Coronavirus news highlights: Delhi records 89 more Covid-19 deaths; 4,998 fresh cases in 24 hours

Over 69% of the 41,322 new Covid-19 cases reported in a span of 24 hours are from eight states and union territories with Maharashtra recording the highest number of new infections followed by Delhi and Kerala, the Union health ministry said on Saturday. With 11,57,605 tests conducted in a span of 24 hours, India's cumulative tests have surged to 13.82 crore, while the number of tests per million population has crossed the 1-lakh mark and now stands at 1,00,159.7, the ministry said. Nearly 65 per cent of the domestic air travel has returned to the pre-Covid-19 level and now there is a need to evolve a strategy to bring back the tourism industry on its feet, Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola said on Saturday. Stay tuned on DH for more latest updates.

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Chinese scientists now say India is origin of coronavirus

Blaming 'imperfect' hygiene conditions and an 'inefficient' healthcare system, the scientists say the virus could've transmitted without detection.

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Karnataka sees 1,522 new Covid-19 cases, 12 deaths

Bengaluru Urban district tops the list of positive cases, with a total of 3,68,604 infections, followed by Mysuru and Ballari.

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Covid-19: Curbs on cinema halls, pools, events relaxed in Goa

Cinema halls, swimming pools, gathering for religious, social, cultural, educational, sports and entertainment events were allowed to resume in Goa on Saturday, officials said.

The order issued by South Goa collector Ajit Roy lays down that swimming pools can function for training and sports purposes, while cinema halls and other events will take place with attendance capped at 50 per cent of capacity of venue.

The standard operating procedures (SOP) prescribed for various activities, including movement by passenger trains, air travel, metro trains, schools, educational institutions, hotels and restaurants, shopping malls, multiplexes and entertainment parks, yoga centres etc, will have to be strictly followed, the circular stated.

(PTI)

UK regulator set to approve Covid-19 vaccine next week

Britain is set to approve the Covid-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech SE and Pfizer Inc next week and deliveries would begin within hours of the authorisation, the Financial Times reported on Saturday.

The first immunisations using the BioNTech and Pfizer vaccine could take place from Dec. 7, the FT said, citing unnamed sources.

Earlier in the day, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson named Nadhim Zahawi, currently a junior business minister, as the minister responsible for the deployment of Covid-19 vaccines.

Britain said on Nov. 20 it had formally asked its medical regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to assess the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for its suitability, the first step in making it available outside the United States.

Delhi detects 4,998 cases from record 69k tests; positivity rate drops to 7.24 per cent

The COVID-19 positivity rate in Delhi dropped to 7.24 per cent on Saturday, the lowest since October 23, as authorities detected 4,998 fresh COVID-19 cases from a record 69,051 tests.

Eighty-nine more fatalities pushed the city's death toll to 8,998.

"Since 7 Nov, cases and positivity in Delhi are going down. Today, less than 5000 cases, 89 deaths and 7.24 positivity. Hope this trend continues. Delhiites and Delhi govt together will win over this third wave also. Pl continue to observe all precautions," Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.

On October 23, Delhi recorded a positivity rate of 6.98 per cent. It was 8.51 per cent on Friday, 8.65 per cent on Thursday and 8.49 per cent on Wednesday.

A record 69,051 tests, including 33,147 RT-PCR ones -- the highest till date -- and 35,904 rapid antigen tests, were conducted the previous day for the detection of COVID-19, according to a bulletin by the Delhi health department on Saturday.

As many as 64,455 tests were conducted on Thursday.

The city had recorded its highest single-day spike of 8,593 cases on November 11.

(PTI)

Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility: PM

Discussed implementation plan with PM Modi during his visit: Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla on Covishield vaccine

We have built the largest pandemic level facility in Pune and our new campus in Mandri. That was also showcased to the PM with a tour around the facility and a lot of detailed discussions: Serum Institute of India head Adar Poonawalla

PM is extremely knowledgable now on vaccines & vaccine production. We were amazed at what he already knew. There was very little to explain to him, except for going into detail on different variable vaccines & the challenges that they may face ahead: SII

As of now, we don't have anything in writing with the govt of India on how many doses they will purchase but the indication is that it would be 300-400 million doses by July, 2021, says Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla

SII head Adar Poonawalla speaks about COVISHIELD and COVAXIN

PM reviews vaccine work in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune to review coronavirus vaccine development work there.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the day-long visit was aimed at getting a first-hand perspective of the preparations, challenges and roadmap in India's endeavour to vaccinate its citizens.

Modi began by visiting pharma major Zydus Cadila's manufacturing facility near Ahmedabad. Wearing a PPE kit, he reviewed the vaccine development process at the company's research centre, located over 20 km from Ahmedabad.

