50 days

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday announced that the country would move to lockdown level-2 on Monday (May 31) after coronavirus cases continued surging amid increasing fears of a third wave of the pandemic.

“Based on the recommendation on the sustained increase in new cases in the last 14 days, increased hospital admissions in almost all provinces...Cabinet has therefore decided that the country will be placed on Adjusted Alert Level 2 with effect from tomorrow,” Ramaphosa said. 
&nbsp; 
The provinces of Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Gauteng have reached the threshold of the third wave of infections. “It may only be a matter of time before the country as a whole will have entered the third wave,” he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Under level 2 lockdown, hours of curfew will start at 11 pm and end at 4 am. Restaurants, bars, gyms to close at 10 pm," Ramaphosa said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Further, funerals will remain restricted to no more than 100 people, and as before, night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and after-tears gatherings are not allowed, he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Further restrictions are necessary to ensure that health facilities are not overwhelmed and that lives that could be saved are not lost. Delaying the spread of the virus is especially important now to allow as many people as possible to be vaccinated before the third wave peaks,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
He urged people to continue maintaining social distance and wear the mask.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces. It is a criminal offence not to do so,” he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
VACCINES 
&nbsp; 
South Africa has vaccinated nearly 480,000 health workers during the first phase and more than 67 per cent of public health workers have been vaccinated with Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, he reported.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Over the last two weeks, over 480,000 people have received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine as part of the public vaccination campaign, he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Over 960,000 people in South Africa have received one vaccine dose, the President said adding that within the next few days, it would have administered vaccine doses to more than one million of the most vulnerable South Africans.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Ramaphosa reiterated that the country has secured enough vaccines to reach all adults in the country, which is around 40 million people.&nbsp;This includes 31 million doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, which will be manufactured in South Africa and 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two doses to provide full protection. 
&nbsp; 
The president also said that in the African continent, they are pushing ahead with efforts to expand vaccine manufacturing capacity to be self-sufficient in vaccine production. 
&nbsp; 
“We are continuing to urge all countries to support a waiver of the TRIPS agreement at the World Trade Organisation so that COVID-19 vaccines and treatments can be produced on a greater scale, at lower cost and a faster pace,” Ramaphosa said.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday announced that the country would move to lockdown level-2 on Monday (May 31) after coronavirus cases continued surging amid increasing fears of a third wave of the pandemic.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday announced that the country would move to lockdown level-2 on Monday (May 31) after coronavirus cases continued surging amid increasing fears of a third wave of the pandemic. “Based on the recommendation on the sustained increase in new cases in the last 14 days, increased hospital admissions in almost all provinces...Cabinet has therefore decided that the country will be placed on Adjusted Alert Level 2 with effect from tomorrow,” Ramaphosa said. The provinces of Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Gauteng have reached the threshold of the third wave of infections. “It may only be a matter of time before the country as a whole will have entered the third wave,” he said. "Under level 2 lockdown, hours of curfew will start at 11 pm and end at 4 am. Restaurants, bars, gyms to close at 10 pm," Ramaphosa said. Further, funerals will remain restricted to no more than 100 people, and as before, night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and after-tears gatherings are not allowed, he added. “Further restrictions are necessary to ensure that health facilities are not overwhelmed and that lives that could be saved are not lost. Delaying the spread of the virus is especially important now to allow as many people as possible to be vaccinated before the third wave peaks,” Ramaphosa said. He urged people to continue maintaining social distance and wear the mask. “It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces. It is a criminal offence not to do so,” he said. VACCINES South Africa has vaccinated nearly 480,000 health workers during the first phase and more than 67 per cent of public health workers have been vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson vaccine, he reported. Over the last two weeks, over 480,000 people have received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine as part of the public vaccination campaign, he added. Over 960,000 people in South Africa have received one vaccine dose, the President said adding that within the next few days, it would have administered vaccine doses to more than one million of the most vulnerable South Africans. Ramaphosa reiterated that the country has secured enough vaccines to reach all adults in the country, which is around 40 million people. This includes 31 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which will be manufactured in South Africa and 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two doses to provide full protection. The president also said that in the African continent, they are pushing ahead with efforts to expand vaccine manufacturing capacity to be self-sufficient in vaccine production. “We are continuing to urge all countries to support a waiver of the TRIPS agreement at the World Trade Organisation so that COVID-19 vaccines and treatments can be produced on a greater scale, at lower cost and a faster pace,” Ramaphosa said.

South Africa moves to stricter COVID-19 lockdown amid fears of third wave

Serrana, a city in the southeastern Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, has seen a 95% drop in COVID-19 deaths after it concluded vaccination of almost all adults, TV Globo reported on Sunday. 
 
With 45,000 inhabitants Serrana is a healthy oasis in Brazil, which has the world`s second-deadliest outbreak with more than 461,000 deaths so far and a very slow immunization pace due to the lack of vaccines. 
 
Serrana was the subject of a study by Instituto Butantan, which produces the Coronavac vaccine developed by China`s Sinovac Biotech in Brazil. 
 
When vaccination was starting, the city had an increase in COVID cases, but the spread of the virus was contained once 75% of the population was immunized, scientists found. 
 
Scientists divided the city into four areas to try to understand which was the threshold to contain the spread of the virus and found that it was controlled after three areas received the second dose. 
 
The number of symptomatic cases fell 80%, and hospitalizations 86%. COVID deaths fell 95%, according to data given by Butantan to TV Globo. 
 
Serrana is surrounded by cities that are still dealing with a spike in COVID cases. Ribeirao Preto, 15 miles away from Serrana, is going through a lockdown to try to contain the spread of COVID-19. 
 
A similar experiment is underway in another city in Sao Paulo, Brazil`s richest state. The city of Botucatu expects to immunize most of its 148,000 inhabitants with the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

Serrana, a city in the southeastern Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, has seen a 95% drop in COVID-19 deaths after it concluded vaccination of almost all adults, TV Globo reported on Sunday.

Serrana, a city in the southeastern Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, has seen a 95% drop in COVID-19 deaths after it concluded vaccination of almost all adults, TV Globo reported on Sunday. With 45,000 inhabitants Serrana is a healthy oasis in Brazil, which has the world`s second-deadliest outbreak with more than 461,000 deaths so far and a very slow immunization pace due to the lack of vaccines. Serrana was the subject of a study by Instituto Butantan, which produces the Coronavac vaccine developed by China`s Sinovac Biotech in Brazil. When vaccination was starting, the city had an increase in COVID cases, but the spread of the virus was contained once 75% of the population was immunized, scientists found. Scientists divided the city into four areas to try to understand which was the threshold to contain the spread of the virus and found that it was controlled after three areas received the second dose. The number of symptomatic cases fell 80%, and hospitalizations 86%. COVID deaths fell 95%, according to data given by Butantan to TV Globo. Serrana is surrounded by cities that are still dealing with a spike in COVID cases. Ribeirao Preto, 15 miles away from Serrana, is going through a lockdown to try to contain the spread of COVID-19. A similar experiment is underway in another city in Sao Paulo, Brazil`s richest state. The city of Botucatu expects to immunize most of its 148,000 inhabitants with the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

Mass vaccination creates healthy oasis in Brazilian city

A team from Johns Hopkins conducted a new study to understand that how long-term exposure to air pollution can rob someone of the ability to smell and taste and lead a person in the state of 'anosmia'.

Anosmia is a condition of partial or complete loss of the sense of smell. This can severely impact a person's quality of life, making it extremely difficult to taste foods, detect airborne hazards in the environment, and carry out other functions dependent on the senses.

They found long-term airborne exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of losing one's smell by nearly twice (a 1.6- to 1.7-fold increase).

"Based on this result, we feel that long-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5 represents a common risk factor for the loss of sense of smell, especially in vulnerable populations such as older people—but also one that is potentially modifiable if sources of PM2.5 components can be better controlled," said lead author Murugappan Ramanathan, rhinologist and associate professor of otolaryngology at the University's School of Medicine.

In their study, the researchers looked at 2,690 people, aged 18 and older, who were evaluated by otolaryngologists between January 2013 and December 2016. Of these, 538 were diagnosed with anosmia, with an average age of 54 and with men making up the majority (339 or 63 per cent).

Exposure to PM2.5 has been already linked to cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, the decline in cognitive thinking ability, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and premature death.

Meanwhile, the overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 170.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.53 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.

In its latest update on Monday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 170,174,444 and 3,537,835, respectively.

The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 33,258,547 and 594,430, respectively, according to the CSSE.

(With inputs from agencies)

A team from Johns Hopkins conducted a new study to understand that how long-term exposure to air pollution can rob someone of the ability to smell and taste and lead a person in the state of 'anosmia'.

A team from Johns Hopkins conducted a new study to understand that how long-term exposure to air pollution can rob someone of the ability to smell and taste and lead a person in the state of 'anosmia'. Anosmia is a condition of partial or complete loss of the sense of smell. This can severely impact a person's quality of life, making it extremely difficult to taste foods, detect airborne hazards in the environment, and carry out other functions dependent on the senses. They found long-term airborne exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of losing one's smell by nearly twice (a 1.6- to 1.7-fold increase). "Based on this result, we feel that long-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5 represents a common risk factor for the loss of sense of smell, especially in vulnerable populations such as older people—but also one that is potentially modifiable if sources of PM2.5 components can be better controlled," said lead author Murugappan Ramanathan, rhinologist and associate professor of otolaryngology at the University's School of Medicine. In their study, the researchers looked at 2,690 people, aged 18 and older, who were evaluated by otolaryngologists between January 2013 and December 2016. Of these, 538 were diagnosed with anosmia, with an average age of 54 and with men making up the majority (339 or 63 per cent). Exposure to PM2.5 has been already linked to cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, the decline in cognitive thinking ability, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and premature death. Meanwhile, the overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 170.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.53 million, according to Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Monday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 170,174,444 and 3,537,835, respectively. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 33,258,547 and 594,430, respectively, according to the CSSE. (With inputs from agencies)

Prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause 'anosmia': Study

Claiming that the deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is under control in the national capital, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Friday decided to start the process of lifting lockdown from Monday. The capital has been under strict lockdown since April 20. 
 
