COVID-19 News Updates: Need to ramp up infrastructure as COVID-19 can re-emerge, says Centre

23:24 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Umar Khalid recovers from COVID-19 in Tihar jail

Former JNU student Umar Khalid, who was arrested in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots, has recovered from COVID-19 in Tihar jail and returned to his cell, officials said on Thursday.

A senior official said Khalid, 33, was isolated within the Tihar jail premises after he showed symptoms of COVID-19.

His RT-PCR test report came back positive on April 24.

Communal clashes had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24 after violence between supporters of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and those opposing it spiralled out of control, leaving at least 53 people dead and around 200 injured.

23:14 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Modi expected to join G7 summit in UK virtually

Narendra Modi is expected to join the UK-hosted G7 summit in Cornwall next month virtually, the British government said on Thursday after India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced that the prime minister would not be attending the meeting in person.

Modi was invited by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as India is one of three guest nations to the June 11-13 summit, alongside Australia and South Korea, as part of Britain’s Indo-Pacific foreign policy focus.

The guest leaders would be invited to take part in certain sessions of the Group of Seven meeting, presided by the UK and made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US, and the European Union (EU).

22:39 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Human catastrophe unfolding in India, says Amnesty International

Governments across South Asia should treat as a warning the “human catastrophe” unfolding in India and Nepal, and immediately address healthcare shortages and strengthen their systems to respond to the rapid surge of COVID-19 cases, Amnesty International said on Thursday.

With India’s and Nepal’s healthcare systems struggling to cope with the massive surge in cases, the human rights organisation expressed its concern over the lack of preparedness in other countries in the region for the latest and the most deadly wave of coronavirus.

“Governments across South Asia must immediately address healthcare shortages and urgently strengthen their healthcare systems to respond to the rapid surge of COVID-19 cases in the region. Extremely low vaccination rates across South Asia have also left the region highly vulnerable, with pressing action needed at the global level to ensure more equitable access to vaccines,” a statement from Amnesty said.

22:32 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Bihar’s COVID-19 toll rises by 90; positivity rate falls substantially

The COVID-19 toll in Bihar rose by 90 on Thursday and climbed 3593, even as the Nitish Kumar government asserted that the situation was set to improve, pointing out a decline in the positivity rate since the beginning of this month.

“Corona shall lose, Bihar shall win”, was the refrain of an ebullient health minister Mangal Pandey who came out with a flurry of tweets underscoring statistics that indicated a let-up in the spread of the contagion during the second wave.

Pandey said the state’s positivity rate was now around eight percent, a drop of four percent compared with a week ago and a nearly seven percent decline since May 01 when it was in excess of 15 percent.

Notably, a full lockdown was imposed in the state for the period May 05-15 in a bid to put brakes on the explosive rate at which the contagion had been spreading of late.

22:22 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Haryana to float global tenders to procure COVID-19 vaccines

Global tenders would be floated by the Haryana government for procurement of COVID-19 vaccines to ensure that all those above 18 in the state are inoculated, Health Minister Anil Vij said on Thursday.

During the past few weeks, COVID cases in Haryana have witnessed a surge. The number of total active cases in the state, as on 12 May, was 1,07,058.

In a tweet, Vij said, “Haryana will float Global tenders to purchase Corona Vaccine for people of Haryana so that free vaccination could be provided to every 18+ citizens of the State at the earliest.”

States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi have already opted for global tenders to meet their needs.

22:02 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Andhra Pradesh govt floats global tender for 1 cr COVID vaccines

The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday floated a global tender for procurement of Covid-19 vaccine, from foreign producers, sufficient to inoculate one crore people. Global firms have been given time till June 3 to submit their bids, according to Principal Secretary (Health) Anil Kumar Singhal.

“Some could be single-dose and some double-dose vaccine. Based on the bids, we will make the purchase (of a number of doses) accordingly,” Anil said.

In the tender notification, the AP Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation said the vaccines to be supplied must be in accordance with the ICMR guidelines.

The bidder having own manufacturing license should hold a valid WHO Good Manufacturing Practice certificate issued by the licensing authorities from where the product is being manufactured, it said.

-PTI

21:55 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Manipur BJP chief S Tikendra Singh dies of COVID

Manipur BJP president S Tikendra Singh who had been undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at a hospital in Imphal passed away on Thursday evening. He was 69. He had tested positive for the virus on April 27.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh while informing about the death tweeted, “Im at a loss of word to learn that Prof S Tiken Singh, president BJP Manipur, has passed away just a while ago.

“We have lost a stalwart of BJP in Manipur who have dedicated his life for the service of people and the party.My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May your soul rest in peace Oja.” BJP President J P Nadda and Union minister Kiren Rijiju have expressed profound grief over death of Manipur party head.

