Coronavirus News Highlights: Maharashtra reports 59,907 new cases, 322 deaths

India on Wednesday reported a record 1.15 lakh Covid-19 cases and 630 deaths. Many parts of the country, such as Delhi and Maharashtra, have imposed local lockdowns and night curfews to combat the second wave of the pandemic. Stay tuned for updates.

Covid-19 second wave: India stares at over 1,000 daily deaths in coming weeks

The subdued mortality seen in the second wave of the Covid-19 epidemic so far notwithstanding, India may be staring at more than 1,000 daily deaths in the coming weeks as an astounding number of new cases piles up every day.

Read more

Priyanka Gandhi bats for Covid-19 vaccination for all

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday made a strong pitch for the universalisation of the Covid-19 vaccination drive.

Read more

Nagma tests positive for Covid-19 days after receiving vaccine

Actor-politician Nagma on Wednesday said she has tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently under home quarantine.

The 50-year-old actor took to Twitter and wrote that she contracted the virus despite receiving the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on April 2.

Read more

With 59,907 cases, Maharashtra sees record daily spike

The Covid-19 fresh cases and deaths continued to compound in Maharashtra with the worst pandemic-affected state recording 59,907 new positive cases and 322 deaths.

Read more

EMA confirms blood clots as 'very rare' AstraZeneca side effect

The EU's drug regulator said Wednesday that blood clots should be listed as a "very rare" side effect of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine but that the jab's benefits continue to outweigh the risks.

Read more

SAI orders stricter Covid-19 protocols at its centers, all athletes to be tested weekly

With several Covid-19 cases reported in the country's top training facilities, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Wednesday ordered implementation of stricter protocols, including weekly testing of all athletes and support staff at its campuses across the nation.

Read more

Maharashtra reports 59,907 new Covid-19 cases, 322 deaths; fatality rate at 1.79%

A total of 60 students at IIT Roorkee tested positive for Covid-19 in the last few days. 5 hostels have been sealed after students tested positive: IIT Roorkee media cell in-charge Sonika Srivastava - ANI

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah discharged from hospital

Veteran politician and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah was on Wednesday discharged from a Srinagar hospital, where he was admitted last week as a precautionary measure after testing positive for Covid-19, officials said.

Read more

Manohar Agnani, Additional Secretary, Union Health Ministry writes to Principal Secretaries of Health & Family Welfare of Punjab, Delhi & Maharashtra, asking them to undertake necessary corrective actions immediately for improving the Covid-19 vaccination drives in their state/UT. - ANI.

Centre allows Covid-19 vaccination at workplaces

The Centre has allowed Covid-19 vaccination at the workplaces in private and public sectors if there are more than 100 employees willing to take the shots.

Read more

Government's unscientific and stubborn stance has allowed Covid-19 cases to rise: P Chidambaram

Congress on Wednesday lashed out at the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of mishandling the second wave of Covid-19 infections across the country and warned that the situation could turn into a tsunami if not dealt with properly.

Read more

SII asks govt for funds to boost Covid vaccine output

The Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine manufacturer, has asked the government for a grant of Rs 3,000 crore ($402.97 million) to increase its capacity to make AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine.

Read more

Odisha Government suspend physical classes for class 9 & 11 till April 30th & for classes of class 10 & 12 till April 25th, in view of prevailing Covid-19 situation: Odisha Govt - ANI

Mumbai reports 10,428 Covid-19 cases, 6,007 recoveries in last 24 hours

Covid-19: Noida admin asks residents to inform it about arrival of outsiders

The Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration here has urged residents of Noida and Greater Noida to inform it about the arrival of outsiders in their area for Covid-19 surveillance amid a spike in coronavirus infections.

Read more

Delhi reports 5,506 new Covid-19 cases, 3363 recoveries and 20 deaths in the last 24 hours - ANI

Delhi reports 5,506 new Covid-19 cases, 3363 recoveries and 20 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Total cases: 6,90,568

Total recoveries: 6,59,980

Death toll: 11,133

Active cases: 19,455

Night curfew: People opting for walk-in Covid-19 vaccination will need e-pass in Delhi

Covid-19 vaccination beneficiaries choosing to go for a walk-in vaccination facility will have to acquire an e-pass to travel during the night curfew hours in Delhi, officials said on Wednesday.

