The number of COVID-19 vaccination doses delivered in India is set to surpass one billion. India has already provided more vaccination doses than any other country in the globe, with the exception of China.

India set to touch one billion Covid vaccinations mark

The Indian government has issued new rules for the implementation of the vaccination programme, which will take effect on June 21.&nbsp;

"Government-provided vaccine doses will be distributed to States/UTs based on factors such as population, disease burden, and vaccination progress," it stated.

"Service costs may be charged by private hospitals up to a limit of Rs 150 ($2) per dose," it stated.&nbsp;

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Government issues revised guidelines for implementation of National COVID Vaccination Program 
 
Private hospitals may charge up to a maximum of ₹150 per dose as service charges. 
 
State Governments may monitor the price being so charged. 
 
Details👉 <a href="https://t.co/L9XMzRlYCk">https://t.co/L9XMzRlYCk</a> <a href="https://t.co/rND2tAGo7N">pic.twitter.com/rND2tAGo7N</a>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1402167278020358145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As per the guidelines, each vaccine producer must declare the price of vaccine doses for private hospitals; among the population group of people over the age of 18, States/UTs may establish their prioritisation based on the vaccine supply schedule.

The Indian government has issued new rules for the implementation of the vaccination programme, which will take effect on June 21. "Government-provided vaccine doses will be distributed to States/UTs based on factors such as population, disease burden, and vaccination progress," it stated.

The Indian government has issued new rules for the implementation of the vaccination programme, which will take effect on June 21. "Government-provided vaccine doses will be distributed to States/UTs based on factors such as population, disease burden, and vaccination progress," it stated. "Service costs may be charged by private hospitals up to a limit of Rs 150 ($2) per dose," it stated. Government issues revised guidelines for implementation of National COVID Vaccination Program Private hospitals may charge up to a maximum of ₹150 per dose as service charges. State Governments may monitor the price being so charged. Details👉 https://t.co/L9XMzRlYCk pic.twitter.com/rND2tAGo7N — PIB India (@PIB_India) June 8, 2021 × As per the guidelines, each vaccine producer must declare the price of vaccine doses for private hospitals; among the population group of people over the age of 18, States/UTs may establish their prioritisation based on the vaccine supply schedule.

COVID-19: Centre releases new guidelines for implementation of the vaccination programme

India on Tuesday logged 86,498 new Covid infections in 24 hours, less than 100,000 cases for the first time in past 66 days, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said. 
 
It is also the lowest number of cases since April 2 when the country logged 89,129 new cases. 
 
In the past 24-hour, 2,123 more people succumbed to the pandemic. 
 
On Monday, India had reported 100,636 cases, lowest spike since April 6. 
 
India`s overall tally of Covid-19 cases now stands at 289,96,554 with 13,03,702 active cases and 351,309 deaths so far. 
 
Over the last few days, India`s fresh Covid cases have seen downward trend, maintaining over one lakh infections every 24 hours, while the deaths have also remained below the 3,000 mark. After battling a brutal second wave for weeks, fresh Covid cases came down below the three lakh-mark for the first time on May 17 after touching record high of 4,14,188 on May 7. 
 
In the last three weeks, India has recorded over 90,000 deaths. India registered record fatalities due to Covid-19 on May 21 with 4,529 deaths -- the highest from Covid infection in any country in a day since the coronavirus outbreak was reported in China`s Wuhan in December 2019. It surpassed 4,468 deaths in the US on January 12, 2021, and 4,211 in Brazil on April 6, 2021. 
 
According to the Health Ministry, a total of 1,82,282 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,73,41,462 till date. 
 
The Health Ministry said that a total of 23,61,98,726 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 33,64,476 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. 
 
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 36,82,07,596 samples have been tested up to June 7 for Covid-19. Of these 18,73,485 samples were tested on Monday.

India on Tuesday logged 86,498 new Covid infections in 24 hours, less than 100,000 cases for the first time in past 66 days, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said.

India on Tuesday logged 86,498 new Covid infections in 24 hours, less than 100,000 cases for the first time in past 66 days, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said. It is also the lowest number of cases since April 2 when the country logged 89,129 new cases. In the past 24-hour, 2,123 more people succumbed to the pandemic. On Monday, India had reported 100,636 cases, lowest spike since April 6. India`s overall tally of Covid-19 cases now stands at 289,96,554 with 13,03,702 active cases and 351,309 deaths so far. Over the last few days, India`s fresh Covid cases have seen downward trend, maintaining over one lakh infections every 24 hours, while the deaths have also remained below the 3,000 mark. After battling a brutal second wave for weeks, fresh Covid cases came down below the three lakh-mark for the first time on May 17 after touching record high of 4,14,188 on May 7. In the last three weeks, India has recorded over 90,000 deaths. India registered record fatalities due to Covid-19 on May 21 with 4,529 deaths -- the highest from Covid infection in any country in a day since the coronavirus outbreak was reported in China`s Wuhan in December 2019. It surpassed 4,468 deaths in the US on January 12, 2021, and 4,211 in Brazil on April 6, 2021. According to the Health Ministry, a total of 1,82,282 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,73,41,462 till date. The Health Ministry said that a total of 23,61,98,726 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 33,64,476 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 36,82,07,596 samples have been tested up to June 7 for Covid-19. Of these 18,73,485 samples were tested on Monday.

With 86,498 new COVID-19 infections, India reports lowest daily surge in 66 days

The first batch of the Indian made anti-Covid drug called “2-DG” or “2-deoxy-D-glucose” was released for medical use on Monday. Touted as a wonder drug to help ailing patients while reducing the dependency on supplementary oxygen, it is believed that the medicines could immensely take the load off India’s strained healthcare system and could also help limit the fatalities in rural areas which have been ravaged in the ongoing second wave of COVID-19.

Here’s what we know so far

How was it created?

The formulation of the drug was cleared for emergency medical use by India’s national drug regulator - Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on May 1 to treat Covid patients with moderate to severe infections.

2-DG was created by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab which functions under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The lab collaborated with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL), as stated in the Defence Ministry’s release from earlier in May.

What does it do?