After a meeting with Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal, who is also Chairman of DDMA, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the time has come when the process of lifting lockdown needs to be initiated. He asserted that the people of Delhi have suffered a lot during this Covid pandemic, and also due to a month-long lockdown. 
 
He stated those who are working as a labourer and daily wage earner have lost their livelihood and it has been decided that these two activities will be opened from Monday (May 31). 
 
"During the meeting, it has decided that the situation of COVID-19 is under control as daily cases and positivity rate have reduced, now we have to focus on economic activities as well. Many poor families have lost their livelihood due to lockdown and therefore, it has been decided that - two activities - construction work and factories in Delhi will start functioning from Monday." Kejriwal said. 
 
A senior official told IANS that operations of manufacturing, production units in approved industrial areas, activities where the workers are employed within Delhi will be allowed to function. 
 
Addressing a digital press conference on Friday, Kejriwal also said that, taking in consideration the number of Covid cases, the process of unlocking will be increased further. 
 
"Every week, we will continue the process of opening slowly based on the suggestions of the public and on the basis of the views of the experts. If matters start growing again, we have to stop this process. Everyone needs to take precaution. Lockdown is imposed under compulsion... we do not want to impose," he added. 
 
Meanwhile, he also appealed to the citizen of Delhi that "not to leave the house unless there is a need. We all have to behave responsibly".

Claiming that the deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is under control in the national capital, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Friday decided to start the process of lifting lockdown from Monday.

Claiming that the deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is under control in the national capital, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Friday decided to start the process of lifting lockdown from Monday. The capital has been under strict lockdown since April 20. After a meeting with Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal, who is also Chairman of DDMA, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the time has come when the process of lifting lockdown needs to be initiated. He asserted that the people of Delhi have suffered a lot during this Covid pandemic, and also due to a month-long lockdown. He stated those who are working as a labourer and daily wage earner have lost their livelihood and it has been decided that these two activities will be opened from Monday (May 31). "During the meeting, it has decided that the situation of COVID-19 is under control as daily cases and positivity rate have reduced, now we have to focus on economic activities as well. Many poor families have lost their livelihood due to lockdown and therefore, it has been decided that - two activities - construction work and factories in Delhi will start functioning from Monday." Kejriwal said. A senior official told IANS that operations of manufacturing, production units in approved industrial areas, activities where the workers are employed within Delhi will be allowed to function. Addressing a digital press conference on Friday, Kejriwal also said that, taking in consideration the number of Covid cases, the process of unlocking will be increased further. "Every week, we will continue the process of opening slowly based on the suggestions of the public and on the basis of the views of the experts. If matters start growing again, we have to stop this process. Everyone needs to take precaution. Lockdown is imposed under compulsion... we do not want to impose," he added. Meanwhile, he also appealed to the citizen of Delhi that "not to leave the house unless there is a need. We all have to behave responsibly".

Will open Delhi phase-wise from May 31: Kejriwal

India is witnessing a decrease in the second wave of COVID-19 as the single-day rise in coronavirus cases has fallen to the lowest in the last 44 days.

According to the Union Health Ministry data, the recoveries from this deadly virus has continued to outnumber daily cases for the 15th consecutive day.

The active caseload in the country has reduced to 23,43,152, with a net decline of 76,755 cases in the last 24 hours.

The recovery tally of India has reached 2,48,93,410 and the recovery rate stands at 90.34 per cent. India recorded 3,660 COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours. The death toll has now mounted to 3,18,895.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 20,70,508 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country and cumulatively 33,90,39,861 tests have been done so far.

The Union Health Ministry has informed that nearly 20.57 crore vaccine doses were administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India is witnessing a decrease in the second wave of COVID-19 as the single-day rise in coronavirus cases has fallen to the lowest in the last 44 days. According to the Union Health Ministry data, the recoveries from this deadly virus has continued to outnumber daily cases for the 15th consecutive day.

India is witnessing a decrease in the second wave of COVID-19 as the single-day rise in coronavirus cases has fallen to the lowest in the last 44 days. According to the Union Health Ministry data, the recoveries from this deadly virus has continued to outnumber daily cases for the 15th consecutive day. The active caseload in the country has reduced to 23,43,152, with a net decline of 76,755 cases in the last 24 hours. The recovery tally of India has reached 2,48,93,410 and the recovery rate stands at 90.34 per cent. India recorded 3,660 COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours. The death toll has now mounted to 3,18,895. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 20,70,508 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country and cumulatively 33,90,39,861 tests have been done so far. The Union Health Ministry has informed that nearly 20.57 crore vaccine doses were administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. (With inputs from agencies)

Lowest in 44 days: India reports 1.86 lakh fresh COVID-19 cases

Scientists have identified persistent damage in the lungs of COVID-19 patients at least three months after they were discharged from the hospital, and for some patients even longer.

This damage was not detected by routine CT scans and clinical tests, and the patients would consequently normally be told their lungs are normal, according to the researchers at the universities of Sheffield and Oxford in the UK.

The study, published in the journal Radiology, also shows that patients not hospitalised with COVID-19 but who experience long-term breathlessness may have similar damage in their lungs.

However, the researchers said a larger study is needed to confirm this.

They noted that hyperpolarised xenon MRI (XeMRI) scans had found abnormalities in the lungs of some COVID-19 patients more than three months -- and in some cases, nine months -- after leaving the hospital when other clinical measurements were normal.

"The findings of the study are very interesting,” said Professor Jim Wild from the University of Sheffield.

The 129Xe MRI is pinpointing the parts of the lung where the physiology of oxygen uptake is impaired due to long-standing effects of COVID-19 on the lungs, even though they often look normal on CT scans.

"Many COVID-19 patients are still experiencing breathlessness several months after being discharged from hospital, despite their CT scans indicating that their lungs are functioning normally," said Professor Fergus Gleeson, the study's principal investigator at Oxford.

"Our follow-up scans using hyperpolarised xenon MRI have found that abnormalities not normally visible on regular scans are indeed present, and these abnormalities are preventing oxygen getting into the bloodstream as it should in all parts of the lungs," Gleeson said.

The study has now begun testing patients who were not hospitalised with COVID-19 but who have been attending long COVID clinics.

"Although we are currently only talking about early findings, the XeMRI scans of non-hospitalised patients who are breathless -- and 70 per cent of our local patients with Long COVID do experience breathlessness --may have similar abnormalities in their lungs," Gleeson explained.

"We need a larger study to identify how common this is and how long it will take to get better," he added.

Scientists have identified persistent damage in the lungs of COVID-19 patients at least three months after they were discharged from the hospital, and for some patients even longer.

Scientists have identified persistent damage in the lungs of COVID-19 patients at least three months after they were discharged from the hospital, and for some patients even longer. This damage was not detected by routine CT scans and clinical tests, and the patients would consequently normally be told their lungs are normal, according to the researchers at the universities of Sheffield and Oxford in the UK. The study, published in the journal Radiology, also shows that patients not hospitalised with COVID-19 but who experience long-term breathlessness may have similar damage in their lungs. However, the researchers said a larger study is needed to confirm this. They noted that hyperpolarised xenon MRI (XeMRI) scans had found abnormalities in the lungs of some COVID-19 patients more than three months -- and in some cases, nine months -- after leaving the hospital when other clinical measurements were normal. "The findings of the study are very interesting,” said Professor Jim Wild from the University of Sheffield. The 129Xe MRI is pinpointing the parts of the lung where the physiology of oxygen uptake is impaired due to long-standing effects of COVID-19 on the lungs, even though they often look normal on CT scans. "Many COVID-19 patients are still experiencing breathlessness several months after being discharged from hospital, despite their CT scans indicating that their lungs are functioning normally," said Professor Fergus Gleeson, the study's principal investigator at Oxford. "Our follow-up scans using hyperpolarised xenon MRI have found that abnormalities not normally visible on regular scans are indeed present, and these abnormalities are preventing oxygen getting into the bloodstream as it should in all parts of the lungs," Gleeson said. The study has now begun testing patients who were not hospitalised with COVID-19 but who have been attending long COVID clinics. "Although we are currently only talking about early findings, the XeMRI scans of non-hospitalised patients who are breathless -- and 70 per cent of our local patients with Long COVID do experience breathlessness --may have similar abnormalities in their lungs," Gleeson explained. "We need a larger study to identify how common this is and how long it will take to get better," he added.

COVID-19 may cause long-term lung damage: Study

India on Tuesday posted 196,427 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its lowest daily rise in infections since April 14, while deaths from COVID-19 rose by 3,511.

The country's overall caseload now stands at 26.95 million, while total fatalities are at 307,231, according to health ministry data.&nbsp;

On Monday, India crossed the 300,000 mark of fatalities due to coronavirus infections, thus becoming the world's third country after the US and Brazil to cross three-lakh deaths.

According to the Health Ministry, a total of 326,850 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, with 24,054,861 being cured of Covid to date.

The Health Ministry said that a total of 19,85,38,999 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 24,40,236 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 33,25,94,176 samples have been tested up to May 24 for COVID-19. Of these 20,58,112 samples were tested on Monday.

India registered record deaths due to Covid on Wednesday with 4,529 deaths -- the highest number of fatalities from Covid infection in any country since the coronavirus outbreak was reported in China`s Wuhan in December 2019.

It surpassed 4,468 deaths in the US on January 12, and earlier 4,211 in Brazil on April 6. These three are the worst hit by the pandemic. Now, India is behind the US and Brazil with the highest deaths due to COVID-19.

