With a record single-day rise of 3,49,691 new coronavirus infections, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,69,60,172, while the number of active cases crossed the 2,60,000 mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

According to the data updated at 8 am, the death toll increased to 1,92,311 with&nbsp;a record 2,767&nbsp;daily new fatalities.

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 26,82,751, this figure comprises&nbsp;about 15.82 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has now further dropped to 83.05 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-deeply-concerned-about-covid-outbreak-in-india-379971">US to support India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic</a>

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,40,85,110, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.13 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

Taking a look at last year's figures, India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 2,00,000&nbsp;mark on August 7, 3,00,000&nbsp;on August 23, 4,00,000 on September 5 and 500,000 on September 16. It went past 600,000 on September 28, 7,00,000 on October 11, crossed 8,00,000 on October 29, 9,00,000 on November 20 and surpassed the 10 Million&nbsp;mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of 15 Million on April 19. According to the ICMR, 27,79,18,810 samples have been tested up to April 25 with 17,19,588 samples being tested on Saturday.&nbsp;

With a record single-day rise of 3,49,691 new coronavirus infections, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,69,60,172, while the number of active cases crossed the 2,60,000 mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

With a record single-day rise of 3,49,691 new coronavirus infections, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,69,60,172, while the number of active cases crossed the 2,60,000 mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. According to the data updated at 8 am, the death toll increased to 1,92,311 with a record 2,767 daily new fatalities. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 26,82,751, this figure comprises about 15.82 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has now further dropped to 83.05 per cent. Also read | US to support India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,40,85,110, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.13 per cent, the data stated. Taking a look at last year's figures, India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 2,00,000 mark on August 7, 3,00,000 on August 23, 4,00,000 on September 5 and 500,000 on September 16. It went past 600,000 on September 28, 7,00,000 on October 11, crossed 8,00,000 on October 29, 9,00,000 on November 20 and surpassed the 10 Million mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of 15 Million on April 19. According to the ICMR, 27,79,18,810 samples have been tested up to April 25 with 17,19,588 samples being tested on Saturday.

India adds record over 349,000 new COVID-19 cases in single day

Kuwait's directorate general of civil aviation said early on Saturday in a tweet that it had suspended all direct commercial flights coming from India, effective April 24 and until further notice.

The move was on the instructions of health authorities after an evaluation of the global coronavirus status. All passengers arriving from India either directly or via another country will be banned from entering unless they have spent at least 14 days out of India, the statement said.

Kuwaiti citizens, their first-degree relatives and their domestic workers will be allowed to enter. Cargo is unaffected.

Kuwait is not the first country to impose travel restrictions on India. This past week Singapore health ministry also said that it will not allow entry to long-term visa holders and short-term visitors with recent&nbsp;travel&nbsp;history to&nbsp;India, which is battling a second wave of COVID-19 infections.

The government said&nbsp;travel&nbsp;restrictions&nbsp;with&nbsp;India&nbsp;will help curb potential cases in the dormitories because many of the labourers arrive from the South Asian nation.

On April 22, Australia has also announced that it will reduce the number of its citizens able to return from&nbsp;India&nbsp;and other red zone countries to contain the risk of more virulent strains of COVID-19, the government. These changes will affect direct flights from&nbsp;India&nbsp;to Sydney and chartered flights that land in the Northern Territory.

Indonesia has also stated that it will stop issuing visas for foreigners who have been in&nbsp;India&nbsp;in the past 14 days to prevent the spread of different coronavirus strains. Indonesians arriving from&nbsp;India&nbsp;will be allowed to enter, however, but must follow stricter health protocols and quarantine.

Kuwait's directorate general of civil aviation said early on Saturday in a tweet that it had suspended all direct commercial flights coming from India, effective April 24 and until further notice.

Kuwait's directorate general of civil aviation said early on Saturday in a tweet that it had suspended all direct commercial flights coming from India, effective April 24 and until further notice. The move was on the instructions of health authorities after an evaluation of the global coronavirus status. All passengers arriving from India either directly or via another country will be banned from entering unless they have spent at least 14 days out of India, the statement said. Kuwaiti citizens, their first-degree relatives and their domestic workers will be allowed to enter. Cargo is unaffected. Kuwait is not the first country to impose travel restrictions on India. This past week Singapore health ministry also said that it will not allow entry to long-term visa holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to India, which is battling a second wave of COVID-19 infections. The government said travel restrictions with India will help curb potential cases in the dormitories because many of the labourers arrive from the South Asian nation. On April 22, Australia has also announced that it will reduce the number of its citizens able to return from India and other red zone countries to contain the risk of more virulent strains of COVID-19, the government. These changes will affect direct flights from India to Sydney and chartered flights that land in the Northern Territory. Indonesia has also stated that it will stop issuing visas for foreigners who have been in India in the past 14 days to prevent the spread of different coronavirus strains. Indonesians arriving from India will be allowed to enter, however, but must follow stricter health protocols and quarantine.

Following a rise in India's Covid numbers, Kuwait suspends commercial flights from India

SINGAPORE&nbsp;- Singapore health ministry said on Thursday it will not allow entry to long-term visa holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to India, which is battling a second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 infections</a>.&nbsp;

<a href="Pfizer identifies fake COVID-19 shots abroad as criminals exploit vaccine demand">Also read&nbsp;</a>

On Thursday, Singapore said it was investigating COVID-19 cases in a migrant workers` dormitory for the possibility of re-infection and is quarantining more than 1,100 of the facility`s residents. So far, 17 recovered workers were found to be positive for COVID-19 at the dormitory.

 
The government said travel restrictions with India will help curb potential cases in the dormitories because many of the labourers arrive from the South Asian nation.

SINGAPORE - Singapore health ministry said on Thursday it will not allow entry to long-term visa holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to India, which is battling a second wave of COVID-19 infections.

SINGAPORE - Singapore health ministry said on Thursday it will not allow entry to long-term visa holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to India, which is battling a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Also read On Thursday, Singapore said it was investigating COVID-19 cases in a migrant workers` dormitory for the possibility of re-infection and is quarantining more than 1,100 of the facility`s residents. So far, 17 recovered workers were found to be positive for COVID-19 at the dormitory. The government said travel restrictions with India will help curb potential cases in the dormitories because many of the labourers arrive from the South Asian nation.

