Coronavirus news highlights: India, S Africa's proposal for patent waiver on vaccines was supported at G7, says MEA

India's daily Covid-19 infections dip further on Sunday with 80,834 new cases, the lowest since April 2. Scientists have discovered that SARS-CoV-2, a highly infectious coronavirus can change human cells, making them fuse with two or more nearby cells. The presidents and prime ministers of G7 committed to sharing at least 1 billion vaccine shots with struggling countries over the next year, with deliveries starting in August.

Former world champ Povetkin retires after struggle with Covid-19

Former world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin said on Sunday that he was ending his career because he needed time to fully recover from coronavirus.

"I am no longer young. I have decided to end my career," the 41-year-old, who held the WBA regular title from 2011-13 and also won gold in the super-heavyweight class at the 2004 Olympics, told the TASS news agency. (AFP)

British PM wants further probe into virus origin

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says Britain wants further investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the end of the Group of Seven summit in southwest England, Johnson says that while it doesn't look as if this particular disease came from a lab, the world needs to “keep an open mind.” (PTI)

Mumbai's Covid-19 case count rises by 700; 19 die; 704 recover

The Covid-19 tally in Mumbai rose by 700 on Sunday to touch 7,16,579, while 19 deaths pushed the toll to 15,183, an official said. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said a statement that 704 people were discharged from hospitals during the day, which took the recovery count to 6,83,382, leaving the metropolis with 15,773 active cases. (PTI)

A proposal by India and South Africa to temporarily waive patents on Covid-19 vaccines to ensure their equitable access received widespread support at the G7 summit in the UK, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday.

In a virtual address at an inaugural outreach session of the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought the support of the grouping to lift patent protections for Covid-19 vaccines. (PTI)

The number of Covid-19 cases in Nashik reached 3,91,341 on Sunday after 592 people were detected with the infection, while the day also saw 510 deaths, of which 505 were those that had gone unreported earlier, an official said (PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir records 774 cases, 12 deaths

Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday recorded 774 fresh cases taking the infection tally to 3,07,412, while 12 fatalities pushed the death toll to 4,186, officials said.

Of the fresh cases, 229 were from the Jammu division and 545 from the Kashmir division of the union territory, the officials said. (PTI)

Nagaland reports more Covid-19 recoveries than fresh cases for 8th consecutive day

Nagaland for the eight consecutive day on Sunday recorded more Covid-19 recoveries than fresh cases as 204 people recuperated from the disease while 82 fresh infections pushed the coronavirus tally 23,644, a health official said. The Covid-19 recovery rate in the state rose to 80.47 per cent from Saturday's 79.88 per cent, he said. (PTI)

All help to be given to children orphaned by Covid-19, says MP CM

The Madhya Pradesh government was fully committed to taking care of children who had lost their earning parent or had been orphaned due to Covid-19, said Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday. He had recently announced a scheme under which such children would get several benefits, including financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month. (PTI)

G7 nations say they support Japan 2020 Olympics

The Group of Seven wealthy nations said they supported the holding of the Tokyo Olympics this year, a communique issued on Sunday after a leaders' summit in Cornwall.

"We reiterate our support for the holding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in a safe and secure manner as a symbol of global unity in overcoming Covid-19," the communique said. (Reuters)

Ireland to consider additional restrictions on travel from Britain

The Irish government is considering increasing quarantine requirements for unvaccinated travellers from Britain, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Sunday, citing concern over the Delta variant of Covid-19.

Currently travellers from Britain must self-quarantine but can move freely once they obtain a negative Covid-19 test no less than five days after arrival. (Reuters)

Moscow to give away free cars to spur people to get Covid vaccine

Moscow's mayor said on Sunday the city would give away free cars in a prize draw for residents who get the Covid-19 shot in an effort to speed up the sluggish rate of vaccinations amid surging coronavirus cases.

The Russian capital reported 7,704 new infections on Sunday, the most in a single day since Dec. 24. Authorities reported 14,723 cases nationwide, the largest one-day total since Feb. 13. (Reuters)

IMF chief: 1 billion vaccine doses only a start

The International Monetary Fund managing director says there's a moral imperative for the world's richest countries to back programmes to end the Covid-19 pandemic but the donation of excess vaccines is only the first step.

Kristalina Georgieva's comments in a virtual press conference at the Group of Seven summit Sunday came after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he hoped G-7 leaders would agree to provide at least 1 billion vaccine doses for poorer countries. (AP)

G7 calls for study in China on Covid origins: Draft communique

Group of Seven leaders called for a transparent, science-based study, including in China, into the origins of Covid-19, to be convened by the World Health Organization, a draft communique showed.

