Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday cautioned that the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) COVID-19 first sero-survey should not create a sense of complacency in people with regard to the virus.
Speaking in his social media interaction Sunday Samvaad-3, Mr. Vardhan said indications from the up-coming second sero survey “are that India is far from having achieved any kind of herd immunity which necessitates that all of us should continue following COVID appropriate behaviour.”
You can track coronavirus cases, deaths and testing rates at the national and State levels here. A list of State Helpline numbers is available as well.
Here are the latest updates:
COVID-19 cases in Mumbai cross 2 lakh with 2,055 additions
The COVID-19 tally in Mumbai crossed the 2 lakh-mark on Monday and reached 2,00,775 with a single-day addition of 2,055 new cases, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
With 40 more people succumbing to the infection, the overall toll mounted to 8,831, it said.
It took six months and 18 days since the first COVID-19 case was recorded in the city on March 11 to cross the 2 lakh mark.
A total of 1,944 people were discharged in the day after treatment, taking the count of recoveries in the megapolis to 1,64,883, the civic body said, adding that the number of active cases stood at 26,660.
Mumbai’s case recovery rate now stands at 82% while the average growth rate is 1.04% and the average doubling rate is 67 days.
- PTI
24 more fatalities, 1,630 fresh cases in Haryana
24 more fatalities, 1,630 fresh cases in Haryana Chandigarh, Sep 28 (PTI) Haryana reported 24 more COVID-19 fatalities on Monday taking the death toll due to the disease to 1,331 while with 1,630 fresh cases the total infection count in the state rose to 1,25,412.
Of the 24 fatalities, five were from Panchkula district, four from Panipat, two each from Fatehabad, Sirsa, Hisar and Karnal while one death each was reported from Faridabad, Ambala, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar and Kaithal districts, according to the state health department’s daily bulletin.
Among the districts which reported a big spike in cases included Gurugram (261), Faridabad (195), Kurukshetra (163), Rohtak (126), Hisar (107) and Sonipat (102).
There are 15,670 active cases in the State currently.
- PTI
Important to identify lawyers entitled for financial assistance, bar bodies should extend help: SC
The Supreme Court said it is important to identify lawyers who are facing financial problems due to restricted functioning of courts owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and bar associations should extend more help to them at the time of crisis.
"In this crisis, why don’t you put your hands in your pocket and provide help to those who are members of your bar," a Bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde observed.
The Bench, also comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian, told the lawyers representing several bar bodies that advocate associations have the primary responsibility of extending help to needy lawyers as the Centre has to spend money on lot of people in this crisis situation.
- PTI
Jammu and Kashmir reports 14 more COVID-19 deaths, 824 new cases of infection
Jammu and Kashmir reported 14 more COVID-19 deaths on Monday, taking their number to 1,146 as 824 new cases pushed the Union territory’s infection tally to 73,014.
This is the first time in 26 days that the single-day spike of new cases in the U.T. is less than 1,000.
“The U.T. recorded 824 fresh cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours -- with 540 in Jammu and 284 in the Kashmir Valley,” an official said.
The cumulative figure of confirmed cases in Jammu and Kashmir has now risen to 73,014.
Jammu district reported the highest number of 337 new cases, followed by 105 in Srinagar district, officials said.
- PTI
Shops in select areas of Ahmedabad to remain closed after 10 p.m.
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has ordered closure of all shops after 10 p.m. on 27 busy roads in the city in view of a steady rise in new COVID-19 cases and violation of norms by residents of certain localities.
“From the last 10-15 days, many instances have come to the notice of the municipal corporation that youths do not wear masks. They gather in groups and do not follow social distancing norms. These types of activities are seen in particular areas of the city, especially during night time,” the AMC said in a release on Monday.
The civic body further said these youths become potential carriers of coronavirus, posing their family members at risk.
- PTI
India’s Feluda COVID-19 test cheaper, faster alternative to RT-PCR diagnosis, say scientists
More accurate than a rapid antigen test and almost as quick, India’s CRISPR ‘Feluda’ COVID-19 test that changes colour on detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus could be a cheaper, faster and simpler alternative to an RT-PCR diagnosis, say scientists.
Named after Satyajit Ray’s famed detective, the Feluda test, which is priced at Rs 500 and can deliver a result in 45 minutes, is able to differentiate SARS-CoV-2 from other coronaviruses even if genetic variations between them are minute.