Singapore to block arrivals from India due to coronavirus wave

Due to the "extremely serious" COVID-19 situation in Pakistan, major cities may be closed down if the coronavirus trajectory continues, the country`s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar informed on Wednesday.The minister urged the country to understand the gravity of the situation, Dawn reported.&nbsp;

"Take care of yourself and your fellow Pakistanis. The situation needs to be taken seriously," said Umar."Further restrictions will need to be imposed. Let me make it clear, the level at which the virus is spreading and our hospitals are filling up [...] if we don`t act now, we will have no choice but to close down major cities," the minister warned, adding that this is their "last chance."

"There is a "margin of a few days" before the major cities could be closed down, Umar said.

The minister also requested the chief ministers of provinces to set aside their political differences and sit down with their health authorities.&nbsp;

"We need leadership right now," Umar said.

Pakistan is witnessing the third wave of coronavirus. In the last 24 hours, the country reported 148 new Covid-19 deaths, raising the total death toll to 16,600.With 5,499 new COVID-19 cases, the total number of cases in the country stands at 772,381.

Due to the "extremely serious" COVID-19 situation in Pakistan, major cities may be closed down if the coronavirus trajectory continues, the country`s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar informed on Wednesday.

Due to the "extremely serious" COVID-19 situation in Pakistan, major cities may be closed down if the coronavirus trajectory continues, the country`s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar informed on Wednesday.The minister urged the country to understand the gravity of the situation, Dawn reported. "Take care of yourself and your fellow Pakistanis. The situation needs to be taken seriously," said Umar."Further restrictions will need to be imposed. Let me make it clear, the level at which the virus is spreading and our hospitals are filling up [...] if we don`t act now, we will have no choice but to close down major cities," the minister warned, adding that this is their "last chance." "There is a "margin of a few days" before the major cities could be closed down, Umar said. The minister also requested the chief ministers of provinces to set aside their political differences and sit down with their health authorities. "We need leadership right now," Umar said. Pakistan is witnessing the third wave of coronavirus. In the last 24 hours, the country reported 148 new Covid-19 deaths, raising the total death toll to 16,600.With 5,499 new COVID-19 cases, the total number of cases in the country stands at 772,381.

Major cities in Pakistan may be closed down if COVID-19 wave continues: Minister

Everyone above 18 years of age will be administered COVID vaccine in India,&nbsp;it was decided at a meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday,&nbsp;in a boost to the fight against the pandemic that is surging in a second wave.

The liberalised and accelerated phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination will be implemented from 1st May.

Modi, attending a meeting of doctors and pharma leaders, said the government has been working hard from over a year to ensure that maximum number of Indians are able to get the vaccine in the shortest possible of time.

Pricing, procurement, eligibility and administration of vaccines are being made flexible in phase 3 of India's vaccination drive, which is the world's largest.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-must-not-relax-as-it-combats-second-wave-of-coronavirus-infections-378699">India must not relax as it combats second wave of coronavirus infections</a>

All stakeholders were given flexibility to customise to local needs and&nbsp;everyone above the age of 18 to be eligible to get vaccine.

Vaccine manufacturers will be incentivised to further scale up their production, as well as attract new national and international players, according to decisions taken at the meeting.

Vaccine makers are empowered to release up to 50% of their supply to state governments&nbsp;and in the open market at a pre-declared price.

States are empowered to procure additional vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers, as well as open up vaccination to any category of people above the age of 18 for the same.

Free vaccination will continue for essential and priority populations as defined earlier. This includes health care workers, frontline workers and those aged above 45.

Everyone above 18 years of age will be administered COVID vaccine in India, it was decided at a meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, in a boost to the fight against the pandemic that is surging in a second wave.

Everyone above 18 years of age will be administered COVID vaccine in India, it was decided at a meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, in a boost to the fight against the pandemic that is surging in a second wave. The liberalised and accelerated phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination will be implemented from 1st May. Modi, attending a meeting of doctors and pharma leaders, said the government has been working hard from over a year to ensure that maximum number of Indians are able to get the vaccine in the shortest possible of time. Pricing, procurement, eligibility and administration of vaccines are being made flexible in phase 3 of India's vaccination drive, which is the world's largest. Also Read | India must not relax as it combats second wave of coronavirus infections All stakeholders were given flexibility to customise to local needs and everyone above the age of 18 to be eligible to get vaccine. Vaccine manufacturers will be incentivised to further scale up their production, as well as attract new national and international players, according to decisions taken at the meeting. Vaccine makers are empowered to release up to 50% of their supply to state governments and in the open market at a pre-declared price. States are empowered to procure additional vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers, as well as open up vaccination to any category of people above the age of 18 for the same. Free vaccination will continue for essential and priority populations as defined earlier. This includes health care workers, frontline workers and those aged above 45.

India to give COVID-19 vaccines to all above 18 from May 1 in major boost to fight against pandemic

Amid a steep spike in COVID-19 cases leading to increased demand for medicines to treat coronavirus, top health experts in the government on Monday said anti-viral drug remdesivir is "not a magic bullet" and does not reduce mortality.

Addressing the media, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said remdesivir should only be given to patients hospitalised with moderate illness, who had a fall in oxygen saturation and have infiltrates on chest X-rays or CT-scan.

"Remdesivir is not a magic bullet and this is not a drug that reduces mortality. We may use it as we don't have a very good antiviral drug. It has a limited role and we should be very careful in its usage," he said.

"In major studies, remdesivir was shown to be useful only in those hospitalised patients with falling oxygen saturation and having infiltrates on chest X-ray or CT-scan. It is of no use if given early in mild and asymptomatic patients and also if administered too late," Dr Guleria said.

NITI Aayog member (Health) V K Paul said that remdesivir is not to be used in home settings and not to be procured from chemist shops.

Data from studies so far have shown that remdesivir does not have any effect in reducing the mortality in COVID-19, he said in support of Dr Guleria's remark.

"The health ministry in its 'Clinical Management Protocols for COVID-19' has recommended the use of remdesivir on COVID-19 patients in a moderate stage of the illness. The drug has been included as an 'investigational therapy' and recommended only for restricted emergency," Paul said.

Guleria also said studies have shown that plasma therapy has a limited role in COVID-19 treatment and is of not much use.

About the drug tocilizumab, he said the drug is required in less than 2 per cent of COVID-19 patients because it is only for cytokine storm.

"It is to be given in the later stage of illness among those who have very high inflammatory markers and whose condition is worsening despite steroids, remdesivir and anti-coagulants."

"A majority of patients who have a mild COVID-19 or are asymptomatic will improve with just symptomatic treatment," Guleria asserted, adding the one drug that did show any benefit was steroids, but when to administer it is very important.

