Coronavirus news highlights: MP, Gujarat, Kerala see record single-day spike in Covid-19 cases as India's tally inches closer to 54-lakh mark

India's Covid-19 case tally on Saturday inched closer to the 54-lakh mark with states like Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The government is said to be contemplating curtailing the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament in view of the rising Covid-19 cases among MPs. The Ministry of Health said the country has overtaken the US to take the first spot in terms of global coronavirus recoveries. India now accounts for close to 19% of the total global recoveries.

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Tata group to launch India's first CRISPR Covid-19 test

“It received regulatory approvals today from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for commercial launch, as per ICMR guidelines, meeting high-quality benchmarks with 96% sensitivity and 98% specificity for detecting the novel coronavirus,” the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research said in a statement.

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Covid-19: Former Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh tests positive

He said he got himself tested after exhibiting symptoms and appealed to those who came in contact with him over the past few days to check if they too were infected.

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Covid-19: Karnataka reports 4 lakh recoveries, 8,364 new cases

The total number of infections in the state on Saturday stood at 5.11 lakh cases and the toll was at 7,922. The day also saw the number of recoveries outnumbering new infections, with 10,815 patients getting discharged after recovery.

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Delhi's Covid-19 tally crosses 2.42 lakh with 4,071 cases in a day; over 61,000 tests conducted

Delhi recorded 4,071 fresh instances of Covid-19 infection in a day taking thetallyof cases in the city to over 2.42 lakh on Saturday, with the authorities conducting more than 61,000 tests the previous day.

Thirty-eight new fatalities pushed the death toll to 4,945, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi health department.

Maharashtra's coronavirus tally rises to 11,88,015 with 21,907 new cases; 425 fatalities take death toll to 32,216: Health department

5,569 new Covid-19 cases, 5,556 discharges and 66 deaths reported in Tamil Nadu today. Total number of cases now at 5,36,477 including 46,453 active cases, 4,81,273 discharges and 8,751 deaths: State Health Department

A police personnel wearing a facemask as a preventive measure against theCovid-19 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Credit: AFP Photo

India’s first CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) Covid-19 test, developed by the Tata Group and CSIR-IGIB, approved for use in India: Ministry of Science & Technology (ANI)

Karnataka reported 8,364 new Covid-19 cases, 10,815 discharges and 114 deaths today. The total number of cases in the State is now at 5,11,346 including 98,564 active cases, 4,04,841 discharges and 7,922 deaths: State Health Department

Madhya Pradesh reports 2,607 new Covid-19 cases, 2,206 recoveries and 42 deaths, taking total cases to 1,03,065 including 79,158 recoveries and 1,943 deaths: State Health Department

Andhra Pradesh reports 8,218 new Covid-19 cases today. The total number of cases now at 6,17,776 including 5,30,711 recoveries, 81,763 active cases, and 5,302 deaths: State Health Department

Leader of Opposition in Uttarakhand Assembly Indira Hridayesh tests positive for Covid-19

Her test report came positive late on Friday night. Hridayesh is being brought here to be admitted at the Max Hospital.

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Phase-III trial of Oxford Covid-19 vaccine to begin in Pune next week

"The phase-III trial of 'Covishield' vaccine will begin at Sassoon hospital from next week. It is likely to start on Monday. Some volunteers have already come forward for the trial. Around 150 to 200 volunteers will be administered the vaccine candidate dose," Dean of the state-run Sassoon General Hospital Dr Muralidhar Tambe said.

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Coronavirus case tally in Mumbai's Dharavi area rises to 3,018 with 25 new cases: BMC

A health worker (R) wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) checks the temperature of a resident inside a lane of theDharavislum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai on August 24, 2020. Credit: AFP Photo

41 armed forces personnel died of Covid-19; 22,353 infected

Thecoronaviruspandemic has killed 41 and infected 22,353 armed forces personnel, according to details provided by the government in Rajya Sabha on Saturday.

Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said a series of measures have been put in place to check the spread of thecoronavirusinfection in the armed forces which included a campaign on preventive measures.

"The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases amongst serving armed forces personnel is 22,353," he said, adding 41 personnel died of the infection till date.

PTI

The government is contemplating curtailing the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament in view of the rising Covid-19 cases amongst MPs but nothing has been finalised yet: Sources

Maharashtra police force records 153 new Covid-19 cases as 5 cops succumb to the virus

As many as 17,006 personnel have recovered from the infection so far, while 3,731 are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals, the official said.

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States and their recovery rates:

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announces Rs 1,350-crore economic package to boost tourism, other sectors hit by economic slowdown caused due to Covid-19 pandemic

Karnataka Dy CM Ashwath Narayan tests Covid-19 positive

Narayan got himself tested for the virus ahead of the monsoon session of the legislature that starts on September 21. It is mandatory for all legislators to get tested for Covid-19, and only those who test negative would be allowed to attend the session.

