Coronavirus news highlights: Schools, colleges in Mumbai not to reopen till January 15

India's Covid-19 tally rises to 1,02,45,081 and death toll rises to 1,48,408. Six persons in the country who recently returned from the UK have been found to carry the new Covid-19 strain first identified in the UK. The Ministry of Health said that 70% of all Covid-19 deaths have been reported among men. Samples of Covid-positive flyers who arrived in India from Dec 9 to 22 will be subject to genome sequencing.

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What went wrong in 2020? Covid-19 pandemic mistakes of US top the list

If what you’re doing isn’t working, you need to correct course — not double down on the same losing tactic. That’s been the case for some time with the US efforts to contain Covid-19.

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5 UK returnees to Haryana test positive for Covid-19

Five people from Haryana who returned to India from the United Kingdom recently have tested positive for Covid-19 and their samples have been sent for genome sequencing to check whether it is a new strain detected in the UK, an official said Tuesday.

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'High' risk new virus variants will lead to more deaths: EU agency

The EU health agency ECDC said on Tuesday that the risk was "high" that newly discovered virus variants causing Covid-19 could further strain healthcare and cause more deaths due to "increased transmissibility."

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Kamala Harris to receive shot in bid to boost US confidence in vaccines

US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will receive a Covid-19 vaccine live on television on Tuesday, as the incoming Biden administration seeks to boost confidence in the inoculation even while warning it will be months before it is generally available.

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At 6, Mumbai logs lowest Covid-19 death count since May

Mumbai reported 537 new Covid-19 cases and six deaths, the lowest single-day fatalities since May, while 486 more patients were discharged from hospitals on Tuesday, the city civic body said.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)'s updated data, the tally of Covid-19 cases increased to 2,92,008, while the death toll rose to 11,094.

The financial capital has reported less than 600 cases for the fifth day in a row. -PTI

Schools, colleges in Mumbai not to reopen till January 15

Citing the fear of a second wave of coronavirus, the Mumbai civic body on Tuesday said schools and colleges in the city will not reopen till January 15, 2021.

Earlier, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had decided to keep schools and colleges closed till December 31.

In a fresh circular issued on Tuesday, the BMC said it decided to keep all --government and private -- schools and colleges closed till January 15 due to the second wave of Covid-19 in other countries and the situation in some states in the country. -PTI

Delhi reports 703 fresh Covid-19 cases, 28 fatalities; overall tally reaches more than 6.24 lakh infections, 10,502 deaths: Authorities - PTI

Indian Wells tennis tournament postponed due to Covid-19 concerns: ATP

Former Himachal Pradesh CM Shanta Kumar's wife dies of Covid-19

Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Shanta Kumar's wifeSantosh Shailjadied due to Covid-19 in the early hours of Tuesday, Health Minister Rajiv Saizal said. She was 83.

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Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin can work against mutated coronavirus: Bharat Biotech

Covaxin, a vaccine candidate being developed by Bharat Biotech for Covid-19, can offer protection against mutations of coronavirus, Chairman and Managing Directorof the city-based vaccine maker Krishna Ella said on Tuesday.

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Dry run for Covid-19 vaccination drive successfully conducted in 4 states: Health Ministry

A two-day dry run to assess the readiness of the mechanism laid out for the Covid-19 immunisation drive, which is expected to begin soon, was successfully conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab and Assam, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

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Andhra Pradesh logs 326 new Covid-19 cases, two deaths push toll to 7,100

Andhra Pradesh reported 326 fresh cases of coronavirus, 364 recoveries and two deaths in 24 hours ending 9 AM on Tuesday.

The latest bulletin said the total confirmed positives in the state so far rose to 8,81,599 after a total of 1.17 crore samples were tested, with an overall infection positivity rate of 7.53 per cent.

The total recoveries increased to 8,71,116 and the toll to 7,100. The state now has 3,383 active Covid-19 cases, the bulletin said. -PTI

Maharashtra reports 3,018 new Covid-19 cases, infection count rises to 19,25,066; death toll reaches 49,373 with 69 fatalities: health official - PTI

Indian scientists quell concerns on new Covid-19 variant, say staying cautious sufficient

Standard defense mechanisms such as masks, sanitisation and physical distancing will work to contain the coronavirus strain detected in six people who came from the UK, scientists said on Tuesday, giving assurance that the mutant is not clinically more severe and there is no need to worry.

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UK woman returnee to Andhra Pradesh tests positive for mutated Covid-19 variant

A 47-year-old woman, who returned to Rajamahendravaram in Andhra Pradesh on December 23, was found to have contracted the new mutated strain of coronavirus but the state health department maintained that there was no spread of the fresh strain in AP.

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Tamil Nadu reports 957 new Covid-19 cases, 1,065 discharges -ANI

Tamil Nadu reported 957 new Covid-19 cases, 1,065 discharges, and 12 deaths in the last 24 hours: State Health Department, Govt of Tamil Nadu

Total cases: 8,16,132

Total discharges: 7,95,293

Death toll: 12,092

Active cases: 8,747

Delhi: Samples of 15 who came from UK sent to check new strain of virus

Coronavirus test samples of 15 persons who recently arrived here from the UK and tested positive for Covid-19 have been sent for genome sequencing to check if they have contracted the new variant of the virus, sources said on Tuesday.

