Coronavirus HIGHLIGHTS: PM Chairs High-Level Meet, Asks Officials To Rapidly Upgrade Health Infrastructure

Coronavirus HIGHLIGHTS: Amid criticism from several states, the Centre has asked the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech to lower the price of their Covid-19 vaccines. As India reels with the second Covid wave, the government has advised people to wear a face mask even at home, especially if a Covid-19 patient was around. However, the government has asked to avoid unnecessary panic as it was causing more harm than good. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with US President Joe Biden on Monday during which the two leaders discussed various regional and global challenges posed by the pandemic.

Background

Coronavirus HIGHLIGHTS - Tuesday, April 27 : As India reels with the second Covid wave, the Centre has advised people to wear a face mask even at home, especially if a Covid-19 patient was around. However, the government has asked to avoid  unnecessary panic as it was causing more harm than good.Amid criticism from several states who raised concerns over prices of vaccination, the Centre has asked Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech to lower the price of their Covid-19 jabs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with US President Joe Biden on Monday during which the two leaders discussed the health situations in respective countries and exchanged views on various regional and global challenges posed by the pandemic.Meanwhile, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed concerns over worsening situation in India. The situation in India, where Covid-19 cases have surged, is "beyond heartbreaking", and the WHO is sending extra staff and supplies there to help fight the pandemic, he said. On Tuesday, India reports 3,23,144 new Covid-19 cases, 2771 deaths and 2,51,827 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry.In view of the growing Covid crisis, Australia bans passenger flights from India until May 15 said PM Scott Morrison. The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to explain the rationale and basis behind different pricing of COVID-19 vaccines.

27/04/2021 23:29:37

Delhi Govt Withdraws Order To Set Up Covid Care Facility For Judges At Ashoka Hotel

Issued directions to withdraw order to set up Covid-19 care facility for judges at Ashoka Hotel: Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia

 

 

27/04/2021 22:55:51

Oxygen Crisis: Some Delhi Hospitals Say Situation Better, Reopen Admissions

Some hospitals in the city on Tuesday said they are in a comparatively better situation in terms of oxygen supply. Here's the list:

• Dr D K Baluja, medical director of Jaipur Golden Hospital, said the hospital has enough supply to last the day.


• Sudhanshu Bankata, executive director of Batra Hospital, said they have reopened admissions.


• Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, which repeatedly sent out SOS last week over oxygen shortage as lives of hundreds of patients at the facility hung by a thread, received two tonnes of liquid medical oxygen this morning.


• Officials at Fortis Healthcare said the situation is stable now and admissions are on.

 

27/04/2021 21:36:05

Medical Oxygen Production Being Ramped Up: Officials Inform PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was informed about the increasing production of the life-saving gas, whose shortage has been reported in several places amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, at a high-level meeting on Tuesday during which he asked officials to work closely with state governments to start PSA Oxygen plants at the earliest.

PM Modi reviewed the availability of medical infrastructure and directed officials to ensure rapid upgradation of health facilities.

The production of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) has risen to 8,922 MT per day and is expected to cross 9,250 MT by the end of the month, the government said.

27/04/2021 19:47:11

Nagaland To Go Into 2-Week Lockdown Starting April 30

On the backdrop of rising Coronavirus cases, the Nagaland government on Tuesday announced that the state will go into a ‘lockdown with consolidated guidelines’ for two weeks starting April 30. However, the government has clarified that this was not a complete lockdown.

27/04/2021 18:11:02

No Request Made For Covid Facilities In 5-Star Hotel For Judges: Delhi HC

Delhi High Court on Tuesday said it has not made any request for creating COVID-19 facilities for its judges, staff and their families in a five star hotel. "We have not made any such request for taking over facilities of a five star hotel," the bench said and directed the Delhi government to "take corrective steps immediately".

Taking suo motu cognisance of the news reports which said that 100 rooms of Ashoka Hotel in national capital have been converted into a COVID health facility for judges of Delhi High Court on its request, a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said,"No communication has been made to anyone in this regard".

27/04/2021 17:51:22

'Put Your House In Order': Delhi HC To Kejriwal Govt

Delhi High Court asked Delhi government to file affidavit mentioning the status of the stock of liquid and gaseous oxygen with refillers by 10 am tomorrow. "Our confidence has shaken, you put your house in order," HC told Delhi government on oxygen crisis in national capital.  

27/04/2021 16:30:20

Delhi HC Asks Kejriwal Govt To Take Action Against Erring Cylinder Dealers

Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued contempt notice asking Arvind Kejriwal-led government to take action against erring cylinder dealers

The court order came when it was informed by Delhi Heart and Lung Institute that they are facing oxygen shortage and the concerned nodal officer is helpless.

Delhi High Court has also suggested Delhi government to get information from all hospitals and pharmacies on the supply of Remdesivir and other drugs. HC has also asked AAP government to appoint accounting officers.

