COVID | Herd Immunity for India Can’t be Strategic Option: Centre
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With the surge in COVID-19 cases in India continuing, the Health Ministry on Thursday, 30 July, said that herd immunity in a country of the size and population of India can't be a strategic option.
"It can only be achieved through immunisation. Health Ministry thinks it's possible in future, but for now we have to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour," Health Ministry Secretary R Bhushan was quoted by ANI as saying at a briefing.
India on Thursday reported the biggest one-day spike of 52,123 COVID-19 cases, taking the tally in the country to 15,83,792, including 34,968 deaths.
- The suspension of flights to Kolkata from six cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Nagpur and Ahmedabad, has been extended till 15 August
- Maharashtra on Thursday reported 11,147 new COVID-19 cases in the biggest one-day spike
- Andhra Pradesh reported 10,167 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally in the state to 1,30,557
- Tamil Nadu has extended the COVID-19 lockdown till 31 August, with certain relaxations. A complete lockdown will be imposed on Sundays
Suspension of Flights to Kolkata from Six Cities Extended to 15 August
The suspension of flights to Kolkata from six cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Nagpur and Ahmedabad, has been extended till 15 August, the West Bengal additional chief secretary (Home) said in a letter to the Civil Aviation Ministry secretary.
11,147 New Cases in Maharashtra in Biggest 1-Day Spike
Maharashtra on Thursday reported 11,147 new COVID-19 cases and 266 fatalities, taking the tally in the state to 4,11,798.
1,093 New COVID-19 Cases in Delhi; Tally Rises to Over 1.34 Lakh
Delhi on Thursday reported 1,093 new COVID-19 cases and 29 fatalities, taking the tally in the national capital to 1,34,403 and the death toll to 3,936. As many as 1,091 recoveries/discharged cases were also reported on Thursday.
10,167 New Cases in Andhra Pradesh; 6,128 in Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh on Thursday reported 10,167 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally in the state to 1,30,557, including 1,281 deaths.
Meanwhile, Karnataka reported 6,128 fresh cases and 83 fatalities, which took its overall case count to 1,18,632.
5,864 New COVID-19 Cases in TN; Tally Rises to Over 2.39 Lakh
Tamil Nadu on Thursday reported 5,864 new COVID-19 cases and 97 fatalities, taking the tally in the state to 2,39,978 and the death toll to 3,838.
Watch: Health Ministry Briefing on COVID-19 Outbreak in India
With the surge in COVID-19 cases in India continuing, the Health Ministry on Thursday said that herd immunity in a country of the size and population of India can't be a strategic option.
"It can only be achieved through immunisation. Health Ministry thinks it's possible in future, but for now we have to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour," Health Ministry Secretary R Bhushan was quoted by ANI as saying at a briefing.
Pointing out that more 1 million people have recovered from COVID-19 in the country, Bhushan said, "The recovery rate has shown positive trends. It was 7.85 percent in April and today it is 64.4 percent... This landmark recovery has been achieved because of the selfless work and dedication of our doctors, nurses and frontline workers."
According to him 16 states currently have recovery rates higher than the national average, including Delhi, Haryana, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, among others.
On the case fatality rate of India, the Centre reiterated that it is among the lowest in the world – at 2.21 percent. Moreover, it said that 21 states and Union territories have a positivity rate of less than 10 percent, with states like Rajasthan, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh falling even below 5 percent.
Meanwhile, on the progress regarding vaccines, the ministry official said:
Will Double Number of Tests in Next 1-2 Months: Health Minister
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Thursday that India is doing around five lakh COVID-19 tests everyday, and plans to double the number in the next one or two months, reported PTI.
Maharashtra CM Reviews COVID-19 Preparedness in Pune
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray conducted a review meeting with elected representatives in Pune on the measures taken to tackle the spread of COVID-19, along with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Tamil Nadu Extends Lockdown till 31 August
The state of Tamil Nadu extended COVID-19 lockdown till 31 August midnight, with certain relaxations, ANI reported. A complete lockdown will be imposed on Sundays.
Global COVID Tally Tops 17 Million
Global coronavirus cases topped 17 million, according to AFP tally.
1,811 New Cases in Telangana
At least 1,811 COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Telangana today. The total number of positive cases in the state rose to 60,717 including 44,572 recovered cases and 505 deaths.
Rajasthan Reported 365 new Cases
Rajasthan reported 365 new COVID-19 positive cases, taking the total positive cases and death toll to 40,145 and 663 respectively. The state now has 11,097 active cases.
India's COVID Tally Rises to 15.83 Lakh
The total number of COVID-19 cases in India rises to 15,83,792 including 775 deaths in the last 24 hours.
The number of active cases stands at 5,28,24, with 10,20,582 recoveries.
COVID Recoveries in India Cross 10 Lakh
Number of COVID-19 recoveries in India crosseed the 10 lakh mark, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare notified.
Brazil Lifts Ban on Foreigners Travelling By Air
Brazil lifted a four-month ban on foreigners arriving by air, news agency AFP reported. The COVID-19 death toll in the country surpassed 90,000, its health ministry said.
US Records 1,267 Deaths in 24 Hours
US recorded 1,267 new COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours, according to Johns Hopkins University.
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