"Recovery trial showed that steroid has a harmful effect if given in an early stage of the disease before there is a fall in oxygen saturation."

As for antiviral drug favipiravir, Guleria said the data for its utility in treating COVID-19 is not very strong.

It has no effect on mortality and there is not much evidence to show that it is useful.

It is not recommended for use in the National Clinical Management Protocol for COVID-19, he said.

"So, it is important to understand that by giving treatment when it is not required you may be doing more harm. I appeal to everyone to please follow protocols and give treatment in a rational manner," Guleria said.

Over new research findings that COVID-19 spreads through air and not through droplets, Paul said he has also gone through studies which say that air-borne transmission is more prevalent than surface transmission.

"It is a dynamic situation for new learning," he said.

About precautions to be followed in the backdrop of the emerging information, he said masks play an important role in preventing COVID-19 spread and emphasised the need for good cross ventilation indoors, besides maintaining a physical distance.

Amid a steep spike in COVID-19 cases leading to increased demand for medicines to treat coronavirus, top health experts in the government on Monday said anti-viral drug remdesivir is "not a magic bullet" and does not reduce mortality.

Amid a steep spike in COVID-19 cases leading to increased demand for medicines to treat coronavirus, top health experts in the government on Monday said anti-viral drug remdesivir is "not a magic bullet" and does not reduce mortality. Addressing the media, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said remdesivir should only be given to patients hospitalised with moderate illness, who had a fall in oxygen saturation and have infiltrates on chest X-rays or CT-scan. "Remdesivir is not a magic bullet and this is not a drug that reduces mortality. We may use it as we don't have a very good antiviral drug. It has a limited role and we should be very careful in its usage," he said. "In major studies, remdesivir was shown to be useful only in those hospitalised patients with falling oxygen saturation and having infiltrates on chest X-ray or CT-scan. It is of no use if given early in mild and asymptomatic patients and also if administered too late," Dr Guleria said. NITI Aayog member (Health) V K Paul said that remdesivir is not to be used in home settings and not to be procured from chemist shops. Data from studies so far have shown that remdesivir does not have any effect in reducing the mortality in COVID-19, he said in support of Dr Guleria's remark. "The health ministry in its 'Clinical Management Protocols for COVID-19' has recommended the use of remdesivir on COVID-19 patients in a moderate stage of the illness. The drug has been included as an 'investigational therapy' and recommended only for restricted emergency," Paul said. Guleria also said studies have shown that plasma therapy has a limited role in COVID-19 treatment and is of not much use. About the drug tocilizumab, he said the drug is required in less than 2 per cent of COVID-19 patients because it is only for cytokine storm. "It is to be given in the later stage of illness among those who have very high inflammatory markers and whose condition is worsening despite steroids, remdesivir and anti-coagulants." "A majority of patients who have a mild COVID-19 or are asymptomatic will improve with just symptomatic treatment," Guleria asserted, adding the one drug that did show any benefit was steroids, but when to administer it is very important. "Recovery trial showed that steroid has a harmful effect if given in an early stage of the disease before there is a fall in oxygen saturation." As for antiviral drug favipiravir, Guleria said the data for its utility in treating COVID-19 is not very strong. It has no effect on mortality and there is not much evidence to show that it is useful. It is not recommended for use in the National Clinical Management Protocol for COVID-19, he said. "So, it is important to understand that by giving treatment when it is not required you may be doing more harm. I appeal to everyone to please follow protocols and give treatment in a rational manner," Guleria said. Over new research findings that COVID-19 spreads through air and not through droplets, Paul said he has also gone through studies which say that air-borne transmission is more prevalent than surface transmission. "It is a dynamic situation for new learning," he said. About precautions to be followed in the backdrop of the emerging information, he said masks play an important role in preventing COVID-19 spread and emphasised the need for good cross ventilation indoors, besides maintaining a physical distance.

Remdesivir not magic bullet, does not reduce mortality against COVID-19, say health experts

A prominent Covid-19 denier and conspiracy theorist has died from the virus after holding two gatherings at his home in Norway.&nbsp;

Norwegian Hans Kristian Gaarder died in the town of Gran, roughly 40 miles north of Oslo, on April 6, with subsequent tests showing he had coronavirus.

According to the media reports, just days before his death, he hosted two illegal gatherings at a barn on his property on March 26 and 27. Several attendees have since tested positive for coronavirus and had passed the virus onto their close contacts.

"We don't know how many or who took part in the arrangements, but ask all participants to take a corona test as soon as possible," police said in a press release, according to newsinenglish.no.

Gaarder had used various social media channels to peddle false information relating to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the US election in 2020.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 141.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.01 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 141,113,721 and 3,017,412, respectively.

The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 31,668,532 and 567,217, respectively, according to the CSSE.

In terms of infections, India follows in second place with 14,788,109 cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

A prominent Covid-19 denier and conspiracy theorist has died from the virus after holding two gatherings at his home in Norway. Norwegian Hans Kristian Gaarder died in the town of Gran, roughly 40 miles north of Oslo, on April 6, with subsequent tests showing he had coronavirus.

A prominent Covid-19 denier and conspiracy theorist has died from the virus after holding two gatherings at his home in Norway. Norwegian Hans Kristian Gaarder died in the town of Gran, roughly 40 miles north of Oslo, on April 6, with subsequent tests showing he had coronavirus. According to the media reports, just days before his death, he hosted two illegal gatherings at a barn on his property on March 26 and 27. Several attendees have since tested positive for coronavirus and had passed the virus onto their close contacts. "We don't know how many or who took part in the arrangements, but ask all participants to take a corona test as soon as possible," police said in a press release, according to newsinenglish.no. Gaarder had used various social media channels to peddle false information relating to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the US election in 2020. Meanwhile, the overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 141.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.01 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 141,113,721 and 3,017,412, respectively. The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 31,668,532 and 567,217, respectively, according to the CSSE. In terms of infections, India follows in second place with 14,788,109 cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Man who said Covid was a hoax dies from virus after hosting illegal parties

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided that the state government will set up a temporary 1,000-bed Covid hospital, possibly at the site where the Defence Expo was held last year. 
 
Addressing a virtual meeting of Team 11 on Friday, the Chief Minister asked officials to work out the modalities in this regard without further delay. 
 
Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is MP from Lucknow, has spoken to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and requested him to provide space to defence authorities for setting up makeshift hospitals. 
 
