2.11 L New COVID Cases in India; Curbs in WB Extended Till 15 June
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India on Thursday, 27 May, reported 2,11,298 new coronavirus cases, taking the tally in the country to 2,73,69,093. The death toll increased by 3,847 to 3,15,235.
According to the Union Health Ministry data, there are currently 24,19,907 active cases across the country, while 2,46,33,951 patients have been discharged so far, with 2,83,135 discharges reported in the last 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry on Thursday ordered the continuation of the current guidelines on COVID-19 till 30 June, asking states to ensure local containment measures in high caseload districts.
- Delhi on Thursday reported 1,072 new coronavirus cases, with a positivity rate of 1.53 percent, and 117 deaths
- West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced on Thursday that the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in the state have been extended till 15 June
- Over 20 crore vaccine doses have been administered since the India’s inoculation drive began on 16 January
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India Reports Spike of 2.11 Lakh Fresh COVID-19 Cases
India on Thursday, 27 May, reported 2,11,298 new coronavirus cases, taking the tally in the country to 2,73,69,093. The death toll increased by 3,847 to 3,15,235.
Quarantine For UK Arrivals In France Amid India-Dominant Strain Fears
France on Wednesday declared a mandatory quarantine period for people coming from Britain, due to the increasing prevalence there of a highly contagious coronavirus variant first detected in India.
France follows Austria, which said on Tuesday it was banning direct flights and tourist visits from Britain, and Germany, which said on Friday that anyone entering from the UK would have to quarantine for two weeks on arrival.
Zydus Cadila Seeks Human Trial Approval for COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail
India's Zydus Cadila has sought regulatory approval for clinical trials of its antibody cocktail to treat mild COVID-19, reported Reuters.
The treatment candidate, ZRC-3308, was earlier shown to reduce lung damage during animal trials, the drugmaker said, adding it was found to be safe and well-tolerated.
Andhra Pradesh to Postpone Class 10 Exams
The Andhra Pradesh government postponed Class 10 exams in view of the COVID situation in the state, the Chief Minister's Office said.
Stalin Inaugurates COVID Care Centre in Government College
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated a COVID care center at Barathi Government Women's College and started the COVID-19 vaccination program at Don Bosco School.
Kerala to Begin Digital Classes For Schools
Kerala Government will resume digital classes for school students from 1 June, State Education Minister V Sivankutty said as quoted by ANI.
Delhi HC Asks Centre to Consider Waiving Import Duties on Amphotericin B
The Delhi High Court on Thursday said that any person can import Amphotericin B and if any import is made by any person, the same may be cleared by accepting the bond from the importer without actual payment of duty till a final decision on the said aspect is taken. ANI reported.
The court said that Amphotericin B, used for treating black fungus is required to save lives of people suffering all over the country and so the Central Government should consider complete waiver of import duties of the drug for a limited period.
'Don't Have Vaccines in the First Place': Punjab Health Minister Over Alleged Wastage
Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu commented on the state’s alleged vaccine wastage and said that there are no vaccines available in the first place.
“We don't have vaccines in the first place. The supply that is being made to us is not at par with our demand. It is a matter of concern. It is a 'hand to mouth' situation for us almost every day,” he said.
“There can be 1-2% vaccine wastage. But we won't let it get wasted to an extent where the vaccines would reach their expiry date. It is a different matter if there is needle breakage. There is no vaccine wastage like that,” he said, as quoted by ANI.
Centre Politicising Vaccine Wastage: Chhattisgarh CM Baghel
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said that the Centre is politicising the issue of vaccine wastage.
“The Centre is doing politics, they should not give such misleading reports. All our reports are going to them. Those who go for vaccination without registering on CoWIN are being deemed by them to be cases of vaccine wastage,” he said, as quoted by ANI.
“There has been 0.6% vaccine wastage in 45+ category and around 0.8% vaccine wastage in 18+ category - less than the 1.6% wastage guideline by Centre. They are not taking into account the data of our 'CGTeeka' portal and they are giving misleading information,” he said.
1,072 New COVID Cases in Delhi, Positivity Rate 1.53%
Delhi on Thursday reported 1,072 new coronavirus cases, with a positivity rate of 1.53 percent, taking the tally in the national capital to 14,22,549. The death toll increased by 117 to 23,812.
COVID Restrictions in West Bengal Extended Till 15 June: CM Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced on Thursday that the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in the state have been extended till 15 June.
The pandemic situation in West Bengal has eased a little because of the existing restrictions, she reportedly said.
21,273 New COVID Cases in Maharashtra, 425 Deaths
Maharashtra on Thursday reported 21,273 new coronavirus cases and 425 deaths.
Delhi Notifies 'Black Fungus' Under Epidemic Diseases Act
The Delhi government on Thursday notified 'black fungus’ (mucormycosis) as a disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act.
The national capital has reported 773 cases of mucormycosis so far, with 153 cases reported on Thursday.
The government also formed a 13-member panel to prepare the "third wave action plan for augmenting the health infrastructure", ANI reported. Another six-member panel was formed to assess cases of patients who died due to lack of oxygen for grant of ex-gratia compensation.
Punjab Extends COVID Restrictions Till 10 June
The Punjab government on Thursday extended the coronavirus restrictions in the state till 10 June, but removed the limit on the number of passengers in personal vehicles, and allowed the resumption of elective surgeries and OPD in hospitals, PTI reported.
Restrictions Won't Be Lifted Completely, But Phase-Wise: Maha Health Minister
The COVID-19 restrictions in Maharashtra won't be lifted completely, with curbs to be relaxed in a phase-wise manner, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Thursday.
The positivity rates are still high in 21 districts, and relaxations could be given in districts where cases are declining, he said, adding that guidelines will be issued in a few days.
Current COVID Guidelines to Continue Till 30 June: Home Ministry
The Union Home Ministry on Thursday ordered the continuation of the current guidelines on COVID-19 till 30 June, asking states to ensure local containment measures in high caseload districts.
Strict implementation of containment measures led to a declining trend in cases across India, barring some areas in the south and the northeast, the MHA said, reported PTI.
It further pointed out that the number of active cases in the country currently is still very high, despite a declining trend over the past couple of days.