22:33 (IST)
Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates
1,553 new cases in Rajasthan today
Rajasthan reported its highest single-day spike of 1,553 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, taking the infection tally to 86,227, while 14 more fatalities pushed the death toll in the state to 1,095.
According to a health department bulletin issued here, 70,160 people have been discharged after treatment till now.
In Jaipur, the COVID-19 death toll stands at 279, followed by 103 in Jodhpur, 77 each in Bikaner and Kota, 74 in Ajmer, 70 in Bharatpur, 46 in Pali, 43 in Nagaur, 29 in Udaipur, 25 in Alwar and 22 in Dholpur, it said.
20:46 (IST)
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates
Delhi govt issues SOPs for reopening bars
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Thursday issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the resumption of bars in the National Capital.
"The SOP states that bars in containment zones will remain closed, and only asymptomatic staff and customers will be allowed entry. Not more than 50% of the approved seating capacity will be allowed," News18 reported.
20:09 (IST)
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates
Delhi sees rise of 43% in COVID-19 patients under home isolation
According to Delhi government data, the number of coronavirus patients in home isolation has risen to 8,119, while active cases rose to 15,870 by 1 September, reports said.
18:58 (IST)
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates
COVID-19 toll in UP rises to 3,691
The coronavirus toll in Uttar Pradesh rose to 3,691 on Thursday with 75 more fatalities, while 5,776 fresh cases pushed the state's infection tally to 2,47,101.
There are 57,598 active cases in the state, while 1,85,812 patients have been discharged after recovering from the infection, Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Amit Mohan Prasad told reporters.
"The state reported 5,776 fresh cases in the past 24 hours and the COVID-19 tally in the state has risen to 2,47,101," a health bulletin said.
18:25 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
62% of India's active cases are in 5 states
The Centre said that 62 percent of the total active cases in the country are reported in five states currently. The states are Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, the health ministry said in a briefing on Thursday.
18:00 (IST)
Coronavirus in Pune Latest Updates
Pune mayor says focus is on increasing oxygen beds, ventilators
Pune Mayor Murlidhar said that there are over one lakh COVID-19 patients in the city.
"Our focus is to increase oxygen beds and ventilators, and recruit staff members who know how to use these equipment properly. There is no shortage of funds. The PMC has already used Rs 300 crore towards this," he said.
17:47 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
About 7% decline in active cases in Maharashtra, says Centre
Union health ministry said that Maharashtra has seen a decline of around 7 percent in #COVID19 active cases in the last three weeks (week on week basis).
He added, "Daily positive numbers increasing. It has to be seen in context of total population. Govt has adopted a graded approach of opening the economy, ensuring adequate testing capacity, clear guidelines of clinical treatment protocol and enhanced hospital infrastructure."
17:09 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Positivity rate in health workers highest in Telangana, says Centre
The Centre said 6 states have registered a high COVID-19 positivity rate among healthcare workers.I
In addition to Telangana (18 percent) and Maharashtra (16 percent), Delhi reported 14 percent, Karnataka 13 percent, Puducherry 12 percent and Punjab registered 11 percent.
" These are the states where positivity rate among healthcare workers are on a higher side," the statement added.
16:47 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Centre says engaging with Delhi govt over rise in cases
The Union health ministry said that the Centre is "engaging with the Delhi government" over the rise in the number of active cases and deaths in the National Capital.
"We have given some specific instructions to the government, if those are followed, number of cases can be brought under control," said Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Union Health Ministry.
16:20 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Per million population in India is among 'lowest in the world', claims Centre
Union health ministry secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Thursday said, "Per million COVID-19 cases in the country is much lesser when compared to other countries in the world. Deaths per million (population) of India is among the lowest in the world; 49 deaths per million population."
He was also quoted by PTI as saying, "India has 2,792 cases of COVID-19 per million population which is amongst lowest in the world."
16:09 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
ICMR says 2nd sero-survey underway in 70 districts
The second countrywide sero-survey has started in all 70 districts, the ICMR said in a health ministry briefing on Thursday. "We should get the results in the next two weeks," said DG ICMR Dr Balram Bhargava.
