Coronavirus News highlights: Chhattisgarh sees 15,121 new Covid-19 cases, 109 deaths

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray announced a state-wide curfew in the state for 15 days from April 14. All establishments, public places, activities will remain closed. Essential services exempted, their operations to be unrestricted in the state. Meanwhile, Russia’s Sputnik-V vaccine against Covid-19 was given the DCGI nod emergency use authorisation (EUA) in India. On Tuesday, India logged 1.61 lakh new Covid cases and 879 deaths. Stay tuned for updates.

Devotees gather for evening prayer on the banks of the Ganges river during Kumbh Mela, or the Pitcher Festival, amidst the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, in Haridwar, India, April 13, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Govt not going for lockdowns in big way, says FM Sitharaman amid new Covid-19 wave

Amid surging coronavirus cases in India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday made it clear that the government would not go for lockdowns in a big way and only resort to local containment.

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Maharashtra: Pune district reports 10,112 new cases, 9,843 recoveries, and 99 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Active cases: 99,976
Total cases: 6,68,126
Total recoveries: 5,57,424
Death toll: 10,895

West Bengal registers record single-day jump of 4,817 coronavirus cases; death toll rises by 20.

Maharashtra imposes Section 144 and night curfew from April 14 till May 1

In the wake of massive rise in Covid-19 cases, Maharashtra government onTuesday evening imposed Section 144 and night curfew from April 14 till May 1 across the state.

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Statewide curfew in Maharashtra for 15 days from April 14. All establishments, public places, activities to remain closed. Essential services exempted, their operations to be unrestricted.

40-50K remdesivir injections are being used in Maharashtra: CM Thackeray

That's why we're seeing a shortage... But if the covid cases keep rising, then in the coming days, Remdesivir's demand will double... I am not trying to hide anything, this is the ground situation: CM

'Break the chain' SEC 144 from tomorrow 8 pm in Maharashtra

We have no option but to impose strict restrictions and curbs. I realise that economy and livelihood is important but saving lives is more important: CM Thackeray

I appeal to all parties again to keep politics aside. If we continue to politicise this, Maharashtra won't forgive us. This is the same thing I told PM during the CMs conference last week: Thackeray

I agree with PM's vision of the 'Tika Utsav' from 11-14. Why just that? We want to do it in a bigger way. But vaccination is not the way to fight this Covid-19 wave: Thackeray

There are some other steps we need to take to stop the next wave of Covid-19, not just vaccination, he added.

Thackeray asks for permission to bring oxygen from different states to "provide it to those who need it the most"

Our health system is pressurised but we will not let there be any deficiency in our supplies... We have also asked the Centre for help...In the coming time, Oxygen will be in high demand: Thackeray

4K covid centres have been established, beds have been increased. More than 3.5 lakh beds have been added: Thackeray

Last year's Gudi Padwa and this year's Gudi Padwa is completely different. We had been winning this war but now, the battle is on again. And coronavirus cases have increased in a massive manner: Maharashtra CM

CM Thackeray addresses state

A global pandemic has been ravaging world for one year: PM Narendra Modi at Raisina Dialogue

Mumbai reports 7,898 new positive Covid-19 cases and 26 death, taking the total number of cases to 5,35,017.

Panic buying in Mumbai ahead of CM Thackeray's address

The announcement of a public address by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray amid speculation of a lockdown led to panic buying by people on the streets of the financial capital on Tuesday evening.

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Delhi reports 13,468 new Covid-19 cases, 7,972 discharges and 81 deaths.

Total cases: 7,50,156
Total recoveries: 6,95,210
Active cases: 43,510
Death toll: 11,436

(ANI)

Gujarat reports 6,690 new Covid-19 cases, 2,748 discharges and 67 deaths.

Total cases: 3,60,206
Total discharges: 3,20,729
Active cases: 34,555
Death toll: 4,922

(ANI)

7,515 new coronavirus cases in Kerala; toll 4,814 with 20 more deaths.