After battling a brutal second wave for weeks, fresh Covid cases came down below the 3,00,000 mark for the first time on May 17 after touching a record high of 4,14,188 on May 7.

India on Tuesday posted 196,427 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its lowest daily rise in infections since April 14, while deaths from COVID-19 rose by 3,511.

India on Tuesday posted 196,427 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its lowest daily rise in infections since April 14, while deaths from COVID-19 rose by 3,511. The country's overall caseload now stands at 26.95 million, while total fatalities are at 307,231, according to health ministry data. On Monday, India crossed the 300,000 mark of fatalities due to coronavirus infections, thus becoming the world's third country after the US and Brazil to cross three-lakh deaths. According to the Health Ministry, a total of 326,850 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, with 24,054,861 being cured of Covid to date. The Health Ministry said that a total of 19,85,38,999 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 24,40,236 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 33,25,94,176 samples have been tested up to May 24 for COVID-19. Of these 20,58,112 samples were tested on Monday. India registered record deaths due to Covid on Wednesday with 4,529 deaths -- the highest number of fatalities from Covid infection in any country since the coronavirus outbreak was reported in China`s Wuhan in December 2019. It surpassed 4,468 deaths in the US on January 12, and earlier 4,211 in Brazil on April 6. These three are the worst hit by the pandemic. Now, India is behind the US and Brazil with the highest deaths due to COVID-19. After battling a brutal second wave for weeks, fresh Covid cases came down below the 3,00,000 mark for the first time on May 17 after touching a record high of 4,14,188 on May 7.

India reports its lowest COVID-19 case count since April 14 at 196,427

Every piece of evidence points to a leak of coronavirus from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), said US former state secretary Mike Pompeo, adding that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) must be held "accountable".

Pompeo`s remarks come after a US media reported three Wuhan lab staff sought hospitalisation after they fell ill in November 2019, weeks before China reported the first patient with COVID-19-like symptoms.

He claimed that the CCP has "done everything" to cover up and deflect blame.

"The CCP was actively engaged in viral research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Every piece of evidence points to a leak from this laboratory. The CCP has done everything to cover up and deflect blame, even blaming the U.S. Prove it. They must be held accountable," he tweeted.

A US State Department fact sheet released by the Trump administration in January said the researchers had become sick in autumn 2019 and displayed "symptoms consistent with both Covid-19 and common seasonal illness."China reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) that the first patient with Covid-like symptoms was recorded in Wuhan on December 8, 2019.

"The US government has reason to believe that several researchers inside the WIV became sick in autumn 2019, before the first identified case of the outbreak, with symptoms consistent with both Covid-19 and common seasonal illnesses," the report read.

Recently, Anthony Fauci, a top adviser to US President Joe Biden on the coronavirus pandemic said he`s "not convinced" the deadly virus developed naturally and has called for further investigations into where it emerged. Fauci was asked during a Poynter event, "United Facts of America: A Festival of Fact-Checking," earlier this month about whether he was confident that Covid-19 developed naturally, Fox News reported.

"No actually. I am not convinced about that. I think we should continue to investigate what went on in China until we continue to find out to the best of our ability what happened," Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, said.

"Certainly, the people who investigated it say it likely was the emergence from an animal reservoir that then infected individuals, but it could have been something else, and we need to find that out. So, you know, that`s the reason why I said I`m perfectly in favour of any investigation that looks into the origin of the virus," he added.

Last month, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken launched a scathing attack against China for a lack of transparency during "the early stages" of the coronavirus pandemic and called for a more thorough investigation into the origins of Covid-19. Blinken`s remarks came following the publishing of a joint inquiry by the World Health Organization and China in March.

The inquiry did not conclusively establish how or when the virus began spreading and did little to address Western concerns that the Chinese Communist Party bent the investigation to its advantage.

The WHO report determined that the possibility the virus came from a lab was "extremely unlikely," noting there was "no record" any lab had closely related viruses.

The probe was criticised by the US, UK, and other governments over its limited access to "complete, original data and samples". The organization was also accused of being overly deferential to China throughout the study, which was co-authored by 17 Chinese scientists -- several of them from state-run institutions.

Every piece of evidence points to a leak of coronavirus from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), said US former state secretary Mike Pompeo, adding that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) must be held "accountable".

Every piece of evidence points to a leak of coronavirus from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), said US former state secretary Mike Pompeo, adding that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) must be held "accountable". Pompeo`s remarks come after a US media reported three Wuhan lab staff sought hospitalisation after they fell ill in November 2019, weeks before China reported the first patient with COVID-19-like symptoms. He claimed that the CCP has "done everything" to cover up and deflect blame. "The CCP was actively engaged in viral research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Every piece of evidence points to a leak from this laboratory. The CCP has done everything to cover up and deflect blame, even blaming the U.S. Prove it. They must be held accountable," he tweeted. A US State Department fact sheet released by the Trump administration in January said the researchers had become sick in autumn 2019 and displayed "symptoms consistent with both Covid-19 and common seasonal illness."China reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) that the first patient with Covid-like symptoms was recorded in Wuhan on December 8, 2019. "The US government has reason to believe that several researchers inside the WIV became sick in autumn 2019, before the first identified case of the outbreak, with symptoms consistent with both Covid-19 and common seasonal illnesses," the report read. Recently, Anthony Fauci, a top adviser to US President Joe Biden on the coronavirus pandemic said he`s "not convinced" the deadly virus developed naturally and has called for further investigations into where it emerged. Fauci was asked during a Poynter event, "United Facts of America: A Festival of Fact-Checking," earlier this month about whether he was confident that Covid-19 developed naturally, Fox News reported. "No actually. I am not convinced about that. I think we should continue to investigate what went on in China until we continue to find out to the best of our ability what happened," Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, said. "Certainly, the people who investigated it say it likely was the emergence from an animal reservoir that then infected individuals, but it could have been something else, and we need to find that out. So, you know, that`s the reason why I said I`m perfectly in favour of any investigation that looks into the origin of the virus," he added. Last month, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken launched a scathing attack against China for a lack of transparency during "the early stages" of the coronavirus pandemic and called for a more thorough investigation into the origins of Covid-19. Blinken`s remarks came following the publishing of a joint inquiry by the World Health Organization and China in March. The inquiry did not conclusively establish how or when the virus began spreading and did little to address Western concerns that the Chinese Communist Party bent the investigation to its advantage. The WHO report determined that the possibility the virus came from a lab was "extremely unlikely," noting there was "no record" any lab had closely related viruses. The probe was criticised by the US, UK, and other governments over its limited access to "complete, original data and samples". The organization was also accused of being overly deferential to China throughout the study, which was co-authored by 17 Chinese scientists -- several of them from state-run institutions.

Evidence suggests leak of coronavirus from Wuhan lab, CCP must be held accountable: Pompeo

India reported 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases and 4,209 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Friday. 
 
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), as many as 3,57,295 people recovered from the COVID-19 disease across the country in the last 24 hours, which is more than the fresh cases reported."The cumulative caseload in India now stands at 2,60,31,991. There are 30,27,925 active COVID cases in the country," the Ministry said. 
 
As many as 2,91,331 people have succumbed to the COVID-19 infection in India, while the recovery tally has mounted to 2,27,12,735. 
 
India witnessed a rise in the daily COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours as 3,874 deaths were recorded on Thursday. 
 
As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 32,44,17,870 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to May 20. 
 
As many as 20,61,683 samples were tested on Thursday, the highest so far in a single day since the pandemic began. 
 
According to MoHFW, as many as 19,18,79,503 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered since the commencement of the vaccination drive on January 16.

India reported 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases and 4,209 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Friday. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), as many as 3,57,295 people recovered from the COVID-19 disease across the country in the last 24 hours, which is more than the fresh cases reported.

India reported 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases and 4,209 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Friday. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), as many as 3,57,295 people recovered from the COVID-19 disease across the country in the last 24 hours, which is more than the fresh cases reported."The cumulative caseload in India now stands at 2,60,31,991. There are 30,27,925 active COVID cases in the country," the Ministry said. As many as 2,91,331 people have succumbed to the COVID-19 infection in India, while the recovery tally has mounted to 2,27,12,735. India witnessed a rise in the daily COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours as 3,874 deaths were recorded on Thursday. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 32,44,17,870 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to May 20. As many as 20,61,683 samples were tested on Thursday, the highest so far in a single day since the pandemic began. According to MoHFW, as many as 19,18,79,503 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered since the commencement of the vaccination drive on January 16.

India reports 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases, 4,209 deaths

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday choked with emotion while thanking doctors, frontline workers during a video conference with them.&nbsp;

"The COVID-19 has taken away many of our loved ones from us. I pay my respects to all those people, and express my condolences to their families," he said.

"As a servant of Kashi, I thank everyone in Varanasi, especially the doctors, nurses, technicians, ward boys and ambulance drivers who have done commendable work," PM said.

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"कोरोना वायरस ने हमारे कई अपनों को हमसे छीना है। मैं उन सभी लोगों को अपनी श्रद्धांजलि देता हूं, उनके परिजनों के प्रति सांत्वना व्यक्त करता हूं।" 
 
कोरोना के कारण जान गंवाने वालों को श्रद्धांजलि देते हुए प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी भावुक हो गए। <a href="https://t.co/UqTp8JzAAy">pic.twitter.com/UqTp8JzAAy</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1395641484964102145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While interacting with doctors, paramedical staff, and other frontline health workers of his parliamentary constituency, PM Modi said, "Varanasi has set a great example by the way it has equipped Pandit Rajan Mishra COVID hospital and increased the number of oxygen beds and ICU beds in the city, in such a short period."

PM Modi also unveiled a new slogan 'Jahan Bimar, Wahin Upchar' and appreciated the micro-containment zone implemented by the city.