(PTI)

Coronavirus pandemic spread contained, taking steps to ensure normalcy returns: TN CM

The Tamil Nadu government has contained the spread of coronavirus through focused and concerted efforts and is now engaged in efforts to ensure that normalcy returns to the state, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said on Saturday.

Though it would take some time for normalcy to return, much depended on the effective implementation of government norms by district administrations on wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing, besides the cooperation of the public, he said.

"We have observed that whenever there is a large gathering like a wedding or when people step out of their homes, some wear face masks while others ignore the precaution," the chief minister said while chairing a video conference meeting of District Collectors, from the Secretariat here on the Covid-19 situation.

In certain states, the spread of the virus has been alarming, as people there flouted rules on wearing masks. "So, I urge the people here to compulsorily wear face masks and the district collectors to implement the rules strictly and help the government to bring normalcy soon."

"The infection can be completely controlled if people extend their full cooperation," he said.

(PTI)

8 states, UTs reported 69% of new Covid-19 cases in 24-hr span; tests per million cross 1 lakh

Over 69 per cent of the 41,322 new COVID-19 cases reported in a span of 24 hours are from eight states and union territories with Maharashtra recording the highest number of new infections followed by Delhi and Kerala, the Union health ministry said on Saturday.

With 11,57,605 tests conducted in a span of 24 hours, India's cumulative tests have surged to 13.82 crore, while the number of tests per million population has crossed the 1-lakh mark and now stands at 1,00,159.7, the ministry said.

The active COVID-19 caseload of the country is 4,54,940 and it comprises 4.87 per cent of the total coronavirus infections.

The ministry issued a statement saying "69.04 per cent of the daily new cases of COVID-19 are contributed by eight states/UT i.e. Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh".

Maharashtra leads the tally with 6,185 new COVID cases. Delhi has recorded 5,482 cases, while Kerala follows with 3,966 infections.

Sustained and progressive expansion in testing infrastructure has played a crucial role in the steep rise of testing numbers. With 2,161 testing labs in the country, including 1,175 government laboratories and 986 private ones, the daily testing capacity has got a substantial boost, the ministry said.

(PTI)

Over 50% Covid beds unoccupied: Delhi health minister

Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Saturday said more than 50 percent of the beds reserved for coronavirus patients in Delhi are unoccupied.

“More than 1,200 ICU beds and around 9,500 normal ones are unoccupied at present. Overall, more than 50 percent beds are available. So, we are in a slightly better situation,” he told reporters.

The minister said there were some problems related to oxygen supply in Delhi on Friday which have been resolved.

Delhi reported 5,482 fresh Covid-19 cases on Friday, while 98 more fatalities pushed the city's death toll to 8,909.

The positivity rate was 8.51 percent. It was 8.65 percent on Thursday and 8.49 percent on Wednesday.

(PTI)

UK testing error wrongly tells 1,300 people they have coronavirus

Over 1,300 people in Britain were inaccurately informed they were infected with coronavirus after a laboratory error at the government's NHS Test and Trace system, the Department of Health and Social Care told Reuters on Saturday.

"NHS Test and Trace has contacted 1,311 individuals who were incorrectly told that the result of Covid-19 tests, taken between Nov. 19 and Nov. 23, were positive. An issue with a batch of testing chemicals meant their test results were void," a department spokesman said in an emailed statement.

"Swift action was taken to notify those affected and they have been asked to take another test, and to continue to self-isolate if they have symptoms."

The laboratory error that led to the problem was an "isolated incident" and was being investigated, the statement said.

The government has announced an extra 7 billion pounds ($9.31 billion) for its Covid-19 testing and contact tracing system as part of an expanded programme of mass testing.

(Reuters)

Will vaccinate entire Delhi in 3-4 weeks whenever Covid-19 shot is available: Satyendar Jain

With several potential Covid-19 vaccines expected to see the light of day in coming months, Delhi Health Minister Satydenar Jain on November 28 said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government will vaccinate the entire population of the national capital within 3-4 weeks after the availability of a shot.

“Whenever the vaccine is available in Delhi, within 3-4 weeks it will be administered all over the national capital with the help of our health facilities such as polyclinics,” the Delhi Health Minister told ANI.

Covid-19: Scientists develop novel method to detect single virus particles

According to the scientists, including those from Osaka University in Japan, the work may lead to fast and accurate screening tests for diseases like Covid-19 and influenza.

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BJP to be blamed if Maharashtra faces second Covid-19 wave: Revenue Minister Abdul Sattar

Maharashtra minister of state for Revenue Abdul Sattar has slammed the BJP for organising protests on streets amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The BJP will be responsible if the state is hit by a second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. The BJP is playing politics by gathering people (for protests)," Sattar told reporters in Nanded on Friday.