Lucknow is witnessing a surge in Covid cases and the city`s medical infrastructure is inadequate to face the medical crisis. 
 
Diwakar Tripathi, the representative of Rajnath Singh, confirmed that the defence minister has requested the chief minister to provide banquet halls and open space in the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan or the BBD Academy to teams of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for raising the medical infrastructure on its own cost and provide beds and oxygen to patients. 
 
"Since the DRDO already has a chain of command and military hospitals in and around the city as well as the expert medical manpower, it can immediately intervene provided the district administration gives it space for setting up makeshift hospitals," he said. 
 
The chief minister has also announced that there will be a total closure in the state on Sunday so as to enable sanitization and fogging on a large scale. 
 
All shops and establishments will remain closed and public movement will be allowed only in emergency conditions. 
 
The chief minister directed all government and private labs to work at the optimum level. 
 
The OPD services in all hospitals and medical facilities have been stopped and patients can interact with doctors through telemedicine facilities. 
 
The Arogya Melas have also been suspended till May 15. 
 
The state government has also decided to impose a fine of Rs 1,000 on those who move out without wearing masks.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided that the state government will set up a temporary 1,000-bed Covid hospital, possibly at the site where the Defence Expo was held last year.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided that the state government will set up a temporary 1,000-bed Covid hospital, possibly at the site where the Defence Expo was held last year. Addressing a virtual meeting of Team 11 on Friday, the Chief Minister asked officials to work out the modalities in this regard without further delay. Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is MP from Lucknow, has spoken to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and requested him to provide space to defence authorities for setting up makeshift hospitals. Lucknow is witnessing a surge in Covid cases and the city`s medical infrastructure is inadequate to face the medical crisis. Diwakar Tripathi, the representative of Rajnath Singh, confirmed that the defence minister has requested the chief minister to provide banquet halls and open space in the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan or the BBD Academy to teams of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for raising the medical infrastructure on its own cost and provide beds and oxygen to patients. "Since the DRDO already has a chain of command and military hospitals in and around the city as well as the expert medical manpower, it can immediately intervene provided the district administration gives it space for setting up makeshift hospitals," he said. The chief minister has also announced that there will be a total closure in the state on Sunday so as to enable sanitization and fogging on a large scale. All shops and establishments will remain closed and public movement will be allowed only in emergency conditions. The chief minister directed all government and private labs to work at the optimum level. The OPD services in all hospitals and medical facilities have been stopped and patients can interact with doctors through telemedicine facilities. The Arogya Melas have also been suspended till May 15. The state government has also decided to impose a fine of Rs 1,000 on those who move out without wearing masks.

Uttar Pradesh to set up 1,000-bed facility to cope with Covid rush

With India facing the worst wave of pandemic yet, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting vaccination should be open to all people above the age of 18 years.

"At present, we are vaccinating the population above 45 years. Given the rapid spread of the second wave of the disease, we suggest that our vaccination strategy needs to be geared up with immediate effect on war foot. We request the following suggestions in the Covid Vaccination Drive. All citizens above 18 years of age shall be permitted to receive Covid vaccination," IMA said.

The association also urged the Prime Minister that private sector family clinics should also be included actively in the vaccination drive along with private hospitals, as availability of vaccination with all doctors and family physicians will have a positive impact on the drive.

According to IMA, the vaccination certificate should be made mandatory for entering into public places and receiving products under the public distribution system.IMA said as there is an acute spurt of this disease, as a measure to immediately break the chain, a limited period of continuous lockdown should also be implemented especially for all the non-essential areas like cinema, cultural and religious events, sports, among others.

"Zero tolerance against the non-compliance of Covid appropriate behaviours, augmentation of infrastructure beds and oxygen availability, moral support and enthusiastic engagements of frontline health workers ensuring adequate health care protective gears support and strict adherence to the evidence-based treatment protocols are the key factors needed at this moment," IMA`s letter added.

With India facing the worst wave of pandemic yet, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting vaccination should be open to all people above the age of 18 years.

With India facing the worst wave of pandemic yet, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting vaccination should be open to all people above the age of 18 years. "At present, we are vaccinating the population above 45 years. Given the rapid spread of the second wave of the disease, we suggest that our vaccination strategy needs to be geared up with immediate effect on war foot. We request the following suggestions in the Covid Vaccination Drive. All citizens above 18 years of age shall be permitted to receive Covid vaccination," IMA said. The association also urged the Prime Minister that private sector family clinics should also be included actively in the vaccination drive along with private hospitals, as availability of vaccination with all doctors and family physicians will have a positive impact on the drive. According to IMA, the vaccination certificate should be made mandatory for entering into public places and receiving products under the public distribution system.IMA said as there is an acute spurt of this disease, as a measure to immediately break the chain, a limited period of continuous lockdown should also be implemented especially for all the non-essential areas like cinema, cultural and religious events, sports, among others. "Zero tolerance against the non-compliance of Covid appropriate behaviours, augmentation of infrastructure beds and oxygen availability, moral support and enthusiastic engagements of frontline health workers ensuring adequate health care protective gears support and strict adherence to the evidence-based treatment protocols are the key factors needed at this moment," IMA`s letter added.

IMA urges PM Modi to start vaccination for all above 18 years

India reported more than 96,982 cases new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. 
 
With these additional cases, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 1,26,86,049. With 446 new deaths, the death toll in India has gone up to 1,65,547. 
 
There are 7,88,223 active cases in the nation as of now. Furthermore, 50,143 people were discharged after recovery on Monday, taking the nationwide recovery tally to 1,17,32,279. 
 
As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 12,11,612 samples were tested on Monday. A total of 25,02,31,269 samples have been tested so far. 
 
Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a total of 7,91,05,163 people have been vaccinated across the country till now. 
 
On Monday, hitting a grim milestone, India recorded over 1 lakh COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours, the highest single daily spike in infections since the pandemic started last year. 
 
With this, India has become the third country after the US and Brazil to register a six-figure addition in COVID-19 cases in a single day. From April 2, the government started vaccinating all people above 45 years. 
 
India started its vaccination drive on January 16 with priority given to all healthcare and frontline workers in the first phase. The second phase started on March 1 where doses were administered to people above the age of 60 and those between 45 and 59 years with specific comorbidities.

India reported more than 96,982 cases new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. With these additional cases, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 1,26,86,049.