"With the concept of 'Jahan Bimar, Wahan Upchar', the practice of making containment zones to distributing door-to-door medicines in your city &amp; villages is commendable," he said.

"Vaccination has protected our frontline workers, who could serve the people. In the coming days, we will be extending vaccine protection to everyone," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday choked with emotion while thanking doctors, frontline workers during a video conference with them. "The COVID-19 has taken away many of our loved ones from us.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday choked with emotion while thanking doctors, frontline workers during a video conference with them. "The COVID-19 has taken away many of our loved ones from us. I pay my respects to all those people, and express my condolences to their families," he said. "As a servant of Kashi, I thank everyone in Varanasi, especially the doctors, nurses, technicians, ward boys and ambulance drivers who have done commendable work," PM said. "कोरोना वायरस ने हमारे कई अपनों को हमसे छीना है। मैं उन सभी लोगों को अपनी श्रद्धांजलि देता हूं, उनके परिजनों के प्रति सांत्वना व्यक्त करता हूं।" कोरोना के कारण जान गंवाने वालों को श्रद्धांजलि देते हुए प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी भावुक हो गए। pic.twitter.com/UqTp8JzAAy — BJP (@BJP4India) May 21, 2021 × While interacting with doctors, paramedical staff, and other frontline health workers of his parliamentary constituency, PM Modi said, "Varanasi has set a great example by the way it has equipped Pandit Rajan Mishra COVID hospital and increased the number of oxygen beds and ICU beds in the city, in such a short period." PM Modi also unveiled a new slogan 'Jahan Bimar, Wahin Upchar' and appreciated the micro-containment zone implemented by the city. "With the concept of 'Jahan Bimar, Wahan Upchar', the practice of making containment zones to distributing door-to-door medicines in your city & villages is commendable," he said. "Vaccination has protected our frontline workers, who could serve the people. In the coming days, we will be extending vaccine protection to everyone," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Virus snatched many loved ones': PM Modi gets emotional

The Indian Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 50 per cent of the country's&nbsp;population isn't wearing a mask despite the gradual ingress of COVID-19 infection being seen in peri-urban, rural &amp; tribal areas. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-black-fungus-or-mucormycosis-symptoms-and-treatment-384366">Also read | What is 'Black Fungus' or 'Mucormycosis'?: Symptoms and treatment</a> 
 
According to the study conducted in 25 Indian cities, out of 50% who wear the mask:- 
 
32% of the people do not cover the nose | 10% have it on the chin |&nbsp;1% wear a mask on the neck and only 7% wear it correctly&nbsp;covering the nose, mouth, chin and with a clip-on nose.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> 
 
Half of India isn't wearing a mask! 
 
Around 50% Indians do not wear a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mask?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mask</a> today, only 7% wear it correctly 
 
- <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> quotes a study conducted in 25 cities <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite2FightCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unite2FightCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StaySafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StaySafe</a> <a href="https://t.co/f85gvG1noQ">pic.twitter.com/f85gvG1noQ</a>
— #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) <a href="https://twitter.com/COVIDNewsByMIB/status/1395340696546996228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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During the media briefing, health ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal informed that eight states in the country have more than 100,000&nbsp;active cases, 9 states have between 50,000-100,000&nbsp;active cases and 19 states have less than 50,000 active cases.

"Some states like Karnataka and West Bengal that are showing positivity of over 25 per cent which remain a concern," said Luv Agarwal. 
 
Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram are states showing a rise in cases and rise in positivity in the last three weeks, the health ministry official said.

India has been jolted by the second wave of coronavirus which has crippled its healthcare system.

Till Thursday, India's total of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,57,72,440 after reporting 2,76,110 new cases in the last 24 hours while the daily deaths were recorded below 4,000 after four days, taking the toll to 2,87,122, according to the Union Health Ministry data update.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 50 per cent of the country's population isn't wearing a mask despite the gradual ingress of COVID-19 infection being seen in peri-urban, rural & tribal areas.

The Indian Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 50 per cent of the country's population isn't wearing a mask despite the gradual ingress of COVID-19 infection being seen in peri-urban, rural & tribal areas. Also read | What is 'Black Fungus' or 'Mucormycosis'?: Symptoms and treatment According to the study conducted in 25 Indian cities, out of 50% who wear the mask:- 32% of the people do not cover the nose | 10% have it on the chin | 1% wear a mask on the neck and only 7% wear it correctly covering the nose, mouth, chin and with a clip-on nose. #IndiaFightsCorona Half of India isn't wearing a mask! Around 50% Indians do not wear a #Mask today, only 7% wear it correctly - @MoHFW_INDIA quotes a study conducted in 25 cities #Unite2FightCorona #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/f85gvG1noQ — #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) May 20, 2021 × During the media briefing, health ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal informed that eight states in the country have more than 100,000 active cases, 9 states have between 50,000-100,000 active cases and 19 states have less than 50,000 active cases. "Some states like Karnataka and West Bengal that are showing positivity of over 25 per cent which remain a concern," said Luv Agarwal. Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram are states showing a rise in cases and rise in positivity in the last three weeks, the health ministry official said. India has been jolted by the second wave of coronavirus which has crippled its healthcare system. Till Thursday, India's total of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,57,72,440 after reporting 2,76,110 new cases in the last 24 hours while the daily deaths were recorded below 4,000 after four days, taking the toll to 2,87,122, according to the Union Health Ministry data update. (With inputs from agencies)

50% of Indians don't wear a mask, only 7% wear it correctly: Ministry of Health

The whole world today is praying for India and its people, America's top civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson said on Wednesday, exuding confidence that the country of Mahatma Gandhi will win the battle against this pandemic.

Chicago-based Civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson was in the city here to urge the Biden administration to give 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines to India. At a news conference here, the top American civil rights leader said that he has taken up the issue with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Karris.

"The whole world today prays for India," he said, expressing his solidarity with the people of India.

The conference was addressed by several Indian American community leaders. In his remarks, Rev Jackson called for raising more funds for the people of India and other countries being impacted by COVID-19.

"We should ask for more vaccination for the world. We need respirators, medicines and vaccines right now," he said.

Eminent Indian-American community leader Dr Bharat Barai thanked Rev Jackson for his initiative. "Vaccination is the right thing to do and is the most important thing to do. This will not only save lives but also prevent the economy from collapsing," he said.

Sunil Singh, chairman of, National Council of Asian Indian Associations, said India is in dire need of vaccines now. "We need vaccines now or never. India handled the first COVID attack last year very well. It has helped 80 countries across the world," he said.

"Now India is in need, and the entire world has come forward to help India. We need more vaccines, and we need them now. Please help us now," he said, adding that the community organizations in the Washington DC area have sent 130 oxygen concentrators.

Entrepreneur Ravi Pulli, the founder of US-India Solidarity Council, urged the Biden administration to provide more help to India as he appreciated the American support so far.

In its most recent update, the Union Health Ministry placed the total number of COVID-19 cases in India at 2,54,96,330 and the death toll at 2,83,248. The ministry said there are 32,26,719 active cases, while 2,19,86,363 people have so far recovered from the infection.

The whole world today is praying for India and its people, America's top civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson said on Wednesday, exuding confidence that the country of Mahatma Gandhi will win the battle against this pandemic.

The whole world today is praying for India and its people, America's top civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson said on Wednesday, exuding confidence that the country of Mahatma Gandhi will win the battle against this pandemic. Chicago-based Civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson was in the city here to urge the Biden administration to give 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines to India. At a news conference here, the top American civil rights leader said that he has taken up the issue with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Karris. "The whole world today prays for India," he said, expressing his solidarity with the people of India. The conference was addressed by several Indian American community leaders. In his remarks, Rev Jackson called for raising more funds for the people of India and other countries being impacted by COVID-19. "We should ask for more vaccination for the world. We need respirators, medicines and vaccines right now," he said. Eminent Indian-American community leader Dr Bharat Barai thanked Rev Jackson for his initiative. "Vaccination is the right thing to do and is the most important thing to do. This will not only save lives but also prevent the economy from collapsing," he said. Sunil Singh, chairman of, National Council of Asian Indian Associations, said India is in dire need of vaccines now. "We need vaccines now or never. India handled the first COVID attack last year very well. It has helped 80 countries across the world," he said. "Now India is in need, and the entire world has come forward to help India. We need more vaccines, and we need them now. Please help us now," he said, adding that the community organizations in the Washington DC area have sent 130 oxygen concentrators. Entrepreneur Ravi Pulli, the founder of US-India Solidarity Council, urged the Biden administration to provide more help to India as he appreciated the American support so far. In its most recent update, the Union Health Ministry placed the total number of COVID-19 cases in India at 2,54,96,330 and the death toll at 2,83,248. The ministry said there are 32,26,719 active cases, while 2,19,86,363 people have so far recovered from the infection.

Country of Mahatma Gandhi will win battle against pandemic: US civil rights leader

The Bangladeshi government has approved the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines from China. Bangladesh`s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the highest body to deal with economic issues, in a meeting has approved the purchase. 
 
Shahida Akhtar, a senior Cabinet Division official, told journalists after the meeting on Wednesday that Bangladesh will buy vaccines from China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), Xinhua news agency reported. 
 
The approval came a week after Bangladesh received a batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine donated by China. 
 
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming formally handed over the vaccines to Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Health Minister Zahid Maleque at a ceremony at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka last Wednesday. 
 
The Bangladeshi government has already announced that it will start administering from next week the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine donated by China. 
 
The health minister made the announcement at a press conference Monday, saying "health professionals on the frontline of the fight against the pandemic will receive the doses beginning May 25 or 26". 
 
Bangladesh suspended administering the first dose of the vaccine on April 26 after India halted export to tackle its own crisis. 
 