The Delhi government on Tuesday imposed a night curfew in the national capital from 10 pm to 5 am till April 30 in view of rising Covid-19 cases.

Read more

Chhattisgarh: Lockdown in Raipur district from April 9 to 19

In view of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the Chhattisgarh government on Wednesday announced a lockdown in Raipur district with effect from April 9 to 19, an official said.

Read more

Bengaluru reports nearly 5,000 new Covid-19 cases, 25 deaths

Karnataka on Wednesday reported 6,976 fresh Covid-19 cases and 35 deaths. A large chunk of fresh cases was reported from Bengaluru, where prohibitory orders were issuedearlier today to curb the Covid-19 spread.

Read more

Karnataka reports nearly 7,000 Covid-19 cases, Bengaluru nearly 5,000

Utterly baseless: Harsh Vardhan on Maharashtra's Covid-19 vaccine shortage allegation

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday slammed the Maharashtra government over statements on the "shortage" of Covid-19 vaccines in the state. He dubbed such remarks as "an attempt to divert attention from the Maharashtra government’s repeated failures to control the spread of the pandemic."

Read more

Tamil Nadu reports 3,986 new Covid-19 cases, 1,824 discharges and 17 deaths - ANI

Tamil Nadu reports 3,986 new Covid-19 cases, 1,824 discharges and 17 deaths.

Total cases: 9,11,110

Total discharges: 8,70,546

Active cases: 27,743

Total deaths: 12,821

Chhattisgarh Govt refused to use Covaxin despite it being given Emergency Use Authorization by DCGI. Not only this, by its actions, leaders of the state govt have dubious distinction of being perhaps only govt in the world to have incited vaccine hesitancy: Harsh Vardhan. - ANI.

Similarly, we've seen comments by leaders from Chhattisgarh that are intended to spread misinformation & panic on vaccination. It would be better if the state govt focusses its energies on ramping up their health infrastructure rather than on petty politicking: Harsh Vardhan. - ANI.

Performance of Maharashtra govt in terms of vaccinating healthcare & frontline workers isn't great. Shocking to see how state Govt is putting Maharashtrians in danger by letting people escape institutional quarantine mandate for the sake of their personal Vasuli: Harsh Vardhan. - ANI

Allegations of vaccine shortage utterly baseless. Throughout last yr as Union Health Min I've been witness to misgovernance & casual approach of Maharashtra Govt in battling virus. Their lackadaisical attitude singularly bogged down country’s efforts to fight the virus: Harsh Vardhan. - ANI

Inability of Maharashtra govt to act responsibly is beyond comprehension. To spread panic among the people is to compound the folly further. Vaccine supplies are being monitored on a real-time basis, and State governments are being apprised regularly about it: Harsh Vardhan. - ANI

I have seen statements made by public representatives in Maharashtra about shortage of vaccines. This is nothing but an attempt to divert attention from Maharashtra government’s repeated failures to control the spread of pandemic: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan - ANI

Deplorable attempts by some state governments to distract attention from their failures and spread panic among the people: Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister - ANI

India's single-day Covid cases second-highest in the world

India on Wednesday reported over 1.15 lakh Covid-19 cases. This is the second-highest spike in daily coronavirus cases reported across the world, surpassing Brazil and only behind the United States

Read more

Local lockdowns: RBI says no need for loan moratoriums at present

Amid an increase in localised lockdowns across the country, Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday said there is no need for a loan repayments moratorium at present, stating that businesses are better prepared to face the situation.

Read more

People are advised not to delay treatment for Covid-19. Separate centers will be made for patients coming for check-up, requiring a ventilator, oxygen: Chhattisgarh Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu. - ANI

UP polls draw crowds at Mumbai stations amid lockdown

The Covid-19 second wave-triggered mini-lockdown,gram panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh and wheat harvest season is resulting into migrants in the Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR) heading for the north Indian state.