India reported more than 96,982 cases new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. With these additional cases, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 1,26,86,049. With 446 new deaths, the death toll in India has gone up to 1,65,547. There are 7,88,223 active cases in the nation as of now. Furthermore, 50,143 people were discharged after recovery on Monday, taking the nationwide recovery tally to 1,17,32,279. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 12,11,612 samples were tested on Monday. A total of 25,02,31,269 samples have been tested so far. Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a total of 7,91,05,163 people have been vaccinated across the country till now. On Monday, hitting a grim milestone, India recorded over 1 lakh COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours, the highest single daily spike in infections since the pandemic started last year. With this, India has become the third country after the US and Brazil to register a six-figure addition in COVID-19 cases in a single day. From April 2, the government started vaccinating all people above 45 years. India started its vaccination drive on January 16 with priority given to all healthcare and frontline workers in the first phase. The second phase started on March 1 where doses were administered to people above the age of 60 and those between 45 and 59 years with specific comorbidities.

India reports 96,982 new Covid-19 cases, 446 deaths

India breached the critical mark of 1-lakh Covid-19 cases for the first time since the pandemic has begun in 2019.

The country has reported 1,03,558 new coronavirus cases, 52,847 discharges, and 478 deaths in the past 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-case-of-indian-coronavirus-variant-found-in-united-states-375384">Also read: First case of Indian coronavirus variant found in the United States</a> 
 
India's total cases are now at 1,25,89,067. Total recoveries at 1,16,82,136; active cases are 7,41,830 and the death toll has climbed to 1,65,101.

Maharashtra remains the worst hit-state with over 30 lakh total infections logged since the beginning of the pandemic. On Sunday, the state saw the biggest-ever spike in cases with 57,074 fresh infections. 
 
With this, the second wave of the pandemic in India, which started just around 52 days ago, has already seen a higher peak in cases than the first wave. 
 
Meanwhile, the overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 131.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.85 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 131,196,109 and 2,851,973, respectively.

The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 30,671,074 and 554,999, respectively, according to the CSSE.

Brazil follows in second place with 12,953,597 cases and 331,433 fatalities.

The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are India (12,392,260), France (4,802,545), Russia (4,520,879), the UK (4,371,393), Italy (3,650,247), Turkey (3,445,052), Spain (3,300,965), Germany (2,886,029), Colombia (2,437,197), Poland (2,415,584), Argentina (2,383,537) and Mexico (2,247,357), the CSSE figures showed.

(With inputs from agencies)

India breached the critical mark of 1-lakh Covid-19 cases for the first time since the pandemic has begun in 2019. The country has reported 1,03,558 new coronavirus cases, 52,847 discharges, and 478 deaths in the past 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry.

India breached the critical mark of 1-lakh Covid-19 cases for the first time since the pandemic has begun in 2019. The country has reported 1,03,558 new coronavirus cases, 52,847 discharges, and 478 deaths in the past 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry. Also read: First case of Indian coronavirus variant found in the United States India's total cases are now at 1,25,89,067. Total recoveries at 1,16,82,136; active cases are 7,41,830 and the death toll has climbed to 1,65,101. Maharashtra remains the worst hit-state with over 30 lakh total infections logged since the beginning of the pandemic. On Sunday, the state saw the biggest-ever spike in cases with 57,074 fresh infections. With this, the second wave of the pandemic in India, which started just around 52 days ago, has already seen a higher peak in cases than the first wave. Meanwhile, the overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 131.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.85 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 131,196,109 and 2,851,973, respectively. The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 30,671,074 and 554,999, respectively, according to the CSSE. Brazil follows in second place with 12,953,597 cases and 331,433 fatalities. The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are India (12,392,260), France (4,802,545), Russia (4,520,879), the UK (4,371,393), Italy (3,650,247), Turkey (3,445,052), Spain (3,300,965), Germany (2,886,029), Colombia (2,437,197), Poland (2,415,584), Argentina (2,383,537) and Mexico (2,247,357), the CSSE figures showed. (With inputs from agencies)

India's daily Covid-19 cases crosses over 1 lakh mark, first time since pandemic began

National-Award winning actress Rituparna Sengupta has tested positive for Covid-19. She shared the news on social media. The Bengali screen-star won a National Award in 1997 for 'Dahan'. 
 
"I have tested positive for Covid-19 but I want to inform you all that I am feeling fine. I am asymptomatic and following all the required protocols and precautions advised by my doctor and authorities," she tweeted.

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I have tested positive for COVID-19 but I want to inform you all that I am feeling fine. I am asymptomatic and following all the required protocols and precautions advised by my doctor and authorities. I am currently in Singapore and have quarantined myself at recovery centre. <a href="https://t.co/um33xq4nwb">pic.twitter.com/um33xq4nwb</a>
— Rituparna Sengupta (@RituparnaSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/RituparnaSpeaks/status/1371494041985093633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Sengupta said that she is currently in Singapore and had quarantined herself at a recovery centre. 
 
The actress has joined the long list of celebrities who have tested positive. This week, several B-town celebs including Ranbir Kapoor,&nbsp;Manoj Bajpayee, Sanjay Leela Bhansali&nbsp;and Ashish Vidyarthi tested positive. Ranbir's diagnosis was confirmed by his mother Neetu Kapoor and after that,&nbsp;Alia Bhatt&nbsp;also went into self-isolation. However, she confirmed&nbsp;that she tested negative for COVID 19.

Actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and others have been infected with the virus in the past.

&nbsp;

National-Award winning actress Rituparna Sengupta has tested positive for Covid-19. She shared the news on social media. The Bengali screen-star won a National Award in 1997 for 'Dahan'.

National-Award winning actress Rituparna Sengupta has tested positive for Covid-19. She shared the news on social media. The Bengali screen-star won a National Award in 1997 for 'Dahan'. "I have tested positive for Covid-19 but I want to inform you all that I am feeling fine. I am asymptomatic and following all the required protocols and precautions advised by my doctor and authorities," she tweeted. I have tested positive for COVID-19 but I want to inform you all that I am feeling fine. I am asymptomatic and following all the required protocols and precautions advised by my doctor and authorities. I am currently in Singapore and have quarantined myself at recovery centre. pic.twitter.com/um33xq4nwb — Rituparna Sengupta (@RituparnaSpeaks) March 15, 2021 × Sengupta said that she is currently in Singapore and had quarantined herself at a recovery centre. The actress has joined the long list of celebrities who have tested positive. This week, several B-town celebs including Ranbir Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ashish Vidyarthi tested positive. Ranbir's diagnosis was confirmed by his mother Neetu Kapoor and after that, Alia Bhatt also went into self-isolation. However, she confirmed that she tested negative for COVID 19. Actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and others have been infected with the virus in the past.