A Retired Professor, who have worked tirelessly with selfless devotion towards the ideology of BJP, was loved by one and all in Manipur, Biren Singh wrote on his official Facebook account. Singh was appointed as president of the BJP Manipur unit in June 2020.

-PTI

21:47 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Gujarat adds 10,742 COVID cases; 109 die, 15,269 recover

Gujarat reported 10,742 new COVID-19 cases and 109 deaths on Thursday, taking its overall infection tally to 7,25,353 and fatality count to 8,840, the health department said. Of the 109 fatalities, 16 were reported in Ahmedabad district, 14 in Surat, 10 in Vadodara and nine in Rajkot district, it said.

A total of 2,878 new cases were recorded in Ahmedabad city alone, followed by 776 in Surat city, 650 in Vadodara city and 461 in Vadodara district, 399 in Mehsana, 359 in Rajkot city and 332 in Rajkot district.

As many as 15,269 persons recovered from the infection and got discharge during the day. While the recovery count has gone up to 5,93,666, the recovery rate now stands at 81.85 per cent, the department said. Gujarat now has 1,22,847 active cases, of which, 796 are on ventilator.

21:41 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

North Western Railways reduces timing of 38 passenger reservation system offices

The North Western Railways has reduced the timing of 38 passenger reservation system offices due to less traffic amid COVID-19 triggered lockdown imposed by the state government.

The reservation window will open in a single shift from May 15 in Ajmer, Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions and second shift operation is being temporarily closed, an official statement said.

The second shift of 38 passenger reservation system offices will be temporarily stopped and the offices will be operate in a single shift till 2.00 pm, it said.

21:32 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Maharashtra reports 42,582 COVID-19 cases, 850 deaths

Maharashtra reported 42,582 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, a drop of nearly 4,200 infections from a day ago, while 850 more patients succumbed to the disease, the state health department said, reports PTI.

With the addition of 42,582 COVID-19 cases, down from 46,781 on Wednesday, the state’s caseload increased to 52,69,292, while the death toll reached 78,857, it said. On Tuesday, Maharashtra had reported 40,956 COVID-19 cases, 793 deaths and 71,966 recoveries.

Of the 850 fatalities, 409 had occurred in the past 48 hours, 160 last week and the rest 281 before the last week but were added to the toll on Thursday, the department said. Once again, recoveries outnumbered new cases.

21:24 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Meghalaya govt extends lockdown in East Khasi Hills district till 24 May

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Thursday announced the extension of lockdown in the worst-affected East Khasi Hills district till 24 May. The decision to extend the lockdown for another week was taken following a review of the COVID-19 situation.

The state government on May 8 had extended the lockdown in East Khasi Hills district till 17 May. To curb the spread of the contagion, a complete lockdown had been imposed in the district from 8 pm of May 5 to 5 am of May 10. State capital Shillong is located in East Khasi Hills district.

21:00 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

WHO and US FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines can come to India, says Centre

The Centre on Thursday reiterated that any vaccine which is approved by United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) can come to India. The announcement was made at a press conference by NITI Aayog member VK Paul, who also heads the national expert group on vaccines.

“Import license will be granted within 1-2 days. No import license is pending,” Dr Paul said. Last month, the central government had fast-tracked approvals for Covid-19 vaccines cleared for use in the US, the UK, the European Union and Japan.

20:50 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

French embassy procured Moderna vaccine sans nod to it, claims NCP leader

Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik on Thursday claimed that the French embassy in India has procured Moderna anti-coronavirus vaccine and it is being administered to its nationals at Navi Mumbai even as only three other vaccines are permitted in the country.

The Minority Affairs Minister sought to know from the Centre how a “non-permitted” vaccine is allowed to be administered to the residents of France and their relatives living. Malik, who is NCP’s national spokesperson, also asked why the Centre cannot procure the vaccine for the people of India if the French Embassy can.

20:34 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Asaram seeks bail for Ayurvedic treatment, HC hearing adjourned till next week

Self-styled godman Asaram will now have to wait at least a week before the Rajasthan High Court decides if he can be given interim bail for medical treatment through Ayurveda in Haridwar. For now, the rape convict who was admitted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Jodhpur after being infected with coronavirus will continue his treatment there.

The division bench of Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Devendra Kachhawaha on Thursday adjourned the hearing on the bail plea till May 21, summoning a fresh medical report. The adjournment followed submission of his medical report by the AIIMS, advising the completion of his treatment for COVID-19 and his isolation.

20:21 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

15 more COVID-19 patients die at Goa hospital, HC told

Fifteen more COVID-19 patients died at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in the early hours of Thursday, the state government told the Bombay

High Court, two days after 26 coronavirus patients had succumbed at the same facility. The Goa bench of the HC said state authorities told it some of the casualties may have taken place due to “logistical issues” related to connecting oxygen cylinders to the manifold (group of large gas cylinders) that resulted in interruption and drop in pressure in supply lines of oxygen to patients.

