Phase 3 Vaccine Registration Opens; Over 39k New Cases in K’taka
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Registrations for the third phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive for citizens above 18 years of age began at 4 pm on Wednesday, 28 April, on the CoWIN, Aarogya Setu and UMANG portals.
Meanwhile, India reported 3,60,960 new COVID-19 cases, 3,293 deaths and 2,61,162 discharges on Wednesday, as per Union Health Ministry. The death toll in the country now stands at 2,01,187.
- Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Wednesday that he has isolated himself after his wife tested positive for coronavirus
- Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday said the lockdown in the state will be extended by another 15 days, after the current set of restrictions end on 30 April
- Karnataka on Wednesday reported 39,047 new coronavirus cases, taking the active tally in the state to 3,28,884
- The third phase of COVID-19 vaccination for those above 18 years of age is scheduled to begin on 1 May
- Several states are still facing a shortage of vaccine doses ahead of phase 3 of vaccination
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28 Crore Samples Tested in India So Far
As many as 28,27,03,789 samples had been tested for COVID-19 in the country till 27 April, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said. Of these, 17,23,912 samples were tested on Tuesday.
Oxygen Quota for Haryana Increased
The central government has increased Haryana's Oxygen quota from 162 MT to 232 MT, the Haryana government said.
Need 12 Cr Vaccines, Have Written to SII, Bharat Biotech: Maha Health Minister
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that he had written to Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech on vaccine requirements for the drive beginning on 1 May.
“We have over five crore adults in the state and for this phase, we need 12 crore vaccines,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.
Registration for Phase 3 of Vaccination to Open Today
Registrations for all above 18 will begin on cowin.gov.in, Aarogya Setu app and UMANG app at 4 pm on 28 April, Aarogya Setu said in a statement. Appointments will be given for state government and private vaccination centres depending on how many sites are ready by 1 May.
3.6 Lakh New Cases in 24 Hours, India's Death Toll Crosses 2 Lakh
India reports 3,60,960 new COVID-19 cases, 3,293 deaths and 2,61,162 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry. The death toll in the country now stands at 2,01,187.
India to Receive 256 Oxygen Cylinders from Singapore
Minister Maliki Osman o Wednesday flagged off two of the Singapore Air Force's C-130s, arriving in India today with 256 Oxygen cylinders, the Singapore's diplomatic missions in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai said.
Former Maharashtra Congress MP Dies of COVID-19
Former Congress MP and party's senior leader Eknath Gaikwad passed away in Mumbai due to COVID-19. He was state minister Varsha Gaikwad's father.
Restrictions in Puducherry Extended
COVID-19 restrictions in Puducherry have been extended till 3 May. Gathering and congregation in any form is strictly prohibited.
IAF Contributes to COVID-19 Relief Efforts
IAF C-17s airlifted 6 cryogenic oxygen containers from Dubai to Panagarh Air Base. Another C-17s brought 3 oxygen containers from Singapore to Panagarh Air Base, the Indian Air Force said in a statement.
“In addition, IAF C-17s have also airlifted 2 cryogenic oxygen containers from Indore to Jamnagar, 2 from Jodhpur and Udaipur to Jamnagar, 2 from Hindan to Ranchi, 8 from Hyderabad to Bhubaneswar, 2 from Bhopal to Ranchi and 2 from Chandigarh to Ranchi,” it said.
Pune's Kamala Nehru Hospital Out of Vaccines
Pune’s Kamla Nehru Hospital is out of Covishield vaccine, Dr Rajashree Patil told ANI.
“We have stock of Covaxin for 2nd dose. We have no idea when we get the next stock of Covishield,” she said.
Fertilizer Companies To Supply Oxygen to Governments
Fertilizer companies will supply 50 MT medical oxygen per day for COVID19 patients.
“IFFCO is putting up an oxygen plant with a capacity of 200 cubic meters/hour in its KALOL unit in Gujarat and their total capacity would be 33,000 cubic meters/day,” the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers said.
“GSFC made small modifications in their plants and started supplying liquid oxygen. It has also started the supply of liquid oxygen for medical purposes after starting of the air separation unit. GSFS and GNFC has already started the process to enhance their oxygen production capacities.” the ministry said.
1,258 New Cases in Puducherry
Puducherry records 1,258 new COVID-19 cases, 632 recoveries, and 10 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Curfew Imposed in Mohali
A curfew has been imposed in entire Mohali district from 6 pm to 5 am on all days (night curfew) and from 6 pm every Friday to 5 am of every Monday (weekend curfew). All restaurants will remain closed for dine-in, with home delivery allowed up to 9 pm. All shops will close by 5 pm daily.
“Private offices, including the service industry to 'work from home' only. Bare minimum staff involved in critical operations such as maintenance shall be allowed with curfew passes,” DC Mohali Girish Dayalan said.
Phase 3 Registrations for COVID-19 Vaccination Open
Registrations for the third phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive for citizens above 18 years of age began at 4 pm on Wednesday on the CoWIN, Aarogya Setu and UMANG portals.
However, glitches in terms of signing in were being reported by various users on social media initially. Moreover, many pointed out that no vaccination slots were available for scheduling after registration, with only those above 45 being permitted to book.
Lockdown in Maharashtra to be Extended by Another 15 Days: Health Minister
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday said the lockdown in the state will be extended by another 15 days, after the current set of restrictions end on 30 April, PTI reported.
“All members of the Maharastra Cabinet are of the opinion that the current COVID-19 restrictions should be extended for the next 15 days,” Tope was quoted as saying.
The state Cabinet also decided on Wednesday to provide free vaccination to all citizens of Maharashtra between the age of 18 and 44.
IAF Chief Briefs PM Modi on COVID-Related Ops, Efforts
Indian Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria briefed PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday on the efforts being undertaken by IAF to help amid the devastating second surge of COVID-19 in India.
The IAF has ordered 24X7 readiness to meet COVID-19-related requirements across India and overseas, the PM was informed, according to statement by his office.
The hospitals under the force have increased COVID-19 facilities, also allowing civilians wherever possible, the air chief marshal further told the PM, as per the statement.
The PM was also briefed about a dedicated COVID-19 cell set up by IAF to ensure faster coordination with different ministries and agencies on pandemic-related operations.
The PM, meanwhile, called for ensuring that IAF personnel engaged in pandemic-related operations remain safe from the infection.
Over 39k New COVID Cases in Karnataka
Karnataka on Wednesday reported 39,047 new coronavirus cases, taking the active tally in the state to 3,28,884. The death toll increased by 229 to 15,036.
Rajasthan CM Isolates Self After Wife Tests COVID +Ve
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Wednesday that he has isolated himself after his wife tested positive for coronavirus.
Lockdown in 11 J&K Districts Amid COVID Surge
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday imposed a lockdown from 7 pm on Thursday to 7 am on Monday in 11 districts to tackle the surge in COVID-19 cases, a senior official was quoted as saying by PTI.
63,309 New COVID Cases in Maharashtra
Maharashtra on Wednesday reported 63,309 new coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 44,73,394. As many as 985 new fatalities were also reported.
Vaccination Sessions to Remain Suspended in MP on 29, 30 April
All vaccination sessions will remain suspended in Madhya Pradesh on 29 and 30 April so that planning, training and dry run can be conducted for the inoculation drive for people between 18 and 44, the state vaccination in-charge was quoted as saying by ANI on Wednesday.
Allahabad HC Judge Dies of COVID-19
Justice Virendra Kumar Srivastava, 59, of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, died of COVID-19 on Wednesday, PTI reported.