Actress Rituparna Sengupta tests positive for coronavirus

Six states including Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab and Gujarat are reporting high daily <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases, accounting for 84.71 per cent of the 18,711 new cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 10,187. It is followed by Kerala with 2,791 while Punjab reported 1,159 new cases.&nbsp;

The Centre is continuously engaging with the states and UTs reporting higher caseload of active cases and those showing a rise in the daily new COVID cases, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-changes-rules-for-oci-cardholders-368564" hreflang="en">Indian government changes rules for OCI cardholders</a>

It has deputed high-level teams to Maharashtra and Punjab, that are showing steep increase in the daily new cases.

The other states reporting high daily COVID-19 cases are Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Eight states are displaying an upward trajectory in daily new cases, the ministry highlighted.

India's total COVID-9 active cases increased to 1.84 lakh (1,84,523) which now consists of 1.65 per cent of the total infections.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dalai-lama-receives-first-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine-in-dharamsala-368384" hreflang="en">Dalai Lama receives first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Dharamsala</a>

According to the data, 100 deaths were reported in a span of 24 hours.

Six states account for 87 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (47). Kerala follows with 16 daily deaths. Punjab reported 12 deaths.

In the past two weeks, 10 states have not reported any COVID-19 deaths while 12 states reported between 1 and 10 deaths.

Nineteen states and UTs have not reported any COVID-19 deaths in a span of 24 hours. These are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Lakshadweep, Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Tripura, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Arunachal Pradesh.

More than 2 crore vaccine doses have been administered through 3,39,145 sessions, as per the provisional report till Sunday 7 am.

These include 69,82,637 healthcare workers (HCWs) who have been administered the 1st dose, 35,42,123 HCWs who have been given the 2nd dose, 65,85,752 frontline workers (FLWs) who have taken the 1st dose and 2,11,918 FLWs (2nd Dose), 4,76,041 beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific co-morbidities (1st Dose) and 31,23,873 beneficiaries aged more than 60 years.

As on Day-50 of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> drive (6th March), more than 14 lakh vaccine doses were given.&nbsp;

Out of which, 11,71,673 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 17,654 sessions for 1st dose (HCWs and FLWs) and 2,53,020 HCWs and FLWs received 2nd dose of vaccine.

The 11,71,673 beneficiaries include 7,45,639 aged over 60 and 1,29,295 aged 45 to 60 with comorbidities.

Six states including Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab and Gujarat are reporting high daily COVID-19 cases, accounting for 84.71 per cent of the 18,711 new cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Six states including Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab and Gujarat are reporting high daily COVID-19 cases, accounting for 84.71 per cent of the 18,711 new cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 10,187. It is followed by Kerala with 2,791 while Punjab reported 1,159 new cases. The Centre is continuously engaging with the states and UTs reporting higher caseload of active cases and those showing a rise in the daily new COVID cases, the ministry said. Also read | Indian government changes rules for OCI cardholders It has deputed high-level teams to Maharashtra and Punjab, that are showing steep increase in the daily new cases. The other states reporting high daily COVID-19 cases are Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Eight states are displaying an upward trajectory in daily new cases, the ministry highlighted. India's total COVID-9 active cases increased to 1.84 lakh (1,84,523) which now consists of 1.65 per cent of the total infections. Also read | Dalai Lama receives first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Dharamsala According to the data, 100 deaths were reported in a span of 24 hours. Six states account for 87 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (47). Kerala follows with 16 daily deaths. Punjab reported 12 deaths. In the past two weeks, 10 states have not reported any COVID-19 deaths while 12 states reported between 1 and 10 deaths. Nineteen states and UTs have not reported any COVID-19 deaths in a span of 24 hours. These are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Lakshadweep, Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Tripura, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Arunachal Pradesh. More than 2 crore vaccine doses have been administered through 3,39,145 sessions, as per the provisional report till Sunday 7 am. These include 69,82,637 healthcare workers (HCWs) who have been administered the 1st dose, 35,42,123 HCWs who have been given the 2nd dose, 65,85,752 frontline workers (FLWs) who have taken the 1st dose and 2,11,918 FLWs (2nd Dose), 4,76,041 beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific co-morbidities (1st Dose) and 31,23,873 beneficiaries aged more than 60 years. As on Day-50 of the vaccination drive (6th March), more than 14 lakh vaccine doses were given. Out of which, 11,71,673 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 17,654 sessions for 1st dose (HCWs and FLWs) and 2,53,020 HCWs and FLWs received 2nd dose of vaccine. The 11,71,673 beneficiaries include 7,45,639 aged over 60 and 1,29,295 aged 45 to 60 with comorbidities.

Six states reporting high daily COVID-19 cases

Ask Lucia DeClerck how she has lived to be 105, and she is quick with an answer.

“Prayer. Prayer. Prayer,” she offers. “One step at a time. No junk food.”

But surviving the coronavirus, she said, also may have had something to do with another staple: the nine gin-soaked golden raisins she has eaten each morning for most of her life.

“Fill a jar,” she explained. “Nine raisins a day after it sits for nine days.”

Her children and grandchildren recall the ritual as just one of DeClerck’s endearing lifelong habits, like drinking aloe juice straight from the container and brushing her teeth with baking soda. (That worked, too: She did not have a cavity until she was 99, relatives said.)

“We would just think, ‘Grandma, what are you doing? You’re crazy,’” said her 53-year-old granddaughter, Shawn Laws O’Neil, of Los Angeles. “Now the laugh is on us. She has beaten everything that’s come her way.”

It is a long list. Born in 1916 in Hawaii to parents who came from Guatemala and Spain, she lived through the Spanish flu, two world wars and the deaths of three husbands and a son.

She moved to Wyoming, California and back to Hawaii before finally arriving in New Jersey, where she lived with her oldest son. After turning 90, she moved to an adult community in Manahawkin, New Jersey, along the Jersey Shore, where she remained active until she injured herself in a fall about four years ago.

“She is just the epitome of perseverance,” O’Neil said. “Her mind is so sharp. She will remember things when I was a kid that I don’t even remember.”

DeClerck, the oldest resident of her South Jersey nursing home, learned that she had contracted the virus on her 105th birthday, Jan. 25, the day after she had gotten her second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, according to Michael Neiman, the home’s administrator.