Subsequently, the country`s drug regulator authorized the emergency use of the Sinopharm vaccines. 
 
Bangladesh kicked off the Covid-19 vaccination drive on January 28 to rein in the pandemic that has so far spread across the country. 
 
A total of 5.82 million people in Bangladesh have so far received the first dose of the vaccine. 
 
On Wednesday, the country`s Directorate General of Health Services reported 1,608 new cases of Covid-19 and 37 new deaths, bringing the number of total cases to 783,737 and the total death toll to 12,248.

The Bangladeshi government has approved the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines from China. Bangladesh`s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the highest body to deal with economic issues, in a meeting has approved the purchase.

The Bangladeshi government has approved the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines from China. Bangladesh`s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the highest body to deal with economic issues, in a meeting has approved the purchase. Shahida Akhtar, a senior Cabinet Division official, told journalists after the meeting on Wednesday that Bangladesh will buy vaccines from China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), Xinhua news agency reported. The approval came a week after Bangladesh received a batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine donated by China. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming formally handed over the vaccines to Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Health Minister Zahid Maleque at a ceremony at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka last Wednesday. The Bangladeshi government has already announced that it will start administering from next week the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine donated by China. The health minister made the announcement at a press conference Monday, saying "health professionals on the frontline of the fight against the pandemic will receive the doses beginning May 25 or 26". Bangladesh suspended administering the first dose of the vaccine on April 26 after India halted export to tackle its own crisis. Subsequently, the country`s drug regulator authorized the emergency use of the Sinopharm vaccines. Bangladesh kicked off the Covid-19 vaccination drive on January 28 to rein in the pandemic that has so far spread across the country. A total of 5.82 million people in Bangladesh have so far received the first dose of the vaccine. On Wednesday, the country`s Directorate General of Health Services reported 1,608 new cases of Covid-19 and 37 new deaths, bringing the number of total cases to 783,737 and the total death toll to 12,248.

Bangladesh approves purchase of Covid vaccines from China

India's COVID-19 death toll on Wednesday climbed to 2,83,248 with a record 4,529 fresh fatalities, the highest toll in a single day for any country in the world since the pandemic began.

With a total of 2,67,334 fresh infections, India's total tally of cases climbed to 2,54,96,330,&nbsp;the Union Health Ministry said.

The active cases dipped to 32,26,719 comprising 12.66 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 86.23 per cent, the data showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,19,86,363 while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.11 per cent, the data stated.

India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million on May 4.

According to the ICMR, 32,03,01,177 samples have been tested up to May 18 with 20,08,296 samples being tested on Tuesday.

The 4,529 new fatalities include 1,291 from Maharashtra, 525 from Karnataka, 364 from Tamil Nadu, 265 from Delhi, 255 from Uttar Pradesh, 231 from Punjab, 153 from Chhattisgarh, 146 from Rajasthan, 145 from West Bengal, 124 from Haryana and 111 from Bihar.

A total of 2, 83,248 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 83,777 from Maharashtra, 22,838 from Karnataka, 22,111 from Delhi, 18,369 from Tamil Nadu, 18,072 from Uttar Pradesh, 13,576 from West Bengal, 12,317 from Punjab and 12,036 from Chhattisgarh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 death toll on Wednesday climbed to 2,83,248 with a record 4,529 fresh fatalities, the highest toll in a single day for any country in the world since the pandemic began.

India's COVID-19 death toll on Wednesday climbed to 2,83,248 with a record 4,529 fresh fatalities, the highest toll in a single day for any country in the world since the pandemic began. With a total of 2,67,334 fresh infections, India's total tally of cases climbed to 2,54,96,330, the Union Health Ministry said. The active cases dipped to 32,26,719 comprising 12.66 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 86.23 per cent, the data showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,19,86,363 while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.11 per cent, the data stated. India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million on May 4. According to the ICMR, 32,03,01,177 samples have been tested up to May 18 with 20,08,296 samples being tested on Tuesday. The 4,529 new fatalities include 1,291 from Maharashtra, 525 from Karnataka, 364 from Tamil Nadu, 265 from Delhi, 255 from Uttar Pradesh, 231 from Punjab, 153 from Chhattisgarh, 146 from Rajasthan, 145 from West Bengal, 124 from Haryana and 111 from Bihar. A total of 2, 83,248 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 83,777 from Maharashtra, 22,838 from Karnataka, 22,111 from Delhi, 18,369 from Tamil Nadu, 18,072 from Uttar Pradesh, 13,576 from West Bengal, 12,317 from Punjab and 12,036 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India records highest single-day Covid deaths in the world

Eminent American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is urging President Joe Biden to release 60 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the pandemic in the world.

Rev. Jackson will be joined by several prominent Indian leaders in the national capital on Wednesday, to make a public appeal to Biden for more humanitarian aid, according to a community statement.

"The pandemic poses a threat to humanity, not to any one country. Our response must be as encompassing as the threat," Rev Jackson said in a statement. He will urge Biden to give India 60 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, it said.

Dr Bharat Barai, the chairman of, US India Friendship Council, urged the President to facilitate the supply of the "much needed antiviral medications of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab to India immediately."

In a statement, Dr Vijay Prabhakar, national chairman, American Association of Multiethnic Physicians, USA, called on Biden to invoke the Federal International Emergency Production Act which would enable the manufacturers of the vaccine in the US to increase their production capacity.

"We need to protect India first only then can America and the rest of the world be protected," Dr Prabhakar said. Thanking Biden for his international vaccination pledge by providing 80 million COVID-19 vaccines, he also pleaded to give at least 60 million of those to India.

In its most recent update, the Union Health Ministry placed the total number of COVID-19 cases in India at 2,52,28,996 and the death count 2,78,719. The ministry said there are 33,53,765 active cases, while 2,15,96,512 people have so far recovered from the infection.

Eminent American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is urging President Joe Biden to release 60 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the pandemic in the world.

Eminent American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is urging President Joe Biden to release 60 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the pandemic in the world. Rev. Jackson will be joined by several prominent Indian leaders in the national capital on Wednesday, to make a public appeal to Biden for more humanitarian aid, according to a community statement. "The pandemic poses a threat to humanity, not to any one country. Our response must be as encompassing as the threat," Rev Jackson said in a statement. He will urge Biden to give India 60 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, it said. Dr Bharat Barai, the chairman of, US India Friendship Council, urged the President to facilitate the supply of the "much needed antiviral medications of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab to India immediately." In a statement, Dr Vijay Prabhakar, national chairman, American Association of Multiethnic Physicians, USA, called on Biden to invoke the Federal International Emergency Production Act which would enable the manufacturers of the vaccine in the US to increase their production capacity. "We need to protect India first only then can America and the rest of the world be protected," Dr Prabhakar said. Thanking Biden for his international vaccination pledge by providing 80 million COVID-19 vaccines, he also pleaded to give at least 60 million of those to India. In its most recent update, the Union Health Ministry placed the total number of COVID-19 cases in India at 2,52,28,996 and the death count 2,78,719. The ministry said there are 33,53,765 active cases, while 2,15,96,512 people have so far recovered from the infection.

US civil rights leader to ask Biden to give India 60 million COVID-19 vaccine doses

India registered a 13 per cent decrease in new COVID-19 cases in the past week but the number of fresh infections was still the highest around the world, the WHO has said.

The number of new cases and deaths continued to decrease with just over 4.8 million new cases and just under 86,000 new deaths reported globally in the past week, a 12 per cent and 5 per cent decrease respectively compared to the previous week, according to the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update Data received by the World Health Organization from national authorities as of May 16.

It said that the highest number of new cases were reported from India (2,387,663 new cases), a 13 per cent decrease over the previous week.

This was followed by Brazil (437,076 new cases; 3 per cent increase), the United States of America (235,638 new cases; 21 per cent decrease), Argentina (151,332 new cases; 8 per cent increase) and Colombia (115,834 new cases; 6 per cent increase).

The highest numbers of new deaths were reported from India (27,922 new deaths; 2.0 new deaths per 100 000; a 4 per cent increase), Nepal (1,224 new deaths; 4.2 new deaths per 100 000; a 266 per cent increase) and Indonesia (1,125 new deaths; 0.4 new deaths per 100,000; a 5 per cent decrease).

According to data received by the WHO from national authorities as of May 9, India had recorded the highest numbers of new cases at 2,738,957, a 5 per cent increase over the previous week.

As per the WHO estimates, cumulative cases in India currently stand at about 24.68 million and total deaths are at about 270,284.

The data added that the South-East Asia Region reported over 2.5 million new cases and over 30,000 new deaths, a 12 per cent decrease and a 7 per cent increase respectively compared to the previous week.

Case incidence decreased after nine consecutive weeks of increases, although the absolute number remains at its highest level since the beginning of the pandemic, it said, adding that death incidence continued to increase for a ninth consecutive week.

Globally, despite a declining trend over the past three weeks, the incidence of cases remains at some of the highest levels since the start of the pandemic.

All regions reported a decline in new cases this week apart from the Western Pacific Region, where the incidence of new cases was similar to the previous week.

The European Region reported the largest decline in new cases this week, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean.

These regions also reported the largest decline in new deaths over the past week.

South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions reported a similar number of new deaths as the previous week, it added.

India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million on May 4.

According to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday, India saw a record 4,529 fatalities due to coronavirus in a single day, pushing the COVID-19 death toll to 2,83,248, while 2,67,334 fresh infections were recorded, taking the total tally of cases to 2,54,96,330.

The active cases have further reduced to 32,26,719 comprising 12.66 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 86.23 per cent.

India registered a 13 per cent decrease in new COVID-19 cases in the past week but the number of fresh infections was still the highest around the world, the WHO has said.