Read more

In order to increase access of vaccines to these populations (45 yrs & above) Covid vaccination sessions may be organised at workplaces (public & pvt) having about 100 eligible & willing beneficiaries by tagging these workplaces with an existing Covid vaccination centre. Such work place vaccination centres may be launched across states/UTs from 11th April 2021: Sources. - ANI

Deccan Herald now on Telegram - Click Here to subscribe

Nagpur district reported 5,338 new Covid-19 cases, 3,868 recoveries and 66 deaths

Maharashtra: Nagpur district reported 5,338 new Covid-19 cases, 3,868 recoveries and 66 deaths, in the last 24 hours, as per Civil Surgeon, Nagpur. - ANI.

Total cases: 2,54,221

Total recoveries: 2,05,784

Active cases: 42,933

Death toll: 5,504

Keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation, Raipur district is being declared a containment zone from 6 pm on 9th April till 6 am on 19th April. All the borders of the district will remain sealed during this period: Raipur district collector S Bharathi Dasan. - ANI.

'Shilpa Medicare can make 100-200 mn Covid-19 shots'

Indian drugmaker Shilpa Medicare Ltd has the capacity to manufacture 100-200 million doses of a protein-based vaccine for Covid-19, a company executive told Reuters on Wednesday.

Read more

Uttar Pradesh records over 6,000 new Covid-19 cases in last 24 hours

MP govt to procure Remdesivir injections for poor patients: CM Chouhan

The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to procure Remdesivir injections so that they could be provided free of cost for the treatment of critical Covid-19 patients from the economically weaker sections, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday.

Read more

Huge crowds unlikely on major bathing days during this Kumbh: Mela officials

Kumbh Mela officials have made all arrangements for the three key bathing dates on the banks of Ganga but said they do not expect any huge turnout of devotees due to Covid restrictions imposed amid the rising cases of infection.

"We always make arrangements for the Kumbh in accordance with the largest estimated turnouts. So, we are well prepared to tackle any situation,” Mela IG Sanjay Gunjyal said.

“But with the second wave of coronavirus infection getting stronger and the SOPs in force, we don't expect huge crowds on the ghats on the Shahi Snan days," he added. - PTI.

'Maharashtra Covid vaccine stock will last only 3 days'

Many inoculation centres in Maharashtra are being shut due to the shortage of coronavirus vaccine, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday, adding the state now has 14 lakh doses which would last just three days.

Read more

India becomes fastest Covid-19 vaccinating country in the world

India has surpassed the US to become the fastest Covid-19 vaccinating country in the world with an average daily rate of 30,93,861 vaccine doses, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

Read more

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh orders fresh curbs till April 30 amid Covid-19 surge

Night curfew to be enforced from 9 pm to 5 am.

All political gatherings are banned with violators to be booked.

Only 50 allowed at indoor funerals and weddings, 100 outdoors.

Masks compulsory for all govt employees in offices.

Watch DH's playlist of videos on Covid-19 here

Punjab imposes night curfew from today till April 30

Punjab on Wednesday became the latest state to issue curbs as Covid-19 cases across the country hit a record high.

Read more

India administering Covid-19 vaccine at fastest rate

India has surpassed the US to become the fastest Covid-19 vaccinating country in the world with an average daily rate of 30,93,861 vaccine doses, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

The cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 8.70 crore.

Cumulatively, 8,70,77,474 vaccine doses have been administered through 13,32,130 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am.

India records highest-ever spike of 1.15 lakh Covid-19 cases

Suspect new Covid-19 strain in Maharashtra affecting people in shorter period, says Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope

Amid rising coronavirus cases, a new scare came up for the worst-hit state in the country. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that a new strain could be afflicting Maharashtra and affecting people in a shorter duration of time.

Read more

We suspect that there is a new strain that is affecting people in a shorter duration of time, saysMaharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope. He added that samples of the suspected new strain have been sent to National Centre for Disease Control to determine the new strain.

