Coronavirus LIVE Updates: West Bengal Reports Highest One-Day Spike Of 10,784 COVID-19 Cases

With the outbreak of second wave of Coronavirus, several Indian states facing surge in COVID cases have resorted to strict measures such as complete lockdown, night curfews and penalties on flouting COVID norms. Taking note of the worsening situation, PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation and stressed upon the need to fight the second wave. He called on the state governments to help migrant workers, and pointed out that India's vaccination programme has been progressing with good speed. Meanwhile, the central government waived customs duty on Remdesivir with the aim to help augment domestic availability and reduce cost of the injection.

Background

With the outbreak of second wave of Coronavirus, several Indian states facing surge in COVID cases have resorted to strict measures such as complete lockdown, night curfews and penalties on flouting COVID norms. Taking note of the worsening situation, PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation and stressed upon the need to fight the second wave of COVID-19 together and with "all our might". He  called on the state governments to help migrant workers in this hour of need and also appealed to the workers not to leave for native places. He further pointed out that India's vaccination programme has been progressing with good speed and coverage. Meanwhile, the central government waived customs duty on Remdesivir, its raw materials and other components used to make the antiviral drug, with the aim to help augment domestic availability and reduce cost of the injection. The items on which the duty has been waived include Remdesivir active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), injection Remdesivir, and beta Cyclodextrin used in manufacture of Remdesivir.

21/04/2021 21:12:59

West Bengal reports highest one-day spike of 10,784 COVID-19 cases

West Bengal on Wednesday registered its highest single-day spike of 10,784 new COVID-19 cases, which took the tally in the state to 6,88,956, the health department said in a bulletin. The death toll also rose to 10,710 after 58 fresh fatalities were reported. The state now has 63,496 active cases, the bulletin said.

21/04/2021 19:02:51

Over 21K Tested COVID-19 Positive After Taking First Dose Of Either Covishield Or Covaxin: Govt

Addressing a press conference, ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava said 0.04 per cent of 17,37,178 individuals, who received the second dose of Covaxin, were positive for COVID-19, while 0.03 per cent of 1,57,32,754 people, who took the second dose of Covishield, contracted the infection.

"After vaccination if one gets infection then it is known as breakthrough infection," he said.

21/04/2021 16:07:37

India Administers Over 13 Crore Coronavirus Vaccine Doses In 95 Days

As per the Health Ministry, the cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 13 crores in 95 days.

"These include 92,01,728 HCWs who have taken the 1st dose and 58,17,262 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 1,15,62,535 FLWs (1st dose), 58,55,821 FLWs (2nd dose), 4,73,55,942 1st dose beneficiaries and 53,04,679 2nd dose beneficiaries more than 60 years old and 4,35,25,687 (1st dose) and 14,95,656 (2nd dose) beneficiaries aged 45 to 60 years," the health ministry said.

21/04/2021 14:57:12

We Have Sufficient Remdesivir: Maharashtra Health Minister

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope informed that the government is anticipating that 15% of current active cases may need oxygen. He said arrangements of 1550 MT of oxygen has already been made and the government is trying to distribute the same.

"We're also expecting the Oxygen which Govt of India will import," Rajesh Tope said. 

"As per today's demand, we have sufficient Remdesivir, the only challenge is that of distribution," Maharashtra Health Minister added.

"I appeal to doctors to use Oxygen & Remdesivir properly. Maharashtra is currently producing 1250 tons of liquid oxygen, it'll be used for 100% medical use only," Maharashtra Health Minister said.

21/04/2021 14:32:55

10 Dead After Oxygen Leak At Nashik Hospital

An Oxygen tanker leaked while tankers were being filled at Dr. Zakir Hussain Hospital in Nashik, Maharashtra. Officials are present at the spot, operation to contain the leak is underway. It is being reported that 10 covid patients have died at the Nashik hospital.

21/04/2021 13:40:22

Delhi Govt looted one of our oxygen tankers: Haryana Health Min Anil Vij

We are being forced to give our oxygen to Delhi. First, we’ll complete our needs, then give to others. Yesterday, one of our O2 tankers was looted by Delhi Govt that was going to Faridabad. From now, I've ordered police protection for all tankers: Haryana Health Min Anil Vij

21/04/2021 12:54:42

SII Fixes Covishield Price

Following the Govt of India directives, we are announcing the prices of the Covishield vaccine - Rs 400 per dose for state governments and Rs 600 per dose for private hospitals: Serum Institute of India (SII)

21/04/2021 12:04:46

Japan PM Cancels Visit To India Due To COVID Surge

Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called off a planned visit to India and the Philippines due to a resurgence of coronavirus infections in Japan: Reports

21/04/2021 11:16:42

Mumbai: 38 inmates at Byculla jail tested positive for COVID-19

Byculla jail authority on Wednesday informed that 38 inmates at Byculla jail, including accused in Sheena Bora murder case Indrani Mukerjea, tested positive for COVID-19. 