The HC observed that despite its order on providing medical oxygen to COVID-19 patients at the GMCH, there were 15 deaths during the dark hours of 2 am and 6 am in the government-run facility on Thursday.

PTI

20:18 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Delhi HC criticises ‘irritating’ dialer tune asking people to get vaccinated when there is no vaccination

The dialer tune message of the Centre asking people to get vaccinated was criticised by the Delhi High Court which on Thursday said the “irritating” message was being played for “we don’t know how long” asking people to get the jab when there was not enough vaccine. “You have been playing that one irritating message on the phone whenever one makes a call, for we do not know how long, that you (people) should have the vaccination, when you (Centre) don’t have enough vaccine.

“You are not vaccinating people, but you still say that vaccination lagavaiye (get vaccinated). Kaun lagayega vaccination (who will get vaccinated), when there is no vaccination. What is the point of the message,” a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said. “You should give it to everyone. Even if you are going to take money, give it. That is what even children are saying,” the bench said and added that the government needs to be “innovative” in such things.

PTI

20:07 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Kejriwal urges Centre to directly procure vaccines from foreign companies

A very welcome step by Central govt. It will help in ramping up prodn.

I also urge Centre to directly procure vaccines from foreign companies rather than each state bidding against each other in international mkt https://t.co/arqGWR4fKM

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 13, 2021

20:05 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Karnataka to float global tender for two crore COVID-19 vaccines

The Karnataka government on Thursday announced floating a global tender for procuring two crore COVID-19 vaccines owing to supply shortage.Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said a Task Force has been set up to oversee the preparation for a probable third wave of COVID-19.

“The state has placed a purchase order for three crore doses of vaccines, two crore doses of Covishield and one crore doses of Covaxin. We are floating global tenders for an additional two crores,” Yediyurappa told reporters.

19:54 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Indrani Mukerjea, COVID-19 positive, seeks interim bail on health ground

Indrani Mukerjea, the prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, has sought interim bail on health grounds after testing COVID-19 positive. The prosecution on Thursday submitted its reply opposing her bail plea before special CBl court judge JC Jagadale. The court noted that it has received Mukerjea’s written submissions on the bail alongwith a letter from the Byculla jail in central Mumbai, where she is currently lodged.

Mukerjea had tested coronavirus positive in the last week of April, following which, she had written to the court seeking interim bail on health grounds.

PTI

19:45 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Out of Covaxin, Delhi govt urges SII o ‘come to rescue’ and provide Covishield

After Bharat Biotech said it cannot supply more doses of Covaxin to Delhi, the city government wrote to the Serum Institute of India (SII) asking it to “come to its rescue”, saying it has limited stock of Covishield for 18 to 44 years which will finish in one week. To this, the SII said they are doing their best to meet countrywide vaccine requirements, official sources told news agency PTI.

In a letter to the SII, Director of Family Welfare, Delhi Government, Dr Monika Rana said, “We rely on your support for provision of sufficient quantities of vaccine in a time-bound manner.” “Delhi has a limited stock of Covishield for 18 to 44 years which will finish in one week and vaccination centres will have to be closed due to non-availability of vaccines,” she said. “In order to prevent this, you are requested to come to our rescue and provide for more vaccine immediately,” the letter read.

19:41 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Restore frequency of cargo flights, India tells China

India has asked China to help stop the sharp increase in prices of essential medical supplies being procured from Chinese manufacturers by private Indian traders to deal with the COVID-19 surge in the country and restore the normal frequency of cargo flight services to maintain a steady supply chain. Soaring prices of medical supplies like oxygen concentrators and disruption of cargo flights to India are slowing arrivals of medical goods, India’s Consul General to Hong Kong Priyanka Chauhan said.

What I would like to say is that our expectation at this point is that the supply chain should remain open and product prices should remain stable, Chauhan said in an interview with the South China Morning Post on Wednesday.

PTI

19:35 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Facebook to roll out new campaign in India against COVID-related misinformation

Facebook on Thursday said it will roll out a new campaign in India in the coming weeks to “educate and inform people” about how to detect misinformation related to COVID-19, and encourage users to check the information they receive against an authentic source. The social networking giant has removed over 12 million pieces of “harmful” misinformation on COVID-19 globally from Instagram and its own platform during the pandemic, including falsehoods about approved vaccines.

It also put warning labels on over 167 million posts that were marked as false by third-party fact checkers. The social media giant, which counts India among its biggest markets, said it is working on connecting people to accurate sources, and tackle misinformation, especially about the COVID-19 pandemic.