Migrants gather at the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to board outstation trains, amid the spike in Covid-19 cases, in Mumbai, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Restaurants/ hotels including eating joints/food courts in malls to run only with 50% capacity, have to close by 9:30 pm, order to come into effect from 10 pm tonight: Chandigarh Administration

(ANI)

Celebrities who are asymptomatic should take treatment at home, not occupy beds in the hospital. Some celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Sachin Tendulkar did not need to get admitted to the hospital. Beds should be left for the needy: Maharashtra Minister Aslam Sheikh

(ANI)

Karnataka reports 8,778 new Covid-19 cases including 5,500 cases in Bengaluru Urban district, 6,079 discharges and 67 deaths.

Total cases: 10,83,647
Total discharges: 9,92,003
Active cases: 78,617
Death toll: 13,008

(ANI)

Uttar Pradesh reports 18,021 new Covid-19 cases, 3,474 recoveries and 85 deaths in the last 24 hours; active cases 95,980.

(ANI)

A pedestrian walks past a wall mural thanking frontline workers following restrictions imposed by the state government amidst rising Covid-19 coronavirus cases, in Mumbai on April 13, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

Delhi Metro's Flying Squads penalised 515 commuters on 12 April for not wearing a face mask properly & following social distancing: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

(ANI)

4,228 new coronavirus cases in Andhra Pradesh, highest in 6 months; toll 7,321 with 10 more deaths: Health Dept

'There is no question of use of Remdesivir in home setting'

This is required for those individuals who require hospitalisation & are on oxygen. Not to be procured from chemist shops. We appeal that there should be rational use of Remdesivir: Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog

(ANI)

The cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 10.85 Cr today as the Tika Utsav entered the third day. Over 40 lakh vaccination doses were administered in the last 24 hours: Government of India

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In Pics | India celebrates new year festivals amid Covid-19

Indians ushered in New Year on April 13, Tuesday, with various states celebrating the festivals of Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Sajibu Cheiraoba, Navreh and Cheti Chand -- new year festivals celebrated by people of different regions -- even as spike in daily coronavirus infections prompt experts to demand the cancellation of big events.

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7,515 new Covid-19 cases, 2,959 recoveries and 20 deaths reported in Kerala today; active cases at 52,132

(ANI)

Migrant workers board buses to leave for their native places, amid a surge in Covid-19 cases, near Rajiv Chowk in Gurugram, Tuesday, 13 April 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

No shortage of remdesivir at present. We appeal to physicians for rational, judicious use of drug in hospitalised Covid patients: Govt

(PTI)

In view of rapid rise in Covid-19 cases in West Bengal, all court proceedings at Calcutta High Court shall be in the virtual mode only and Court timings shall be from 10.30 AM to 01:15 PM and from 2.00 to 3.00 PM, effective from April 16.

(ANI)

Meenakshi Amman Temple administration in Madurai has announced that Chithirai festival will be held without devotees due to the Covid-19 situation. The festival begins on April 15.

(ANI)

Passengers board a crowded train, as coronavirus cases spike across the country, in Patna, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to address the state at 8.30 pm today.

(ANI/PTI)

US pauses use of Johnson and Johnson vaccine

"Recommend a pause in the use of Johnson and Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution" after 6 cases of blood clots reported among more than 6.8 million vaccinated: USFDA

(ANI)

Till 8 am today, more than 10.85 crore doses of vaccine have been administered in the country. In last 24 hours, over 40 lakh doses were administered: Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan

(ANI)

About 53 central teams camped in districts with high cases of Covid-19, helping states tackle rise in infection: Govt

(PTI)

Weekly positivity in case of Chattisgarh is increasing from one and a half percent, it has increased to 27.9% almost 28%. So, this is another cause for concern: Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan

(ANI)

Medics attend to a Covid-19 patient at Shehnai Banquet Hall, temporarily converted into an isolation ward, as coronavirus cases surge across the country, near Low Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo

Kerala Govt issues new restrictions to contain Covid spread

Maximum 100 people permitted to gather indoors& max 200 persons at outdoor functions. Shops to close by 9 pm, religious leaders to persuade to avoid community gatherings (Iftar party) & malls, theatres to restrict occupancy.