Based on clinical data, it appears that the constituent molecules of the 2-DG accentuate the recovery of patients that are witnessing moderate to severe symptoms of COVID-19, especially ones who have undergone hospitalisation and are heavily dependent on oxygen support.&nbsp;

According to available trial data, the drug gathers all cells that are infected with the virus. Then, it prevents further viral multiplication of the virus and halts the production go energy, effectively limiting the spread of the disease. The drug is being touted as a magic cure for its ability to accumulate infected cells in an infected person.

How much data do we have?

The clinical trials for 2-DG began in summer 2020, when India witnessing its first wave of COVID-19. According to the INMAS-DRDO trials, the molecule in the drug effectively fights COVID-19 and stops the growth of the virus. The phase 2 trials for 2-DG began in May 2020 among COVID-19 patients. The trials were undertaken for 110 patients between May and October in 2020.

According to trials, the first part of the phase 2 trials was conducted in six hospitals, while the second part was done at 11 hospitals. Phase 3 trials began in November 2020. Between December 2020 and March 2021, 220 patients underwent trials from 27 hospitals spread across Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

What’s the proof?

According to government data, 2-DG was not only safe among Covid patients, but in fact helped improve the recovery. The trial data says the patients who received 2-DG recovered quicker than those who received standard treatments.

Phase 3 trials showed that 2-DG recipients were off supplementary oxygen (42 per cent as opposed to 31 per cent who were receiving standard care) by the third day of being administered the drug.

If this works out well, the drug could change the route of treatments being commissioned in India right now.

The first batch of the Indian made anti-Covid drug called “2-DG” or “2-deoxy-D-glucose” was released for medical use on Monday. Touted as a wonder drug to help ailing patients while reducing the dependency on supplementary oxygen, it is believed that the medicines could immensely take the load off India’s strained healthcare system and could also help limit the fatalities in rural areas which have been ravaged in the ongoing second wave of COVID-19.

The first batch of the Indian made anti-Covid drug called “2-DG” or “2-deoxy-D-glucose” was released for medical use on Monday. Touted as a wonder drug to help ailing patients while reducing the dependency on supplementary oxygen, it is believed that the medicines could immensely take the load off India’s strained healthcare system and could also help limit the fatalities in rural areas which have been ravaged in the ongoing second wave of COVID-19. Here’s what we know so far How was it created? The formulation of the drug was cleared for emergency medical use by India’s national drug regulator - Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on May 1 to treat Covid patients with moderate to severe infections. 2-DG was created by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab which functions under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The lab collaborated with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL), as stated in the Defence Ministry’s release from earlier in May. What does it do? Based on clinical data, it appears that the constituent molecules of the 2-DG accentuate the recovery of patients that are witnessing moderate to severe symptoms of COVID-19, especially ones who have undergone hospitalisation and are heavily dependent on oxygen support. According to available trial data, the drug gathers all cells that are infected with the virus. Then, it prevents further viral multiplication of the virus and halts the production go energy, effectively limiting the spread of the disease. The drug is being touted as a magic cure for its ability to accumulate infected cells in an infected person. How much data do we have? The clinical trials for 2-DG began in summer 2020, when India witnessing its first wave of COVID-19. According to the INMAS-DRDO trials, the molecule in the drug effectively fights COVID-19 and stops the growth of the virus. The phase 2 trials for 2-DG began in May 2020 among COVID-19 patients. The trials were undertaken for 110 patients between May and October in 2020. According to trials, the first part of the phase 2 trials was conducted in six hospitals, while the second part was done at 11 hospitals. Phase 3 trials began in November 2020. Between December 2020 and March 2021, 220 patients underwent trials from 27 hospitals spread across Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. What’s the proof? According to government data, 2-DG was not only safe among Covid patients, but in fact helped improve the recovery. The trial data says the patients who received 2-DG recovered quicker than those who received standard treatments. Phase 3 trials showed that 2-DG recipients were off supplementary oxygen (42 per cent as opposed to 31 per cent who were receiving standard care) by the third day of being administered the drug. If this works out well, the drug could change the route of treatments being commissioned in India right now.

Explainer: What is 2-DG, India's new anti-Covid drug? How does it work?

Patients, who had organ transplants, remain vulnerable to COVID-19 infections even after a second vaccine dose, finds a study that urges people who are immunocompromised to strictly adhere to wearing masks, and maintain physical distancing, even after vaccination. 
 
The study, led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University in the US, showed that after two doses of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, &nbsp;the virus that causes COVID 19, just 54 per cent of people who have received solid organ transplants produced sufficient antibodies. The findings are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). 
 
"Transplant recipients should not assume that two vaccine doses guarantee sufficient immunity against SARS-CoV-2 any more than it did after just one dose," said Dorry Segev, Professor of Surgery and Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. 
 
"Based on our findings, we recommend that transplant recipients and other immunocompromised patients continue to practice strict <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> safety precautions, even after vaccination," added lead author Brian Boyarsky, a surgeon at the varsity. 
 
People who receive solid organ transplants (such as hearts, lungs and kidneys) often must take drugs to suppress their immune systems and prevent rejection. Such regimens may interfere with a transplant recipient`s ability to make antibodies to foreign substances, including the protective ones produced in response to vaccines, the researchers said. 
 
The study evaluated this immunogenic response following vaccination from either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech in 658 transplant recipients, none of whom had a prior diagnosis of COVID-19, between December 16, 2020, and March 13, 2021. 
 
The team found that only 98 of the 658 study participants, 15 per cent, had detectable antibodies to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">SARS-CoV-2</a> at 21 days after the first vaccine dose. 
 
At 29 days following the second dose, the number of participants with detectable antibodies rose to 357 out of 658, 54 per cent. After both vaccine doses were administered, 301 out of 658 participants, 46 per cent had no detectable antibody at all while 259, 39 per cent only produced antibodies after the second shot.

Patients, who had organ transplants, remain vulnerable to COVID-19 infections even after a second vaccine dose, finds a study that urges people who are immunocompromised to strictly adhere to wearing masks, and maintain physical distancing, even after vaccination.