At first, she said she was scared. She did not like being isolated, and she missed the daily chatter from the parade of caregivers at Mystic Meadows Rehabilitation and Nursing, a 120-bed facility in Little Egg Harbor.

She showed few symptoms, Neiman said. And within two weeks she was back in her room, holding her rosary beads and wearing her trademark sunglasses and knit hat.

To her two surviving sons, five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren, who call her Grandma Lucia, she has a new moniker, O’Neil said: “The 105-year-old badass who kicked COVID.”

On Monday, she got a shout-out from Gov. Phil Murphy, who described a phone call with her during a coronavirus news briefing.

“What an uplifting conversation,” the governor said.

DeClerck’s family gathered in January 2020 at Mystic Meadows to celebrate her 104th birthday before the onset of the pandemic. When they learned that she had contracted the virus, they braced for the worst.

“We were very concerned,” her son, Phillip Laws, 78, said.

“But she’s got a tenacity that is unbelievable,” he added. “And she’s got that rosary — all the time.”

A devout Catholic, DeClerck led rosary prayers each week at the nursing home and, before the pandemic, was a fixture at weekly Mass.

She raised three sons and ran a corner store for decades with her first husband, Henry Laws Jr., in Los Angeles. She married twice more after returning to Hawaii, where she worked as a home health aide and welcomed grandchildren for summerlong visits.

DeClerck is one of 62 residents of Mystic Meadows to have contracted the virus; four patients died, including three who were receiving hospice care, Neiman said.

“We’re as careful as possible,” he said, “but this finds a way of sneaking in.”

In January, residents were being tested twice a week, and a rapid test in the last week of the month showed that DeClerck had contracted the virus.

“At first she was a little apprehensive, a little scared, but she said, ‘God will protect me,’” Neiman said.

She had also been vaccinated, which most likely contributed to her recovery. The first studies of Britain’s mass inoculation program showed strong evidence Monday that even one dose of vaccine can help slash coronavirus-related hospitalizations.

DeClerck is not the oldest person to beat the virus.

Europe’s oldest-known resident, Sister André, contracted the virus at 116. She celebrated with a glass of Champagne on her 117th birthday earlier this month at a nursing home in Toulon, a city in southeastern France.

Like Sister André, DeClerck may be ready for a toast.

But it is likely to involve gin and a handful of golden raisins. Her family is following suit.

“Now all of us are rushing out and getting Mason jars and yellow raisins and trying to catch up,” O’Neil said.

Ask Lucia DeClerck how she has lived to be 105, and she is quick with an answer. “Prayer. Prayer. Prayer,” she offers. “One step at a time. No junk food.” But surviving the coronavirus, she said, also may have had something to do with another staple: the nine gin-soaked golden raisins she has eaten each morning for most of her life.

Ask Lucia DeClerck how she has lived to be 105, and she is quick with an answer. “Prayer. Prayer. Prayer,” she offers. “One step at a time. No junk food.” But surviving the coronavirus, she said, also may have had something to do with another staple: the nine gin-soaked golden raisins she has eaten each morning for most of her life. “Fill a jar,” she explained. “Nine raisins a day after it sits for nine days.” Her children and grandchildren recall the ritual as just one of DeClerck’s endearing lifelong habits, like drinking aloe juice straight from the container and brushing her teeth with baking soda. (That worked, too: She did not have a cavity until she was 99, relatives said.) “We would just think, ‘Grandma, what are you doing? You’re crazy,’” said her 53-year-old granddaughter, Shawn Laws O’Neil, of Los Angeles. “Now the laugh is on us. She has beaten everything that’s come her way.” It is a long list. Born in 1916 in Hawaii to parents who came from Guatemala and Spain, she lived through the Spanish flu, two world wars and the deaths of three husbands and a son. She moved to Wyoming, California and back to Hawaii before finally arriving in New Jersey, where she lived with her oldest son. After turning 90, she moved to an adult community in Manahawkin, New Jersey, along the Jersey Shore, where she remained active until she injured herself in a fall about four years ago. “She is just the epitome of perseverance,” O’Neil said. “Her mind is so sharp. She will remember things when I was a kid that I don’t even remember.” DeClerck, the oldest resident of her South Jersey nursing home, learned that she had contracted the virus on her 105th birthday, Jan. 25, the day after she had gotten her second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, according to Michael Neiman, the home’s administrator. At first, she said she was scared. She did not like being isolated, and she missed the daily chatter from the parade of caregivers at Mystic Meadows Rehabilitation and Nursing, a 120-bed facility in Little Egg Harbor. She showed few symptoms, Neiman said. And within two weeks she was back in her room, holding her rosary beads and wearing her trademark sunglasses and knit hat. To her two surviving sons, five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren, who call her Grandma Lucia, she has a new moniker, O’Neil said: “The 105-year-old badass who kicked COVID.” On Monday, she got a shout-out from Gov. Phil Murphy, who described a phone call with her during a coronavirus news briefing. “What an uplifting conversation,” the governor said. DeClerck’s family gathered in January 2020 at Mystic Meadows to celebrate her 104th birthday before the onset of the pandemic. When they learned that she had contracted the virus, they braced for the worst. “We were very concerned,” her son, Phillip Laws, 78, said. “But she’s got a tenacity that is unbelievable,” he added. “And she’s got that rosary — all the time.” A devout Catholic, DeClerck led rosary prayers each week at the nursing home and, before the pandemic, was a fixture at weekly Mass. She raised three sons and ran a corner store for decades with her first husband, Henry Laws Jr., in Los Angeles. She married twice more after returning to Hawaii, where she worked as a home health aide and welcomed grandchildren for summerlong visits. DeClerck is one of 62 residents of Mystic Meadows to have contracted the virus; four patients died, including three who were receiving hospice care, Neiman said. “We’re as careful as possible,” he said, “but this finds a way of sneaking in.” In January, residents were being tested twice a week, and a rapid test in the last week of the month showed that DeClerck had contracted the virus. “At first she was a little apprehensive, a little scared, but she said, ‘God will protect me,’” Neiman said. She had also been vaccinated, which most likely contributed to her recovery. The first studies of Britain’s mass inoculation program showed strong evidence Monday that even one dose of vaccine can help slash coronavirus-related hospitalizations. DeClerck is not the oldest person to beat the virus. Europe’s oldest-known resident, Sister André, contracted the virus at 116. She celebrated with a glass of Champagne on her 117th birthday earlier this month at a nursing home in Toulon, a city in southeastern France. Like Sister André, DeClerck may be ready for a toast. But it is likely to involve gin and a handful of golden raisins. Her family is following suit. “Now all of us are rushing out and getting Mason jars and yellow raisins and trying to catch up,” O’Neil said.