15:57 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Case fatality rate in 5 states:
Union health ministry secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that there has been a 4.5 percent weekly decrease in case fatality rate in Andhra Pradesh, 11.5 percent decrease in Maharashtra and 18.2 percent decrease in Tamil Nadu.
However, there is an increase in the case fatality trajectory in two states — Karnataka and Delhi, Bhushan added.
"Delhi has seen 50 percent and Karnataka has seen 9.6 percent increase in average daily case fatality," he said.
15:43 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Centre says five states account for 62% of active cases
Union health ministry secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Thursday addressed a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation in the country.
He said that the five states of Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra account for 62 percent of total active cases in the country:
15:37 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Over 11 lakh tests conducted in the last 24 hours, says Centre
The Union health ministry said that around 4.50 crore tests have been conducted for coronavirus in India so far. The statement added that over 11 lakh tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours.
15:15 (IST)
Coronavirus in Delhi LATEST Update
AIIMS clarifies that OPD services will continue in hospital
All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has clarified that OPD services will continue to function as usual. It was earlier reported that the hospital administration had temporarily suspended routine OPD admissions at the hospital for two weeks.
15:03 (IST)
Coronavirus in Delhi LATEST Update
Can't say it is a second wave: Jain on rise in COVID-19 cases in Delhi
It can't be said that Delhi is witnessing a second wave of COVID-19, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Thursday, a day after the national capital recorded 2,509 fresh cases – the highest single-day spike in nearly two months.
Speaking to reporters, he said people "should not stress about numbers". The minister said the Delhi government is increasing the testing for COVID-19 and it wants that there should be no positive case in the city.
Asked if Delhi is heading towards a second wave of coronavirus infections, Jain said, "You cannot say it is a second wave. We could have called it a second wave if there were no positive cases for one or two months and then cases would have started coming again. The virus is still there in Delhi. You should not stress about numbers."
He said Delhi's case fatality ratio was 0.75 per cent on Wednesday, which is a good sign. "Overall, it is 2.5 per cent. Yesterday, it was less than one per cent, which is a good sign. At one time, it was 3.5 per cent," he added.
After a brief lull, Delhi has seen a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases over the last few days.
14:54 (IST)
Coronavirus in Haryana LATEST Update
Haryana govt issues guidelines for film shootings in state
The Haryana government on Thursday issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for resuming film shootings in the state that include measures such as social distancing and mandatory use of face covers or masks for cast and crew, except for actors in front of the camera.
As per the guidelines, the duration of the shooting should be restricted to the minimum possible time and not more than 50 people should be allowed to be present at a spot.
"Locations will be chosen taking into consideration whether the locality falls in or near containment zones. Permissions and approvals will be given only for safe zones," an official spokesman of the Home Department said while detailing the guidelines for film shootings.
-PTI
14:53 (IST)
Coronavirus in India LATEST Update
BJP using COVID-19 as excuse to cancel Question Hour: NCP
The NCP on Thursday accused the BJP of using the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to cancel the Question Hour in the forthcoming monsoon session of Parliament to "hide its failures" on multiple fronts, reports PTI.
"The BJP is using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to cancel the Question Hour in the monsoon session of Parliament to hide its failures on multiple fronts," NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase alleged.
"The BJP should use other electronic media to enable the MPs to question the government," he added.
14:51 (IST)
Coronavirus in UK LATEST Update
UK working on 20-minute coronavirus test
The British government says it is investing in a coronavirus test that gives results in as little as 20 minutes, as critics say tests for the virus are being rationed because the system can't cope with demand.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is expanding trials of two new tests a no-swab saliva test and another that gives results in minutes. It's also running a trial on the benefits of repeat testing of people without symptoms.
Britain has hugely expanded its testing capacity since the start of the pandemic, but critics say it is still not doing enough to find and isolate people with the coronavirus.
