Covid-19 Surge In China HIGHLIGHTS: WHO Again Calls On China To Share Data To Probe Origins Of Covid

The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya today chaired a meeting with senior officials and experts on the Covid-19 situation in the country.

Background

China has seen a significant increase in Covid-19 infections in recent weeks, after the Chinese government's lifting of nearly three years of lockdowns, quarantines, and mass testing. The relaxation of regulations coincided with an increase in Covid infections, which experts predict will likely gather pace through the winter, with projections suggesting over a million deaths expected in the following months, according to Reuters.The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya today chaired a meeting with senior officials and experts on the Covid-19 situation in the country. ICMR Head of Virology Nivedita Gupta, NTAGI head NK Arora, Member Health Niti Ayog VK Paul, and members from NCDC and DBT attended the meeting.China reported no new Covid related deaths for Tuesday as compared to five deaths reported on Monday, according to the National Health Commission. However, several media reports suggested that the situation was far more serious. The country reported 3,101 new symptomatic Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, as compared with 2,722 cases a day earlier, reported Reuters.Currently, mainland China has confirmed a total of 386,276 cases with symptoms and 5,241 fatalities due to coronavirus.Eric Feigl-Ding, a top scientist, on Monday warned that “over 60 percent of China's and 10 percent of the Earth's population will likely be infected over the next 90 days' and that the deaths will 'likely (be) in the millions”.News agency AFP reported that crematoriums across China are straining to deal with an influx of bodies, as the country battles a wave of Covid cases that authorities have admitted is impossible to track.There have also been reports of hospitals being overwhelmed, of shortages of flu medicines, and of schools moving back online in the wake of the Chinese government's sudden decision last month to lift nearly three years of lockdowns, quarantines and mass testing.

21/12/2022 21:38:17

WHO Again Calls On China To Share Data To Probe Origins Of Covid-19

"We continue to call on China to share the data and conduct the studies we have requested. As I have said many times before, all hypotheses about the origins of Covid19 pandemic remain on the table," Director-General, World Health Organization, said.

21/12/2022 18:02:24

Covid Surge In China Triggers Widespread Shortage Of Drugs: Report

An unprecedented Covid wave in China has triggered widespread drug shortage, as people scramble to buy fever medicines and painkillers to alleviate flu-like symptoms, CNN reported. The panic buying has spread outside mainland China's borders, with the generic versions of Tylenol and Advil sold out at drugstores in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and as far as Australia, prompting some local pharmacies to limit sales.

21/12/2022 15:46:47

Covid-19 Cases In US Surpass 100 Million: Johns Hopkins University

The number of Covid-19 cases registered in the US since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020 exceeded 100 million, Johns Hopkins University has said, amid a sharp spike in caseloads globally and the WHO making a strong pitch for vaccination.

21/12/2022 12:54:09

Karnataka Health Minister Urges People To Take Booster Dose Amid China's Covid-19 Surge

"Indians are safe. Our 100% population has taken a double dose of vaccine. I appeal to people to take booster dose also. We will monitor at the airport and try to send all positive cases to INSACOG to know what kind of strains are being witnessed," Karnataka Health Minister told ANI.

21/12/2022 12:45:51

US Covid-19 Cases Surpass 100 Million: Johns Hopkins University

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, the overall number of Covid-19 cases registered in the United States since the pandemic's onset in early 2020 has surpassed the 100 million mark, accounting for the largest number in the world.

As of Wednesday, the country’s overall caseload stood at 100,003,814, while the death toll increased to 1,088,236, also the highest in the world.

21/12/2022 12:41:54

Maharashtra To Send All Samples For Genome Sequencing As Per Centre's Advise

"As per Union Health Ministry’s advisory, we’ll send all samples for genome sequencing to Pune and Mumbai labs. Currently, we’re having around 100 positive cases daily in state so we’ll go for genome sequencing of all the positive samples", Maharashtra Health Secy told news agency ANI.

21/12/2022 12:40:03

Serum Institute Of India CEO Adar Poonawalla Reacts To Growing Covid Cases In China

"The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. We must continue to trust and follow the guidelines set by the Government of India and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India", Poonawalla tweeted

21/12/2022 12:36:51

Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya Holds Review Meeting Over Covid Situation

"Today we're holding a meeting under the chairmanship of Union Health Min Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. We'll review as to what's the situation of Covid in other countries and what needs to be done for India. Yesterday guidelines were issued for doing genome sequencing" MoS Health Dr B Pawar said.

ICMR Head of Virology Nivedita Gupta, NTAGI head NK Arora, Member Health Niti Ayog VK Paul, and members from NCDC and DBT are present in the meeting