The results are expected in the next three-four days, they said.

The new strain of the virus was recently detected in UK and its presence has been reported in several countries, including in India.

The Delhi government had earlier said that people who had arrived here recently from the UK are being traced and tested, and a separate institutional quarantine facility has been set up at the LNJP Hospital for positive cases. -PTI

Chandigarh: In view of New Year's eve, Deputy Commissioner directs hotel & restaurant owners to scrupulously adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Union govt, operate with half their capacity and keep the gathering limited to 200, whichever is less, respectively. -ANI

Premier League records 18 new Covid-19 positives, highest in a week

The Premier League said on Tuesday that 18 individuals tested positive for Covid-19, the highest number of cases in a week this season, in the latest round of tests conducted between Dec. 21-27 on 1,479 players and staff.

Since the new season kicked off, 131 individuals in the English top flight have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in 17 rounds of testing.

The league did not name the people who tested positive or their clubs but said they will self-isolate for 10 days. -Reuters

Due to Covid-19, the number of visitors to witness the Republic Day parade 2021 would be curtailed as seating arrangements are being made keeping in mind social distancing norms. Many other proposals are under consideration at the moment to ensure safety: Government sources. -ANI

Mumbai airport introduces express Covid-19 testing facility, gives results in 13 mins

The city's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Tuesday said it has introduced a new 24X7 Covid-19 testing facility, which gives test results in flat 13 minutes at a cost of Rs 4,500.

Since its launch on December 15, CSMIA has witnessed an average of 30-35 such tests per day, CSMIA said in a release.

A total of 400 express tests have been carried out at the airport till December 28, which include passengers who had connecting flights to destinations outside Maharashtra, it said. -PTI

Five states and UTs that account for 60% of total active Covid cases are Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, UP, Chhattisgarh: Health ministry - PTI

Genome sequencing for all Covid-19 positive international flyers who arrived in India from Dec 9 to 22

All international passengers who arrived in India from December 9 to 22 and tested positive for Covid-19 will be subjected to genome sequencing as part of the Centre's strategy to detect the mutated coronavirus strain that has emerged in the United Kingdom recently.

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The major population is still susceptible to Covid-19 infection in this cold weather. UK variant has travelled to several other countries & also to India, this variant may have its own run & we've to be very careful. One can't be careless: Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), Niti Aayog -ANI

No evidence so far that new variant found in UK increases severity of disease: Government - PTI

It's important that we do not put too much immune pressure on virus. We've to maintain judicious use of therapies which are going to benefit. If benefit isn't established we shouldn't use those therapies otherwise, it will put pressure on virus & it'll tend to mutate more: ICMR DG. -ANI

In a landmark achievement, daily new Covid-19 cases are less than 17,000 after 6 months now. Daily deaths are also less than 300 after 6 months. 55% deaths are found to have occurred in 60 years & above age group and 70% of the deaths have occurred in males: Union Health Secretary -ANI

45% Covid-19 deaths have been reported in those below 60 years of age, says Health ministry - PTI

An important development is the establishment of INSACOG, which is a consortium of 10 govt labs across the country to do genome sequencing of Covid-19 as well as any variant of that virus. These labs belong to ICMR, BioTech India, CSIR & Health Ministry: Union Health Secretary. -ANI

There is no evidence that current vaccines will fail to protect against UK, South Africa Covid-19 variants: K Vijay Raghavan

Vaccines will work against the variants detected in UK and South Africa. There is no evidence that current vaccines will fail to protect against these Covid-19 variants: Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India Prof K. Vijay Raghavan. -ANI

If we analyse Covid-19 cases on basis of gender, 63% of total cases were reported in males & 37% cases in females. Age-wise, 8% cases reported below age of 17 yrs, 13% in 18-25 yrs age group, 39% in 26-44 yrs group,26% in 45-60 yrs group & 14% above 60 yrs: Union Health Secretary -ANI

Prior to the news of the UK variant came in, we had done roughly 5,000 genome sequences across labs. Now we'll be significantly increasing that number & would be working in a coordinated manner: Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan -ANI

Thailand imposes new restrictions amid coronavirus outbreak

Officials in the Thai capital have announced new restrictions, including the closure of some entertainment facilities during the New Year's holiday, as infections continued to rise following a recent coronavirus outbreak.

After months of seeming to have the Covid-19 situation under control, Thailand has seen two major clusters developing since mid-December that threatened to undo its progress. One has mainly infected hundreds of migrant workers from Myanmar at a seafood market near Bangkok, the capital, while in recent days a cluster has grown connected to a gambling den in an eastern province. -AP

Post Covid-19, India can bet on 3 positives for economic revival: Subbarao

Though Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown left a trail of economic devastation on most countries, India can potentially build upon three positive aspects- push in the rural economy, stronger federalism and a huge consumption base, former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao Rao has said.