Patients, who had organ transplants, remain vulnerable to COVID-19 infections even after a second vaccine dose, finds a study that urges people who are immunocompromised to strictly adhere to wearing masks, and maintain physical distancing, even after vaccination. The study, led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University in the US, showed that after two doses of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID 19, just 54 per cent of people who have received solid organ transplants produced sufficient antibodies. The findings are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). "Transplant recipients should not assume that two vaccine doses guarantee sufficient immunity against SARS-CoV-2 any more than it did after just one dose," said Dorry Segev, Professor of Surgery and Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. "Based on our findings, we recommend that transplant recipients and other immunocompromised patients continue to practice strict COVID-19 safety precautions, even after vaccination," added lead author Brian Boyarsky, a surgeon at the varsity. People who receive solid organ transplants (such as hearts, lungs and kidneys) often must take drugs to suppress their immune systems and prevent rejection. Such regimens may interfere with a transplant recipient`s ability to make antibodies to foreign substances, including the protective ones produced in response to vaccines, the researchers said. The study evaluated this immunogenic response following vaccination from either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech in 658 transplant recipients, none of whom had a prior diagnosis of COVID-19, between December 16, 2020, and March 13, 2021. The team found that only 98 of the 658 study participants, 15 per cent, had detectable antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 at 21 days after the first vaccine dose. At 29 days following the second dose, the number of participants with detectable antibodies rose to 357 out of 658, 54 per cent. After both vaccine doses were administered, 301 out of 658 participants, 46 per cent had no detectable antibody at all while 259, 39 per cent only produced antibodies after the second shot.

COVID jabs won't raise immunity in organ transplant patients: Study

The head of Maharashtra's COVID-19 task force Dr Sanjay Oak on Thursday said a COVID-19 patient can infect 400 people, and hence, there is no alternative to masks, hygiene and social distancing.

Speaking to reporters, Oak said a new range of symptoms such as common cold, mild body ache and fatigue has emerged in COVID-19 patients in the state.

"The coronavirus infection generally spreads through our nose. One COVID-19 patients can infect at least 400 people. Hence, there is no alternative to wearing mask, hygiene and social distancing," the senior health official said.

Symptoms such as common cold, mild body ache and fatigue have emerged among patients and people tend to postpone their visit to a doctor when they notice these signs, he said.

"In the current situation, any such symptom should be treated as COVID-19 infection and medicines should be given accordingly," he said.

Oak also alleged that the Centre was not providing enough support to undertake vaccination for all.

"There are some challenges in mass vaccination. We want permission for door-to-door immunisation. The state government is ready to implement it, but we cannot do it without the Centre's permission," he said.

A sizeable population can't move outside their homes easily and such people can be inoculated at home, the official said, adding that the side-effects of the vaccines are nothing compared to the protection they offer from the virus.

"There are reports that some states have started door-to-door vaccination, and Maharashtra should also be allowed to do so.

The state should be able to vaccinate maximum population by June for better control on the virus and its spread," he said.

Speaking about the line of treatment, Oak said, "Treating every symptom as COVID-19 and starting the treatment as soon as possible is the need of the hour."

There have been cases where people with a common cold and mild body ache come to COVID-19 centres very late and succumb to the disease within a couple of days from the date of admission, he said.

"This means when they approach us, the infection has been spread widely," he added.

When asked about the surge in infections in the state, he said, "It is true that the number of cases in Maharashtra is drastically increasing. Maharashtra is reporting the number of COVID-19 cases honestly, and hence, our figures appear high."

Genome sequencing of samples in the state has been increased to ascertain the strain of the virus, he added.

The head of Maharashtra's COVID-19 task force Dr Sanjay Oak on Thursday said a COVID-19 patient can infect 400 people, and hence, there is no alternative to masks, hygiene and social distancing.

The head of Maharashtra's COVID-19 task force Dr Sanjay Oak on Thursday said a COVID-19 patient can infect 400 people, and hence, there is no alternative to masks, hygiene and social distancing. Speaking to reporters, Oak said a new range of symptoms such as common cold, mild body ache and fatigue has emerged in COVID-19 patients in the state. "The coronavirus infection generally spreads through our nose. One COVID-19 patients can infect at least 400 people. Hence, there is no alternative to wearing mask, hygiene and social distancing," the senior health official said. Symptoms such as common cold, mild body ache and fatigue have emerged among patients and people tend to postpone their visit to a doctor when they notice these signs, he said. "In the current situation, any such symptom should be treated as COVID-19 infection and medicines should be given accordingly," he said. Oak also alleged that the Centre was not providing enough support to undertake vaccination for all. "There are some challenges in mass vaccination. We want permission for door-to-door immunisation. The state government is ready to implement it, but we cannot do it without the Centre's permission," he said. A sizeable population can't move outside their homes easily and such people can be inoculated at home, the official said, adding that the side-effects of the vaccines are nothing compared to the protection they offer from the virus. "There are reports that some states have started door-to-door vaccination, and Maharashtra should also be allowed to do so. The state should be able to vaccinate maximum population by June for better control on the virus and its spread," he said. Speaking about the line of treatment, Oak said, "Treating every symptom as COVID-19 and starting the treatment as soon as possible is the need of the hour." There have been cases where people with a common cold and mild body ache come to COVID-19 centres very late and succumb to the disease within a couple of days from the date of admission, he said. "This means when they approach us, the infection has been spread widely," he added. When asked about the surge in infections in the state, he said, "It is true that the number of cases in Maharashtra is drastically increasing. Maharashtra is reporting the number of COVID-19 cases honestly, and hence, our figures appear high." Genome sequencing of samples in the state has been increased to ascertain the strain of the virus, he added.

One Covid-19 patient can infect 400 people: Maharashtra health official

It has been a year since India's 1.3 billion people responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'janata curfew' to break the chain of novel coronavirus, which had then started to spread in some parts of the country.

Since the 14 hour-long 'janata curfew' on March 22, 2020, announced by Modi "for the people, by the people", there has been no looking back in India's fight against COVID-19 to control the virus which, as on Wednesday, has infected 1,17,34,058 people and claimed 1,60,441 lives.

Modi subsequently announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown effective from the intervening night of March 24 and 25.

Soon, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued its first guidelines clarifying about services to be exempted from the lockdown that include those involved in essential services like health and sanitary workers, police, food stores, vegetable vendors and pharmacies.