Coronavirus | Tata Group to unveil India’s first CRISPR test
Health ministry launches web portal for updates on COVID-19 vaccine development
The Union Health Ministry on Monday launched a web portal that will provide all important information on COVID-19, vaccine development, ongoing clinical trials and progress made in this area locally and globally.
The ‘vaccine web portal’ and the ‘National Clinical Registry for COVID-19’ have been developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and was launched by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, according to a Health Ministry statement.
The National Clinical Registry for COVID-19 will collect systematic data on clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory investigations, management protocols, the clinical course of COVID-19, disease spectrum and outcomes of patients.
- PTI
Restrictions likely to make a comeback in Thiruvananthapuram
Reeling under the COVID-19 crisis, the Thiruvananthapuram district administration has mooted a revival of stringent restrictions to counter the sharp surge in the caseload that appeared to push the district’s healthcare infrastructure to its limits.
While stopping short of recommending a return to the total lockdown, the district authorities has urged the State government to impose necessary curbs to deal with the evolving situation.
Restrictions likely to make a comeback in Thiruvananthapuram
Tougher fines for breach of COVID-19 quarantine come into force across England
People across England will be required by law from Monday to self-isolate if they test positive for the coronavirus or face a 1,000-pound fine, which increases to 10,000 pounds for repeat offenders.
The government said that as the infection is now spreading rapidly again across the country, the tougher measures are aimed at ensuring compliance and reducing the spread of COVID-19.
These new measures are about saving lives. Everyone must take personal responsibility and self-isolate if they test positive or if told to do so by NHS Test and Trace, said U.K. Home Secretary Priti Patel.
For those who fail to do so, the police will enforce the law. These new fines are a clear sign that we will not allow those who break the rules to reverse the hard-won progress made by the law-abiding majority, she said.
Fines for a breach of self-isolation legal requirements start at 1,000 pounds, in line with the existing penalty for breaking quarantine after international travel.
This could increase to up to 10,000 pounds for repeat offences and the most serious breaches, including for those preventing others from self-isolating.
- PTI
Uttar Pradesh reports 58 more COVID-19 deaths, 3,838 fresh cases
The COVID-19 death toll in Uttar Pradesh rose to 5,652 on Monday with 58 more fatalities, while the infection tally reached 3,90,875 after 3,838 people tested positive for the disease, an official said.
Briefing reporters, Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said 5,382 patients have been discharged after recovering from the infection.
So far, 3,31,270 COVID-19 patients have been cured of the contagion and the recovery rate stands at 84.75%, he said.
The number of active cases in the State stands at 53,953, Mr. Prasad said, adding that over 1.51 lakh tests were conducted in the State.
- PTI
Fire breaks out in trauma care unit at Kolhapur’s CPR hospital
A fire broke out in the trauma care unit of the Chhatrapati Pramila Raje (CPR) Civil Hospital in western Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district in the wee hours of Monday.
The prima facie cause of the blaze, which broke out a little after 3 a.m., was said to be an electrical short circuit.
CPR authorities claimed there was no loss of life or injury to the patients at the time of the fire, all of whom were critical Covid-19 positive cases.
Sources said that two of the rescue personnel suffered burn injuries during the rescue operation.
Fire breaks out in trauma care unit at Kolhapur’s CPR hospital
Ladakh reports 10 fresh COVID-19 cases, one death
One more patient succumbed to coronavirus in Ladakh, taking the death toll to 58 in the Union Territory, while the infection tally reached 4,103 with 10 fresh cases, officials said on Monday.
Fourteen patients were discharged after being cured of the contagion during the past 24 hours, they said.
With the death of one more patient from COVID-19 in Kargil district, the total number of fatalities in Ladakh has gone up to 58 -- 34 in Kargil and 24 in Leh district.
Five residents each in Leh and Kargil tested positive for the virus on Sunday, taking the total number of cases in the region to 4,103, the officials said. - PTI
UDF halts mass agitations in Kerala
The United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala has put a halt to mass agitations, given the worsening COVID-19 scenario in the State.
The Leader of Opposition, Ramesh Chennithala, made the announcement during a Raj Bhavan march and protest organised by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) against the farm bills on Monday.
Mass demonstrations by the UDF and its allies and the youth and student wings are being discontinued for the time being. At the same time, the UDF will continue its protests against the policies of the government by strictly adhering to the COVID-19 protocols, Mr. Chennithala said.