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All the international passengers who have arrived in India during last 14 days (from 9th Dec to 22nd Dec, 2020), if symptomatic and tested positive will be subjected to genome sequencing, in the view of new Covid strain in the United Kingdom: Union Health Ministry. -ANI

The dry run for Covid-19 vaccination successfully conducted in Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Gujarat on 28th and 29th December 2020: Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. -ANI

Dubai aims to inoculate 70% of population with Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine in 2021

Dubai is planning to inoculate 70% of its population with the Covid-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech by the end of 2021, in a campaign free of charge for citizens and residents, a health official said.

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CAPFs asked to prepare for providing assistance in waste disposal during Covid-19 immunisation

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been asked to be prepared in providing assistance in safe disposal of medical waste that will be generated during the Covid-19 vaccination drive, expected to be rolled out soon, official sources said.

The forces that render a variety of internal security duties in the country, apart from border guarding, will also play a "vital role" in assisting the medical system in organising camps and creating awareness about the availability and safety of getting a vaccine shot, they said. -PTI

I foresee a short extension on this temporary suspension. I don't see the extension to be long or indefinite: Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on the temporary suspension of flights from the United Kingdom due to new variant of coronavirus. ANI

Work, reconnecting with family will be two key reasons to travel in future: Survey

"Visiting friends or relatives (46 per cent) and business (29 per cent) will be the key reasons to travel, followed by leisure (9 per cent) and work vacation (7 per cent)," stated the survey released on Tuesday.

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Belarus becomes the first country in the world after Russia to start vaccination of its people against Covid-19 with Sputnik V vaccine: Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey tests positive for Covid-19

He urged everyone who came in contact with him recently to get tested for the disease.

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Bengaluru: Mother, daughter duo test positive for new virus strain; Govt clueless about third infection

A 34-year-old mother and her six-year-old daughter who arrived in Bengaluru on December 19 are carriers of the new variant of Coronavirus. The duo were admitted to Trauma and Emergency Care Centre (TECC) on Victoria Hospital campus on December 22. They were both asymptomatic at the time of admission and have been allotted a single room in TECC.

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In Tamil Nadu, almost 2,018 people had come from the United Kingdom, we have tested 1,500 for coronavirus and roughly 17 people tested positive and 16 from their contacts: Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu J Radhakrishnan.

The total recovered Covid-19 cases have crossed 98 lakhs (98,07,569) today which translates to a recovery rate of 95.92%: Health Ministry.

Less than 16,500 daily new cases (16,432) were added to the national tally in the last 24 hours after 187 days. The daily new cases were 16,922 on 25th June 2020: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Active Covid-19 cases in country stand at 2,68,581 while 98,07,569 people have recovered from the disease: Union Health Ministry.

6 UK returnees test positive for new coronavirus strain in India; 3 from Bengaluru

So far only 114 of 33,000 passengers who travelled to India from the UK have been found positive, reported the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, adding that all passengers from the UK are being subjected to RT-PCR tests.

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India reports 16,432 new Covid-19 cases, 24,900 recoveries, and 252 deaths in last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry.

A total of 16,98,01,749 samples tested for Covid-19 up to December 28. Of these, 9,83,695 samples were tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

More Covid-19 vaccines in pipeline as US rams up effort

A huge US study of another Covid-19 vaccine candidate got underway as states continue to roll out scarce supplies of the first shots to a nation anxiously awaiting relief from the catastrophic outbreak.

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Covid-19: South Africa tightens curbs, bans alcohol sales

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has intensified restrictions in the country and reimposed a ban on the sale of liquor amid a rise in Covid-19 cases in the past one week.

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Kalpwasis will have to undergo Covid-19 test at Magh Mela: UP govt

All the "kalpwasis" visiting Magh Mela 2021 in Prayagraj will have to undergo the Covid-19 test, the Uttar Pradesh government said on Monday.

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New coronavirus variant in Germany since November

The new coronavirus variant discovered in Britain seems to have been present in Germany since November as doctors detected it retrospectively in samples of an older patient who later died, Die Welt daily reported on Monday.

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New coronavirus strain: 66% of international travel bookings to be cancelled

Driven by flight bans due to the new coronavirusstrain, international travel from India is bound to take another big hit in the first three months of 2021.Two-thirds of those who had planned to take a flight out of the country are now likely to drop their plans and bookings, a countrywide survey has found.

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Coronavirus severe, but 'not necessarily the big one': WHO

The novel coronavirus has had a devastating impact around the globe, but the World Health Organization warned Monday that worse pandemics could lie ahead, urging the world to get "serious" about preparedness.

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Centre extends Covid-19 guidelines till January 31, no further relaxations in view of new strain in UK

The Centre on Monday extended the existing Covid-19 restrictions and instructions on surveillance and containment till January 31 but provided no further relaxations citing the emergence of a new variant of the virus in the United Kingdom.

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Covishield vaccine ready for rollout in January: Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawala

With a stockpile of 40 to 50 million doses, Pune-based world’s largest vaccine maker Serum Institute of India (SII) is ready to roll out the much-awaited Covishield vaccine in January 2021 to fight out the Covid-19 pandemic.

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