India registered a 13 per cent decrease in new COVID-19 cases in the past week but the number of fresh infections was still the highest around the world, the WHO has said. The number of new cases and deaths continued to decrease with just over 4.8 million new cases and just under 86,000 new deaths reported globally in the past week, a 12 per cent and 5 per cent decrease respectively compared to the previous week, according to the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update Data received by the World Health Organization from national authorities as of May 16. It said that the highest number of new cases were reported from India (2,387,663 new cases), a 13 per cent decrease over the previous week. This was followed by Brazil (437,076 new cases; 3 per cent increase), the United States of America (235,638 new cases; 21 per cent decrease), Argentina (151,332 new cases; 8 per cent increase) and Colombia (115,834 new cases; 6 per cent increase). The highest numbers of new deaths were reported from India (27,922 new deaths; 2.0 new deaths per 100 000; a 4 per cent increase), Nepal (1,224 new deaths; 4.2 new deaths per 100 000; a 266 per cent increase) and Indonesia (1,125 new deaths; 0.4 new deaths per 100,000; a 5 per cent decrease). According to data received by the WHO from national authorities as of May 9, India had recorded the highest numbers of new cases at 2,738,957, a 5 per cent increase over the previous week. As per the WHO estimates, cumulative cases in India currently stand at about 24.68 million and total deaths are at about 270,284. The data added that the South-East Asia Region reported over 2.5 million new cases and over 30,000 new deaths, a 12 per cent decrease and a 7 per cent increase respectively compared to the previous week. Case incidence decreased after nine consecutive weeks of increases, although the absolute number remains at its highest level since the beginning of the pandemic, it said, adding that death incidence continued to increase for a ninth consecutive week. Globally, despite a declining trend over the past three weeks, the incidence of cases remains at some of the highest levels since the start of the pandemic. All regions reported a decline in new cases this week apart from the Western Pacific Region, where the incidence of new cases was similar to the previous week. The European Region reported the largest decline in new cases this week, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean. These regions also reported the largest decline in new deaths over the past week. South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions reported a similar number of new deaths as the previous week, it added. India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million on May 4. According to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday, India saw a record 4,529 fatalities due to coronavirus in a single day, pushing the COVID-19 death toll to 2,83,248, while 2,67,334 fresh infections were recorded, taking the total tally of cases to 2,54,96,330. The active cases have further reduced to 32,26,719 comprising 12.66 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 86.23 per cent.

India logs 13 per cent fall in new COVID-19 cases in a week; still highest globally: WHO

Coronavirus infections in India have started declining. The daily&nbsp;COVID-19 cases has plunged by more than 100, 000– from over 400, 000 cases during end-April to less than 300, 000 cases today.

In the last 24 hours, India reported 263,533 new Covid-19 cases, the lowest in 28 days, according to Union Health Ministry data. 
 
This is the second time since April 21 that the daily cases dropped below 300,000.

The number of people who recuperated from the novel coronavirus has also surged to 21.5 million, thereby taking the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 85.60 per cent.

The active cases further reduced to 33,53,765 comprising 13.29 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 85.60 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.

India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million&nbsp;on May 4.&nbsp;

India becomes the world`s second nation, after the United States, to pass the grim milestone. The country`s total caseload is now at 25.23 million, while the death toll is at 278,719, according to health ministry data. 
 
According to the ICMR, 31,82,92,881 samples have been tested up to May 17 with 18,69,223 samples being tested on Monday. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus infections in India have started declining. The daily COVID-19 cases has plunged by more than 100, 000– from over 400, 000 cases during end-April to less than 300, 000 cases today.

Coronavirus infections in India have started declining. The daily COVID-19 cases has plunged by more than 100, 000– from over 400, 000 cases during end-April to less than 300, 000 cases today. In the last 24 hours, India reported 263,533 new Covid-19 cases, the lowest in 28 days, according to Union Health Ministry data. This is the second time since April 21 that the daily cases dropped below 300,000. The number of people who recuperated from the novel coronavirus has also surged to 21.5 million, thereby taking the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 85.60 per cent. The active cases further reduced to 33,53,765 comprising 13.29 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 85.60 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million on May 4. India becomes the world`s second nation, after the United States, to pass the grim milestone. The country`s total caseload is now at 25.23 million, while the death toll is at 278,719, according to health ministry data. According to the ICMR, 31,82,92,881 samples have been tested up to May 17 with 18,69,223 samples being tested on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports 263,533 new cases, lowest in 28 days

The latest data by Indian Medical Association (IMA) revealed that India has lost as many as 270 doctors in the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 which is wreaking havoc across the country.&nbsp;

India reported a total of 2,63,533 new Covid&nbsp;cases on Tuesday, the second consecutive day when cases have come below the 300,000 mark for India.&nbsp;

The list of the deceased doctors includes former IMA president Dr K K Aggarwal, who succumbed to the deadly virus on Monday.&nbsp;

Bihar saw the maximum number of 78 deaths of medical practitioners, followed by Uttar Pradesh (37), Delhi (29) and Andhra Pradesh (22).&nbsp;

According to the IMA COVID-19 registry, 748 doctors succumbed to the disease in the first wave of the pandemic. "Last year, 748 doctors across India succumbed to COVID-19, while in the current wave, in a short period, we have lost 270 doctors.&nbsp;

"The second wave of the pandemic is turning out to be extremely fatal for all and especially for the healthcare workers who are at the forefront," IMA president Dr JA Jayalal said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The latest data by Indian Medical Association (IMA) revealed that India has lost as many as 270 doctors in the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 which is wreaking havoc across the country.

The latest data by Indian Medical Association (IMA) revealed that India has lost as many as 270 doctors in the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 which is wreaking havoc across the country. India reported a total of 2,63,533 new Covid cases on Tuesday, the second consecutive day when cases have come below the 300,000 mark for India. The list of the deceased doctors includes former IMA president Dr K K Aggarwal, who succumbed to the deadly virus on Monday. Bihar saw the maximum number of 78 deaths of medical practitioners, followed by Uttar Pradesh (37), Delhi (29) and Andhra Pradesh (22). According to the IMA COVID-19 registry, 748 doctors succumbed to the disease in the first wave of the pandemic. "Last year, 748 doctors across India succumbed to COVID-19, while in the current wave, in a short period, we have lost 270 doctors. "The second wave of the pandemic is turning out to be extremely fatal for all and especially for the healthcare workers who are at the forefront," IMA president Dr JA Jayalal said. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 second wave: 270 doctors have lost their lives in the line of duty in India

Highlighting the gap of vaccinations between high-income countries and low and lower-middle countries, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that the world is at risk of 'vaccine apartheid'.

Speaking at the Paris Peace Forum Spring Meeting, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "I think I would go one step further and say not just that the world is at risk of vaccine apartheid; the world is in vaccine apartheid." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-chinese-suppliers-are-profiteering-off-indias-devastating-covid-surge-again-385707">Also read | How Chinese suppliers are profiteering off India's devastating Covid surge... again</a>

"As you know, high-income countries account for 15 per cent of the world's population but have 45 per cent of the world's vaccines. Low- and lower-middle countries account for almost half of the world's population but have received just 17 per cent of the world's vaccines. So the gap is huge," he further remarked.

The WHO chief further highlighted that at least 63 million doses of vaccines have been shipped to 124 countries and economies, but they represent just 0.5 per cent of the combined population of those nations.

 
He also noted that the basic problem of vaccine inequity was a lack of sharing, which could be resolved by sharing financial resources to fully fund the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, sharing doses with COVAX, and sharing technology to scale up the manufacturing of vaccines.

"Even now, some high-income countries are moving to vaccinate children and adolescents, while health workers, older people, and other at-risk groups around the world remain unvaccinated," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden on Monday (local time) announced that the United States will share 80 million vaccine doses globally over the next six weeks, five times more than any other country has shared to date which represents 13 per cent of vaccines produced in the country by June end.

Joe Biden during his address said, "Today, we're taking an additional step to help the world. We know America will never be fully safe until the pandemic, that's rising globally, is under control. No ocean is wide enough, no walls high enough to keep us safe."

Highlighting the gap of vaccinations between high-income countries and low and lower-middle countries, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that the world is at risk of 'vaccine apartheid'.

Highlighting the gap of vaccinations between high-income countries and low and lower-middle countries, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that the world is at risk of 'vaccine apartheid'. Speaking at the Paris Peace Forum Spring Meeting, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "I think I would go one step further and say not just that the world is at risk of vaccine apartheid; the world is in vaccine apartheid." Also read | How Chinese suppliers are profiteering off India's devastating Covid surge... again "As you know, high-income countries account for 15 per cent of the world's population but have 45 per cent of the world's vaccines. Low- and lower-middle countries account for almost half of the world's population but have received just 17 per cent of the world's vaccines. So the gap is huge," he further remarked. The WHO chief further highlighted that at least 63 million doses of vaccines have been shipped to 124 countries and economies, but they represent just 0.5 per cent of the combined population of those nations. He also noted that the basic problem of vaccine inequity was a lack of sharing, which could be resolved by sharing financial resources to fully fund the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, sharing doses with COVAX, and sharing technology to scale up the manufacturing of vaccines. "Even now, some high-income countries are moving to vaccinate children and adolescents, while health workers, older people, and other at-risk groups around the world remain unvaccinated," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Earlier, US President Joe Biden on Monday (local time) announced that the United States will share 80 million vaccine doses globally over the next six weeks, five times more than any other country has shared to date which represents 13 per cent of vaccines produced in the country by June end. Joe Biden during his address said, "Today, we're taking an additional step to help the world. We know America will never be fully safe until the pandemic, that's rising globally, is under control. No ocean is wide enough, no walls high enough to keep us safe."

World is at risk of 'vaccine apartheid', says WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

A government panel on AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) has found 26 potential cases of bleeding and clotting after administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, health ministry said on Monday.