COVID-19: UDF halts mass agitations in Kerala
BJP leader says will hug Mamata Banerjee if infected with coronavirus, police complaint filed
Newly-appointed BJP national secretary Anupam Hazra has said that he would hug Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee if he is infected with the coronavirus to make her feel the pain of the families of COVID-19 patients.
A police complaint was filed by the Trinamool Congress in Siliguri for the comments Hazra made at a party programme in Baruipur in South 24 Parganas on Sunday evening.
“Our workers are fighting a bigger enemy than corona. They are fighting Mamata Banerjee. When they (BJP cadres) have been able to fight it out against Mamata Banerjee without a mask, they think they can also fight against COVID-19 without wearing a mask,” Mr. Hazra said.
“I have decided that if I get infected with the coronavirus, then I will go and hug Mamata Banerjee,” he added.
- PTI
COVID-19 recoveries in India over 50 lakh
Total recoveries from COVID-19 in India crossed the 50 lakh milestone on Monday with recovered cases outpacing active cases by more than five times, the Union Health ministry said.
In a statement, the ministry said the rise in the number of total recovered cases from 1 lakh in June 2020 has been steep and the last 10 lakh recoveries were added in just 11 days.
“India’s total recoveries have crossed the landmark milestone of 50 lakh today (50,16,520). With a very high number of COVID patients recovering every single day, India’s steady trend of posting high level of daily recoveries continues,” the ministry said.
“The total recovered cases have outpaced active cases by more than 5 times. With the exponential increase in the recoveries, there is close to 100 per cent increase in recovered cases in one month,” it said.
- PTI
Nearly 77,000 security personnel tested positive, 401 succumbed to COVID-19 till Aug. 21
As many as 76,768 police personnel all over the country including paramilitary forces such as CRPF, CISF, BSF and NSG tested positive for COVID-19 while 401 succumbed to the killer virus, according to a report by the Bureau of Police Research and Development.
The report (compiledtill August 21) titled “Indian Police Response to COVID-19 Crisis” said, Maharashtra topped the chart with 129 deaths due to COVID-19 and 12,760 positive cases among the police personnel.
Telangana was in second place with 40 deaths due to the virus.
Out of the over 75,000 positive cases, paramilitary forces accounted for 15,318 infections with Central Reserve Police Force leading the table with 5,467 cases and 24 deaths in the category.
- PTI
Supreme Court allows suspected COVID-19-positive candidate to appear for CLAT
The Supreme Court on Monday allowed a law aspirant suspected of being COVID-19 positive and in isolation to appear for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT).
The CLAT was under way as the case was taken up for hearing before a Bench led by Justice Ashok Bhushan.
The student from Madhya Pradesh was asked to download a copy of the court order. The order had to be presented to the official in charge of the exam centre by a person who is “non-symptomatic”. On doing this, the officials would have to provide the student with a separate room to take the examination.
Supreme Court allows suspected COVID-19-positive candidate to appear for CLAT
Delhi High Court restricts access to online hearings
A Delhi High Court Bench has directed that the link to its court proceedings, now being conducted through video-conferencing (VC) due to COVID-19 pandemic, should not be shared with members of the public, including reporters.
Justice Suresh Kumar Kait said, “A very unpleasant situation arose before this court during the hearing of present case. Certain unidentified persons joined the proceedings through VC and could be heard talking continuously, thereby creating hindrance in hearing the submissions of counsels and proper justice dispensation”.
“I hereby direct Registry/Court Master to not provide the link to video conferencing to any other person or correspondent and the same shall be provided only to advocates concerned, IO concerned, parties in person in case the petition is filed for quashing and to the persons specifically directed by this court to join the proceedings,” Jutsice Kait said.
Delhi High Court restricts access to online hearings
Data | India's COVID-19 testing declines sharply despite rising positivity rate
The number of new COVID-19 cases in India recorded a significant fall in the last five days after consistently breaching the 90,000 mark on several days in early September. The drop in cases could be due to a significant decrease in the number of tests conducted.
In at least 10 States, there was a sharp fall in the number of tests conducted in the last 10 days despite an increase in the share of people testing positive.
Over the last 10 days, the number of new COVID-19 tests conducted per million people in India has been declining rapidly. While the share of people testing positive (positivity rate) has remained high and even increased a little over the last five days, the number of tests per million people dropped from 811 to 722 over the last 10 days. The share of positive tests is hovering around the 8.5% mark.
