COVID Surge: Noida Metro To Not Run on Weekend Curfew Days
Catch all live updates of the COVID-19 pandemic here.
The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) on Monday, 26 April, announced its decision not to run any service on weekend curfew days.
Meanwhile, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Monday, 26 April, said that the Delhi government has decided to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to everyone above 18 years of age.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday announced that the entire state including Bengaluru city will go for a full lockdown for two weeks starting from the night of 27 April.
India on Monday, 26 April, reported 3,52,991 fresh COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours – the highest one-day spike so far in the country since the pandemic began.
- India on Sunday recorded close to 3.5 lakh new COVID-19 cases
- Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced a lockdown in the national capital till 5 am on 3 May
- Maharashtra State Minister Nawab Malik said that the state government will provide vaccines for free to the citizens
- Gurdwara Sri Hem Kund Sahib Management Trust has postponed Hem Kund Sahib Yatra which was to start from 10 May
India Records New High Amid Pandemic
India on Monday, 26 April, reported 3,52,991 fresh COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours – the highest one-day spike so far in the country since the pandemic began.
As many as 2,812 COVID fatalities and 2,19,272 discharges were recorded, as per the Union Health Ministry. The total case tally has now reached 1,73,13,163 with 28,13,658 active patients and 1,95,123 deaths. The total number of recoveries, meanwhile, stands at 1,43,04,382.
Delhi Govt to Provide Free Vaccines to Everyone Above 18 Years of Age
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says that the Delhi government has decided to provide free vaccines to everyone above 18 years of age.
500-Bed COVID Hospital at Radha Soami Centre in Delhi
A 500-bed hospital for coronavirus patients has been set up at the Radha Soami Satsang Covid Facilitation Centre in the national capital. This COVID centre also comprises oxygen facility for all beds. More beds will be arranged soon for COVID patients in this temporary hospital.
A 200-bed large ICU ward will soon be started in this COVID hospital. Most of the preparations related to this ICU have been completed.
Karnataka Govt Announces Full Lockdown From 27 April for 14 Days
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday, 26 April, announced that the entire state including Bengaluru city will go for a full lockdown for two weeks starting from the night of 27 April, in a bid to contain the raging COVID-19 crisis in the state.
Bombay HC Take Suo Motu Cognisance of COVID Related Issue
Aurangabad bench of Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of COVID related issues (Remdesivir, oxygen) and a suo motu PIL regarding the same is being heard by the Court as of now, reported ANI.
Court has asked the state government that if it is true that the vaccine stock was over. State government replied that there were no vaccines on Saturday and Sunday.
'EC Cannot Escape Responsibility': Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee said today, “EC should withdraw central forces who have contributed to COVID-19 spread in Bengal.”
She added, “Welcome Madras HC order which says EC cannot escape responsibility for COVID-19 spike during polls.”
Karnataka Government to Provide Free Vaccination for Adults
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa announced today, “We will vaccinate people above the age of 18 years free of cost at government hospitals across the state.”
SC Advances Summer Vacation: To Commence From 8 May
The Supreme Court has advanced its summer vacation by one week, which will now commence from 8 May in view of surge in COVID-19 cases.
'Specifically to Purchase Oxygen Supplies': Australian Cricker Pat Cummins Contributes $50,000 to PM Cares Fund
Australian cricketer Pat Cummins has contributed $50,000 to PM Cares Fund "specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India's hospitals"
Filing or Hearing Of Cases to Be Done Virtually: J&K High Court
Jammu and Kashmir High Court released an order on Monday, 26 April, in view of the 'alarming surge' in COVID-19 cases, and said that the filing or hearing of cases in Jammu and Kashmir High Court as well as in district, subordinate courts, and tribunals shall be conducted through virtual mode till 15 May.
CDS Bipin Rawat Meets PM Modi to Discuss COVID Situation
Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today to review the preparation and operations being undertaken by the Armed Forces to deal with the pandemic.
Here are the main points of the meeting:
- All medical personnel from armed forces who have retired or taken pre-mature retirement in the last two years are being recalled to work in COVID facilities.
- All medical officers on staff appointments at Command Headquarters (HQ), Corps HQ, Division HQ and similar HQ of Navy and Air-Force will be employed at hospitals
- Operations being undertaken by IAF to transport oxygen and other essentials in India and abroad were also reviewed.
- PM was briefed that oxygen cylinders available with armed forces in various establishments will be released for hospitals.