He ruled out the possibility of a lockdown in old format at this juncture

PM Modi arrives in Hyderabad as part of his three-city tour to take stock of Covid-19 vaccine development.

Russia reports 27,100 new coronavirus cases, 510 deaths

Russia reported 27,100 newcoronaviruscases on Saturday, including 7,320 in Moscow, taking the national total to 2,242,633 since the pandemic began.

Authorities also confirmed 510 deaths related to Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, pushing the official national death toll to 39,068.

Night curfew, prohibitory orders imposed in Leh amid Covid-19 spike

The administration in Leh has imposed night curfew and banned the assembly of more than four people amid a fresh Covid-19 spike, an official said on Saturday.

Ladakh recorded one more Covid-related death and 44 new cases, taking the death toll to 114 and overall caseload to 8,272

Europe coronavirus death toll passes 400,000

More than 400,000 deaths from the novelcoronavirushave been registered in Europe, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources around 8 am Saturday.

The second-worst hit global region after Latin America and the Caribbean, 400,649 people have died of Covid-19 in Europe among 17,606,370 confirmed cases. Of these, 36,147 occurred in the past week alone -- the continent's worst seven-day total since the pandemic began.

Type O blood linked to lower risk of Covid-19, taking Vitamin D unlikely to help

Among 225,556 Canadians who were tested for the virus, the risk for a Covid-19 diagnosis was 12% lower and the risk for severe Covid-19 or death was 13% lower in people with blood group O versus those with A, AB, or B.

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Arunachal Pradesh's Covid-19 cases rose to 16,231 as 27 more people tested positive for the virus

PM Modi reviews vaccine development at Zydus Cadila facility in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday began his three-city visit to reviewcoronavirusvaccine development work by going to pharma major Zydus Cadila's manufacturing facility near Ahmedabad.

Wearing a PPE kit, Modi reviewed the vaccine development process at the Zydus Cadila research centre in Changodar industrial area, over 20 km from Ahmedabad.

After his arrival at Ahmedabad airport from Delhi shortly after 9 am, Modi flew to the Zydus Cadila plant and held discussions with the promoters and executives of the company.

7 new cases push Covid-19 tally of Andamans to 4,689

The archipelago now has 120 activecoronaviruscases, while 4,508 people have recovered from the disease and 61 patients have succumbed to the infection till date.

A seventh Pakistan cricketer tested positive for Covid-19 as the team remained confined to their hotel in Christchurch on Saturday.Despite all members of the squad returning negative tests before flying to New Zealand, six came up positive after testing on day one in the country.

NCP MLA Bharat Bhalke passed away today while undergoing treatment for post-Covid-19 complications.

India's total Covid-19 cases jumps to 93.5L with 41.3k new cases.

With 41,322 new Covid-19 infections, India's total cases rise to 93,51,110. Death toll mounts to 1,36,200 with 485 new casualties. Total discharged cases at 87,59,969 with 41,452 new discharges in last 24 hours.

PM Modi to visit Ahmedabad, Pune and Hyderabad to review progress of vaccine development

PM Narendra Modi to visit Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad & Serum Institute of India in Pune today to personally review the Covid-19 vaccine development and manufacturing process.

Delhi records 98 Covid-19 deaths; 5,482 fresh cases take cumulative count to 5.56 lakh

Mexico's coronavirus death toll rises to 1,04,873

Mexico's Health Ministry on Friday reported 12,081 additional cases of the novelcoronavirusand 631 more deaths in the country, bringing the official number of infections to 1,090,675 and the death toll to 104,873.

Health officials have said the real number of infections is likely to be significantly higher.

Bihar's Covid-19 tally climbs to 2,33,839 after detection of 698 new cases in past 24 hours, five fresh fatalities raise death toll to 1,248; active case count 5,545.

US hospitalized Covid-19 patient number hits record 90,000

The number of Covid-19 patients being treated in hospitals across the United States reached 90,000 on Friday after nearly doubling in the last month, just as holiday gatherings are expected to propel the next wave of infections.

The rate of hospitalizations - now at the highest level since the pandemic began - has pushed some hospitals beyond capacity, and comes after weeks of rising infection rates across the country. That is likely to increase as people who mingled with relatives and friends over Thanksgiving gradually get sick, health experts say.

Assam's Covid-19death toll rises to 980 after two more fatalities, 149 new cases bring infection tally to 2,12,320; number of active cases now 3,272.

West Bengal's Covid-19 death toll mounts to 8,270 with 46 more fatalities; 3,489 fresh cases push tally to 4,73,987