PTI

19:22 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Make GST zero for COVID-19 vaccines, drugs, Tamil Nadu CM tells Modi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring the Goods and Services Tax for COVID-19 vaccines and drugs to zero level. State governments were procuring COVID-19 vaccines and drugs to treat the patients and the GST for such supplies should be made zero, he said.

At a time when the tax revenue of states have seen a steep decline on account of economic growth taking a hit in view of the pandemic, measures including release of GST compensation should be taken up by the Centre to help the state governments.

PTI

19:09 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Mixing COVID-19 vaccine doses safe but increases side effects: UK study

Mixing the doses of different types of two-dose coronavirus vaccines has been found to be safe but increased the frequency of mild to moderate symptoms, a new UK study has found, reports PTI.

The COM-COV study, led by the University of Oxford, has been investigating the immune responses of volunteers given a dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine followed by the Pfizer/BioNTech jab, and vice versa, since February.

In its report for the medical journal Lancet’ on Wednesday, the research team said adverse reactions from this mix and match approach were short-lived and there were no other safety concerns.

The findings at this stage are limited to reactogenicity findings, or how people feel after the vaccine, and not the immunogenicity findings, that is how well the mixed dosing worked at inducing an immune response, work on which remains ongoing.

18:47 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Andhra Pradesh adds 22,399 new cases to COVID

For the first time, the number of active coronavirus cases crossed the two-lakh mark in Andhra Pradesh, touching 2,01,042, as the state added 22,399 fresh positives in 24 hours ending 9 am on Thursday. The latest bulletin said 18,638 Covid-19 patients had recovered and 89 others succumbed in a day.

The state Covid-19 chart now showed 13,66,785 total positives, 11,56,666 recoveries and 9,077 deaths.

In 24 hours, East Godavari district reported the highest 3,372, Chittoor 2,646, Guntur 2,141, Anantapuramu 2,080 and Visakhapatnam 2,064 new cases.

18:43 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

216 cr vaccine doses to be available in 5 months between Aug-Dec, enough to cover all: Centre

As states grapple with a shortage of coronavirus vaccines, the Centre on Thursday said that over two billion doses will be made available in the country in five months between August and December, enough to vaccinate the entire population.

“Two billion doses (216 crore) will be made in the country in five months for India and for people of India. Vaccine will be available for all as we move forward,” Niti Ayog Member V K Paul said during a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation, adding by the first quarter of the next year, the number is likely to be three billion.

He estimated that between August to December, production of 75 crore doses of Covishield is estimated, while 55 cores doses of Covaxin will be made available. Further, Biological E is expected to produce 30 crore doses, Zydus Cadila 5 crore, Serum Institute of India 20 crore doses of Novavax, and Bharat Biotech 10 crore doses of its nasal vaccine, while Gennova will make available 6 crore doses and Sputnik V 15.6 crore doses.

PTI

18:33 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Delhi left with 2-3 days’ vaccine stock for 45+ age group, key workers: Atishi

AAP leader Atishi Thursday said Delhi is left with just two-three days’ stock of coronavirus vaccines for those above 45, and key workers. For the 18-44 age group, the capital has eight days of Covishield doses available, she said. “Delhi currently has three days of Covaxin and two days of Covishield stock for those above 45, and healthcare and frontline workers. We request the government to make more doses available for this category,” she said. Delhi has so far got 43.20 lakh doses for 45-plus, and healthcare and frontline workers, of which 40.29 lakh have been utilised, Atishi said.

PTI

18:26 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Modi govt’s Hindutva outlook, inability to rely on science behind ‘disastrous’ handling of COVID: CPM

The latest editorial of CPM mouthpiece People’s Democracy has blamed the Narendra Modi government’s “disastrous” handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to its “Hindutva outlook” and inability to rely on science. The editorial questioned the government on why it failed to comply with the three-member bench of the Supreme Court which had asked it to reconsider the existing vaccination policy and suggested that it decide on the allocation of vaccines to states and the delivery schedule, instead of leaving it to them to negotiate with the two vaccine manufacturing companies.

“Faced with the fiasco of the vaccine rollout and the rate of vaccination falling to the extent of 60 percent in the states in the last fortnight, any sensible government would have seized the opportunity provided by the Supreme Court intervention to rework its vaccination programme. But this is not a sensible government it is a regime blinkered by its neo-liberal and Hindutva nostrums,” the editorial said.

PTI

18:15 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Kerala CM urges Centre to immediately supply 300 MT of oxygen

The Kerala government on Thursday urged the Centre to immediately rush at least 300 MT oxygen from neighbouring storage points to augment the storage in hospitals in the wake of the impending cyclonic storm. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the India Meteorological Department has issued a cyclonic storm warning forecasting heavy rain and winds in parts of the state on 14 and 15 May.