"We also call for a timely, transparent, expert-led, and science-based WHO-convened Phase 2 Covid-19 Origins study including, as recommended by the experts’ report, in China," the communique, which is almost finalised, said. (Reuters)

Germany's Merkel hopes for G7 infrastructure plans in 2022

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday said she hoped that a new Group of Seven (G7) task force can present first infrastructure projects in developing countries in 2022.

At their summit in Britain the world's seven most advanced economies signalled a desire to build a rival to China's multitrillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative. (Reuters)

Russia's Sputnik V likely to be available at Delhi's Indraprastha Apollo Hospital from next week

Only two cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Dharavi today. There are a total of 13 active cases in the area,BMC states. (ANI)

TN CM Stalin announces more relaxations, tea stalls allowed to reopen

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday announced more relaxations in as many as 27 districts of the state which includes permission for tea shops to reopen from June 14.

Barring 11 districts, seven in western and four in Cauvery delta regions respectively, the fresh relaxations would be applicable in the rest of 27 districts including Chennai and other nearby districts. (PTI)

S.Africa pulls millions of doses of J&J vaccine

South Africa, which is struggling to roll out its inoculation programme as it enters a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, said Sunday it will pull millions of doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following contamination concerns at one of the US drugmaker's sites.

On Friday, the US Food and Drug Administration told J&J that millions of doses produced at the group's Emergent BioSolutions facility in the city of Baltimore were not suitable for use. (PTI)

Delhi has recorded 255 new Covid-19 cases, a positivity rate of 0.35 per cent, 376 patient discharges, and 23 deaths in the last 24 hours. (PTI)

A health worker collects swab sample during random Covid-19 testing of people visiting the Sadar Bazar market, in Gurugram. Credit: PTI Photo

Germany demands that J&J make up Covid-19 vaccine gap in July

Germany's health ministry on Sunday said Johnson & Johnson must deliver 6.5 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Germany in July to make up for a shortfall expected in June after the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) told the company to dispose of millions of doses because contamination concerns.

AstraZeneca shots should be halted for over-60s too - EMA official

Countries should also avoid giving the Astrazeneca coronavirus vaccine to people over 60, the head of the EU drug regulator's Covid-19 task force was quoted on Sunday as saying, amid fears over rare blood clotting and as more vaccines become available.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) considers the Astrazeneca shot safe for all age groups. However several European Union member states have stopped administering it to people below a certain age, usually ranging from 50 to 65, restricting its use to the older population, due to the rare cases of blood clotting, mainly among young people.

Russia's new Covid-19 cases rise to highest since February 13

Russia on Sunday reported 14,723 new Covid-19 cases, including 7,704 in Moscow, the largest one-day national caseload since Feb. 13.

The number of new infections in Moscow was the most reported in one day since Dec. 24. The city's mayor told residents on Saturday to stay off work this coming week to curb the spread of the virus.

Odd, even system for shops will end tomorrow at 0500 hrs. All shops can be opened in Delhi.

Delhi to ease Covid-19 curbs from June 14: What's allowed, what's not

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that all activities, except some, will be allowed in the national capitalfrom 5 am on June 14. Other activities will also be allowedin a restricted manner as part of the easing of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Check details here

Delhi Metro and buses limited to 50% capacity

Not more than 50% capacity will be allowed in the Delhi Metro and buses. Autorickshaws, e-rickshaws and taxis can carry only 2 passengers.

One weekly market to be allowed per zone

Only 1 weekly market will be allowed per zone. Weddings will not be allowed in public places. Weddings at courts and homes will be allowed with a maximum guest list of 20 people. Only 20 will be allowed at funerals. Religious places will be opened however, no devotees will be allowed.

100% of group A officers will work from offices and others will observe 50% attendance rule, said Kejriwal, adding that essential activities will continue to operate as usual.

Restaurants will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity on a trial basis for a week, said the CM.

Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will be closed in Delhi

Gatherings for social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious festivals will not be allowed, said Arvind Kejriwal. Swimming pools, stadiums, sports complexes, cinema theaters, multiplexes will remain closed, according to the guidelines.

From 5 am tomorrow, except some, all activities will be allowed and others in a restricted manner as part of lockdown easing, said Arvind Kejriwal. He added that a detailed order will be published in time.

Coronavirus variants can evade antibodies by spreading via super-cells: New research

The antibodies we create after we’re infected with a virus or vaccinated against it can be very powerful.