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Asian Champions League: Covid-19-hit Al-Hilal is all set to advance

Despite missing 10 players due to the coronavirus, Asian Champions League titleholder Al-Hilal is confident of advancing to the knockout stage on Sunday.

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Covid-19 deepens struggle of Mexico's indigenous villages

In the poverty-stricken mountains of southern Mexico, children can only dream of internet or television that would allow them to join millions of others following distance learning during the pandemic. Picture Credit: AFP Photo

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Telangana reports 2,123 new Covid-19 cases, nine deaths

Telangana added 2,123 new Covid-19 cases, pushing the total infection count to 1,69,169, while death toll rose to 1,025 with nine more fatalities.

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Most homemade masks block large cough droplets, even as single layer: Study

Scientists examined the effectiveness of common household fabrics used in homemade masks in blocking droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, and have found that they are considerably protective even as a single layer.

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Aam Aadmi Party leader Dilip Pandey condoled the death of Kawaljeet Singh in a tweet and called him as an old friend.

"Singh, around 60 years old, was admitted to Balak Ram hospital over ten days ago after (getting) infected with coronavirus. He died there on Friday," Khan told PTI.

Singh became a member of the Delhi Minorities Commission last month.

Hungary's 2021 economic rebound hinges on Covid-19 vaccine - Finance Minister

Hungary's economy could grow by 4 per centto 5 per centnext year if a vaccine against the coronavirus is available in the second quarter but that was an optimistic scenario, Finance Minister Mihaly Varga said in an interview published Saturday.

Covid-19: Additional 100 ventilators in govt hospitals in Dakshina Kannada

With the surge in Covid-19 infection in the Dakshina Kannada district, the district administration has decided to add an additional 100 ventilator beds across the district.

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Russia reported 6,065 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, the first time the daily tally has been higher than 6,000 in two months.

The national tally of infections rose to 1,097,251.

The coronavirus crisis centre said 144 people had died of the disease in the last 24 hours, bringing the Russian death toll to 19,339.

Three ministers, two MLAs test positive for coronavirus in Sikkim

A BMC officer from ‘A’ wards imposes fine of Rs 200 to a bystander on road for not wearing mask, at Fort area, in Mumbai. Credit: PTI Photo

Delhi sees downward trend in Covid-19 positivity rate, says Health Minister Satyendar Jain.

Downward trend in Delhi's Covid-19 positivity rate in last few days. Should lead to good results by next week: Health Minister SatyendarJain

New Nimhans study shows asymptomatic persons can transmit Covid-19 to others

A new study of Covid-19 cases in Karnataka has found that asymptomatic persons can not only spread the disease to other people but that people without symptoms can also succumb to disease, although the chances are lower.

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Canada opposition leaders test positive for Covid-19

Canada's conservative opposition leader Erin O'Toole tested positive for the new coronavirus on Friday, his office announced, one day after another federal party leader did, too.

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Andhra Pradesh: Bus services resume in Vijayawada from today with necessary Covid-19 protocols.

Covid-19 tally crosses 7,000-mark in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh's Covid-19tally crosses 7,000-mark as 183 more people, including 28 security personnel, test positive; active case count 1,886: Senior health officia

You thought of healthcare workers now, questions Derek O'Brien during the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill discussion

You thought of healthcare workers now? Bengal has Medicare Service Prevention of Violence & Damage to Property Act 2009. What happens to it? Bill is an attempt to encroach states' constitutionally assigned functioning: Derek O'Brien

Odisha's Covid-19 tally rises to 1,75,550 with detection of 4,209 new cases; 9 fresh fatalities push death toll to 691

Congress MP K Suresh gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over 'compensation package for families of those who died due to Covid-19, from the existing corpus of funds'

A vendor wearing a face mask to protect against thecoronavirussits near a display of personal protective equipment at the China Beijing International High Tech Expo in Beijing, Saturday, September19, 2020. With the Covid-19 pandemic largely under control, China has once again begun holding business events such as expos and trade fairs. Credit: APPhoto

543 fresh coronavirus cases,11 deaths reported in Puducherry

Puducherry reports 543 fresh Covid-19cases, pushing infection count to 22,456, death toll mounts to 448 with 11 more fatalities; number of active cases now 4,799.

Jharkhand's Covid-19 tally climbs to 68,578 with detection of 1,478 new cases, 12 fresh fatalities push death toll to 602; active case count 13,924.

Many healthcare workers including doctors, paramedics were insulted in some form or the other, due to stigma attached to Covid-19. Centralgovernmentacted on this situation andfound that there was a need for a law, a prohibitory mechanism against such incidents: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in Rajya Sabha

IIT Bhubaneswar students developed a new low-cost device to aid Covid-19 patients. They have designed a hyperbaric chamber, first of its kind ventilation device to ease breathing.
‘Bubble Helmet’ can also act as alternative to suffocating PPE kits.
Named as ‘Swasner’, the device lets patients to breathe more conveniently. Developers believe ‘Swasner’ will reduce deaths due to lack of ventilators in country.