This 105-year-old beat COVID. She credits gin-soaked raisins.

Earlier this week, my family found itself in a rather strange predicament. A distant relative had died. My mother-in-law wanted to pay her condolences to the family. Visiting the grieving family was ruled out given the COVID-19 concerns we're all harbouring despite vaccines rolling out and official numbers coming down.

And then we received a strange invitation on Microsoft Teams from the son of the deceased. A virtual prayer meeting was to be held and we were all to offer our condolences -&nbsp;online.&nbsp;

To my surprise, my mother-in-law, who is very quickly adapting to the new normal, didn't bat an eyelid and decided that she would embrace this too and perform her duties.

What followed was the strangest exercise in coordinating a Microsoft Teams call. A few politically-incorrect giggles followed which didn't fit the occasion. And of course, some tech goof-ups are the trademark of every online class, virtual conference, or meeting, and in this case, a virtual prayer meeting.

We asked ourselves the all-important questions. Would it be appropriate to switch off our video while we offer condolences to the grieving family? What if my son wakes up and starts singing Peppa Pig anthems, or worse yet, what if he screams for a run to the washroom?

We sat down solemnly, patted our hair in place, and muted our microphones. After all, we didn't want someone asking "what's for dinner?" in the middle of this grave exercise!

Family members from across the country and even other parts of the world logged in. Multiple windows were opened, each struggling to keep a sombre face in an unnatural setting. Some forgot to mute their microphones and were heard juggling household chores while the family of the deceased tried to keep their Wi-Fi connection strong enough to handle the virtual grief.

And I thought to myself -- this perhaps is a new way of life. A new way of connecting or disconnecting. We've suffered through the pains of working-from-home and juggling household chores. We have borne the pain of separation from loved ones during lockdowns. And now, we must say goodbye to our loved ones in the most disconnected way too. And yet, we show up, we maintain a sombre face, we persevere.

At some point during the virtual prayer meeting, someone's son had to use the washroom, while another's house help asked what to cook for dinner. Some laughed at the faux-pas while others ignored them. We struggled to keep a straight face, momentarily forgetting why we were in this strange predicament in the first place.&nbsp;

And then it dawned upon me that the pandemic has changed us in more ways than one.

It's one thing when education moves online, weddings are held on video conferences and baby shower gifts are exchanged on Google Pay. But it is truly strange when grief goes virtual. When the end of life is marked with multiple chat windows and curious faces peering at one another. Some observe the other's clothes, some notice the weight gain, others feel obligated to connect with those with whom they have lost contact over time.

And for the elderly, it is an unfair battle. When I see my mother-in-law embrace technology, it gives me pride. When I see her preparing herself to monitor my son's online classes, I feel grateful. But when I see her sitting down on a Microsoft Teams call, grieving and yet worried if the Wi-Fi connection will betray her, I feel frustrated.

But then again, we fight on, we persevere, we realize that this is the New Normal. Who knows if people will ever congregate to offer condolences again?

I shudder to think of what else will move online. Any guesses?

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Earlier this week, my family found itself in a rather strange predicament. A distant relative had died. My mother-in-law wanted to pay her condolences to the family.

Earlier this week, my family found itself in a rather strange predicament. A distant relative had died. My mother-in-law wanted to pay her condolences to the family. Visiting the grieving family was ruled out given the COVID-19 concerns we're all harbouring despite vaccines rolling out and official numbers coming down. And then we received a strange invitation on Microsoft Teams from the son of the deceased. A virtual prayer meeting was to be held and we were all to offer our condolences - online. To my surprise, my mother-in-law, who is very quickly adapting to the new normal, didn't bat an eyelid and decided that she would embrace this too and perform her duties. What followed was the strangest exercise in coordinating a Microsoft Teams call. A few politically-incorrect giggles followed which didn't fit the occasion. And of course, some tech goof-ups are the trademark of every online class, virtual conference, or meeting, and in this case, a virtual prayer meeting. We asked ourselves the all-important questions. Would it be appropriate to switch off our video while we offer condolences to the grieving family? What if my son wakes up and starts singing Peppa Pig anthems, or worse yet, what if he screams for a run to the washroom? We sat down solemnly, patted our hair in place, and muted our microphones. After all, we didn't want someone asking "what's for dinner?" in the middle of this grave exercise! Family members from across the country and even other parts of the world logged in. Multiple windows were opened, each struggling to keep a sombre face in an unnatural setting. Some forgot to mute their microphones and were heard juggling household chores while the family of the deceased tried to keep their Wi-Fi connection strong enough to handle the virtual grief. And I thought to myself -- this perhaps is a new way of life. A new way of connecting or disconnecting. We've suffered through the pains of working-from-home and juggling household chores. We have borne the pain of separation from loved ones during lockdowns. And now, we must say goodbye to our loved ones in the most disconnected way too. And yet, we show up, we maintain a sombre face, we persevere. At some point during the virtual prayer meeting, someone's son had to use the washroom, while another's house help asked what to cook for dinner. Some laughed at the faux-pas while others ignored them. We struggled to keep a straight face, momentarily forgetting why we were in this strange predicament in the first place. And then it dawned upon me that the pandemic has changed us in more ways than one. It's one thing when education moves online, weddings are held on video conferences and baby shower gifts are exchanged on Google Pay. But it is truly strange when grief goes virtual. When the end of life is marked with multiple chat windows and curious faces peering at one another. Some observe the other's clothes, some notice the weight gain, others feel obligated to connect with those with whom they have lost contact over time. And for the elderly, it is an unfair battle. When I see my mother-in-law embrace technology, it gives me pride. When I see her preparing herself to monitor my son's online classes, I feel grateful. But when I see her sitting down on a Microsoft Teams call, grieving and yet worried if the Wi-Fi connection will betray her, I feel frustrated. But then again, we fight on, we persevere, we realize that this is the New Normal. Who knows if people will ever congregate to offer condolences again? I shudder to think of what else will move online. Any guesses? (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | When grief goes online

South Africa is struggling to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections which appears to be driven by a new and more infectious variant of the disease.

South Africa struggles to contain second covid wave with new strain

covid-19-news-1

Covid 19 News, News on Covid 19 News, stories on Covid 19 News, articles on Covid 19 News, Covid 19 News stories at Wion, Covid 19 News news, Covid 19 News latest news

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