A virus typically spreads within our bodies by entering a cell and using it as a factory to create copies of itself, which then burst out and find new cells to infect.

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Rajkumar Haryani who painted his body to create awareness about vaccination, receives a dose of Covid-19 vaccie in Ahemdabad. Credit: PTI Photo

Ladakh records 38 new Covid-19 cases

Ladakh has recorded 38 fresh Covid-19 cases taking the overall tally to 19,544, while the active cases in the region dropped to 746 after 88 more patients recovered from the disease, officials said on Sunday.

Ladakh has registered 197 coronavirus related deaths since last year with the worst-hit Leh accounting for 143 fatalities followed by 54 in Kargil district.

Here is DH's India coronavirus tracker

Passengers arriving at Howrah station via trains look for local transport to reach their destination, during the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown. Credit: PTI Photo

Maha 'unlock': Tourists allowed in Palghar

The Palghar district administration has amended its earlier order banning the movement of people near various tourist spots such as dams, waterfalls, lakes and beaches given the improvement in the Covid-19 pandemic situation. As per the modified order issued by the district collector Manik Gursal on Saturday, the previous prohibitory order will remain in force up to the one-km radius of tourist spots like dams, waterfalls, lakes and forts.

With 80,834 new Covid-19 cases, India sees lowest spike since March 31

India's daily Covid-19 infections dip further on Sunday with 80,834new cases, the lowest since March 31. As many as 3,303deaths were reported as the recovery rate from the virus went above 95 per cent, according to Union Health Ministry data.

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U'khand: Probe ordered into allegations of fake Covid results issued by pvt labs

The Haridwar district administration has ordered a probe into allegations that fake Covid reports were issued by private laboratories engaged by the Uttarakhand government to conduct tests during the Kumbh Mela.

One of the world’s largest religious gatherings, the Kumbh was held in the state from April 1 to 30, and the notified Kumbh area covered various places in Haridwar, Dehradun and Tehri districts.

China reports 34 new coronavirus cases on June 12

Mainland China reported 34 new Covid-19 cases on June 12, down from 35 cases a day earlier, the country's national health authority said on Sunday.

Of the new cases, six were local transmissions, compared with eight the previous day, the National Health Commission said. All of the local cases were in southern Guangdong province.

Karnataka's active Covid cases fall below 2 lakh; state reports 9,785 cases

Active Covid-19 cases in Karnataka fell below two lakh, as the state on Saturday reported 9,785 new infections and 144 fatalities, taking the caseload to 27.57 lakh and toll to 32,788.

The day also saw 21,614 discharges, continuing to outnumber the fresh cases. Out of 9,785 new cases reported on Saturday, 2,454 were from Bengaluru Urban, as the city saw 5,398 discharges and 21 deaths.

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Residents play a game of cricket in front of closed shops during the coronavirus lockdown in Bengaluru. Credit: PTI Photo

Pandemic technology takes its toll on data privacy

At a time when technology is spawning smart solutions to combat Covid-19 worldwide, India’s digital response to the pandemic has stoked concerns that surveillance could pose threats to the privacy of the personal data collected. Be it apps or drones, there is widespread criticism that digital tools are being misused to share information without knowledge or consent. At the other end of the spectrum, the great urban-rural digital divide is hampering the already sluggish vaccination drive, exposing vulnerable populations to a fast-mutating virus.

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OPINION | Covid-19: The one crisis whose narrative PM Modi can't change

As India gasped for air at the peak of its Covid devastation, its leader appeared to advise his people to just breathe normally.

The instructions, a bit of yoga advice for the stressed, came from one of the many social media accounts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has used powerful oratory and digital savvy to become India’s most dominant leader in decades. But the tweet showed how India’s master of public perception has increasingly struggled to get his message across, exposing the limits of his ability to control the narrative.

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Extrapolation sans epidemiological evidence: Centre trashes report on higher Covid-19 deaths

India Saturday refuted a report which claimed that its Covid deaths could be "five-to-seven times" higher than the official number, saying the assessment is based on extrapolation of data without any epidemiological evidence.

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Delhi govt asks Centre to remove GST on medical equipment

The Delhi government on Saturday suggested to the Centre to remove the GST on face masks, sanitisers, oximeters and thermometers, saying these items have become a part of regular expenditure of the people during Covid-19 pandemic.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was speaking during a meeting of the GST Council.

He said the central government and BJP-ruled states opposed the idea of making these items tax-free and stressed that the decision to not do away with the tax was against the interest of citizens.