Indian vaccine supplies to lower income countries are being delayed “as the Government of India battles a new wave of COVID-19 infections,” according to Global vaccine alliance GAVI, which runs the COVAX programme.
A statement from GAVI said that while it had receive 28 million Covishield doses from the Serum Institute of India (SII), it was unclear about additional supplies of 40 million in March and 50 million in April, and was in talks with the government and SII over the issue.
SII CEO Adar Poonawalla had sounded an alarm in early March over the shortage of raw materials need from the U.S., which the Biden administration has now requisitioned for the American production of the Pfizer vaccines. Mr. Poonawalla is understood to have written to authorities in Brazil, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, explaining that a number of reasons, including the fire in SII facilities in January, had held up supplies.
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China outlines COVID-origin findings, ahead of WHO report
Chinese officials briefed diplomats Friday on the ongoing research into the origin of COVID-19, ahead of the expected release of a long-awaited report from the World Health Organization.
The briefing appeared to be an attempt by China to get out its view on the report, which has become enmeshed in a diplomatic spat. The U.S. and others have raised questions about Chinese influence and the independence of the findings, and China has accused critics of politicizing a scientific study.
“Our purpose is to show our openness and transparency," said Yang Tao, a Foreign Ministry official. “China fought the epidemic in a transparent manner and has nothing to hide.”
The report, which has been delayed repeatedly, is based on a visit earlier this year by a WHO team of international experts to Wuhan, the city in central China where infections from a new coronavirus were first reported in late 2019.
The experts worked with Chinese counterparts, and both sides have to agree on the final report. It's unclear when it will come out. - AP
Surge in fresh COVID-19 cases, India records 59,118 new infections
India saw 59,118 new coronavirus infections in a day, the highest single day rise so far this year, taking the nationwide COVID-19 tally to 1,18,46,652, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.
The active caseload breached the 4 lakh-mark again after around three-and-half months.
Registering an increase for the 16th day in row, the active cases have increased to 4,21,066 comprising 3.55% of the total infections, while the recovery rate has further dropped to 95.09%, the data stated.
The 59,118 new infections reported in a span of 24 hours were the highest since October 18, 2020. The death toll increased to 1,60,949 with 257 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 a.m. showed. - PTI
With nearly 36,000 COVID-19 cases, Maharashtra posts new single-day high
In its highest-ever surge, Maharashtra reported 35,952 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday as its active case tally breached the 2.50 lakh mark to shoot to 2,62,685.
As many as 20,444 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours. The State’s recovery rate dipped to 87.78%. A record 1.53 lakh samples were tested.
A high fatality spike of 111 deaths pushed the death toll to 53,795.
With nearly 36,000 COVID-19 cases, Maharashtra posts new single-day high
Gujarat battles second COVID-19 wave
Gujarat on Thursday reported its biggest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases with 1,961 new infections and seven deaths, taking the fatality count to 4,473. Within a week, the daily infection count has doubled, prompting fears about whether the second wave will be as deadly as the first.
As on Thursday, the number of active cases has gone up to 9,372 of whom 81 patients are critically infected and put on ventilator support.
The main cities, Ahmedabad and Surat, have 551 and 501 cases respectively, contributing over 50% of the cases.
Gujarat battles second COVID-19 wave
No lockdown on the cards, says Health Minister
C. Vijayabaskar, AIADMK’s candidate for the Viralimalai constituency, led the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic as Health Minister. A qualified doctor, he has been projecting his performance during what he calls a trying time for the people, to solicit votes for the upcoming Assembly election. With a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in the State, he discusses preparatory measures under way to contain it and future prospects for the constituency.
"We are looking to curb the transmission from the primary sources. Measures to avoid overcrowding, including the closure of schools and colleges, are being taken. Public cooperation is essential to control the spread of the infection. A lockdown, as was done last year, is not being considered as of now," he says.