27/04/2021 16:02:35

90 tankers carrying about 1676 MT dispatched from Odisha

A total of 90 tankers carrying about 1676 MT medical oxygen have been dispatched so far from Odisha to a number of states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Chhattisgarh: Odisha Police

27/04/2021 15:22:48

Assam District Kamrup Metropolitan closes all educational institutes

Assam: Kamrup Metropolitan district orders closure of all educational institutes (govt & private) including colleges, universities, & coaching institutes and students' hostels till May 11. Online classes have to be made available for students, the order reads.

27/04/2021 15:16:17

You Have Powers To Take Action: HC To Delhi Govt

Delhi HC shows displeasure and says that this cylinder (Oxygen) business is a complete mess. Court asks Delhi Govt to put the house in order; says people have to buy it in black for lakhs, which costs merely a few hundred rupees only. The Court tells Delhi govt to take them (black marketers) in custody, says - you have powers to take action.

27/04/2021 15:03:43

Family members of Covid patients seen waiting outside oxygen plants in Patna

27/04/2021 14:54:27

Question of adequate vaccine supply arises as 2nd dose is to be prioritised: Mumbai Mayor

All centres will be ready but there's a question that if they'll get adequate vaccine supply. From 1st May, we've to give vaccine to all above 18 yrs of age but we'll have to see the vaccine supply as earlier vaccination will continue & 2nd dose is to be prioritised Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar said on Tuesday. She further informed, they have spoken to the Commissioner about making a list of people who can help us in procurement of vaccines 'because we have all preparations in place but if we don't get supply of vaccines then it will be difficult for us to vaccinate all.'

 

 

27/04/2021 14:50:16

Haryana govt sets control room in Chandigarh for Oxygen supply

Haryana govt sets up control room in Chandigarh to ensure equitable distribution and adequate, uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen in state

 

 

27/04/2021 14:41:21

'Vaigai' celebrations at Lord Sundararaja Perumal Temple without common devotees

27/04/2021 14:31:40

Taiwan extends a helping hand to India

On behalf of all Taiwanese people, I would like to express my serious concern over the rapid spread of Covid-19 in India. Taiwan stands with India in this difficult time, & we are ready to provide help: President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen

27/04/2021 14:20:37

Night curfew imposed in Assam until May 1st

27/04/2021 14:09:12

SC asks Centre explain rationale behind Covid vaccine prices.

SC asks Centre to apprise it about rationale and basis behind different pricing of COVID-19 vaccines and further asked center to tell it about modalities on distribution of oxygen, vaccines to states and their monitoring mechanism. 

27/04/2021 14:00:31

Petition filed in Kerala High Court to fix COVID-19 treatment tariffs

A petition has been filed in Kerala High Court seeking its directions to state government for fixing uniform COVID-19 treatment tariffs across private hospitals, labs, & diagnostic centers.

27/04/2021 13:47:30

Floated global tenders for medical supplies including 40,000 oxygen concentrators: Maha Health Min Tope

We have floated global tenders for 40,000 oxygen concentrators, 132 PSA plants, 25,000 MT liquid oxygen, 10 lakh Remdesivir vials, & around 15 oxygen storage tankers. We've constituted an empowered committee for this purpose: Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope

 

27/04/2021 13:17:35

18 tankers imported from Bangkok to start arriving from tomorrow: Delhi CM

Delhi govt decides to import 18 tankers (Oxygen) from Bangkok, they'll start arriving from tomorrow. We've requested Centre to allow use of Air Force planes for this. Talks are on, I'm very hopeful that talks will be successful. This will resolve the issue of transport: Delhi CM

27/04/2021 13:08:58

SC approves Sterlite Copper Plant to produce Oxygen

Supreme Court allows Vedanta to operate oxygen production unit at its Sterlite copper plant in Tuticorin, in Tamil Nadu, on a stand-alone basis. "The plant shall be operated & only produce oxygen & for no other purpose," says Justice DY Chandrachud.

27/04/2021 12:54:52

Indian Navy Sharada successfully transfers Covid supplies to Lakshadweep

INS Sharada has completed first phase of transfer of Covid-19 supplies including oxygen cylinders in Lakshadweep (transfer took place at 4 islands - Agatti, Andrott, Kadmat & Kavaratti). The next consignment of supplies/Oxygen Express is scheduled for departure today: Indian Navy

 

 

27/04/2021 12:53:02

Don't play with data; focus on how people can recover: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar

27/04/2021 12:36:26

Dalai Lama donates to PM-CARES Fund

Dalai Lama contributes to PM-CARES Fund to strengthen India’s fight against COVID-19.

27/04/2021 12:25:16

Air India flight from Australia returns with just cargo

Air India flight returns from Sydney to Delhi with just cargo as Australian authorities refuse to let it take passengers after one of its crew members test positive for COVID-19 accoridng to PTI. 

