COVID: Delhi Logs 21,259 Cases, Shuts Pvt Offices; Nitin Gadkari Tests Positive
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As COVID-19 cases in the country show an exponential surge, India on Saturday, 8 January, recorded 1,41,986 fresh coronavirus cases, 21 percent higher than the 1,17,100 cases reported on Friday.
(Photo: iStock)
India administered over 9 lakh 'precaution doses' of the COVID-19 vaccine to frontline workers, healthcare workers, and senior citizens with comorbidities on Monday, 10 January, which marked Day One of the precaution dose rollout.
Meanwhile, Delhi reported 21,259 cases on Tuesday, 11 January, while Mumbai logged 11,647 cases. Late on Tuesday night, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari tested positive for COVID-19.
This comes amid a surge in daily cases, with India, on Tuesday, reporting 1,68,063 new COVID-19 cases and 277 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda had tested positive for COVID. On Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had also tested positive for COVID-19.
The total active case tally reaches 8,21,446, while the daily positivity rate dropped to 10.64 percent.
Omicron case tally at 4,461.
Delhi reports 21,259 cases, while Mumbai logs 11,647 cases.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Tests Positive for COVID-19
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has tested positive for COVID-19.
"I have tested positive for Covid 19 today with mild symptoms. Following all the necessary protocols, I have isolated myself and I am under home quarantine. I request all those who have come in contact with me to isolate themselves and get tested," he tweeted.
Gujarat Reports 7,476 Fresh COVID cases
Gujarat reported 7,476 fresh COVID cases, 2,704 recoveries and three deaths in the last 24 hours.
Gujarat government held a core committee meeting on Tuesday, after which it decided to cap the limit for public functions and gatherings like political, social, educational, cultural, religious programs in the state with up to 50% venue capacity or a max of 150 persons.
TN Reports 15, 379 New Cases
Tamil Nadu reported 15,379 new cases, 3,043 recoveries, and 20 deaths, in the last 24 hours. Active cases in the state currently stand at 75,083.
Punjab Reports 4,593 New Cases
Punjab reports 4,593 new cases and nine deaths. The active case tally is at 23,235.
Maharashtra Reports 34,424 Cases
Maharashtra on Tuesday reported 34,424 new cases and 22 deaths. With this, the active case tally in the state rose to 2,21,477. Meanwhile, the state has reported 1281 cases of Omicron, including 499 discharges, so far.
Chandigarh Reports 801 New Cases
Chandigarh reported 801 new cases on Tuesday. The Union Territory's positivity rate is at 23.24%, while the active cases are at 3,924.
Karnataka Announces Additional Containment Measures
Karnataka on Tuesday announced additional containment measures.
"All rallies, dharnas, protests prohibited. Marriage functions are permitted with not more than 200 people in open spaces & 100 people in closed places. Intensive surveillance to be conducted at border of Maharashtra, Kerala & Goa," the official circular said.
India's COVID Vaccination Coverage Crosses 153.70 Crore
"India’s Covid vaccination coverage has crossed 153.70 crore with over 76 lakh doses administered till 7 pm today. More than 18 lakh 'Precaution Doses' administered so far," the Government of India said.
Karnataka Reports 14,473 New Cases
Karnataka reported 14,473 new cases and five deaths on Tuesday. Active cases in the state currently stand at 73,260, while the positivity rate is at 10.30%.
60,421 People in Kerala Have Taken the 'Precautionary Dose': Veena George
A total of 60,421 people in Kerala have taken the 'precautionary dose', State Health Minister Veena George informed. "Vaccination coverage of 1st dose in the state stands at 99% and of the second dose at 82%. Vaccination of children in the age group of 15 to 18 years stands at 39%," she said, as per ANI.
Talking about the Omicron variant, she said: "Till yesterday, 345 Omicron cases have been reported including 155 people discharged. It shows cases are increasing due to the Delta variant. Both Delta and Omicron variants are present. There is a 100% increase in cases in one week time."
21,098 New Cases Reported From West Bengal
West Bengal reported 21,098 fresh cases and 19 deaths on Tuesday. The positivity rate in the state is at 32.35%, while active cases rose to 1,02,236.
Haryana Reports 5,746 Fresh Cases
Haryana reported 5,746 fresh cases and three deaths on Tuesday. The daily positivity rate in the state stands at 5.36%. 26 new Omicron cases were also reported in the State on Tuesday.