-AP
13:58 (IST)
Coronavirus in Delhi LATEST Update
Over 70% of COVID-19 beds empty, says Delhi health minister
Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that 14,000 beds were allocated for COVID-19 in Delhi. "Over 70 percent of them are vacant as of now. We sought information from five-six hospitals and got to know that 70-80 percent patients there have come from outside Delhi. There might be issues in particular hospitals, but there is no issue of beds." he said.
13:43 (IST)
Coronavirus in Puducherry LATEST Update
Puducherry reports 431 new COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths
Puducherry on Thursday registered 431 fresh COVID-19 cases taking the overall tally to 15,581. Seven people including four women succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours ending 10 am on Thursday, Director of Health and Family Welfare S Mohan Kumar said in a press release.
Also, 311 patients were discharged during the last 24 hours, he added.
The release said of the total 15,581 COVID-19 cases in the union territory, 5,042 were active, while 10,279 patients had recovered and were discharged. The death toll stood at 260.
13:23 (IST)
Coronavirus in Maharashtra LATEST Update
NCP MP Supriya Sule demands resumption of restaurant business in Maharashtra
NCP MP Supriya Sule on Thursday urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to allow resumption of restaurant business in the state on the condition of adherence to social distancing norms.
The state government on Monday allowed hotels and lodges to operate at 100 per cent capacity, as part of its efforts to ease the restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Sule, whose party is an ally of the Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, said only parcel service is allowed at present as far as the restaurants are concerned, and noted it is not enough to bring the business back on track.
-PTI
13:09 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates
Steroids can be lifesaving for seriously ill COVID-19 patients, new studies suggests
International clinical trials published Wednesday confirm the hope that cheap, widely available steroid drugs can help seriously ill patients survive COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
Based on the new evidence, the World Health Organization issued new treatment guidance, strongly recommending steroids to treat severely and critically ill patients, but not to those with mild disease.
“Clearly, now steroids are the standard of care,” said Dr Howard C. Bauchner, the editor-in-chief of JAMA, which published five papers about the treatment.
12:49 (IST)
Coronavirus in Rajasthan LATEST Update
705 new COVID-19 cases take Rajasthan's tally to 85,379
Rajasthan recorded 705 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday, taking the state's tally to 85,379, while seven more fatalities took the toll to 1,087, according to a health department bulletin.
A total of 13,421 patients are under treatment in the state, the bulletin said. As many as 69,697 people have been discharged after treatment till now, it said.
-PTI
12:39 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra LATEST Updates
Over 16,000 cops infected with COVID-19 in Maharashtra, toll rises to 163
With 424 more COVID-19 infections in Maharashtra Police, the total number of confirmed cases in the force climbed to 16,015 on Thursday. Five more deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, said the Maharashtra Police department.
With this, the COVID-19 toll rose to 163. Of the total cases, there are 13,014 recoveries and 2,838 active cases.
12:31 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi LATEST Updates
Protocols formed in Delhi to restart metro services: Satyendar Jain
Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain said protocols are being formulated for restarting Metro services in the National Capital. "Dry run is also being done so that it can be ensured that social distancing is maintained, people wear mask and clean their hands - that they follow a COVID appropriate behaviour," said the health minister on Thursday.
12:26 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi LATEST Updates
Rajiv Chowk metro station gears up to resume ops from 7 Sept
Preparations underway at Rajiv Chowk metro station as Delhi Metro rail gears up to resume services from September 7 as part of #Unlock4. pic.twitter.com/XWLVCvl64A
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2020
12:05 (IST)
Coronavirus in India LATEST Update
Cumulative tests for detection surge to 4,55,09,380, says Centre
India's cumulative tests for detection of COVID-19 surged to 4,55,09,380 with a record 11,72,179 tests being conducted in a single day on Wednesday, ICMR officials said. India's per day testing capacity has crossed 10 lakh, they said.
12:02 (IST)
Coronavirus in India LATEST Update
BCCI contingent member tests positive for COVID-19: IPL source
A member of the BCCI contingent, which is here to oversee the conduct of IPL, has tested positive for COVID-19, a league source told PTI on Thursday. The event is scheduled to start on 19 September.