However, markets, malls, cinema halls, barbar shops, swimming polls were ordered to remain shut and there was complete ban on outdoor activities like public gatherings, visit to religious places and sports events.

As the lockdown was announced suddenly with people getting less than four hours to put their things in place or travel to places as they desired, a humanitarian crisis had emerged when thousands of people, mostly migrant workers, started returning to their homes on foot.

With stories and pictures of exhausted, hungry, thirsty people, who were desperate to reach homes even walking hundreds of kilometres, started appearing in media, government issued advisories to the state government to make arrangements for their food and shelter.

The MHA even allowed the state governments to use the National Disaster Response Funds as emergency measures to help the migrant workers who were trying to travel from places like as far away Gujarat to Assam or Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh.

Many voluntary organisations also came out to help the migrant workers by providing them food and shelter on the way.

While some state governments arranged buses for the transport of their people, the MHA allowed the Railways to run special trains for the convenience of the migrants from their places of work to the home states.

Tragedy also struck in between as over 100 people lost their lives in road accidents while a few others, who were taking rest on the track after long walk, were mowed down by the trains.

Delhi's Nizamuddin was in the news for wrong reasons as it emerged as one of the coronavirus 'hotspots' after a large number of attendees at a religious congregation called 'Tablighi Jaamat' tested positive.

After three weeks, the lockdown was further extended till May 3 with the ever increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

On April 20, the MHA allowed the e-commerce, agriculture industry to resume functioning along with farm activities, construction of roads and buildings in the hinterland which has so far been less affected by the coronavirus, giving much needed relief to many.

On April 25, the government allowed shops, including those located in residential complexes within municipal areas, to remain open at a 50 per cent strength.

Lockdown was further extended till May 17 and subsequently till May 31 with considerable relaxation in the districts falling in the green and orange zones -- those areas where relatively low cases were reported.

All red zones or COVID hotspot districts continue to stay under strict lockdown.

From June 1, the MHA announced phased reopening process terming it as 'Unlock-1' with activities like visit to religious places, opening of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services and shopping malls allowing to function from June 8, after 75 days of strict lockdown.

From July 1, the central government announced 'Unlock 2' where limited domestic and international flights and train services allowed in calibrated way.

The third phase of Unlock came into force from August 1 with the MHA allowing gymnasiums and yoga centres to function, and revoking the night curfew order.

The central government allowed metro services to start from September 7, larger gatherings with 100 people allowed from September 21.

After remaining shut for six months, schools located outside containment zones were partially allowed to reopen to enable students studying in classes 9 to 12 to visit their institutions on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers in September.

On September 30, the MHA announced allowing more activities in areas outside the containment zones that include opening up cinemas, theatres and multiplexes with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity from October 15.

The state and union territory governments were given the flexibility to take a decision on re-opening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in a graded manner.

The government also allowed political gatherings as assembly elections in Bihar was supposed to be held on October 28 with attendance of a maximum of 200 people in a close space or hall and in an open space depending on its size.

On November 25, the MHA allowed the states and union territories to impose local restrictions like night curfew to check the spread of COVID-19 as many states witnessing spurt in coronavirus cases.

The Centre, however, made it clear that the states will have to consult the central government before imposing any lockdown outside the containment zones.

On December 28, the MHA said even though COVID-19 cases decreasing, there is a need to maintain surveillance, containment and caution, keeping in view the surge in the number of cases globally and the emergence of a new variant of the virus in the UK.

On January 27, the government allowed cinema halls and theatres to operate with more people while swimming pools have been permitted for use by all.

As vaccination campaign has started, the MHA in a fresh advisory on February 26 advised the states and union territories to speed up the vaccination of the target population so as to break the chain of transmission and overcome the pandemic.

Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, the Centre Tuesday asked all states and union territories to increase RT-PCR tests, strictly enforce test-track-treat protocol and speed up the pace of vaccination to cover all priority groups.

Issuing fresh guidelines for April, the home ministry said keeping in view the fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, the new positive cases, detected as a result of intensive testing, need to be isolated or quarantined at the earliest and provided timely treatment.

The state governments and union territory administrations should strictly enforce the test-track-treat protocol in all parts of the country, ensure observance of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour by everyone and, scale up the vaccination drive to cover all the target groups, the guidelines said.

All contacts have to be traced at the earliest, and similarly isolated and quarantined, it said.

It has been a year since India's 1.3 billion people responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'janata curfew' to break the chain of novel coronavirus, which had then started to spread in some parts of the country.