(ANI)

India may soon grant emergency approval to vaccines that have been granted emergency approval for restricted use by USFDA, EMA, UK MHRA, PMDA Japan

The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC) has recommended that vaccines for Covid-19, which have been developed & are being manufactured in foreign countries and which have been granted emergency approval for restricted use by USFDA, EMA, UK MHRA, PMDA Japan or which are listed in WHO (Emergency Use Listing) may be granted emergency use approval in India, mandating the requirement of post-approval parallel bridging clinical trial in place of conduct of local clinical trial as per the provisions prescribed under Second Schedule of the New Drugs & Clinical Trials Rules 2019.

Further, the first 100 beneficiaries of such foreign vaccines shall be assessed for seven days for safety outcomes before it is rolled out for further immunization programme within the country.

The Union Government, after due consideration, has accepted the recommendation of NEGVAC.

This decision will facilitate quicker access to such foreign vaccines by India & would encourage imports including import of bulk drug material, optimal utilization of domestic fill and finish capacity etc., which will in turn provide a fillip to vaccine manufacturing capacity and total vaccine availability for domestic.

(PIB Delhi)

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Indian Medical Association (IMA) asks modern medical practitioners for judicious use of injection Remedsivir.

(ANI)

A health worker collects swab sample for Covid-19 test near Andheri Bus Depot, in Mumbai, Tuesday, April 13,2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Uttar Pradesh records highest-ever single-day spike of 18,021 coronavirus cases in past 24 hours; death toll rises by 85.

(PTI)

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal holds meeting via video conference with Deputy Commissioners over Covid-19 situation in the state.

(ANI)

Curfew to remain imposed in Sukma district from 12 pm to 7 am, in the wake of rise in the number of Covid-19 cases. The order will come into effect from April 15. Shops will be allowed to remain open from 7 am-12 pm only: Sukma District Collector

(ANI)

S Jaishankar hits back at vaccine criticism: "Our ability to make vaccines is a result of international cooperation. International cooperation is not a one-way street where we give to others, somewhere short changing ourselves."

Those who question international cooperation, I want people to understand that our ability to make vaccines is a result of international cooperation. International cooperation is not a one-way street where we give to others, somewhere short changing ourselves: EAM

Central Railways downplays crowds gathering at Railway Stations

Air India pilot union, Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) writes to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for temporary stay on the requirement to conduct Pre-Flight Breath analyzer (BA) Test in the wake of the Covid-19 situation.

It's a critical situation. There is a surge in cases, positivity ratio has also increased. Can't say if malfunctioned ventilators were deliberately sent by the Centre, but some ventilators are still not working: Chhattisgarh Health Minister TS Singh Deo

Health department's responsibility is to look after the patients, we can't make other arrangements. I spoke with the district administration about it. More arrangements have been made to keep dead bodies, he added,

In the view of upcoming festivals, Uttarakhand CM Tirath Singh Rawat (in file pic) has shortened the night curfew, to be imposed from 10:30 pm to 5 am now. This is applicable for the areas where night curfew is already imposed: CMO

India will fast-track emergency approvals for foreign-produced Covid-19 vaccines that have been granted emergency authorisation in other countries amid a rise in infections surge at the back of shortage of vaccines.

Sputnik V is indicated for active immunisation in individuals ≥ 18 years of age & must be administered intramuscularly in 2 doses of 0.5 ml each with interval of 21 days.