PTI

18:08 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Hardeep Singh Puri, Shashi Tharoor in war of words over vaccine policy

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sparred on Twitter, with the BJP leader accusing Congress leaders of fuelling vaccine hesitancy and Tharoor hitting back, saying when will the Centre take responsibility for its “manifest failures” of policy rather than pointing fingers at the Opposition.

Puri, in a series of tweets on Wednesday, said some of Congress leaders like Shashi Tharoor are betraying an almost “childish stubbornness” in admitting their fault about India’s vaccine policy.The entire pack through statements and tweets fuelled vaccine hesitancy, Puri alleged.

Tagging one of Puri’s tweets, Tharoor said on Thursday, “Let me keep it simple: 1. Is the vaccine shortage because of Congress’ tweets? 2. Did GOI fail to order enough vaccines because of my tweets? 3. Is differential pricing in May the result of my pointing out on Jan 3 that that Phase 3 trials of Covaxin were not complete?”. In short, when will the BJP government take responsibility for its “manifest failures of policy and management” rather than pointing fingers at the Opposition in a vain attempt to divert attention from its own poor performance, the Congress leader asked on Twitter.

Let me keep it simple:
1. Is the vaccine shortage because of Congress’ tweets?
2. Did GOI fail to order enough vaccines because of my tweets?
3. Is differential pricing inMay the result of my pointing out on Jan3 that that Phase3 trials of Covaxin were not complete? @HardeepSPuri https://t.co/eLfU51tTLh

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 13, 2021

17:57 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Vaccination for journalists: Not enough vaccine stock, says Maharashtra govt

The Maharashtra government said on Wednesday that journalists can be extended the facility of inoculation on priority only when the state gets a sufficient stock of vaccine doses. Earlier in the day, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis supported the demand that journalists be considered frontline workers and vaccinated on priority.

Asked about the demand, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said, “There is no sufficient stock of vaccine doses and the available stock is going to be used for the above-45 age group because their inoculation can not be delayed further. We are being told that over one crore Covishield vials would be available from 20 May onwards. If we get vials in such a large quantity, we can discuss the proposal of vaccinating journalists under the frontline workers category,” he told reporters.

PTI

17:53 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Karnataka SSLC exams postponed

Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar on Thursday said the class 10 examinations scheduled to commence from 21 June has been postponed due to the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state. The increasing coronavirus cases in the state coupled with the concerns of parents, students and many school associations has resulted in this decision, the Minister’s office said in a statement quoting him. A suitable call will be taken after the second wave of COVID-19 dies down, it said.

The Minister also said that the revised dates will be announced much ahead of schedule, as he appealed to the students not to get disheartened and continue with their preparations for the exams.

PTI

17:42 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Modi to interact with DMs of 100 high COVID-19 caseload districts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with district magistrates of 100 districts with high caseloads of COVID-19 infections in two meetings on 18 and 20 May , government sources told news agency PTI on Thursday. While DMs of 46 districts from nine states will be part of the first meeting, those from 54 districts from 10 states will attend the second meeting, they said, adding that respective chief ministers will be present in these interactions.

This will be the first such interaction that the prime minister will have with top district-level administrative officers on the COVID-19 situation.

17:36 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Pfizer, Moderna, J&J vaccines effective against B1617 variant, says top US health official

The COVID-19 vaccines approved by the United States like Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson have effectiveness against the B1617 variant of the virus that is predominant in India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the pandemic, a top American health official said. The observation is based on the latest data about the variant and the three major vaccines approved by the United States, said Dr Francis Collins, Director of the National Institute of Science.

Read full report here

17:31 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

EC defers Legislative Council polls in nine seats in AP, Telangana

The Election Commission on Thursday deferred legislative Council polls in nine seats in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The term of three members of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council and six members of the Telangana Legislative Council, elected by members of their respective legislative assemblies (MLAs), are expiring on 31 May and 3 June, respectively, the commission said in a statement.

“The commission has reviewed the matter today (Thursday) and has decided that due to outbreak of the second wave of COVID-19 in the country, it would not be appropriate to hold biennial election to the legislative councils of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana respectively till the pandemic situation significantly improves and conditions become conducive to hold these biennial elections,” the poll panel said. The Election Commission said it will take a decision in the matter at an “appropriate time in the future” after taking inputs from the states concerned and assessing the pandemic situation from mandated bodies such as the national and state disaster management authorities.

PTI

17:09 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Health ministry increases gap between two Covishield doses to12-16 weeks

Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the gap between two Covishield doses has been increased to 12-16 weeks from the current 6-8 weeks based on the COVID working group’s recommendations after analysing emerging evidence.

The move comes amid several states reporting shortage of vaccines. Several states and UTs including Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana have decided to opt for global tenders for procurement of anti-coronavirus shots with the domestic supply falling short to meet the rising demand. Maharashtra and Karnataka have halted the vaccination drive for 18-44 age group.