It has been a year since India's 1.3 billion people responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'janata curfew' to break the chain of novel coronavirus, which had then started to spread in some parts of the country. Since the 14 hour-long 'janata curfew' on March 22, 2020, announced by Modi "for the people, by the people", there has been no looking back in India's fight against COVID-19 to control the virus which, as on Wednesday, has infected 1,17,34,058 people and claimed 1,60,441 lives. Modi subsequently announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown effective from the intervening night of March 24 and 25. Soon, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued its first guidelines clarifying about services to be exempted from the lockdown that include those involved in essential services like health and sanitary workers, police, food stores, vegetable vendors and pharmacies. However, markets, malls, cinema halls, barbar shops, swimming polls were ordered to remain shut and there was complete ban on outdoor activities like public gatherings, visit to religious places and sports events. As the lockdown was announced suddenly with people getting less than four hours to put their things in place or travel to places as they desired, a humanitarian crisis had emerged when thousands of people, mostly migrant workers, started returning to their homes on foot. With stories and pictures of exhausted, hungry, thirsty people, who were desperate to reach homes even walking hundreds of kilometres, started appearing in media, government issued advisories to the state government to make arrangements for their food and shelter. The MHA even allowed the state governments to use the National Disaster Response Funds as emergency measures to help the migrant workers who were trying to travel from places like as far away Gujarat to Assam or Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh. Many voluntary organisations also came out to help the migrant workers by providing them food and shelter on the way. While some state governments arranged buses for the transport of their people, the MHA allowed the Railways to run special trains for the convenience of the migrants from their places of work to the home states. Tragedy also struck in between as over 100 people lost their lives in road accidents while a few others, who were taking rest on the track after long walk, were mowed down by the trains. Delhi's Nizamuddin was in the news for wrong reasons as it emerged as one of the coronavirus 'hotspots' after a large number of attendees at a religious congregation called 'Tablighi Jaamat' tested positive. After three weeks, the lockdown was further extended till May 3 with the ever increasing number of COVID-19 cases. On April 20, the MHA allowed the e-commerce, agriculture industry to resume functioning along with farm activities, construction of roads and buildings in the hinterland which has so far been less affected by the coronavirus, giving much needed relief to many. On April 25, the government allowed shops, including those located in residential complexes within municipal areas, to remain open at a 50 per cent strength. Lockdown was further extended till May 17 and subsequently till May 31 with considerable relaxation in the districts falling in the green and orange zones -- those areas where relatively low cases were reported. All red zones or COVID hotspot districts continue to stay under strict lockdown. From June 1, the MHA announced phased reopening process terming it as 'Unlock-1' with activities like visit to religious places, opening of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services and shopping malls allowing to function from June 8, after 75 days of strict lockdown. From July 1, the central government announced 'Unlock 2' where limited domestic and international flights and train services allowed in calibrated way. The third phase of Unlock came into force from August 1 with the MHA allowing gymnasiums and yoga centres to function, and revoking the night curfew order. The central government allowed metro services to start from September 7, larger gatherings with 100 people allowed from September 21. After remaining shut for six months, schools located outside containment zones were partially allowed to reopen to enable students studying in classes 9 to 12 to visit their institutions on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers in September. On September 30, the MHA announced allowing more activities in areas outside the containment zones that include opening up cinemas, theatres and multiplexes with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity from October 15. The state and union territory governments were given the flexibility to take a decision on re-opening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in a graded manner. The government also allowed political gatherings as assembly elections in Bihar was supposed to be held on October 28 with attendance of a maximum of 200 people in a close space or hall and in an open space depending on its size. On November 25, the MHA allowed the states and union territories to impose local restrictions like night curfew to check the spread of COVID-19 as many states witnessing spurt in coronavirus cases. The Centre, however, made it clear that the states will have to consult the central government before imposing any lockdown outside the containment zones. On December 28, the MHA said even though COVID-19 cases decreasing, there is a need to maintain surveillance, containment and caution, keeping in view the surge in the number of cases globally and the emergence of a new variant of the virus in the UK. On January 27, the government allowed cinema halls and theatres to operate with more people while swimming pools have been permitted for use by all. As vaccination campaign has started, the MHA in a fresh advisory on February 26 advised the states and union territories to speed up the vaccination of the target population so as to break the chain of transmission and overcome the pandemic. Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, the Centre Tuesday asked all states and union territories to increase RT-PCR tests, strictly enforce test-track-treat protocol and speed up the pace of vaccination to cover all priority groups. Issuing fresh guidelines for April, the home ministry said keeping in view the fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, the new positive cases, detected as a result of intensive testing, need to be isolated or quarantined at the earliest and provided timely treatment. The state governments and union territory administrations should strictly enforce the test-track-treat protocol in all parts of the country, ensure observance of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour by everyone and, scale up the vaccination drive to cover all the target groups, the guidelines said. All contacts have to be traced at the earliest, and similarly isolated and quarantined, it said.

'Janata curfew' to vaccination: India's year-long fight against COVID-19

India reported 17,921 new COVID-19 cases, 20,652 recoveries, and 133 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Wednesday. The cumulative cases in the country reached 1,12,62,707 including 1,84,598 active infections and 1,09,20,046 recoveries.

The death toll due to COVID-19 mounted to 1,58,063.With 96,548 active coronavirus infections, Maharashtra has the highest number of active cases.

Kerala follows with 37,446 active COVID-19 cases.As many as 2,43,67,906 vaccine doses have been administered so far.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 22,34,79,877 samples have been tested so far including 7,63,081 samples that were tested yesterday.

India reported 17,921 new COVID-19 cases, 20,652 recoveries, and 133 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Wednesday. The cumulative cases in the country reached 1,12,62,707 including 1,84,598 active infections and 1,09,20,046 recoveries.

India reported 17,921 new COVID-19 cases, 20,652 recoveries, and 133 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Wednesday. The cumulative cases in the country reached 1,12,62,707 including 1,84,598 active infections and 1,09,20,046 recoveries. The death toll due to COVID-19 mounted to 1,58,063.With 96,548 active coronavirus infections, Maharashtra has the highest number of active cases. Kerala follows with 37,446 active COVID-19 cases.As many as 2,43,67,906 vaccine doses have been administered so far.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 22,34,79,877 samples have been tested so far including 7,63,081 samples that were tested yesterday.

India reports 17,921 new coronavirus cases, 133 deaths in last 24 hrs

India has reported 18,088 new COVID-19 cases, 21,314 recoveries in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 1,03,74,932, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.

The death toll increased to 1,50,114 with 264 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 99,97,272 pushing the national recovery rate to 96.36 per &nbsp;cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.

The COVID-19 active caseload remained below 3 lakh for the 16th consecutive day.

There are 2,27,546, active cases of coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 2.19 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, &nbsp;70 lakh on &nbsp;October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, &nbsp;90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the ICMR, 17,74,63,405 samples have been tested up to January 5 with 9,31,408 &nbsp;samples being tested on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

India has reported 18,088 new COVID-19 cases, 21,314 recoveries in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 1,03,74,932, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday.

India has reported 18,088 new COVID-19 cases, 21,314 recoveries in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 1,03,74,932, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday. The national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The death toll increased to 1,50,114 with 264 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 99,97,272 pushing the national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The COVID-19 active caseload remained below 3 lakh for the 16th consecutive day. There are 2,27,546, active cases of coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 2.19 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 17,74,63,405 samples have been tested up to January 5 with 9,31,408 samples being tested on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 18,088 fresh COVID-19 cases, 264 succumb to virus in last 24 hours

India produced over 60 million personal protective equipment (PPE) and 150 million N95 masks in just seven months, said Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani while addressing a programme on Aatmanirbhar Bharat via videoconferencing on Friday.