According to the statement by the ministry, over 23,000 adverse events have been reported since the vaccination drive involving Covishield and Covaxin vaccines started in the country and of these 700 cases were reported to be serious. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-chinese-suppliers-are-profiteering-off-indias-devastating-covid-surge-again-385707">Also read | How Chinese suppliers are profiteering off India's devastating Covid surge... again</a> 
 
Some countries have suspended or restricted the use of the shot over fears of possible side effects, though health experts have said its benefits outweigh the risks.

This is the first time India has reported any serious reaction to the use of the vaccine, branded locally as Covishield. 
 
The panel said it had studied 498 (of 700) "serious and severe events" and found that only 26 had been reported as "potential thromboembolic events", referring to the potentially fatal formation of a blood clot that could break loose and be carried by the bloodstream to block another vessel.

“There were no potential thromboembolic events reported following administration of Covaxin vaccine,” the ministry said. As alerts were raised in some countries on post-vaccination embolic and thrombotic events on March 11 particularly with the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine (Covishield), a decision was taken to conduct an urgent in-depth analysis of the adverse events (AE) in India in the light of global concerns, the ministry said. The National AEFI committee noted that as of April 3, 75,435,381 vaccine doses had been administered (Covishield- 68,650,819; Covaxin- 6,784,562).

“Of these, 65,944,106 were first doses and 9,491,275 second dose. Since the COVID-19 vaccination drive was initiated more than 23,000 adverse events were reported through the CO-WIN platform reported from 684 of the 753 districts of the country. “Of these, only 700 cases (@ 9.3 cases /million doses administered) were reported to be serious and severe in nature,” the statement said.

“The AEFI data in India showed that there is a very miniscule but definitive risk of thromboembolic events. The reporting rate of these events in India is around 0.61/million doses, which is much lower than the 4 cases/million reported by UK’s regulator Medical and Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA). Germany has reported 10 events per million doses,” the statement stated.

Thromboembolic events keep occurring in the general population as background and scientific literature suggests that this risk is almost 70 per cent less in persons of South and South-East Asian descent in comparison to those of European descent. The ministry is separately issuing advisories to healthcare workers and vaccine beneficiaries to encourage people to be aware of suspected thromboembolic symptoms occurring within 20 days after receiving any COVID-19 vaccine (particularly Covishield) and report preferably to the health facility where the vaccine was administered.

The symptoms listed are breathlessness, pain in chest, pain in limbs/pain on pressing limbs or swelling in limbs (arm or calf), multiple, pinhead size red spots or bruising of skin in an area beyond the injection site, persistent abdominal pain with or without vomiting, seizures in the absence of the previous history of seizures with or without vomiting, severe and persistent headache with or without vomiting (in the absence of the previous history of migraine or chronic headache).

The symptoms also include weakness or paralysis of limbs or any particular side or part of the body (including face), persistent vomiting without any obvious reason, blurred vision or pain in eyes or having double vision, change in mental status or having confusion or depression level of consciousness or any other symptom or health condition which is of concern to the recipient of the family. The ministry said that Covishield continues to have a definite positive benefit-risk profile with tremendous potential to prevent infections and reduce deaths due to COVID-19 across the world and in India.

Over 134 million doses of the Covishield vaccine have been administered as of 27 April in India. The ministry is continuously monitoring the safety of all COVID-19 vaccines and is promoting reporting of suspected adverse events.

(With inputs from agencies)

A government panel on AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) has found 26 potential cases of bleeding and clotting after administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, health ministry said on Monday.

A government panel on AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) has found 26 potential cases of bleeding and clotting after administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, health ministry said on Monday. According to the statement by the ministry, over 23,000 adverse events have been reported since the vaccination drive involving Covishield and Covaxin vaccines started in the country and of these 700 cases were reported to be serious. Also read | How Chinese suppliers are profiteering off India's devastating Covid surge... again Some countries have suspended or restricted the use of the shot over fears of possible side effects, though health experts have said its benefits outweigh the risks. This is the first time India has reported any serious reaction to the use of the vaccine, branded locally as Covishield. The panel said it had studied 498 (of 700) "serious and severe events" and found that only 26 had been reported as "potential thromboembolic events", referring to the potentially fatal formation of a blood clot that could break loose and be carried by the bloodstream to block another vessel. “There were no potential thromboembolic events reported following administration of Covaxin vaccine,” the ministry said. As alerts were raised in some countries on post-vaccination embolic and thrombotic events on March 11 particularly with the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine (Covishield), a decision was taken to conduct an urgent in-depth analysis of the adverse events (AE) in India in the light of global concerns, the ministry said. The National AEFI committee noted that as of April 3, 75,435,381 vaccine doses had been administered (Covishield- 68,650,819; Covaxin- 6,784,562). “Of these, 65,944,106 were first doses and 9,491,275 second dose. Since the COVID-19 vaccination drive was initiated more than 23,000 adverse events were reported through the CO-WIN platform reported from 684 of the 753 districts of the country. “Of these, only 700 cases (@ 9.3 cases /million doses administered) were reported to be serious and severe in nature,” the statement said. “The AEFI data in India showed that there is a very miniscule but definitive risk of thromboembolic events. The reporting rate of these events in India is around 0.61/million doses, which is much lower than the 4 cases/million reported by UK’s regulator Medical and Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA). Germany has reported 10 events per million doses,” the statement stated. Thromboembolic events keep occurring in the general population as background and scientific literature suggests that this risk is almost 70 per cent less in persons of South and South-East Asian descent in comparison to those of European descent. The ministry is separately issuing advisories to healthcare workers and vaccine beneficiaries to encourage people to be aware of suspected thromboembolic symptoms occurring within 20 days after receiving any COVID-19 vaccine (particularly Covishield) and report preferably to the health facility where the vaccine was administered. The symptoms listed are breathlessness, pain in chest, pain in limbs/pain on pressing limbs or swelling in limbs (arm or calf), multiple, pinhead size red spots or bruising of skin in an area beyond the injection site, persistent abdominal pain with or without vomiting, seizures in the absence of the previous history of seizures with or without vomiting, severe and persistent headache with or without vomiting (in the absence of the previous history of migraine or chronic headache). The symptoms also include weakness or paralysis of limbs or any particular side or part of the body (including face), persistent vomiting without any obvious reason, blurred vision or pain in eyes or having double vision, change in mental status or having confusion or depression level of consciousness or any other symptom or health condition which is of concern to the recipient of the family. The ministry said that Covishield continues to have a definite positive benefit-risk profile with tremendous potential to prevent infections and reduce deaths due to COVID-19 across the world and in India. Over 134 million doses of the Covishield vaccine have been administered as of 27 April in India. The ministry is continuously monitoring the safety of all COVID-19 vaccines and is promoting reporting of suspected adverse events. (With inputs from agencies)

India has 26 cases of bleeding, clotting after Covishield vaccine: Government report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with senior officials from state and districts to know their experience while handling the second wave of COVID-19.

He said that they were playing a very important role in the battle against coronavirus. He said in a way, they were "field commanders" of the battle against the deadly virus.

"There are different challenges in every district of our country. You understand the challenges of your district best. When your district wins, it is the country's victory. If your district defeats COVID-19, so does the country," said PM Modi.&nbsp;

"You all are playing a very important role in the battle against Corona. In a way, you are the field commanders of this battle. What are our weapons against this virus? Our weapons are - Local containment zones, aggressive testing and correct and complete information to the people," he said. 
 
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The Prime Minister pointed out that the number of COVID-19 infections is now decreasing in many states, but increasing in several others.

"We need to be more vigilant in the face of decreasing data. In almost every meeting in the last one year, I have requested that our fight is to save every single life," he said.

"Testing, tracking, treatment and Covid appropriate behaviour, are necessary and there should be a continued emphasis on this. In this second wave of Corona, we still have to pay a lot of attention in rural and inaccessible areas," PM Modi added.

PM Modi told the officials that apart from Covid, they also have to take care of the ease of living of every citizen of their district.

"We also have to stop the infection and maintain the supply of essential supplies related to daily life...Rapid work is being done to install oxygen plants in hospitals in every district of the country through PM Cares. These plants have already started functioning in many hospitals," he added.

The Prime Minister said the country needs to fight the myths associated with vaccination as it is a powerful way to fight COVID-19.

"Vaccination is a powerful way to fight Covid, so we have to fight against all myths associated with it, together. Constant efforts are being made to increase the supply of the Corona vaccine on a very large scale. The Health Ministry is continuously streamlining the arrangements and procedures regarding vaccination," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with senior officials from state and districts to know their experience while handling the second wave of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with senior officials from state and districts to know their experience while handling the second wave of COVID-19. He said that they were playing a very important role in the battle against coronavirus. He said in a way, they were "field commanders" of the battle against the deadly virus. "There are different challenges in every district of our country. You understand the challenges of your district best. When your district wins, it is the country's victory. If your district defeats COVID-19, so does the country," said PM Modi. "You all are playing a very important role in the battle against Corona. In a way, you are the field commanders of this battle. What are our weapons against this virus? Our weapons are - Local containment zones, aggressive testing and correct and complete information to the people," he said. The Prime Minister pointed out that the number of COVID-19 infections is now decreasing in many states, but increasing in several others. "We need to be more vigilant in the face of decreasing data. In almost every meeting in the last one year, I have requested that our fight is to save every single life," he said. "Testing, tracking, treatment and Covid appropriate behaviour, are necessary and there should be a continued emphasis on this. In this second wave of Corona, we still have to pay a lot of attention in rural and inaccessible areas," PM Modi added. PM Modi told the officials that apart from Covid, they also have to take care of the ease of living of every citizen of their district. "We also have to stop the infection and maintain the supply of essential supplies related to daily life...Rapid work is being done to install oxygen plants in hospitals in every district of the country through PM Cares. These plants have already started functioning in many hospitals," he added. The Prime Minister said the country needs to fight the myths associated with vaccination as it is a powerful way to fight COVID-19. "Vaccination is a powerful way to fight Covid, so we have to fight against all myths associated with it, together. Constant efforts are being made to increase the supply of the Corona vaccine on a very large scale. The Health Ministry is continuously streamlining the arrangements and procedures regarding vaccination," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: You are field commanders, your weapons are containment, testing, says PM Modi to officials

Of the 1.2 million fully vaccinated people in Switzerland, more than 130 people contracted Covid-19 after their second dose. Around 12 cases are being considered fatal, according to the latest data provided by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) on Monday.