Has to be stored at -18°C & comprises 2 components I & II that aren't interchangeable, Union Health Ministry says

Lives and health of children very important to us: Delhi CM asks PM to cancel CBSE exams

6 lakh children in Delhi are going to write CBSE exams. Nearly 1 lakh teachers will be a part of it. These can become major hotspots leading to large-scale spreading of Corona, Kejriwal said.

BJP MP Saroj Pandey tests positive for Covid, hospitalised

Ten dead as Vasai in Maharashtra district faces acute oxygen shortage

At least ten persons have died in Vasai as the urban township, nearly 60 kms off downtown Mumbai, reels under severe shortage of medical oxygen.

There is also a shortage of Remdesivir injections in areas under the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) and Vasai tehsil – located in the Palghar district.

The Vasai-Virar township which is located along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, is facing several shortage of oxygen supply over the weekend and the issue compounded over Monday and Tuesday.

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10 States show an Upward Trajectory of Daily New Cases; account for 80.80% of the new cases registered in the last 24 hours (1,61,736). Meanwhile, Sixteen states are displaying an upward trajectory in daily new cases

Eight states account for 60.16% of the total doses given so far in the country.

On day 3 of 'Tika Utsav', India’s cumulative vaccination coverage exceeds 10.85 crores (10,85,33,085) with over 40 lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Union Minister Santosh Gangwar tests positive for Covid-19, says he is asymptomatic

India reports 1,61,736 new Covid cases, 97,168 discharges and 879 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry

Total cases: 1,36,89,453 Total recoveries: 1,22,53,697 Active cases: 12,64,698 Death toll: 1,71,058

UK Covid-19 variant not linked to more serious infections: Study

The English variant of the novel coronavirus does not increase the severity of Covid-19 compared to other strains, according to research published Tuesday that also confirmed its increased transmissibility.

Australia reports second blood clot case ‘likely’ linked to AstraZeneca Covid vaccine: Reports

Jammu & Kashmir: Devotees arrive at Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Katra on the first day of Navratri, amid Covid protocols in place

If the situation becomes very critical and Covid cases go very high, this option can't be ruled out: Manoj Parida, Adviser to Chandigarh Administrator on being asked if lockdown can be imposed in Chandigarh

Amid rising cases of Covid-19, migrant workers start returning to their native places

Amidst the rising Covid cases, the markets witnessed a slight rush on the eve of Ugadi on Monday, while those traveling to hometowns for the festival struggled due to the ongoing strike by road transport workers.

Despite a last-minute surge in flower and fruit prices, vegetable costs remained the same at KR Market, Malleswaram, Basavanagudi and other areas.

Elsewhere in the city, the festival eve paved the way for reaffirming the spirit of harmony.

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How dance challenges became popular during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic brought with it not just physical but mental stress and with everyone locked down, there was only one place to relieve it: The internet with its many cooking, singing and dancing challenges.

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Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved the use of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus in the country. India has become the 60th country to approve Sputnik V: Russian Direct Investment Fund

China reports 9 new Covid-19 cases vs 16 a day earlier

China reported nine new Covid-19 cases on April 12, down from 16 cases a day earlier, the country's national health authority said on Tuesday.

The National Health Commission said in a statement that one of the new cases was a local infection reported in Yunnan province, which is dealing with a cluster that emerged in Ruili city on the border with Myanmar.

The number of new asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed cases, rose to 18 from 12 cases a day earlier.

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14 private hospitals to treat only Covid-19 patients: Delhi govt

With healthcare services stretched thin in the national capital after a massive surge in Covid-19 cases, the Delhi government on Monday designated 14 private hospitals as “full Covid-19” hospitals, with clear instructions against admitting patients with any other ailment.

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WTO chief seeks solutions to 'glaring' vaccine inequity, upbeat on IP waiver

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Monday a meeting this week to tackle "glaring" inequity in Covid-19 vaccine allocation will be attended by major manufacturers and look at solutions such as firing up idle or under-used manufacturing plants in Africa and Asia.

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