"India produced over 60 million PPE and 150 million N95 masks from March to October. We have exported over 20 million PPE suits and 40 million masks so far," she said.

Irani added till March, India didn`t have any company producing the PPE suits, and today we have more than 11,000 companies making the protective gears. "Similarly, from the two companies making the N95 masks in March, today we have over 200."&nbsp;

India produced over 60 million personal protective equipment (PPE) and 150 million N95 masks in just seven months, said Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani while addressing a programme on Aatmanirbhar Bharat via videoconferencing on Friday.

India produced over 60 million personal protective equipment (PPE) and 150 million N95 masks in just seven months, said Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani while addressing a programme on Aatmanirbhar Bharat via videoconferencing on Friday. "India produced over 60 million PPE and 150 million N95 masks from March to October. We have exported over 20 million PPE suits and 40 million masks so far," she said. Irani added till March, India didn`t have any company producing the PPE suits, and today we have more than 11,000 companies making the protective gears. "Similarly, from the two companies making the N95 masks in March, today we have over 200."

India produced over 60 million PPE, 150 million N95 masks in 7 months: Smriti Irani

India reported 31,118 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare`s data on Tuesday.

The overall coronavirus cases reached 94,62,810 including 4,35,603 active cases and 88,89,585 recoveries. With 482 new deaths, the cumulative toll mounted to 1,37,621.

A total 12,78,727 cases were reported in November, a decrease from October's 18,71,498, accounting for about 13.51 per cent of the total instances of the viral infection reported in the country so far.

The past month also saw 15,510 lives lost due to the disease, which is just around 11.27 per cent of the total 1,37,621 deaths recorded so far.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 88,89,585, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.94 per cent.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The active COVID-19 caseload remained below five lakh for the 21st consecutive day.

There are 4,35,603 active cases in the country which comprise 4.60 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5.

It went past 50 lakh on September 16, &nbsp;60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, and surpassed 90 lakh on November 20.

According to the ICMR, 14,13, 49,298 samples have been tested so far with 9,69,332 samples being tested on Monday.

The 482 new fatalities include 108 from Delhi, 80 from Maharashtra, 48 from West Bengal, 27 each from Haryana and Punjab, 21 each from Chhattisgarh and Kerala and 20 each from Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Total 1,37,621 deaths reported so far in the country include 47,151 from Maharashtra followed by 11,778 from Karnataka, 11,712 from Tamil Nadu, 9,174 from Delhi, 8,424 from West Bengal, 7,761 from Uttar Pradesh, 6,992 from Andhra Pradesh, 4,807 from Punjab, 3,989 from Gujarat and 3,260 from Madhya Pradesh.

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 reported 31,118 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare`s data on Tuesday. The overall coronavirus cases reached 94,62,810 including 4,35,603 active cases and 88,89,585 recoveries.

India reported 31,118 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare`s data on Tuesday. The overall coronavirus cases reached 94,62,810 including 4,35,603 active cases and 88,89,585 recoveries. With 482 new deaths, the cumulative toll mounted to 1,37,621. A total 12,78,727 cases were reported in November, a decrease from October's 18,71,498, accounting for about 13.51 per cent of the total instances of the viral infection reported in the country so far. The past month also saw 15,510 lives lost due to the disease, which is just around 11.27 per cent of the total 1,37,621 deaths recorded so far. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 88,89,585, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.94 per cent. The COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The active COVID-19 caseload remained below five lakh for the 21st consecutive day. There are 4,35,603 active cases in the country which comprise 4.60 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, and surpassed 90 lakh on November 20. According to the ICMR, 14,13, 49,298 samples have been tested so far with 9,69,332 samples being tested on Monday. The 482 new fatalities include 108 from Delhi, 80 from Maharashtra, 48 from West Bengal, 27 each from Haryana and Punjab, 21 each from Chhattisgarh and Kerala and 20 each from Gujarat and Rajasthan. Total 1,37,621 deaths reported so far in the country include 47,151 from Maharashtra followed by 11,778 from Karnataka, 11,712 from Tamil Nadu, 9,174 from Delhi, 8,424 from West Bengal, 7,761 from Uttar Pradesh, 6,992 from Andhra Pradesh, 4,807 from Punjab, 3,989 from Gujarat and 3,260 from Madhya Pradesh. 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)

Coronavirus caseload in India rises to 94.62 lakh with 31,118 new infections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appreciated the efforts by scientists in Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, Biological E Ltd and Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd to come out with a vaccine solution to tackle COVID-19.&nbsp;

During his virtual meetings with 3 teams- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, Pune, Biological E Ltd, Hyderabad and Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd, Hyderabad- that are working on developing and manufacturing coronavirus vaccine, the Prime Minister discussed the potential of various platforms for COVID-19 vaccine development.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Modi also suggested that the companies should take extra efforts to inform the general public in simple language about the vaccine and related matters such as its efficacy. He also asked the companies to come out with their suggestions and ideas regarding the regulatory processes and related matters.

Matters relating to logistics, transport, cold chain in respect of delivering the vaccines were also discussed at the meetings. PMO said that all the vaccine candidates discussed are at different stages of trials and detailed data and results are expected early next year onwards.

The Prime Minister advised all the departments concerned to engage with the manufacturers and seek to resolve matters so that the efforts by these companies bear fruit in order to serve the needs of the country and the entire world. On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi had visited the Serum Institute of India in Pune as part of efforts to get a first-hand perspective of the preparations, challenges, and roadmap in India's endeavour to vaccinate its citizens against COVID-19.

He had also visited Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad and Bharat Biotech facility at Hyderabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to personally review the vaccine development and manufacturing process against COVID-19. India's coronavirus tally breached the 94-lakh mark after 38,772 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's data on Monday.