"There is one positive case in the BCCI contingent. I can't tell you whether it's from cricket operations team or the medical team. But testing is on and everyone else is healthy and asymptomatic," a senior IPL official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
"There is no cause for concern," he added.
11:59 (IST)
Coronavirus in Karnataka LATEST Update
Former JDS MLA Appaji Gowda succumbs to COVID-19
Former JD(S) MLA M J Appaji Gowda died at a private hospital in Shivamogga, a Health department official said. The 69-year old leader had tested positive for coronavirus three days ago and died on Wednesday evening, the official added.
"He had fever for the past three days and was rushed to the McGann Hospital after he complained of a severe respiratory problem," the District Health Officer Nagaraj Naik told PTI.
11:57 (IST)
Coronavirus in Arunachal Pradesh LATEST Update
148 new cases take Arunachal's COVID-19 tally to 4,360
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Arunachal Pradesh rose to 4,360 as 148 more people, including 47 security personnel and two health workers, tested positive for the disease on Thursday, an official said.
A total of 2,248 patients have been cured of the disease in August, while 2,757 people, including 1,036 security personnel, have been diagnosed with the infection during this month, the official said. The recovery rate among COVID-19 patients in the state stands at 70.52 percent, he said.
11:38 (IST)
Coronavirus in India LATEST Update
India's recovery rate rises to 77%
The total number of coronavirus cases in the country mounted to 38,53,406, while the death toll climbed to 67,376 as 1,043 people succumbed to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.
The national COVID-19 recovery rate has risen to 77.09 percent. The case fatality rate due to the infection has further declined to 1.75 per cent.
There are 8,15,538 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprise 21.16 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.
11:37 (IST)
Coronavirus in Andaman and Nicobar LATEST Update
26 new cases push COVID-19 tally of Andamans to 3,186; toll mounts to 47
The COVID-19 tally of Andaman and Nicobar Islands rose to 3,186 on Thursday as 26 more people tested positive for the infection, while one fresh fatality pushed the Union territory's coronavirus death toll to 47, a health official said.
Four new patients have travel history, while 22 infections were detected during contact tracing, he said. Forty-four more people were cured of the disease, taking the total number of recoveries in the archipelago to 2,758, the official said.
There are now 381 active COVID-19 cases in the islands, he said.
-PTI
11:36 (IST)
Coronavirus in US LATEST Update
US cuts remaining dues payment to WHO after Trump pullout
The Trump administration has said it won't pay more than USD 60 million in dues it owes to the World Health Organisation and will use the money instead to pay down other contributions to the United Nations.
The announcement on Wednesday came just a day after the White House announced the US would not participate in a WHO-run project to develop and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine.
The decision to withhold roughly USD 62 million in outstanding 2020 dues to the WHO is part of President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the organisation over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic and his allegations that the agency has been improperly influenced by China.
-AP
10:50 (IST)
Coronavirus in India LATEST Update
Dilip Kumar's brother Ehsan Khan dies due to COVID-19
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar's younger brother Ehsan Khan, who tested positive for coronavirus last month, has died, according to the Bollywood star's family friend, Faisal Farooqui. He was 90.
The cinema icon's two brothers, Ehsan Khan and Aslam Khan were admitted to Lilavati Hospital on August 15 after they complained of breathlessness and eventually tested positive for COVID-19.
While Aslam Khan, 88, passed away on August 21, Ehsan Khan breathed his last late Wednesday night due to coronavirus, Dr Jalil Parkar, who was treating the duo, told PTI.
Farooqui took to Kumar's official Twitter account to confirm the news.
10:49 (IST)
Coronavirus in Jharkhand LATEST Update
Jharkhand reports 1,029 new COVID-19 cases, 10 deaths in past 24 hrs
Jharkhand's COVID-19 caseload rose to 44,862 on Thursday as 1,029 more people tested positive for the infection, while 10 fresh fatalities pushed the state's coronavirus death toll to 438, a health official said.
The fresh infections have taken the number of active cases in the state to 14,677, while 29,747 people have recovered from the disease so far, he said.The state has tested 20,846 samples for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, the official added.