Data | India's COVID-19 testing declines sharply despite rising positivity rate
Goa DGP tests positive
Goa’s Director General of Police Mukesh Kumar Meena on Monday tested positive for coronavirus infection, a senior Health department official said.
Mr. Meena is admitted to a private hospital and his condition is stable, he said. “His test report came positive on Monday morning. He has mild symptoms,” the official said.
Till Sunday, Goa reported 31,958 COVID-19 cases and 401 deaths due to the disease.
- PTI
COVID-19 tally crosses 60 lakh; 1,039 more deaths
India’s COVID-19 tally galloped past 60 lakh on Monday with 82,170 new cases, while the recoveries have surged to 50.17 lakh with 74,893 more people having recuperated, the Health Ministry said.
The death toll from the pathogen climbed to 95,542 with 1,039 more deaths. There are 9,62,640 active cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, comprising 15.85 per cent of the total caseload, according to the ministry data.
The total coronavirus cases mounted to 60,74,702, while 50,16,520 people have recuperated from the virus, taking the recovery rate to 82.58%. The case fatality rate declined to 1.57%, it said.
- PTI
Kerala’s curve unchanged with 7,445 more cases
Kerala’s COVID-19 case graph pointed north on Sunday, with 7,445 new cases. The State tested 54,493 samples. The test positivity rate jumped from 11.9% to 13.6%.
The number of critically ill patients in ICUs was 380, with 92 of them on ventilator support.
The Health department added 21 more deaths. Thiruvananthapuram accounted for six deaths, Kozhikode four, two each from Kannur, Palakkad, Ernakulam and one each from Kollam, Alapuzha, Kottayam, Thrissur and Kasaragod.
On Sunday, 95% new cases were locally acquired infections, with the source unknown in 561 cases. This included infections among 97 healthcare workers, 19 of them in Thiruvananthapuram and 17 in Kannur.
Coronavirus | Kerala’s curve unchanged with 7,445 more cases
Private hospitals say they need both ventilators and manpower
The State government recently announced that it will let out ventilators to private medical establishments for government-referred patients. However, private hospitals now say they do not have the manpower to handle the additional equipment.
Sources said that of the 2,050 ventilators the State received from the Centre, nearly 300 will be rented out to private hospitals.
While welcoming the move, heads of private hospitals now say they are facing an acute shortage of manpower. “We need a 1:1 nurse patient ratio in ICUs. At any given point of time over 15% of our nursing staff are infected and are either under quarantine or treatment. With the existing staff, we are barely managing,” said R. Ravindra, president, Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA). The association will discuss the issue with the government. “We are glad that government has responded to our request for ventilators made in June. But the manpower shortage has further worsened now and it would be great if the government provides us trained nurses for the ICUs,” Dr. Ravindra said.
We need both ventilators and manpower: Private hospitals
Maharashtra’s total case tally inches towards 13.50 lakh
Maharashtra reported 18,056 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday to take the State’s total tally to 13,39,232 of whom 2,73,228 are active ones. With 380 more deaths, the death toll has climbed to 35,571. As many as 13,565 patients were discharged, taking the cumulative recoveries to 10,30,015.
“Of a total 65,65,649 laboratory samples tested thus far, 13,39,232 (20.40%) have returned positive with more than 90,000 samples across the State being tested in the last 24 hours. The State’s recovery rate has risen to 76.91%,” State Surveillance Officer Dr. Pradeep Awate said, adding that the State’s case fatality rate was currently 2.66%.
Mumbai reported 2,163 cases to take its total tally to 1,98,846 of whom 26,716 are active. As many as 44 fatalities saw the city’s death toll rise to 8,794.
Maharashtra’s total case tally inches towards 13.50 lakh
Health Minister hints at lockdown in Kerala
Kerala is trying its best to prevent another lockdown, however, if COVID-19 transmission continues to surge as has been happening in the past few days, the State may not have other options, Health Minister K.K. Shylaja said on Sunday.
Addressing the media here, Ms. Shylaja said the State was facing crucial days ahead as far as the COVID-19 situation was concerned and that the State would have to pay a heavy price if people continued to let go of all vigil against the disease.
The State had managed to keep disease transmission down all these months. However, after people let go of all vigil during the Onam season, followed by the violent political protests on the streets, the test positivity had gone up to 12% now. If people maintained more vigil and observed all COVID-19 safety protocols strictly in the coming days, disease transmission could be held down, she said.
Coronavirus | Health Minister hints at lockdown