The overall coronavirus cases reached 94,31,692 including 4,46,952 active cases and 88,47,600 recoveries. With 443 new deaths, the cumulative toll mounted to 1,37,139.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appreciated the efforts by scientists in Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, Biological E Ltd and Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd to come out with a vaccine solution to tackle COVID-19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appreciated the efforts by scientists in Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, Biological E Ltd and Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd to come out with a vaccine solution to tackle COVID-19. During his virtual meetings with 3 teams- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, Pune, Biological E Ltd, Hyderabad and Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd, Hyderabad- that are working on developing and manufacturing coronavirus vaccine, the Prime Minister discussed the potential of various platforms for COVID-19 vaccine development. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Modi also suggested that the companies should take extra efforts to inform the general public in simple language about the vaccine and related matters such as its efficacy. He also asked the companies to come out with their suggestions and ideas regarding the regulatory processes and related matters. Matters relating to logistics, transport, cold chain in respect of delivering the vaccines were also discussed at the meetings. PMO said that all the vaccine candidates discussed are at different stages of trials and detailed data and results are expected early next year onwards. The Prime Minister advised all the departments concerned to engage with the manufacturers and seek to resolve matters so that the efforts by these companies bear fruit in order to serve the needs of the country and the entire world. On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi had visited the Serum Institute of India in Pune as part of efforts to get a first-hand perspective of the preparations, challenges, and roadmap in India's endeavour to vaccinate its citizens against COVID-19. He had also visited Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad and Bharat Biotech facility at Hyderabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to personally review the vaccine development and manufacturing process against COVID-19. India's coronavirus tally breached the 94-lakh mark after 38,772 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's data on Monday. The overall coronavirus cases reached 94,31,692 including 4,46,952 active cases and 88,47,600 recoveries. With 443 new deaths, the cumulative toll mounted to 1,37,139.

PM Modi appreciates scientists' efforts to come out with vaccine solution to combat COVID-19

With over 5 lakh infected persons having recovered from Covid-19, Tamil Nadu has posted a high recovery rate of around 90%, among the badly hit states. As per the government medical bulletin, there are a little over 46,000 active cases in the state, which has recorded nearly 5.58 lakh Covid-19 cases in total.&nbsp;

In a video interaction with the Chief Ministers of states that are badly hit by the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen appreciating Tamil Nadu’s efforts in mass testing, tracing and isolation. Commending the people and the state government, he said Tamil Nadu presented itself as an example to other states for having controlled the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

In his interaction with the Prime Minister, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that he had personally toured 26 districts to review the performance in the fight against the pandemic. Emphasizing that the state was only employing the highly reliable RT-PCR tests, he said over 66 lakh samples have been tested across the state’s 66 Government and 110 private labs, with an average testing capacity of 85,000 RT-PCR tests per day.&nbsp;

Adding that the daily testing alone cost Rs.6.8crore, the Chief Minister requested Government of India to fund at least 50% of the cost of the PCR tests from the PM – CARES fund, owing to the financial difficulties faced by the state government.

“The State has maintained a low death rate, which is now at 1.62%, one of the lowest in the country. As on date, in no district, the positivity rate is above 10%, deaths due to COVID have also been reduced from an average of 100 deaths per day to around 70 deaths per day. The positive cases per day in Chennai have now been reduced below 1000 from around 2,300 in the month of June 2020” the Chief Minister appraised the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

Adding that the State Government had placed orders for 5.25 crore triple layer face masks, 48.05 lakh N-95 masks, 44.61 lakh PPE kits and 63.25 lakh RT-PCR testing kits, the Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to increase the package of Rs. 712.64 crore allotted to Tamil Nadu to Rs. 3000crore. Mentioning that the state exchequer had fully exhausted the State Disaster Response and Mitigation Fund, he requested an ad-hoc grant of Rs.1, 000 crore rupees from NDRF immediately to fight the pandemic.

From September 1st, in line with Unlock 4.0 aimed at reviving economic activity Tamil Nadu has resumed to near-normalcy. Only academic institutions, Cinema halls, swimming pools, amusement parks, big auditoriums, beaches, zoos, museums, tourist places and similar public places remain shut, until further notice. While all modes of transport are allowed to ply (even if in limited numbers), suburban trains alone are yet to resume services. Religious, political, social, cultural, educational events and celebrations also remain restricted.&nbsp;

While Tamil Nadu has done away with the E-passes for inter-district travel, the state still follows the E-Pass system for inter-state travel. The government maintains that the E-pass system is being retained to keep track of the flow of persons into and out of the state. However, the passes for inter-state travel are offered on an instant approval basis, once applied on the state's web portal.

With over 5 lakh infected persons having recovered from Covid-19, Tamil Nadu has posted a high recovery rate of around 90%, among the badly hit states. As per the government medical bulletin, there are a little over 46,000 active cases in the state, which has recorded nearly 5.

With over 5 lakh infected persons having recovered from Covid-19, Tamil Nadu has posted a high recovery rate of around 90%, among the badly hit states. As per the government medical bulletin, there are a little over 46,000 active cases in the state, which has recorded nearly 5.58 lakh Covid-19 cases in total. In a video interaction with the Chief Ministers of states that are badly hit by the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen appreciating Tamil Nadu’s efforts in mass testing, tracing and isolation. Commending the people and the state government, he said Tamil Nadu presented itself as an example to other states for having controlled the spread of the virus. In his interaction with the Prime Minister, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that he had personally toured 26 districts to review the performance in the fight against the pandemic. Emphasizing that the state was only employing the highly reliable RT-PCR tests, he said over 66 lakh samples have been tested across the state’s 66 Government and 110 private labs, with an average testing capacity of 85,000 RT-PCR tests per day. Adding that the daily testing alone cost Rs.6.8crore, the Chief Minister requested Government of India to fund at least 50% of the cost of the PCR tests from the PM – CARES fund, owing to the financial difficulties faced by the state government. “The State has maintained a low death rate, which is now at 1.62%, one of the lowest in the country. As on date, in no district, the positivity rate is above 10%, deaths due to COVID have also been reduced from an average of 100 deaths per day to around 70 deaths per day. The positive cases per day in Chennai have now been reduced below 1000 from around 2,300 in the month of June 2020” the Chief Minister appraised the Prime Minister. Adding that the State Government had placed orders for 5.25 crore triple layer face masks, 48.05 lakh N-95 masks, 44.61 lakh PPE kits and 63.25 lakh RT-PCR testing kits, the Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to increase the package of Rs. 712.64 crore allotted to Tamil Nadu to Rs. 3000crore. Mentioning that the state exchequer had fully exhausted the State Disaster Response and Mitigation Fund, he requested an ad-hoc grant of Rs.1, 000 crore rupees from NDRF immediately to fight the pandemic. From September 1st, in line with Unlock 4.0 aimed at reviving economic activity Tamil Nadu has resumed to near-normalcy. Only academic institutions, Cinema halls, swimming pools, amusement parks, big auditoriums, beaches, zoos, museums, tourist places and similar public places remain shut, until further notice. While all modes of transport are allowed to ply (even if in limited numbers), suburban trains alone are yet to resume services. Religious, political, social, cultural, educational events and celebrations also remain restricted. While Tamil Nadu has done away with the E-passes for inter-district travel, the state still follows the E-Pass system for inter-state travel. The government maintains that the E-pass system is being retained to keep track of the flow of persons into and out of the state. However, the passes for inter-state travel are offered on an instant approval basis, once applied on the state's web portal.

