Coronavirus News Highlights: India's active Covid-19 cases to peak at 38-48 lakh by mid-May, say IIT researchers

India on Sunday saw over 3 lakh Covid-19 cases for the fifth day in a row, reporting the largest single-day spike in the world. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have assured India and its people of providing all assistance, including urgently sending necessary medical life-saving supplies and equipment, to help the country combat the deadly coronavirus crisis.

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Covid-19 situation in India 'beyond heartbreaking': WHO chief

The World Health Organization chief voiced alarm Monday at India's record-breaking wave of Covid-19 cases and deaths, saying the organisation was rushing to help address the crisis.

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Kannada producer & actor Ramu passes away due to Covid-19

Kannada producer/director/actor Ramureportedlypassed away on Monday due to Covid-19 related complications.

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Safe for women to take Covid-19 vaccine during period, no reason to postpone, says Centre's health expert

The Centre's top health advisor on Monday said it was perfectly safe for women to takeCovid-19 vaccines during their menstrual cycle.

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Chaos, apathy mar Uttar Pradesh's Covid-19 management as cases soar

Notwithstanding the claims by the state government, chaos, apathy and poor health infrastructure marred Covid-19 management in Uttar Pradesh as Covid-19 cases continued to remain high in the state.

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Australia to send oxygen, ventilators, PPE to India as part of immediate support package

Australia will send oxygen, ventilators and personal protective equipment to India as part of an immediate support package to the country which is battling with the latest surge of the Covid-19 cases, Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Monday.

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Mumbai sees 3,876 new Covid-19 cases, 9,150 recoveries

A month of lockdown can eat up 1-2% of India's GDP: Report

A month-long national lockdown to arrest the spread of Covid-19 2.0 could shave off 100-200 bps of GDP, leading to a 300 bps risk to annual growth, a brokerage report has flagged while expressing doubts over the ability of local lockdowns to control the pandemic.

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Switzerland puts India on Covid-19 quarantine list

Switzerland has added India to its list of high-risk countries from which travellers must enter quarantine following the surge of cases in the subcontinent and the discovery here of a first case of new variant of Covid-19 first identified in India.

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Centre asks Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech to lower prices of Covid-19 vaccines

The central government on Monday asked the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech to lower prices of their Covid-19 vaccines amid criticism from various states who objected to profiteering during such a major crisis.

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3 sectors exempted from govt ban on non-medical use of liquid oxygen

A day after putting a ban on the use of liquid oxygen for non-medical purposes, the government on Monday allowed three sectors -- ampules and vials, pharmaceutical and defence forces -- to use the commodity.

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It's your baby: Delhi HC asks AAP government to take action against people black-marketing oxygen cylinders

The Delhi High Court Monday took strong note of black marketing in oxygen cylinders, reportedly being sold at Rs 1 lakh per unit in the national capital for treating seriously ill Covid-19 patients, and asked the AAP government to take action against those indulging in it, saying distribution of gas cylinders is "your baby".

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Tamil Nadu sees 15K new daily cases, 94 deaths, 13K recoveries

Cricket stars leave IPL 2021 as India's Covid-19 toll grows

Two Australian cricketers became the latest stars to pull out of the Indian Premier League on Monday as top bowler Pat Cummins said the tournament was being kept open to distract attention from the growing coronavirus toll on the country.

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As India grapples with second Covid-19 wave, Centre says it is time for people to wear masks at home

As India grappled with a raging second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the government on Monday sought to allay people's fears, saying unnecessary panic is causing more harm than good.

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Rajasthan sees over 16,000 new cases, 84 deaths

No need to panic, India has enough oxygen stock: Ministry of Home Affairs

India has enough stock of medical oxygen, but the issue is its transportation from the producing states to high-demand areas which the government is trying to address, the Home Ministry said Monday.

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India seeks remdesivir, oxygen from EU, aid expected soon

India has asked the European Union to send medical oxygen and Gilead's antiviral drug Remdesivir to fight a surge in Covid-19 cases, an EU official said on Monday, adding that the aid could be made available soon.