-PTI
10:46 (IST)
Coronavirus in Telangana LATEST Update
Telangana records 2,817 new cases; 10 deaths take toll to 856
Telangana reported 2,817 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to 1,33,406 while 10 more deaths pushed the toll to 856.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 452, followed by Rangareddy (216), Karimnagar (164) and Khammam and Nalgonda (157 each) districts, a government bulletin said on Thursday, providing data as of 8 pm on 2 September.
It said over one lakh patients had recovered so far from the killer virus. The cumulative recovered cases stood at 1,00,013 while 32,537 were under treatment.
-PTI
09:53 (IST)
Coronavirus in India LATEST Update
India register over 83,000 new cases, 1,043 deaths
India reports 83,883 new coronavirus cases and 1,043 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data. With this, the country now has 38,53,407 cases and the toll has risen to 67,376. This is the highest rise in cases so far.
09:30 (IST)
Coronavirus in India LATEST Update
Nirmala Sitharaman to meet heads of banks, NBFCs on loan recast today
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold a review meeting with heads of banks and NBFCs today for smooth and speedy implementation of the one-time debt recast for resolution of COVID-19 related stress in bank loans.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had last month permitted one-time restructuring of both corporate and retail loans without getting classified as a non-performing asset.
-PTI
08:38 (IST)
Coronavirus in US LATEST Update
Dwayne Johnson reveals he, his family tested positive for COVID-19
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared some unfortunate news on his home front, he and his family tested positive for the coronavirus.
Johnson announced their diagnosis in an 11-plus minute video on Instagram on Wednesday. He said he was shocked after hearing their positive tests, calling the ordeal “one of the most challenging and difficult things we’ve ever had to endure.”
The actor said he along with his wife, Lauren Hashian, and two young daughters contracted the virus, but have now recovered. He said his daughters “bounced back” after having sore throats for a couple of days.
08:31 (IST)
Coronavirus in Delhi LATEST Update
Delhi records highest daily rise in cases in two months
Delhi recorded the highest number of daily new coronavirus cases in over two months with 2,509 infections, pushing the total to 1,79,569. The last time the city reported more than 2,500 cases was on 3 July.
08:23 (IST)
Coronavirus in Jharkhand LATEST Update
Bihar RJD MLA quarantined for 14 days in Ranchi
RJD MLA from Bihar's Barachatti, Samta Devi, one of her associates and two security guards were quarantined by the Ranchi administration on Wednesday after they arrived at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here to meet party president Lalu Prasad Yadav.
The order to quarantine the legislator was passed by Additional District Magistrate, Law and Order, Akhilesh Kumar Sinha. The MLA reached Ranchi by road from Gaya in Bihar.
State RJD president Abhay Kumar Singh said he did not have any information about the MLA's arrival. He refused to comment on the action taken by the administration.
07:56 (IST)
Coronavirus in India LATEST Update
Over 11 lakh tests done in past 24 hrs, says Centre
According to the ministry of health, India on Thursday witnessed an unprecedented surge in testing. Over 11,70,000 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.
#IndiaFightsCorona
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 3, 2020
India witnesses an unprecedented surge in testing.
Over 11,70,000 tests done in the last 24 hours.@PMOIndia @drharshvardhan @AshwiniKChoubey @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts @COVIDNewsByMIB @CovidIndiaSeva @ICMRDELHI
07:54 (IST)
Coronavirus in US LATEST Updates
Budget deficit to hit record USD 3.3 trillion due to virus, recession
The federal budget deficit is projected to hit a record USD 3.3 trillion as huge government expenditures to fight the coronavirus and to prop up the economy have added more than USD 2 trillion to the federal ledger, the Congressional Budget Office said.
The spike in the deficit means that federal debt will exceed annual gross domestic product next year a milestone that would put the US where it was in the aftermath of World War II, when accumulated debt exceeded the size of the economy.
The USD 3.3 trillion figure is more than triple the 2019 shortfall and more than double the levels experienced after the market meltdown and Great Recession of 2008-09.
Government spending, fuelled by four coronavirus response measures, would register at USD 6.6 trillion, USD 2 trillion-plus more than 2019.