Have to Reduce Cases And Use Hospital Resources Optimally; Unnecessary Panic: AIIMS Director at MHA Briefing
AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria, speaking at a Ministry of Home Affairs briefing, on Monday, 26 April said:
“We have to reduce the number of cases and use hospital resources optimally. The judicious use of oxygen is very important. Right now, there is an unnecessary panic.”
Wear a Mask Even With Family, Do Not Invite People Home: Dr VK Paul at MHA Briefing
Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog, speaking at a Ministry of Home Affairs briefing, on Monday, 26 April said:
“In this COVID19 situation, please don't go out unnecessarily, and even within the family wear a mask. It is very important to wear a mask. Do not invite people into your home.”
We Believe It is Possible to Increase Maximum Interval Between 1st & Second Shots of Sputnik V From 21 Days to 3 Months: Director of Centre Developing the Jab
Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya Research Centre, the developer of Sputnik V vaccine has, as per ANI, said that they believe it is up to each national regulator to decide whether to retain the 21-day interval between shots or to extend it to up to three months. Gintsburg also said:
“We believe it's possible to increase minimum interval between first and second shots of Sputnik V from earlier approved 21 days up to 3 months. Extending interval will not affect vaccine-induced immune response and in some cases will enhance and prolong it.”
'Steep Plants Supplied 3131.84 MT of LMO on 25 April': Ministry
Steel Plants in public and private sector supplied 3131.84 MT of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) to various states on 25 April, as compared to 2,894 tonnes dispatched on the previous day. A week earlier, on an average 1500-1700 MT/day was being dispatched, ANI quoted the Ministry of Steel as saying.
The Ministry further said: “Steel plants are normally required to keep 3.5 days of safety stock of LMO in their storage tanks which is used in case some problem develops in oxygen plants. Safety stock has been reduced to 0.5 days instead of earlier 3.5 days which increased supply of LMO.”
9.79 Crore People Aged 45 and Above Got Their 1st COVID Vaccine Dose, 1.03 Got Their 2nd: Govt
Of 14.19 crore vaccine doses administered in India, 9.79 crore people aged 45 and above got first dose, 1.03 crore received second dose, said the Government on Monday, as per ANI.
Noida Metro To Not Run on Weekend Curfew Days
The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) on Monday, 26 April, announced its decision not to run any service on weekend curfew days. As per ANI, NMRC MD Ritu Maheshwari said:
COVID Care Coaches to Provide 64,000 Beds
The Indian Railways announced on Monday, that the Ministry of Railways is swiftly meeting State Governments demand for facility of COVID Care coaches during the current raging second spell of the pandemic with its fleet of 4000 coaches (retrofitted as isolation units) with a capacity of 64000 beds.
Uttarakhand Records 5,058 New COVID Cases
Uttarakhand recorded 5,058 new COVID cases and 67 deaths. The total case tally stands at 1,56,859, with the death toll at 2,213.
India Imports Oxygen Containers From Dubai
The Ministry of Defence said that one C-17 aircraft is bringing 6 oxygen containers from Dubai today and is expected to reach Panagarh, West Bengal by 7:30 pm. Airlift for another six containers from Dubai is planned for tomorrow.
Oxygen Express Carrying 4 Tankers to Reach Delhi Today
The central government announced today that the Indian Railways has transported more than 302 MT of oxygen safely and securely to various states across India. Another 154 MT of liquid medical oxygen is on its way. An Oxygen Express train carrying 4 tankers is expected to reach Delhi from Raigarh today.
Enforce Lockdown When Positivity Rate Is 10 Percent: Centre Tells States
The centre released guidelines for states on enforcing lockdowns and containment zones. The rules said that such restrictions should be imposed when the positivity rate is 10 percent or more for a week and more than 60 percent hospital beds are occupied. Several states have imposed lockdowns and restrictions in order to contain the COVID infection.
A Complete Lockdown Unlikely; Strict Restrictions to Be Enforced: CM Vijayan
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan after the all-party meeting today said that the common opinion was that Kerala should not go into a complete lock down. But all parties suggested that strict restrictions should be enforced in the state to curb the spread of COVID-19. Read our FAQ to know what restrictions have been imposed.
J&K Records 2,135 New COVID-19 Cases
Jammu and Kashmir records 2,135 fresh cases and 25 deaths today. Further, case tally rises to 1,62,890, death toll 2,172
Delhi Govt Asks All DMs to Constitute STF to Take Action Against Hoarding, Black-Marketing Drgus
Delhi Government directs all DMs to constitute 'Special Task Force' to take action against those involved in hoarding, black marketing of life-saving drugs, reported ANI.
Punjab Has Only 1.9 Lakh Vaccine Doses Left: Stare Health Minister
Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh, on Monday, as per ANI, said that the state has only 1.9 lakh doses of vaccine left. Out of this available stock, more than 1 lack doses are expected to be used on Monday itself.