Click here to see how it works

Odisha reports 4,180 new Covid-19 cases, recovery of 4,101 patients

Odisha's Covid-19 tally rose to 1,71,341 on Friday as 4,180 more people tested positive for the infection, while 13 fresh fatalities took the state's coronavirus death toll to 682, a health official said.

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Coronavirus Worldometer | 15 countries with the highest number of cases, deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemic

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India's single-day recoveries exceed fresh cases as record 95,880 recuperate

India'ssingle-dayrecoveryoutstripped the number of new infections as nearly 96,000 peoplerecuperatedfrom the novel coronavirus, even as the total caseload went past 53 lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday.

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A municipal worker sprays disinfectant to sanitize a street amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease in Kolkata. Credit: Reuters Photo

Rajasthan reports 813 new covid-19 cases, 7 deaths in the last 24 hours

7 deaths and 813 fresh positive cases reported in Rajasthan today till 1030 hours. The total number of cases in the state rise to 1,12,103 including 92,303 recovered, 18,485 active cases and 1,315 deaths: State Health Department

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,42,08,431 persons have been discharged.

Patna airport ensuring safe operations amid Covid-19

Maharashtra's Pune district Covid-19 tally reaches 2,44,516 with single-day spike of 4,093 cases, death toll mounts to 5,536 with 85 more fatalities.

Surge in Covid-19 fatalities, cases continue in Dakshina Kannada

The surge in Covid-19 cases and fatalities continued with the district administration recording 456 fresh cases and 11 fatalities, on Friday.

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Total samples tested up to 18th September are 6,24, 54, 254 including 8,81,911 samples tested yesterday: ICMR

How to ship a vaccine at -80 degrees Celsius and other obstacles

Many things will have to work out to end the coronavirus pandemic. Drug companies will have to develop a safe and effective vaccine. Billions of people will have to consent to vaccination.

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India reports 93,337 Covid-19 cases and 1,247 deaths in the last 24 hours: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

India's Covid-19case tally crosses 53-lakh mark with a spike of 93,337 new cases & 1,247 deaths in last 24 hours. The total case tally stands at 53,08,015 including 10,13,964 active cases, 42,08,432 cured/discharged/migrated & 85,619 deaths: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

A health worker wearing a PPE kit collects samples for Covid-19 Rapid Antigen test, at Kursoo Rajbagh in Srinagar. Credit: PTI Photo

Jammu and Kashmir government administration has started rapid antigen tests area wise to check and prevent the spreading ofcoronavirus.

As recoveries cross the 42-lakh mark in India, the country overtakes the US to become No.1 in terms of global Covid-19 recoveries: Ministry of Health

Polio vaccine in the crossfire of misinformation

As scientists around the world rush to find a vaccine to stem the spread of Covid-19, another deadly disease, polio, has become the latest target of misinformation campaigns online.

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Rajya Sabha MP Sonal Mansingh has given zero-hour notice over the demand to provide support to artists facing hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Beds don't treat patients, say hospitals hit by doctor shortage

Days after 36 private hospitals were served notice by the BBMP for not reserving 50 per centof beds for government quota Covid-19 patients, the management opened up about a looming crisis with regard to the shortage of doctors.

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Trump says he expects to have coronavirus vaccine for every American by April

US President Donald Trump said Friday he expects enough Covid-19 vaccines "for every American" will be produced by next April, and that the first doses will be distributed immediately after approval later this year.

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Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases, deaths on September 19

Total number of confirmed positive cases in India reaches 5,296,290; death toll stands at 85,525 as of September 19

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Ministerial Officials, Security police and other officerscheckfor coronavirus as part of the Unlock 04 norms ahead of theSeptember 21st sessionin the Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru. Credit: DHPhoto

'Entering a very interesting if not critical juncture'

I have no doubt that we are entering United Nations Security Council at a very interesting if not critical juncture. Both 75th anniversary of UN & Covid-19crisis present us with an opportunity to see whether we can do things differently: TS Tirumurti, Permanent Rep. of India to UN

IIT students develop 'bubble helmet' ventilation device to combat Covid-19

Students of International Institute of Information Technology, Bhubaneswar claim to have developed 'bubble helmet' a ventilation device amid Covid-19pandemic.

Ananya Aprama, a student of IIIT says, "This device will be very affordable for common men."

Trump administration reverses guidance on Covid-19 testing for a second time

Trump administration reversed guidance on Covid-19testing for a second time, urging those exposed to people with the virus to get tested even if they are not displaying symptoms.

A Covid-19 patient, who was thrashed allegedly by staff at Gujarat's Rajkot Civil Hospital, passes away.

A Covid-19 patient, who was thrashed allegedly by staff at Rajkot Civil Hospital, passed away.

"The patient had a bout of hysteria & attempted to remove the intravenous tube. He was trying to hurt himself & other patients. He was then restrained," says the Hospital Superintendent.

Participants during rehearsals for Garba dance ahead of 'Navratri', amidst the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Ahmedabad. Credit: PTI Photo