07:49 (IST)
Coronavirus in UK LATEST Updates
Fresh virus restrictions across UK as cases rise
Coronavirus restrictions were tightened in the Scottish city of Glasgow and extended in parts of northern England on Wednesday following a surge in infection rates.
The new measures come amid a steady uptick in cases across Britain, which has suffered Europe's deadliest outbreak of Covid-19, with more than 41,500 confirmed deaths.
Regional restrictions imposed on the towns of Bolton and Trafford in England's Greater Manchester area were due to be lifted on Wednesday but at the last minute they were prolonged.
-AFP
07:47 (IST)
Coronavirus in US LATEST Updates
US states told be ready to distribute Covid-19 vaccine by 1 Nov
The Trump administration has urged US states to get ready to distribute a potential Covid-19 vaccine by 1 November – two days before the presidential election.
Dallas-based wholesaler McKesson Corp. has a deal with the federal government and will be requesting permits to set up distribution centers when a vaccine becomes available.
"The normal time required to obtain these permits presents a significant barrier to the success of this urgent public health program," Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told states in an 27 August letter.
"CDC urgently requests your assistance in expediting applications for these distribution facilities."
-AFP
07:35 (IST)
Coronavirus in Assam LATEST Updates
Assam reported 3,555 new COVID cases, 8 deaths yesterday
The COVID-19 death toll in Assam rose to 323 after eight more people succumbed to the disease, while 3,555 new infections increased the state's caseload to 1,15,279, Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday.
Three of the fresh fatalities were reported from Dibrugarh, two each from Karimganj and Kamrup Metropolitan and one from Darrang, he said.
The 3,555 new positive cases, which is the second highest single-day spike in the state, include 924 from Kamrup Metropolitan, 236 from Nagaon, 213 from Dibrugarh and 200 from Baksa.
The steepest one-day spike of 4,593 cases was reported on 12 August. The new cases were detected out of 47,744 tests and the positivity rate is 7.44 percent.
07:33 (IST)
Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates
International passengers can avail COVID-19 tests on arrival at entry airports
International passengers who have to take connecting domestic flights after landing in India will have the option of getting themselves tested for COVID-19 at the entry airports, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Wednesday.
If the RT-PCR test result is negative, the international passenger will be allowed to catch his or her connecting domestic flight and he or she will not need to undergo any institutional quarantine at the destination city, the ministry's order said.
The test result will come in a maximum of seven hours. Till the results come, the passenger will have to remain in the waiting lounge of the entry airport, the order noted.
Coronavirus LATEST Updates: As of 1 September, of the total 15,870 active cases in the National Capital, more than half (8,119) were under home quarantine, data from the government showed.
The second countrywide sero-survey has started in all 70 districts, the ICMR said in a health ministry briefing on Thursday. "We should get the results in the next two weeks," said DG ICMR Dr Balram Bhargava.
The Centre said six states have registered a high COVID-19 positivity rate among healthcare workers.
In addition to Telangana (18 percent) and Maharashtra (16 percent), Delhi reported 14 percent, Karnataka 13 percent, Puducherry 12 percent and Punjab registered 11 percent.
" These are the states where positivity rate among healthcare workers are on a higher side," the statement added.
Union health ministry secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Thursday said, "Per million COVID-19 cases in the country is much lesser when compared to other countries in the world. Deaths per million (population) of India is among the lowest in the world; 49 deaths per million population."
He was also quoted by PTI as saying, "India has 2,792 cases of COVID-19 per million population which is amongst lowest in the world."
India reports 83,883 new coronavirus cases and 1,043 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data. With this, the country now has 38,53,407 cases and the toll has risen to 67,376. This is the highest rise in cases so far.
The Centre on Wednesday announced guidelines for the resumption of Metro rail services in the country, even as COVID-19 caseload in the country surged past 37 lakh with 78,357 fresh infections reported in 24 hours.
The cumulative toll rose to 66,333 with 1,045 more fatalities the recovery rate reached 76.98 percent, said the health ministry in its morning update. The health ministry said 54 percent of the COVID-19 cases reported in India are in the age group of 18-44 years, while 51 percent deaths are among people aged 60 and above.