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Indian Railways has transported over 302 MT oxygen to Delhi safely, 154 MT to reach Delhi today

Indian Railways has transported more than 302 MT of oxygen safely & securely to various states across India. Another 154 MT of liquid medical oxygen is on its way. One Oxygen Express train carrying 4 tankers is expected to reach Delhi from Raigarh today: Govt of India (ANI)

Kerala shuts bars, parks, cinema halls indefinitely; essential services allowed to function on Saturday and Sunday

Centre won't import Covid-19 vaccines, to leave it to states: Report

The Centre has decided to leave the import of Covid-19 vaccines to state authorities and companies, two government officials told Reuters, a decision that may slow acquisitions of shots as a second wave of the pandemic rips through the country.

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'Minimum interval between first and second dose of Sputnik can be increased from 21 days to three months'

We believe it's possible to increase minimum interval b/w first & second shots of Sputnik V from earlier approved 21 days up to 3 months. Extending interval will not affect vaccine-induced immune response & in some cases will enhance&prolong it: Director, Gamaleya Research Centre (ANI)

Armed forces rope in retired medics for Covid-19 duty

The Armed Forces on Monday recalled its medical personnel who had retired or taken premature retirement in the last two years to work at Covid-19 facilities across the country.

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BBMP issues show-cause notice to labs over delay in updating Covid-19 test results on ICMR portal

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Monday issued a show-cause notice to some private labs in the city for not updating the Covid-19 RT-PCR test results on the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) portal within 24 hours after the tests were done.

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Follow Covid-19 norms, then blame government: Bombay HC to people

Citizens should practice restraint and discipline amid the surge in Covid-19 cases before blaming the government, the Aurangabad bench of Bombay High Court said on Monday while passing several directions on the pandemic.

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Over 14.19 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in India

The cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 14.19 croreas part of the world's largest vaccination drive, which completed 100 days on April 25, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday.

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J&K courts to conduct trials, hearings virtually as cases rise

These states currently have more than 1 lakh active Covid-19 cases

States with more than 1 lakh active cases - Maharashtra, UP, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu: Health Ministry (ANI)

Ganga Ram Hospital waiting for 3 days to refill oxygen cylinders used while transporting patients

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi has been waiting for three days to refill its oxygen cylinders, which are used while transporting critically ill Covid patients, and is currently on beg and borrow mode, sources said on Monday.

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Covaxin ramp up plans slowed over key US component shortage

As India begins ramping up its Covid-19 vaccine production to meet the rising Covid-19 cases daily, indigenous vaccine maker Bharat Biotech is struggling to procure the key ingredient in its vaccine.

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How US export ban impacted India's Covid-19 vaccine production

The US on Sunday assured India and its people of support during the trying second wave of coronavirus which has been devastating the country overthe past month. The Joe Biden administration said that it was "determined to help India in its time of need." and is set to send necessarylife-saving medical supplies and equipmentto help India fight the virus.

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Gujarat doctors under govt bond asked to join Covid-19 duty

All MBBS graduates under government bond in Gujarat have been asked to immediately join duty in the wake of a shortage of doctors at Covid-19 hospitals in the state.

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Karnataka lockdown: What's allowed, what's not

Essential shops and grocery stores can stay open between 6 and 10 in the morning. Construction, manufacturing, and farming activities are exempted from the lockdown.

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People can buy essentials between 6:00 am and 10:00 am

Two-week coronavirus lockdown in Karnataka starting April 27 night

Karnataka will impose a two-week lockdown starting 10 pm on April 27, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced on Monday.

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Karnataka to offer free Covid-19 vaccines for those aged between 18 and 45

Moderna applies for emergency Covid-19 vaccine use in the Philippines

US drugmaker Moderna Inc on Monday filed an application for emergency use authorisation of its Covid-19 vaccine in the Philippines, Food and Drug Administration chief Rolando Enrique Domingo told reporters.

The Philippines expects the delivery of 194,000 doses of Moderna's vaccine in May, and another one million shots in July.

The Philippines, which is battling one of the worst Covid-19 outbreaks in Asia, has so far approved the emergency use of six vaccines in the country.