Tamil Nadu surpasses 5 lakh Covid-19 recoveries, wins praise from PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday chaired a high-level virtual meeting with Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of seven COVID-19 high burden States/UTs to review COVID response and management.

These states are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Punjab, officials said, noting that more than 63% of the active cases in the country are concentrated in these seven states.

During the meet PM asked states to reassess if lockdowns of one or two days are effective in containing COVID-19 and told them to press on with full strength in opening economic activities while fighting the virus. 
 
"There are more than 700 districts in the country but only 60 districts in 7 states are a cause of worry. I suggest CMs to hold virtual conference with people at district/block level for 7 days. We've to learn from the best practices from across the states," said PM in meeting with CMs.

Meanwhile, India tally crossed the 56-lakh mark with a spike of 83,347 new cases and 1,085 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The total case tally in the country now stands at 5,646,011 including 9,68,377 active cases, 45,87,614 cured/discharged/migrated &nbsp;and 90,020 deaths, Health Ministry's latest update informed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday chaired a high-level virtual meeting with Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of seven COVID-19 high burden States/UTs to review COVID response and management.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday chaired a high-level virtual meeting with Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of seven COVID-19 high burden States/UTs to review COVID response and management. These states are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Punjab, officials said, noting that more than 63% of the active cases in the country are concentrated in these seven states. During the meet PM asked states to reassess if lockdowns of one or two days are effective in containing COVID-19 and told them to press on with full strength in opening economic activities while fighting the virus. "There are more than 700 districts in the country but only 60 districts in 7 states are a cause of worry. I suggest CMs to hold virtual conference with people at district/block level for 7 days. We've to learn from the best practices from across the states," said PM in meeting with CMs. Meanwhile, India tally crossed the 56-lakh mark with a spike of 83,347 new cases and 1,085 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total case tally in the country now stands at 5,646,011 including 9,68,377 active cases, 45,87,614 cured/discharged/migrated and 90,020 deaths, Health Ministry's latest update informed. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi asks states to focus on micro-containment zones

With a spike of 92,071 new cases in 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count breached the 48-lakh mark on Monday, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With this latest spike, the coronavirus cases across the country stand at 48,46,428. As per the Health Ministry, there are 9,86,598 active cases while 37,80,108 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated.

The country in the last 24 hours reported 1,136 deaths due to the pathogen taking the overall toll to 79,722.

Total coronavirus cases in the worst-hit state of Maharashtra have crossed the 10.60-lakh mark.

Maharashtra is followed by Andhra Pradesh with 5,67,123 cases. The state crossed Tamil Nadu to take up second place in the list due to a recent massive surge in the number of cases.

Tamil Nadu is third on the list with 5,02,759 cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

With a spike of 92,071 new cases in 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count breached the 48-lakh mark on Monday, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With a spike of 92,071 new cases in 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count breached the 48-lakh mark on Monday, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this latest spike, the coronavirus cases across the country stand at 48,46,428. As per the Health Ministry, there are 9,86,598 active cases while 37,80,108 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated. The country in the last 24 hours reported 1,136 deaths due to the pathogen taking the overall toll to 79,722. Total coronavirus cases in the worst-hit state of Maharashtra have crossed the 10.60-lakh mark. Maharashtra is followed by Andhra Pradesh with 5,67,123 cases. The state crossed Tamil Nadu to take up second place in the list due to a recent massive surge in the number of cases. Tamil Nadu is third on the list with 5,02,759 cases. (With inputs from agencies)

India's tally crosses 48 lakh mark with spike of 92,071 cases, 1,136 deaths

The number of coronavirus cases in India have crossed 47 lakh mark with a spike of 94,372 new cases &amp; 1,114 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

According to the Ministry of Health, total case tally stands at 47, 54,357 including 9, 73,175 active cases, 37, 02,596 cured/discharged/migrated &amp; 78,586 deaths.

"India's COVID-19 recoveries have witnessed a steep exponential rise - from 50,000 in May to over 36 lakhs in September. A high level of more than 70,000 recoveries reported every day. Recoveries are nearly 3.8 times the Active Cases (under 1/4 total cases)," Union Health Ministry tweeted.

A total of 5,62,60,928 samples tested up to 12th September. Of these, 10,71,702 samples were tested yesterday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of coronavirus cases in India have crossed 47 lakh mark with a spike of 94,372 new cases & 1,114 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. According to the Ministry of Health, total case tally stands at 47, 54,357 including 9, 73,175 active cases, 37, 02,596 cured/discharged/migrated & 78,586 deaths.

The number of coronavirus cases in India have crossed 47 lakh mark with a spike of 94,372 new cases & 1,114 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. According to the Ministry of Health, total case tally stands at 47, 54,357 including 9, 73,175 active cases, 37, 02,596 cured/discharged/migrated & 78,586 deaths. "India's COVID-19 recoveries have witnessed a steep exponential rise - from 50,000 in May to over 36 lakhs in September. A high level of more than 70,000 recoveries reported every day. Recoveries are nearly 3.8 times the Active Cases (under 1/4 total cases)," Union Health Ministry tweeted. A total of 5,62,60,928 samples tested up to 12th September. Of these, 10,71,702 samples were tested yesterday. (With inputs from agencies)

India's case tally crosses 47 lakh mark with spike of 94,372 new cases

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