During the day, several states including Maharashtra and Karnataka released figures showing record daily jumps in cases and deaths. While Maharashtra registered its biggest single-day spike of 17, 433 new cases, Karnataka recorded 9,860 fresh infections — the highest in a day so far. Punjab's toll mounted to 1,618 with a record 106 deaths reported in 24 hours.
In Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat went into self-quarantine for the second time after an officer on special duty tested positive. The state Cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday was also postponed as a result.
Centre issues guidelines for operating Metro trains
The Centre released the Standard Operating Procedures for the resumption of metro rail services, including measures like mandatory face masks and thermal screening of passengers. All states with metro connectivity, except Maharashtra, are set to begin operations from September 7.
The Centre allowed Metro services to resume under the recently released Unlock-4 guidelines.
Resumption of metro rail systems across the country (except Maharashtra) was announced today.
These will resume in a graded & calibrated manner from 7 Sept 2020.
This decision, has been taken after due consideration, & will be implemented with due caution & care. pic.twitter.com/wnN0efOiAj
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) September 2, 2020
Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said multi-route metro networks will resume services from 7 September in a graded manner in order to make all lines operational by 12 September. However, metro stations in containment zones will continue to remain closed.
The Metro timings will be staggered, to begin with and only a limited number of trains will ply. Adequate dwell time at stations will be provided to enable smooth boarding/deboarding with proper social distancing. Metro rail corporations can also skip stations where social distancing measures are not followed.
The authorities will make suitable markings at stations and inside trains to ensure norms of physical distancing are followed. They will also provide sanitisers at the entrance gates of the station, stated the guidelines.
Passengers will have to wear masks at all times and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to board after undergoing thermal screening at the gates. The use of Smart Cards and cashless/online transactions will be encouraged. Tokens and paper slips/ticket will have to be used with proper sanitization, said the minister.
The Centre also directed that the intake of fresh air into the air-conditioning system be increased as much as possible.
Metro services in Mumbai will remain suspended but Delhi, Noida, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Maha Metro (Nagpur), Kolkata, Gujarat and UP Metro (Lucknow) have prepared their respective SOPs, Puri said.
Delhi Metro's Yellow Line to resume from 7 Sept
After the Centre released the SOPs, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chief Mangu Singh said that Delhi Metro Yellow Line from Samaypur Badli to Huda City Centre will be made operational from 7 September. Initially, the Delhi Metro will run in two shifts — 7-11 am and 4-8 pm and normal operations will resume from 12 September, Singh said.
Inter-district buses to resume in Tamil Nadu from 7 September
Inter-district bus transport and passenger train services within Tamil Nadu would be permitted from 7 September, Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced. While bus transport is allowed only within districts as of now, there were representations from the public to the government seeking facilitation of services to go from one district to another, he said.
"Considering public welfare, following the Standard Operating Procedure, from 7 September, inter-district government and private bus transport will be allowed across Tamil Nadu," Palaniswami said in a statement.
Similarly, from the same date, passenger train services within Tamil Nadu shall be permitted, he said. Inter-state train services are already operational in permitted routes
Health ministry issues SOPs for exams
The Central government also released SOPs for exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, disallowing staff and students from containment zones, making mask and a health self-declaration mandatory.
The guidelines issued by the health ministry stated that authorities concerned should plan out the examination schedule in a staggered manner to avoid overcrowding at any examination center on any day. Only those examination centers which are outside the containment zone shall be allowed to function, it said.
Health Ministry issues SOP on preventive measures to be followed while conducting examinations to contain the spread of #COVID19
SOPs state, arrangements for personal protection gears like masks, hand sanitizers etc. to be made available by the relevant authorities pic.twitter.com/8V2d7R0Ke4— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2020
The guidelines also detailed sanitisations procedures for both pen-and-paper and computer-based exams.
The JEE exams kicked off on Tuesday while the NEET is scheduled to be held on 13 September. The UGC has also directed universities to hold final year exams before the end of September.