35 Mutations Found in Omicron Variant: LNJP MD
"LNJP has done a study on Omicron and submitted data of 13 patients. In the study, we found 35 mutations which include 3 non-significant mutations in the spike protein in this variant, as compared to 31-32 mutations in the South African variant," Dr S Kumar, MD, LNJP Hospital,Delhi, was quoted as saying by ANI.
Mumbai Reports 11,647 New Cases
Mumbai on Tuesday reported 11,647 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 2 deaths. Active cases in the city are currently at 1,00,523 and the positivity rate is at 11.58%.
Khelo India Youth Games Haryana 2021 Postponed Due to COVID
Khelo India Youth Games Haryana 2021, scheduled to be held between 5-14 February, have been postponed due to the current COVID19 situation, Sports Authority of India said.
Lakshadweep Vaccinates All Eligible Children In 15-18 Age Group
Lakshadweep Administration has vaccinated all the eligible children in the age group of 15 to 18 years in a record short period of time. By doing so, Lakshadweep has become the first among the UTs and states to have achieved the feat. The target of 3492 children was achieved within a week after the launch of vaccination drive.
J&K Logs 1,148 New Cases
Jammu and Kashmir reported 1,148 new cases - 640 from Jammu and 508 from Kashmir in the last 24 hours. Active cases in the Union Territory currently stands at 4,810.
Goa Reports 2,476 New Cases
Goa reported 2,476 new cases and 4 deaths on Tuesday, The active caseload in the state is currently at 12,019.
Odisha Govt Prohibits Religious Congregations on Makar Sakranti, Pongal
Odisha government has prohibited religious congregations on Makar Sankranti and Pongal on 14 January amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in the state. Places of worship will remain closed on the occasion, reported PTI.
Kerala Logs 9,066 New Cases
Kerala reported 9,066 new COVID cases, 2064 recoveries, and 19 deaths on Tuesday. The active cases in the state currently stand at 44,441.
Delhi Reports 21,259 Cases
Delhi reported 21,259 new cases and 23 deaths in the last 24 hours. The active cases in the Capital currently stand at 74,881. The positivity rate also rose to 25.65%.
PM Modi Calls Up Karnataka CM to Ask About His Health
PM Narendra Modi spoke with Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai and inquired about his health, informs the Karnataka Chief Minister's Office. Bommai had tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.
Goa Deputy CM Manohar Ajgaonkar Tests Positive
Goa Deputy Chief Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar has tested positive for COVID-19 and been admitted to Manipal Hospital near Panaji, reports ANI.
‘Will Not Impose Lockdown': Delhi CM Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Miniter Arvind Kejriwal said on Tuesday, "About 22,000 COVID cases with a positivity rate of 24-25 percent in the last few days...Don't worry, we will not impose lockdown...At the DDMA meet we requested Central government officials to cover the entire NCR for restrictions, they assured us on the same."
‘Restricted Lockdown Enough for Now’: Tamil Nadu Health Minister
Tamil Nadu Health Minister MA Subramanian said on Tuesday, that "there is no need for a full lockdown as of now."
He added, "CM has asserted that the economy should not be affected, restricted lockdown enough for now."
On Monday, the Tamil Nadu government had extended lockdown restrictions till 31 January, while stating that people will not be allowed in all places of worship between 14 to 18 January.
Meanwhile, special inter-district buses for Pongal will run at 75 percent capacity.
Delhi Govt Directs Hospitals To Ensure Satisfactory Levels of Patient Care
Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases in Delhi, with a total of 70 deaths reported since the last week of December 2021, the Delhi government has directed all hospitals under it to "issue necessary directions to ensure timely management of hospital admissions, satisfactory levels of patient care and analysis of COVID deaths," ANI reported.
Lata Mangeshkar Admitted to ICU After Testing Positive
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after testing positive for COVID-19.
"She is doing fine; has been kept in ICU only for precautionary reasons considering her age. Please respect our privacy and keep Didi in your prayers," Lata Mangeshkar's niece Rachna told ANI.
'Only Those With Two Doses of COVID Vaccine Allowed in Gangasagar Mela': Calcutta HC
The Calcutta High Court said on Tuesday, "Only those with two doses of the COVID vaccine and certificate of the second dose are permitted to enter the mela."
The high court added that those having a negative RT-PCR report within 72 hours would also be permitted to enter the mela.