The data highlighted the risk of getting infected even after being completely vaccinated against COVID-19.&nbsp;

However, the rate of infections, deaths and hospitalisations in Switzerland has dropped in the past two weeks, health authorities report.

From January 1 to May 14, 134 vaccinees were infected with the deadly virus, with most of them aged 80 and over. Of those infected, 27 people were hospitalized and 12 died.

The lowest number of COVID-19 infections after the vaccination was recorded among people aged 20-29. In this age group, only one man and two women tested positive for COVID-19.

"Since most of the elderly have been vaccinated so far, the number of infections after vaccination is higher in older people. In addition, the effectiveness of the vaccine may decrease with age. We will closely monitor the developments," a FOPH representative told Sputnik, adding that no COVID-19 vaccine is 100% effective against the virus.

So far, more than 1.1 million people, or roughly 14% of the population, have been inoculated in Switzerland. The country has approved three vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson, and currently considers AstraZeneca's application.

(With inputs from agencies)

Of the 1.2 million fully vaccinated people in Switzerland, more than 130 people contracted Covid-19 after their second dose. Around 12 cases are being considered fatal, according to the latest data provided by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) on Monday.

Of the 1.2 million fully vaccinated people in Switzerland, more than 130 people contracted Covid-19 after their second dose. Around 12 cases are being considered fatal, according to the latest data provided by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) on Monday. The data highlighted the risk of getting infected even after being completely vaccinated against COVID-19. However, the rate of infections, deaths and hospitalisations in Switzerland has dropped in the past two weeks, health authorities report. From January 1 to May 14, 134 vaccinees were infected with the deadly virus, with most of them aged 80 and over. Of those infected, 27 people were hospitalized and 12 died. The lowest number of COVID-19 infections after the vaccination was recorded among people aged 20-29. In this age group, only one man and two women tested positive for COVID-19. "Since most of the elderly have been vaccinated so far, the number of infections after vaccination is higher in older people. In addition, the effectiveness of the vaccine may decrease with age. We will closely monitor the developments," a FOPH representative told Sputnik, adding that no COVID-19 vaccine is 100% effective against the virus. So far, more than 1.1 million people, or roughly 14% of the population, have been inoculated in Switzerland. The country has approved three vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, and currently considers AstraZeneca's application. (With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland: Despite getting both vaccine shots, over 130 people contract COVID-19

The Chinese mainland has reported four new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Liaoning province, the National Health Commission said on Tuesday. 
 
Besides the four cases, the country has also registered 18 new imported infections, Xinhua news agency quoted the Commission as saying. 
 
Of the 18 cases, six were reported in Shaanxi, four in Shanghai, two in Sichuan and one each in Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Hunan and Guangdong. 
 
No new deaths related to COVID-19 were reported. 
 
China has so far reported 90,872 coronavirus cases and 4,636 deaths.

The Chinese mainland has reported four new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Liaoning province, the National Health Commission said on Tuesday. Besides the four cases, the country has also registered 18 new imported infections, Xinhua news agency quoted the Commission as saying.

The Chinese mainland has reported four new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Liaoning province, the National Health Commission said on Tuesday. Besides the four cases, the country has also registered 18 new imported infections, Xinhua news agency quoted the Commission as saying. Of the 18 cases, six were reported in Shaanxi, four in Shanghai, two in Sichuan and one each in Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Hunan and Guangdong. No new deaths related to COVID-19 were reported. China has so far reported 90,872 coronavirus cases and 4,636 deaths.

China reports 4 new locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases

India on Monday recorded 2,81,386 new cases of the novel coronavirus, along with 4,106 deaths due to the infection.&nbsp;

According to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry, the country saw a total of 3,78,741 discharges in the last 24 hours, taking the total recovery to 2,11,74,076.&nbsp;

The total cases of COVID-19 in India have now mounted to 2,49,65,463, with 35,16,997 active cases, the data showed. 
 
The total death toll in the country is now at 2,74,390. A total of 18,29,26,460 people have so far been vaccinated against COVID-19 in India.

The last time the country recorded a low single-day spike in new cases was on April 21, when 2,95,041 new cases were reported. Nine days later, on April 30, India became the first country to report more than 4 lakh daily cases since the pandemic began in 2020.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past &nbsp;60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19 last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Monday recorded 2,81,386 new cases of the novel coronavirus, along with 4,106 deaths due to the infection. According to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry, the country saw a total of 3,78,741 discharges in the last 24 hours, taking the total recovery to 2,11,74,076.

India on Monday recorded 2,81,386 new cases of the novel coronavirus, along with 4,106 deaths due to the infection. According to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry, the country saw a total of 3,78,741 discharges in the last 24 hours, taking the total recovery to 2,11,74,076. The total cases of COVID-19 in India have now mounted to 2,49,65,463, with 35,16,997 active cases, the data showed. The total death toll in the country is now at 2,74,390. A total of 18,29,26,460 people have so far been vaccinated against COVID-19 in India. The last time the country recorded a low single-day spike in new cases was on April 21, when 2,95,041 new cases were reported. Nine days later, on April 30, India became the first country to report more than 4 lakh daily cases since the pandemic began in 2020. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19 last year. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 2,81,386 lakh new COVID-19 cases, lowest rise after 26 days

The first batch of anti-COVID-19 drug 2-DG, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be released today Monday by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.

The 2-DG (2-deoxy-D-glucose), an anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of the drug, has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Dr Reddys Laboratories (DRL).&nbsp;

The Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) has approved the oral drug for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe coronavirus patients, the defence ministry said earlier this month.

The officials said the first batch of the drug will be released by the two ministers at an event at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) headquarters.

The ministry, on May 8, said the clinical trials of the drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), showed that it helps in a faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence.

The drug's approval has come when India is grappling with a record-breaking wave of the coronavirus pandemic that has stretched the country's healthcare infrastructure to its limit.

"In the ongoing second COVID-19 wave, a large number of patients are facing severe oxygen dependency and need hospitalisation. The drug is expected to save precious lives due to the mechanism of its operation in the infected cells. This also reduces the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients," the ministry had said.

The anti-COVID therapeutic application of the drug has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a leading laboratory of the DRDO, in collaboration with Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) in Hyderabad.

The drug comes in powder form in a sachet and is taken orally by dissolving it in water, the ministry said.

In efficacy trends, patients treated with 2-DG showed a faster symptomatic cure than the standard of care (SoC) on various endpoints.

(With inputs from agencies)

The first batch of anti-COVID-19 drug 2-DG, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be released today Monday by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.

The first batch of anti-COVID-19 drug 2-DG, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be released today Monday by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. The 2-DG (2-deoxy-D-glucose), an anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of the drug, has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Dr Reddys Laboratories (DRL). The Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) has approved the oral drug for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe coronavirus patients, the defence ministry said earlier this month. The officials said the first batch of the drug will be released by the two ministers at an event at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) headquarters. The ministry, on May 8, said the clinical trials of the drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), showed that it helps in a faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. The drug's approval has come when India is grappling with a record-breaking wave of the coronavirus pandemic that has stretched the country's healthcare infrastructure to its limit. "In the ongoing second COVID-19 wave, a large number of patients are facing severe oxygen dependency and need hospitalisation. The drug is expected to save precious lives due to the mechanism of its operation in the infected cells. This also reduces the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients," the ministry had said. The anti-COVID therapeutic application of the drug has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a leading laboratory of the DRDO, in collaboration with Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) in Hyderabad. The drug comes in powder form in a sachet and is taken orally by dissolving it in water, the ministry said. In efficacy trends, patients treated with 2-DG showed a faster symptomatic cure than the standard of care (SoC) on various endpoints. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: DRDO's anti-coronavirus drug 2-DG to be released today

Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19, as per an official on Thursday.

While speaking to the reporters, DIG (Prisons), Subhakanta Mishra said, "Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19.

Patients shifted to COVID-19 hospitals and 449 convicts released on 90-day parole.

"To curb the spread, Mishra informed, "Patnagarh Sub-Jail and a cell of Berhampur Jail has been converted into a COVID-19 care centre. We are looking into the matter." 
 
The COVID-19 caseload in Odisha mounted to 576, 297 as 10,649 more people tested positive for the virus and 19 new deaths pushed the total death toll to 2,251, informed the state health bulletin yesterday. 
 
Odisha has 100,313 active cases, as per the official data, adding that 473,680 patients have so far recovered from the infection.

Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19, as per an official on Thursday. While speaking to the reporters, DIG (Prisons), Subhakanta Mishra said, "Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19.

Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19, as per an official on Thursday. While speaking to the reporters, DIG (Prisons), Subhakanta Mishra said, "Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19. Patients shifted to COVID-19 hospitals and 449 convicts released on 90-day parole. "To curb the spread, Mishra informed, "Patnagarh Sub-Jail and a cell of Berhampur Jail has been converted into a COVID-19 care centre. We are looking into the matter." The COVID-19 caseload in Odisha mounted to 576, 297 as 10,649 more people tested positive for the virus and 19 new deaths pushed the total death toll to 2,251, informed the state health bulletin yesterday. Odisha has 100,313 active cases, as per the official data, adding that 473,680 patients have so far recovered from the infection.

COVID-19 in India: 120 prisoners test positive in Odisha jails