Gap between 2 doses of #CovishieldVaccine has been increased to 12-16 weeks from 6-8 weeks currently.

Decision has been taken based on recommendations given by COVID working group after analysing emerging evidence.@PMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA #Unite2FightCorona pic.twitter.com/kRbbjxGKSJ

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) May 13, 2021

16:55 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

35.6 crore vaccine doses procured so far, says VK Paul

Centre procured 35.6 crore vaccine doses for the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive so far and additional 16 cr doses are in the pipeline (direct purchase) to states, private hospitals, said DR VK Paul.

We are in talks with Pfizer, J&J and Moderna to work with Indian companies and supply vaccines to us. We are inviting them to work with us, The Hindu quotes Paul as saying.

16:47 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Sputnik V likely to be available in market next week, says Centre

“Sputnik V vaccine has arrived in India. I’m happy to say that we’re hopeful that it’ll be available in the market next week. We’re hopeful that the sale of the limited supply that has come from there (Russia), will begin next week,” news agency ANI quotes Dr VK Paul as saying.

Further supply will also follow, the senior government official said, adding that Sputnik V will be produced in India from July onwards and it is estimated that 15.6 crore doses will be manufactured in that period.

#Sputnik vaccine has arrived in India. I’m happy to say that we’re hopeful that it’ll be available in the market next week. We’re hopeful that the sale of the limited supply that has come from there (Russia), will begin next week: Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/OGUTHvKCr9

— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021

16:34 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

One-third population above 45 yrs of age has received at least one vaccines dose, says VK Paul

Total of 17.72 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered till now, ANI quotes Agarwal as saying. Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) NITI Aayog, said of the nearly 34 crore population above the age of 45 years, one-third has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In Himachal Pardesh this percentage stands at this 69, 58% in Rajasthan and 54% percent of population above age of 45 in Uttarakhand has received at least one vaccine dose, he says. Paul added that 50 percent of those who were due to get second dose have received it.

16:26 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

187 districts showing continuous decline in cases in last two weeks, says health ministry

During a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation, the health ministry said 12 states have more than one lakh active cases while eight states have over 50,000 cases, reports News18. According to ANI, Joint secretary in the ministry Lav Agarwal said 187 districts have shown a continued decline in cases since last two weeks.

16:08 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

SC directs Centre, three state govts to provide dry ration to migrant workers in NCR

The Supreme Court issues directions to the Centre and governments of Delhi,Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to provide dry ration to migrant workers in the NCR under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme or any other scheme utilising the Public Distribution System, reports The Leaflet. According to the court’s order, authorities will not insists on providing dry ration to the migrant workers.

According to LiveLaw, the apex court also directs the governments of Delhi, UP and Haryana (for districts in NCR) to open community kitchens for stranded migrant workers and their families and to ensure adequate transport for the migrant workers wanting to return home.

SC orders Centre, Delhi, UP, Haryana to provide dry ration to migrant workers in NCR under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme or any other scheme utilising the PDS. While providing dry ration the authorities will not insist on an identity card. pic.twitter.com/JKI69FP0nC

— The Leaflet (@TheLeaflet_in) May 13, 2021

16:00 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Three high court judges, 34 judicial officers lost their lives battling COVID, says CJI NV Ramana

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Thursday said 34 judicial officers and three high court judges have lost their life battling the coronavirus pandemic. “The first employee of the SC Registry was reported COVID positive on 27 April 2020. Approximately 800 Registry staff have tested positive. Six Registrars and 10 ARs have tested positive at different times. Unfortunately, we lost three of our officials to COVID-19, ” The Leaflet quotes the CJI as saying. The CHI further said, that 2768 judicial officers and 106 judges of High Courts have tested positive so far. “We are yet to receive the data from two major High Courts. 34 Judicial Officers and three Judges of the High Court have lost their life, battling this pandemic,” he said.

15:41 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Delhi records 10,489 new cases, 308 deaths

Delhi reports 10,489 new COVID-19 cases and 308 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of coronavirus infections reported in the National Capital so far to 13,72,475 and toll to 20,618. According to the health bulletin there are 77717 active cases and the positivity rate is 14.24 percent.

Delhi reports 10,489 new #COVID19 cases, 15,189 recoveries and 308 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Total cases 13,72,475
Total recoveries 12,74,140
Death toll 20,618

Active cases 77,717 pic.twitter.com/BSTUnUfbRK

— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021

15:34 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Karnataka govt orders ministers to deposit one year’s salary to COVID Relief Fund

The Karnataka government has ordered depositing one-year salary of State Ministers in the COVID Relief Fund. This was decided by the State Cabinet a few days ago. The order was issued on 11 May and would come into effect retrospectively from 1 May for a year. The order was given on the direction of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.