“Punjab Government has already appealed to the union government to regularise the supply of vaccines in the state”, Balbir Singh further informed.
Rajasthan Records 16,438 New COVID-19 Cases
Rajasthan records 16,438 fresh COVID cases, 6,416 recoveries, and 84 deaths in the last 24 hours
Active cases: 1,46,640
Total recoveries: 3,80,550
Death toll: 3,685
Maha's Nagpur District Reports 5,852 New COVID Cases
Maharashtra's Nagpur District reports 5,852 new COVID-19 cases, 89 deaths, and 5,921 recoveries in the last 24 hours, as per Civil Surgeon Nagpur
Total cases: 3,79,980
Total recoveries: 2,95,617
Active cases: 77,338
Death toll: 7,025
Goa Reports 2,321 New COVID Cases
Goa reports 2,321 fresh COVID cases, 712 recoveries, and 38 deaths in the last 24 hours
Active cases: 15,260
Total recoveries: 63,483
Death toll: 1,055
Punjab Govt Imposes Daily Lockdown From 6 pm to 5 am Till Further Notice
Punjab government imposes daily lockdown from 6pm to 5am till further notice; weekend lockdown from Friday 6pm to Monday 5am.
We Are Doing Everything to Help With the 'Heartbreaking' COVID Situation in India: US Ambassador to UN
Linda Thomas-Greenfield US Ambassador to the United Nations has, as per ANI, said:
“We are doing everything we can to help with the heartbreaking COVID situation in India, including deploying vaccine materials, therapeutics, ventilators, public health teams, and financial support.”
Delhi Govt Converts 100 Rooms in Ashoka Hotel into COVID Care Facility for Delhi HC Judges, Other Judicial Officers
Delhi Govt has converted 100 rooms in the five-star Ashoka hotel in New Delhi into COVID care facility for Delhi High Court judges, other judicial officers and their families.
Punjab Reports 6,318 New COVID-19 Cases
Punjab reports 6,318 new COVID-19 cases, 98 fatalities and 4,438 discharges in the last 24 hours; case tally at 3,45,366
Bengal Records 68 Deaths in a Day
The Health department of West Bengal announced that 15,992 new COVID cases were recorded and as many as 68 people have died of COVID-19 in a single day, highest so far, pushing the death toll to 11,009.
Situation in India Is Beyond Heartbreaking: WHO Director General
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization was quoted as saying, “It’s pleasing to see small declines in cases and deaths in several regions, but many countries are still experiencing intense COVID-19 transmission, and the situation in India is beyond heartbreaking.”
More Than Five Lakh People Vaccinated in Maharashtra Today
The Health department announced that more than five lakh people were vaccinated against COVID-19 in Maharashtra on Monday, 26 April, highest in a day so far.
Uttar Pradesh Records 249 Deaths in a Day
As per a government statement, UP reported 249 COVID deaths on Monday, 26 April, highest single-day fatality count so far, pushing the death toll to 11,414 people.
The state also reported 33,574 new cases today, taking the infection tally to 11,20,176, with 3,04,199 active cases.
Visvesvaraya Technological University Exams Postponed Due to COVID Curfew
Examinations of Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka, to be conducted from 27 April have been postponed, in view of 'COVID curfew' from 9pm tomorrow till 6 am of 12 May, reported ANI. Rescheduled dates to be announced later.
More Than 12,000 Buses Arranged to Allow People to Return to Their Homes Amid Karnataka COVID Curfew: Dy CM
Karnataka Dy CM Laxman S Savadi, as per ANI, informed that amid the 'COVID curfew' in the state, “more than 12,000 buses have been arranged by our three transport corporations to enable a significant number of people to return to their homes. These buses will be operated from Bengaluru to other parts of the state.”
Liquor Shops to Remain Closed Till Midnight of 30 April in Puducherry
All categories of liquor shops to remain closed with immediate effect up to midnight of 30 April, reported ANI, citing Government of Puducherry.
MP Minister of Urban Development and Housing Bhuppendra Singh
Madhya Pradesh minister of Urban Development and Housing, Bhuppendra Singh tests positive for COVID-19.
Situation Of Oxygen Supply in Punjab Extremely Critical: CM Amarinder Singh
“The situation of Oxygen supply in Punjab is extremely critical due to rising COVID-19" Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh tweeted on Monday evening, and requested the Union Home and Health Ministers to “urgently enhance daily quota and to ensure allotted Liquid Manufacturing Oxygen supplies are released to Punjab.”
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