27/04/2021 12:12:54

Gujarat extends curfew to other cities

Earlier, curfew was imposed in 20 cities, including 8 major cities, from 8 pm to 6 am. Curfew will be imposed to other cities Himmatnagar, Palanpur, Navsari, Valsad, Porbandar, Botad, Viramgam, Chhota Udaipur and Veraval - Somnath from 8 pm to 6 am: Gujarat CMO

27/04/2021 12:10:02

MP Oxygen plant to start supply within the next two days

27/04/2021 12:04:05

MP Govt. to give Rs. 50 lakhs to policemen who die in the line of duty during COVID pandemic

Madhya Pradesh Govt will give an ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakhs & a compassionate appointment to families of the policemen who die in the line of duty during COVID pandemic. They'll also get Rs 1 lakh from Central Welfare Fund of Police: State Home Minister Narottam Mishra 

 

27/04/2021 12:01:18

1200 proper ICU beds will be ready by 10th May: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal after visiting the Covid facility under construction near GTB Hospital said, 'Almost all ICU beds in Delhi are occupied right now. 500 ICU beds each are coming up at the ground near GTB hospital and the main Ramlila Ground, 200 ICU beds at Radha Soami complex. So, around 1200 proper ICU beds will be ready by 10th May'.

27/04/2021 11:48:26

TN Sterlite Plant: "We can start producing oxygen in maybe 10 days."

Appearing for Vedanta, senior lawyer Harish Salve tells SC, "We'll run only oxygen plant & not power plant. Electricity will be provided by the state." Justice DY Chandrachud asks, "When can you start the plant?" "We can start producing oxygen in maybe 10 days," Salve replies.

27/04/2021 11:40:39

Govt imports 20 cryogenic tankers to aid oxygen shortage

To address shortage of oxygen tankers in the country, the Union Govt has imported 20 cryogenic tankers of 10 MT and 20 MT capacity and allocated them to States: Government of India

27/04/2021 11:39:09

Delhi CM & Health Min visit under construction Covid facility in GTB Hospital

27/04/2021 11:18:05

Dehradun DM issues SOPs for Covid positive patients admission

27/04/2021 11:16:22

Def Min approves hiring temporary hiring of addl contractual staff to fight Covid crisis

The move will ensure the availability of immediate medical attention even during night hours to acute cases in these areas to the veterans and their dependents. The validity of this sanction is up to August 15, 2021: Office of the Defence Minister

27/04/2021 10:35:41

Ahead of counting day, ECI bans victory processions

Election Commission of India bans all victory processions on or after the day of counting of votes, on May 2nd.

27/04/2021 10:35:27

Australia bans passenger flights from India

In view of the growing Covid crisis, Australia bans passenger flights from India until May 15 said PM Scott Morrison.

27/04/2021 10:02:51

Andaman and Nicobar Islands reports 51 new cases

At least 51 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, taking the tally in the Union Territory to 5,716, a health department official said Tuesday.
Nine new patients have travel history, and 42 were detected during contact tracing, he said according to PTI. 

27/04/2021 09:43:41

3,23,144 new Covid-19 cases & 2771 deaths in the last 24 hours

India reports 3,23,144 new Covid-19 cases, 2771 deaths and 2,51,827 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry 

Total cases: 1,76,36,307
Total recoveries: 1,45,56,209 
Death toll: 1,97,894 
Active cases: 28,82,204   

Total vaccination:  14,52,71,186

27/04/2021 09:40:38

Congress MP Karuna Shukla niece of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee passes away due to Covid

Senior Congress leader and former MP Karuna Shukla passed away last night at a hospital in Chhattisgarh where she was under treatment for Covid-19. She was also the niece of former PM, late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

27/04/2021 09:26:12

28,09,79,877 samples tested until April 26th

28,09,79,877 samples tested up to 26th April 2021, for Covid-19. Of these 16,58,700 samples were tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

27/04/2021 09:09:07

'Oxygen Express' carrying 70 tonnes reaches Delhi

The first Oxygen Express train for Delhi carrying around 70 tonnes of the life-saving gas reached the national capital early Tuesday morning, officials said. This oxygen will now be disbursed by the Delhi government to various hospitals, they said.

27/04/2021 08:35:24

Statewide restrictions in Maharashtra to continue till May 1st.

In the wake of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the statewide restrictions in Maharashtra to continue till May 1st.

27/04/2021 08:05:33

France To Provide Oxygen Generators, Liquid O2, Ventilators To India

France has announced that it will provide India with eight high capacity oxygen generators, liquid oxygen for 2000 patients for five days, as well as 28 ventilators and equipment for ICUs

27/04/2021 08:04:25

Central Asks Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech To Lower Their Covid Vaccine Prices

After several states raised concerns over high prices quoted by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, the central government on Monday asked the two vaccine manufacturers to lower the price of their Covid-19 vaccines. Both the companies are soon expected to come up with revised pricing