PTI

15:20 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Chhattisgarh cancels tenders for new Assembly building

In view of a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Chhattisgarh government on Thursday cancelled tenders for the construction of the new Assembly building and also stopped work on major projects in the state. It has also decided to take more stringent measures to prevent the infection from spreading.

Construction work of the new governor’s house, Assembly house, chief minister’s house, residences of ministers and senior officers, new circuit house under in the ‘Nava Raipur’ area (New Raipur) has now been stopped with immediate effect, a statement issued by the state government said. The ‘bhoomi pujan’ (ground breaking ceremony) for these works was done on 25 November, 2019.

“Our citizens – our priority. Foundation stone for the construction of new assembly building, Raj Bhavan, Chief Minister’s residence, residence of ministers and senior officials, new circuit house was laid before start of Corona. Today, all these construction works have been stopped in these times of crisis,” Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel tweeted.

🙏 हमारे नागरिक-हमारी प्राथमिकता

कोरोना काल से पहले प्रदेश में नए विधानसभा भवन, राजभवन, मुख्यमंत्री निवास, मंत्रीगणों व वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों के आवास, नये सर्किट हाउस इत्यादि के निर्माण कार्य का शिलान्यास किया गया था।

आज संकट के समय में इन सभी निर्माण कार्य पर रोक लगाई जाती है।

— Bhupesh Baghel (@bhupeshbaghel) May 13, 2021

15:04 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Goa receives 32,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses for 18-44 age group

The Goa government will soon start COVID-19 vaccination for people in the age group of 18 to 44, as the first lot of vaccines arrived in the state on Thursday, a senior health department official said. Speaking to PTI, director of Health Services Dr Jose D’Sa said a first lot of 32,000 vaccine doses from Pune-based

Serum Institute of India (SII) had arrived in the state during the day. The government will work out a plan on how to carry out the vaccination at state-run facilities, he said.

PTI

14:47 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Bihar extends lockdown till 25 May

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar announced the decision to extend lockdown in the state till 25 May. “The status of the lockdown implemented in Bihar was reviewed today along with ministers and officials. The positive effect of the lockdown is visible. Therefore, it has been decided to extend the lockdown in Bihar for the next 10 days i.e. from 16 to 25 May 2021,” the chief minister said on Twitter.

आज सहयोगी मंत्रीगण एवं पदाधिकारियों के साथ बिहार में लागू लॉकडाउन की स्थिति की समीक्षा की गयी। लॉकडाउन का सकारात्मक प्रभाव दिख रहा है। अतः बिहार में अगले 10 दिनों अर्थात 16 से 25 मई, 2021 तक लॉकडाउन को विस्तारित करने का निर्णय लिया गया है।

— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) May 13, 2021

14:34 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Karnataka HC pulls up state govt for not reserving 70% vaccines for second dose

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday pulled up the state and Central government over the COVID-19 vaccination drive, particularly over those who have got the first dose not receiving their second dose, reports Bar&Bench. A Bench of Chief Justice AS Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar said the Karnataka government should come clean on the issue and publish the data on availability of vaccines on a website.

The bench also slammed the state government for not reserving 70 percent vaccines for second dose as per the Centre’s guidelines. The Court was also critical of the Centre’ s vaccine policy and osberved that if second dose of vaccine is not given on time, it will be a “huge national waste”.

14:24 (IST)

UPSC postpones 27 June civil services preliminary exam; to be held on 10 Oct

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Thursday postponed the civil services preliminary examination, scheduled to be held in June, to 10 October in view of the alarming COVID situation. The commission conducts civil services examination annually in three stages — preliminary, main and interview — to select officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others.

“Due to the prevailing conditions caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Union Public Service Commission has deferred the civil services (preliminary) examination, 2021, which was scheduled to be held on 27 June, 2021. Now, this examination will be held on 10 October, 2021,” a statement issued by the commission said.

14:13 (IST)

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Arunachal Pradesh releases over Rs 66 crore for COVID-related expenses

The Arunachal Pradesh government has released an amount of over Rs 66 crore to the Health department and all deputy commissioners of the district

for COVID-19 related expenses. Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday said that the amount has been released from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for effective Covid management in the state.

“Pursuant to decision of State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), for effective management of #COVID19, Rs 66.0029 crores of SDRF has been released to Health Department and all Deputy Commissioners for Covid related expenses,” Khandu tweeted.

COVID-19 News LATEST Updates: The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday floated a global tender for procurement of Covid-19 vaccine, from foreign producers, sufficient to inoculate one crore people

The Centre on Thursday reiterated that any vaccine which is approved by United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) can come to India.

As per reports the Centre on Thursday said that Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine had arrived in India and would be available “in the market next week”. NITI Aayog (Health) member Dr VK Paul said that the “sale of the limited supply that has come from Russia will begin next week”.