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

Jharkhand CM asks Gujarat CM to take cognisance of delays in delivery of medical oxygen

My sincere request to Gujarat CM to take cognisance of the delays in delivery of Liquid Medical Oxygen tanks, cylinders & vaporisers from manufacturers in Gujarat. In this crisis hour, it will be good if we all could work together ensuring timely service delivery, says Jharkhand CM.

EC officers should probably be booked on murder charges: Madras HC slams political rallies during Covid-19

"Your institution is singularly responsible for the second wave of Covid-19", Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee told Election Commission of India.

The court warned that it will stop counting of votes on May 2 if ECI does not put in place a proper plan to ensure following of Covid-19 protocols.

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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to hold press briefing on actions taken, preparedness and updates on Covid-19 at 4 pm.

A man from an NGO wearing an outfit resembling the Covid-19 moves around a marketplace urging people to follow the safety protocols during an awareness drive held in Siliguri. Credit: AFP Photo

Follow AAP govt circular on not insisting for Covid-19 report during admission: HC to hospitals

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed hospitals in the national capital to "scrupulously follow" the AAP government's circular on not to insist on Covid positive test reports before admitting patients showing symptoms of coronavirus.

A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh also directed the Delhi government to "widely publicise" its April 23 circular on the matter.

The order came while disposing of a PIL seeking directions to the Delhi government to order hospitals not to insist on Covid positive reports to hospitalise patients who show symptoms of coronavirus.

EU will let vaccinated Americans visit this summer

A top European Union official said Sunday that Americans who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 should be able to travel to Europe by summer, easing existing travel restrictions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told The New York Times that the union's 27 members would accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by the European Medicines Agency.

The agency has approved the three vaccines used in the United States.

Oxygen plants to be set up in 15 districts of Bihar to meet the demand of medical oxygen across the state. These plants will be set up under PM Cares Fund.

What you need to know about Covid-19 | Israel examining heart inflammation cases in those who received Pfizer shot

Israel's Health Ministry said on Sunday it is examining a small number of cases of heart inflammation in people who had received Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine, though it has not yet drawn any conclusions.

Israel's pandemic response coordinator, Nachman Ash, said a preliminary study showed "tens of incidents" of myocarditis occurring among more than 5 million vaccinated people, primarily after the second dose. Ash said it was unclear whether this was unusually high and whether it was connected to the vaccine. Most of the cases were reported among people up to age 30.

What you need to know about Covid-19 | Nations pledge aid as India's crisis intensifies

India's coronavirus cases hit a record peak for a fifth day on Monday as countries including Britain, Germany and the United States pledged to send urgent medical aid to help tackle the crisis overwhelming its hospitals.

Infections in the past 24 hours rose to 352,991, with overcrowded hospitals in Delhi and nationwide turning away patients after running out of supplies of medical oxygen and beds. With a population of 1.3 billion, India has a tally of 17.31 million infections and 195,123 deaths, after 2,812 deaths overnight, health ministry data showed.

Delhi to provide free vaccines to those 18 and above

Delhi govt has decided to provide free vaccines to everyone above 18 years of age. Today we have given the approval for the purchase of 1.34 crore vaccines. We will make an effort to ensure that it is purchased soon and administered at the earliest to people, said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Hong Kong and Singapore aim to start travel bubble in May

Hong Kong and Singapore on Monday announced plans to resurrect their scrapped coronavirus travel bubble with dedicated flights between the two cities starting on May 26.

The two business hubs had to abandon a highly anticipated quarantine-free travel corridor late last year after Hong Kong was hit with a fourth wave of infections.

From May 26, one flight per day carrying up to 200 passengers will shuttle between the two cities. Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines will share the route with two daily flights planned from June 10 onwards.

'Devastated', 'heartbroken' Nadella, Pichai offer support for India's Covid situation

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Monday expressed his solidarity with India and its Covid-19 situation, adding that his company will aid relief efforts in the country. Nadella was "heartbroken" by the pandemic situation facing India, he said.

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Twelve states are displaying an upward trajectory in daily new cases

The eight states of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Kerala cumulatively account for 69.67% of India’s total active cases.

Here is DH's India coronavirus tracker

Karnataka cabinet meeting to decide on free vaccines for all on April 26

The demand for free vaccination for everyone 18 years of age and above grew on Sunday, ahead of the key Karnataka cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday.