Maharashtra, Karnataka see record spikes; Uttarakhand CM goes into self quarantine
Meanwhile, states like Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttarkhand and Karnataka reported record spikes in their respective case tallies. Maharashtra's COVID-19 case load surged to 8,25,739 with record 17,433 cases detected in a single day while the toll rose to 25,195 with 292 more fatalities.
Haryana reported 15 more COVID-19 fatalities on Wednesday, taking the toll to 721 as the state recorded its biggest single-day jump of 1,792 new cases, the health department's daily bulletin said. With this, the infection count in the state rose to 68,218.
Uttarakhand also witnessed the highest single-day rise of 836 coronavirus cases, which took the state's COVID-19 tally to 21,234, while 11 more people died of the disease. The toll due to the disease mounted to 291 in Uttarakhand, a state health department bulletin said.
Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said that he had tested positive for the viral infection and was in home isolation.
I wish to inform all that I have been detected COVID19 positive. I am asymptomatic and hence have opted for home isolation. I shall continue to discharge my duties working from home. Those who have come in my close contact are advised to take the necessary precautions.
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) September 2, 2020
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat once again quarantined himself as his OSD tested positive, sources told news agency PTI. A meeting of the state Cabinet was also postponed for the second time. Rawat had gone into quarantine on 25 August after one of his advisors tested positive. The chief minister has tested negative for the viral infection on 30 August
Karnataka registered a jump of of 9,860 new COVID-19 cases, propelling its overall case count to 3,61,341. 113 more fatalities in the last 24 hours took the state's toll to 5,950. State capital Bengaluru saw its biggest single-day spike as well with 3,420 new cases, taking its overall tally to 1,35,512.
In Delhi, which saw a rise of 2,509 fresh COVID-19 cases, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baija directed officers to increase the testing capacity by implementing measures such as providing ''testing on-demand'', setting up testing facilities at the National Capital's border points and carrying out screening at major construction sites.
Goa logged 636 new cases while Punjab's toll climbed to 1,618 with record 106 deaths reported in a single day.
Fatality rate dips to 1.76, says health ministry
In its morning update, the health ministry said that India has so far reported 37,69,523 cases of the viral infection. The total number of recoveries in the country has surged to 29,01,908, while the fatality rate has further declined to 1.76 percent. There are 8,01,282, active cases in the country comprising 21.26 percent of the total caseload, the data updated at 8 am showed.
54% #COVID19 cases are in the 18-44 years age group but 51% deaths are in the 60 years and above age group. pic.twitter.com/9ToEzUigYI
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 2, 2020
The ministry also said that 36 percent of the fatalities reported are in the age group of 45-60 years, 11 percent in the age group of 26-44 years and 1 percent each among people aged 18-25 years and those below 17 years. As far as cases of coronavirus infection are concerned, 54 percent are in the age group 18-44 years, 26 percent among those aged 45 to 60 years, eight percent among those below 17 years and 12 percent among those 60 years and above, it stated.
Beijing to receive international flights
Globally, the viral infection has affected over 2.58 crore people and claimed the lives of over 8.58 lakh, according to John Hopkins University's coronavirus tracker.
In China, where the first cases surfaced, authorities said the flights from low caseload countries will be allowed into Beijing starting on Thursday, after a freeze of over five months.
The new rules will apply to flights from Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, Greece, Denmark, Austria, Sweden and Canada, all with low numbers of imported cases of the virus, reported news agency AFP.
But travellers would be subject to centralised quarantine on arrival for 14 days and have to take two coronavirus tests, an official said.
"Starting 3 September, international passenger flights to Beijing, which previously had their entry points diverted, will gradually resume," the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement.
Since late March, as many as 511 Beijing-bound international flights have been diverted to other Chinese cities where passengers are screened for the coronavirus before being allowed to travel on to Beijing, the political heart of the country.
With inputs from agencies
source https://www.firstpost.com/health/coronavirus-vaccine-tracker-news-india-highlights-unlock-4-new-rules-guidelines-latest-news-covid19-bus-service-flight-train-status-maharashtra-tamil-nadu-chennai-8779191.html