The Election Commission on Thursday deferred legislative Council polls in nine seats in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The term of three members of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council and six members of the Telangana Legislative Council, elected by members of their respective legislative assemblies (MLAs), are expiring on 31 May and 3 June, respectively, the commission said in a statement.

The Sputnik V vaccine has arrived in India and we are hopeful that it’ll be available in the market next week, said Dr VK Paul.

The Supreme Court issues directions to the Centre and governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to provide dry ration to migrant workers in the NCR under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme or any other scheme utilising the Public Distribution System, said reports. According to the court’s order, authorities will not insists on providing dry ration to the migrant workers.

In view of a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Chhattisgarh government on Thursday cancelled tenders for the construction of the new Assembly building and also stopped work on major projects in the state.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar announced the decision to extend lockdown in the state till 25 May.

A Bench of Chief Justice AS Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar said the Karnataka government should come clean on the issue and publish the data on availability of vaccines on a website.

The bench also slammed the state government for not reserving 70 percent vaccines for second dose as per the Centre’s guidelines.

“We will provide education free of cost to the children who have lost their parents (to COVID-19). They will be provided free ration even if they are not eligible for it,” said Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The Maharashtra government on Thursday extended the lockdown-like restrictions in the state till 1 June to break the chain of COVID-19.

National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has recommended increasing the gap between two doses of Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks, sources told PTI. The panel also suggested that pregnant women may be offered the choice to take any COVID-19 vaccine and that lactating women can be inoculated any time after delivery.

During the trial, the vaccine will be administered through muscles in two doses in a gap of 28 days, the Centre said.

The Drug Controller General of India on Thursday gave permission to Bharat Biotech to conduct clinical trials of Covaxin on children belonging to the age group of 2 to 18 years.

The decision comes after the subject expert committee recommended the permission in favour of Bharat Biotech. The permission has been granted after “careful examination”, the government said.

The active caseload comprises 37.10 lakh or 15.87 percent of the country’s total infections.

Following a state cabinet meeting on Wednesday, health minister Rajesh Tope said that the state government would divert the stock it has purchased for inoculation of people between 18 and 44 to ensure that those who require their second dose get it on time.

The COVID-19 inoculation drive for the 18-44 years age group in Mumbai has been suspended until further orders, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced on Wednesday evening.

The announcement followed the Maharashtra government’s decision to suspend inoculation for this category and divert the vaccine stock for the above 45 years age group due to
paucity of doses.

The BMC earlier in the day also issued revised guidelines allowing walk-in vaccination in Mumbai for certain categories for three days.

Those above 60 years and waiting for a second dose of Covishield vaccine, those still to get a second dose of Covaxin, and the disabled persons can opt for walk-in vaccination from Monday to Wednesday, it said.

But from Thursday to Saturday vaccination would take place only by prior appointment through Co-WIN app, and the centres will remain closed on Sunday, it said.

But municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, however, stated that the walk-in vaccination will be allowed only for three days, that is from 17-19 May, though the BMC
guidelines did not mention any such specific period.

Environment minister Aaditya Thackeray, who is also guardian minister for Mumbai suburban district, gave the same information as Chahal. “Looking at the limited supply of vaccines, it is crucial that we complete the prescribed second shot in the coming week for those who have gone past the prescribed gap between two vaccines,” Thackeray tweeted.

Since last week, the civic body has made prior registration mandatory for the above 45 years category after witnessing chaotic scenes at a BKC inoculation centre and
overcrowding at several other centres.

Walk-in was allowed only for those due for second dose of Covaxin besides healthcare and frontline workers.

As per the civic body’s data, so far 27,86,048 vaccine jabs have been administered in the city, including 6,92,620 second doses. 39,029 persons in 18-44 years age group have
received the jabs.

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35.6 crore vaccine doses procured so far, says VK Paul

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Sputnik V likely to be available in market next week, says Centre

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One-third population above 45 yrs of age has received at least one vaccines dose, says VK Paul

COVID-19 News Live Updates

187 districts showing continuous decline in cases in last two weeks, says health ministry

COVID-19 News Live Updates

SC directs Centre, three state govts to provide dry ration to migrant workers in NCR

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Three high court judges, 34 judicial officers lost their lives battling COVID, says CJI NV Ramana

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Delhi records 10,489 new cases, 308 deaths

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Karnataka govt orders ministers to deposit one year’s salary to COVID Relief Fund

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Chhattisgarh cancels tenders for new Assembly building

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Goa receives 32,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses for 18-44 age group

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Bihar extends lockdown till 25 May

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Karnataka HC pulls up state govt for not reserving 70% vaccines for second dose

UPSC postpones 27 June civil services preliminary exam; to be held on 10 Oct

COVID-19 News Live Updates

Arunachal Pradesh releases over Rs 66 crore for COVID-related expenses

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