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Tokyo Olympics: More tests, no quarantine in updated rules

Tokyo Olympic organizers and the IOC are to unveil new plans this week to explain how 15,400 Olympic and Paralympic athletes can compete in Japan when the games open in three months in the midst of a pandemic.

The rollout of the second edition of the so-called "Playbooks" — an IOC guidebook explaining how the games can be pulled off — comes as Tokyo, Osaka and several other areas have been placed under a third state of emergency as coronavirus cases surge.

Japan, which has attributed about 10,000 deaths to Covid-19, has also been slow with local vaccination with about 1% so far getting shots.

India reports world's largest daily rise with 3.52 lakh Covid-19 cases, 2,812 deaths

India on Sunday reported 3,52,091 new Covid-19 cases and 2,812 deaths, the largest single-day rise in the world, according to the latest Union Health Ministry data. This is the fifth day that India recorded over 3 lakh daily infections.

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Covid-19: TN to shut cinemas, places of worship, bars from today

Cinemas, places of worship, malls, bars and salons must be shut effective April 26, the Tamil Nadu government announced on Saturday reintroducing more curbs following surging Covid-19 cases. People from abroad and other states shall be allowed entry to Tamil Nadu only if they have registered in the portal http://eregister.tnega.org and information on registration should be produced to authorities on arrival.

Bengaluru overwhelmed by Covid-19 deaths | Crematoria, burial grounds see numbers rising

27.93 crore samples tested for Covid-19 up to April 25, 2021

American singer Mary Millben sends video message to US President Joe Biden asking to help India cope with surge in Covid-19 cases

The United States stands in solidarity with the people of India and we are deploying more supplies and resources, says United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan

Fiji capital in lockdown after virus 'superspreader' event

The Fijian capital Suva entered a 14-day lockdown Monday as the Pacific island nation battled to contain a Covid-19 spike following a "superspreader" funeral event.

Around 100,000 people in the city must stay in containment zones and non-essential businesses are shuttered after the first community coronavirus cases in 12 months were detected.

A soldier contracted the virus at a quarantine facility and is believed to have transmitted it to a maid, who then exposed up to 500 people at a funeral.

Congress claims vaccine makers to make Rs 1.11 lakh crore profit

Congress on Sunday accused the Modi government of allowing vaccine makers profiteer to the tune of Rs 1.11 lakh crore by allowing differential pricing for Covid-19 vaccines.

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China reports 11 new Covid-19 cases vs 13 a day earlier

China reported 11 new Covid-19 cases on April 25, down from 13 cases a day earlier, the national health authority said on Monday.

The National Health Commission, in a statement, said all of the new cases were imported infections originating from overseas. The number of new asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed cases, rose to 18 from 14 cases a day earlier.

Stricter Covid-19 curbs to begin today in Tamil Nadu. Cinema halls, gyms, recreation clubs, bars, auditoriums and meeting halls remain shut

Critical to ease the controls and allow a free hand to the state governments as well as the private sector, says Harsh Vardhan

"In any battle, time is of the greatest essence. While the dreaded disease is spreading like a tsunami, it was critical to ease the controls and allow a free hand to the state governments as well as the private sector. Hence, under the able guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we decided to ease the vaccination policy norms," writes Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.

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Germany will send oxygen, medical aid to India to help in Covid crisis

Germany will send oxygen and medical aid to India in the coming days to help it tackle its Covid-19 crisis, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Monday.

(PTI)

France to provide 'significant' oxygen assistance to India

France plans to offer India "significant" extra oxygen capacity in the coming days to help the country cope with a record surge in Covid-19 infections, the French presidency said on Sunday.

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Covid-19 victims being cremated at Bhairav Ghat Hindu Crematory, as coronavirus cases surge in record numbers across the country, in Kanpur, Sunday, April 25, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Govt says health infrastructure 'might not be able to cope' with rising Covid cases

Noting that existing infrastructure “might not be able to cope" with the surge in Covid cases, the Centre on Sunday suggested that states should identify geographies with higher positivity or bed occupancy rate, and take local containment measures for 14 days.

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