Further, a two-member committee will monitor the adherence to COVID protocols.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Takes 'Precaution Dose'
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took the 'precautionary dose' of the COVID vaccine.
The nationwide vaccination drive for healthcare workers, frontline workers, and people aged 60 and above with comorbidities kicked off on 10 January.
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Takes 'Precaution Dose'
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi took the 'precaution dose' of the COVID vaccine.
Naqvi told news agency ANI, "I took my precaution dose on payment today. We need hope and not horror to fight COVID-19. All eligible people should get vaccinated with precaution dose".
Delhi Private Offices, Restaurants, and Bars Shut
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) announced on Tuesday, that all private offices in Delhi shall be closed, except those which are falling under the exempted category, as per the revised guidelines. Work from home shall be followed, it added.
DDMA has also ordered that all restaurants and bars shall be closed, while takeaways will be allowed.
Union Health Minister To Hold Meeting With IMA Leaders & Doctors
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will be holding a virtual meeting with all Indian Medical Association (IMA) leaders and senior doctors across the country on COVID management at 11:30 am on Tuesday.
120 Mumbai Cops Test Positive
As many as 120 police personnel tested positive for COVID, and one policeman died in the last 24 hours, the Mumbai Police said on Tuesday. Active cases stand at 643.
Puducherry Reports 655 New COVID Cases
Puducherry reported 655 new cases and 22 recoveries on Tuesday. Active cases stand at 2,355. Test positivity rate at 16.51 percent.
3 Oxygen Plants Installed at Govt Medical College in J&K’s Rajouri
Medical Superintendent of the Government Medical College in J&K's Rajouri, Dr Mehmood Bajar, said, "In wake of the rising COVID cases, Government Medical College, Rajouri, brings in latest facilities. Three new oxygen plants have been installed at the hospital. Special ICU wards and ventilators have also been brought in."
Haridwar: Entry at 'Har KI Pauri' Area Restricted
Haridwar district administration has put a complete ban on devotees taking holy dips on 'Makar Sankranti', 14 January.
Haridwar DM Vinay Shankar Pandey further informed that entry at the 'Har ki Pauri' area has also been restricted. Night curfew will be imposed from 10 pm to 6 am on 14 January.
COVID Cases Spike in Delhi Jails: Report
As many as 66 prisoners and 48 jail staff in Delhi jails have tested positive for COVID so far.
Nearly 42 prisoners and 34 jail staff in Tihar Jail, 24 prisoners and 8 jail staff in Mandoli Jail, and 6 jail staff of Rohini Jail have tested positive for COVID-19, news agency ANI reported citing prison officials.
Over 9 Lakh 'Precaution Doses' Administered
According to Health Ministry data, 4,91,013 precaution doses were administered to healthcare workers, 1,90,383 to frontline workers, and 2,54,868 to those above 60 with comorbidities.
Omicron Cases Rise in Karnataka
Omicron tally increased to 479 in Karnataka, with 146 new cases being reported on Monday.
PM Modi’s Photo Removed From Vaccine Certificates in Poll-Bound States
The Union Health Ministry, on Monday, removed the photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from COVID-19 vaccine certificates in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur to comply with the Model Code of Conduct.
Tamil Nadu Reports 13,990 New COVID Cases on Monday
Tamil Nadu reported 13,990 new COVID cases and 11 deaths on Monday, and its positivity rose above 10 percent. The state had imposed new restrictions in view of the Pongal festival.
Of the new cases, Chennai accounted for 6,190 new COVID infections.
COVID Restrictions Under ‘Surakshit Haryana’ Extended Till 19 January
Fresh restrictions have been imposed in 8 districts including Sirsa, Rewari, Jind, Fatehabad, Mahendergarh, Kaithal, Bhiwani, and Hisar.
All sports complexes, stadiums, and swimming pools will remain closed. Bars and restaurants will be allowed to operate with 50 percent seating capacity.
Diu Achieves 100% 1st Dose Vaccination for Eligible Teenage Population
Diu Collector Saloni Rai announced that Diu achieved 100 percent first dose COVID-19 vaccination coverage for its eligible teenage population (15-18 age group) on Monday.
Active COVID Cases Cross 1,000 Mark in Agra
Agra District Magistrate Prabhu N Singh said, "With the number of active COVID cases crossing the 1,000-mark in Agra on Monday, the district administration imposed fresh restrictions in the city. Gyms and swimming pools have been closed down. Wearing of mask would be mandatory."
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