Only three says of Covid-19 vaccine available in Maharashtra , state health minister Rajesh Tope informs Union Health Minister.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope urges Centre to speed up Covid-19 vaccine supply.

Odisha reported 791 new Covid-19 cases, 266 recoveries and 1 death on April 6

Total positive cases: 3,44,647

Total recovered cases: 3,38,416

Active cases: 42,55

Death toll: 1,923

Students participate in an awareness rally against Covid-19 on the occasion of World Health Day, in Kolkata. Credit: PTI Photo

India's total number of vaccinations exceeds 8.7 crore. Over 33 lakh vaccination doses were administered in the last 24 hours, says Ministry of Health.

South Korea drug safety ministry approves J&J Covid-19 vaccine

South Korea's food and drug safety ministry has granted final approval for the use of Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine as the country pushes ahead with its vaccination campaign, the News1 agency reported on Wednesday.

The decision was made after a panel of South Korean advisers last week recommended that the single-dose shot was safe and effective, the report said.

Maharashtra facing shortage of Covid-19 vaccine. In Mumbai, only few days of vaccine left, say BMC officials

To avert more lockdowns, governments must monitor & improve the number of vaccine doses administered for each new Covid-19 case, tweets Milind Deora.

A street is pictured in New Delhi on April 6, as the Indian capital imposed a night curfew a day after the nation posted a record coronavirus surge, with financial hub Mumbai also introducing similar restrictions. Credit: AFP Photo

Delhi High Court rules that wearing a mask is mandatory even if a person is driving alone. The court states that a face mask acts as a 'suraksha kavach' which would prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"In the last 3 days, more than 2,000 beds have been increased in hospitals," says Delhi Health Minister Satendar Jain. He also appealed to citizens to wear masks and follow social distancing.

North Korea tells WHO it's still coronavirus-free

Isolated North Korea has continued to claim a perfect record in keeping out the coronavirus in its latest report to the World Health Organization (WHO).

At the beginning of the pandemic more than a year ago, North Korea described its efforts to keep out the virus as a “matter of national existence.”

Read more

India sees highest-ever single-day spike of 1.15 lakh Covid-19 cases

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections in India remained above one lakh twice in the last three daystaking the nationwide Covid-19 tally of cases to 1,28,01,785, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

Read more

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 9,677

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 9,677 to 2,910,445, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Wednesday.

The reported death toll rose by 298 to 77,401, the tally showed.

Deccan Herald now on Telegram - Click HERE to subscribe

Biden announces all adults in US eligible for Covid vaccine by April 19

President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that all adults across America will be eligible for Covid-19 shots within two weeks, while economic powerhouse California set a June 15 target to fully reopen businesses.

The positive news from the United States -- which has reported the most coronavirus deaths of any country but is now a leader in the vaccine rollout -- contrasted with a record daily toll in Brazil and Europe's troubled rollout of the AstraZeneca shot.

Mexico authorises emergency use of Indian Covid-19 vaccine

Mexico's health regulator Cofepris has authorised the emergency use of India's Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Tuesday.

"Very timely decision by COFEPRIS to authorize the emergency use of the Covaxin vaccine manufactured in India. The options for vaccination against Covid-19 in Mexico are expanding!!!," Ebrard said on Twitter.

Chhattisgarh sees new all-time high of 10,000 daily Covid-19 cases

With the detection of 9,921 fresh Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, Chhattisgarh saw its highest single-day spike since the outbreak of the infection in March last year, taking the state's caseload to 3,68,269, a health department official said.

Read more

Brazil's daily Covid-19 deaths crosses 4,000 for first time

Brazil reported a 24-hour tally of Covid-19 deaths exceeding 4,000 for the first time, becoming the third nation to go above that daily threshold.

Read more

1 in 3 Covid survivors suffers from mental, neurological problems: Study

One in three people who overcome Covid-19 suffers from a neurological or psychiatric diagnosis six months on, according to the largest study so far published on the mental toll that long-Covid takes on survivors.

Read more