21/04/2021 11:14:01

Cricketer MS Dhoni's parents test positive for COVID-19, hospitalised in Ranchi

Parents of cricketer MS Dhoni have been admitted here at the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19 Their oxygen level is stable: Pulse Superspeciality Hospital, Ranchi, Jharkhand

21/04/2021 11:09:34

Flights from/to the UK stand cancelled from April 24 to April 30: Air India

Passengers who were to travel between India & UK may note that in view of recent restrictions announced by the UK, flights from/to the UK stand cancelled from 24th to 30th April 2021. Further updates regarding rescheduling, refunds & waivers will be informed shortly. We are in the process to schedule once a week flight to UK from Delhi & Mumbai. Information regarding the same will also be updated on our website and social media channels: Air India

21/04/2021 10:35:43

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to meet LG Anil Baijal at 11 am today to discuss Oxygen supply, COVID cases

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Anil Baijal to hold a meeting at 11 am today. Issue of Oxygen supply, COVID cases and deaths to be taken up in the meet.

21/04/2021 10:01:28

India Records Nearly 3 Lakh Fresh Covid Cases

India has recorded almost 3 lakh new covid cases and over 2000 covid related death in the last 24 hours. As per the information, 2,95,041 fresh covid cases and 2023 Deaths were recorded in India, which is again a record single-day spike for cases and deaths.

21/04/2021 09:47:55

'Why Are Indians Not Prioritised?' Question Priyanka, Blasts Centre For COVID Surge

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra  comes down heavily on Central government amid worsening Coronavirus situation across teh country. Speaking to news agency ANI on Wednesday, the congress leader questioned Centre for being unprepared despite 'Serosurveys indication that 2nd wave is imminent'. 

"India's production capacity for oxygen is one of the largest in world. Then why's there a shortage? You had 8-9 months (between first & second wave), your own Serosurveys indicated that a 2nd wave is imminent, you ignored it. You had time. Today, only 2000 trucks in India can transport oxygen. How tragic it is that oxygen is available but it's not reaching where it should. 1.1 million Remdesivir injections were exported in last 6 months. Today, we're facing shortage." 

She went on to blast the BJP led central government for not priotising Indians. She alleged that Vaccine shortage is due to bad planning, Remdesivir shortage due to no planning,oxygen shortage due to no strategy. 'It's Govt's failure'. 

"Even today they're busy with campaigning. They're laughing from the stages (at rallies). People are crying, screaming for help, seeking oxygen, beds, medicines, & you're going to huge rallies & laughing! How can you?" Priyanka said. 

21/04/2021 09:27:45

Delhi Govt Proposes To Give Rs 5,000 To Construction Workers Amid Lockdown

Delhi govt proposes to give financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to each of registered construction workers, forms committee for aiding migrant workers. The progressive development has come at the time when hundreds of  migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and other states thronged bus terminals and railway stations post announcement of 6-day lockdown in national capital. 

21/04/2021 08:25:38

UP Govt Helps Just In Time Amid Acute Shortage Of Oxygen In Delhi Hospitals

At the time when Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain complained of acute shortage of oxygen at hospitals in national capital, Uttar Pradesh govt agreed to supply the gas and assured to release about 132.55 tonnes of oxygen. More than 500 critical COVID-19 patients were saved just in time when a oxygen tanker reached Delhi’s GTB Hospital at about 1:30 am on Wednesday. According to reports, the matter was resolved late night after the Centre held several hours of talks with the Uttar Pradesh government.

21/04/2021 08:23:42

35-year-old COVID patient hangs self to death in Ludhiana's Civil Hospital

In a shocking incident, a 35-year-old COVID patient died allegedly by hanging himself from a fan in Ludhiana's Civil Hospital. ACP Waryam Singh speaking to the reporters informed that the man was admitted to the hospital the previous day and was vaccinated at 5 pm. An hour later, hospital staff found him hanging from fan. The police have swung into action and investigating the matter. 

21/04/2021 08:20:11

Section 144 Imposed Across Maharashtra Till May 1

Maharashtra Government has imposed statewide restrictions till May 1st, in the wake of the COVID situation. Section 144 imposed across the state. During this period, only essential services will be allowed

21/04/2021 08:16:49

Assam Announces Free COVID-19 Vaccine To Everyone From 18-45

Amid rising cases of Coronavirus and vaccine being the only helpful measure at the moment, the Assam government has announced free COVID-19 vaccination of all people between the age of 18 and 45 from May 1. Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said, "Assam will give free vaccines to everyone from 18-45 years. Funds collected in Assam Arogya Nidhi last year shall be utilised for the procurement of vaccines." The state government has placed orders for for 1 crore doses with Bharat Biotech.