COVID-19: India Records 2.71 Lakh New Cases, Positivity Rate at 16.28 Percent
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Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, India reported 2,71,202 new COVID cases (2,369 more than the previous day) and 1,38,331 recoveries on Sunday, 16 January. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 16.28 percent. A total of 7,743 cases of Omicron have been reported so far.
The country recorded 314 COVID fatalities in the last 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 4,86,066.
The country's active cases are at 14,17,820
Confirmed cases of Omicron: 6,041
Gujarat's COVID-19 tally surpasses 9 lakh with 10,019 new cases
Bihar reports 6,541 fresh COVID-19 cases, its highest single-day spike in eight months
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Mumbai Records Highest One-Day COVID Deaths Since July 2021
Mumbai, on 15 January, recorded 11 deaths, the highest one-day deaths since July 2021. The daily cases in the city dropped to 10,661.
India's Vaccination Drive Completes 1 Yr
India's vaccination drive against COVID-19 completes one year. Over 156.76 crore vaccine doses administered so far.
Meanwhile, BJP chief JP Nadda said the "task of jabbing the country's huge population was made possible under the "stellar leadership" of PM Narendra Modi with over 92 percent of population having received the first dose", reported PTI.
Odisha Reports 11,177 New Cases
Odisha logs 11,177 new COVID-19 cases and three more fatalities on Sunday. Daily positivity rate in the state stands at 14.5 percent.
Around 17,000 COVID Cases Expected in Delhi Today: Satyendar Jain
Around 17,000 COVID cases are expected in Delhi on Sunday, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said, adding that the Delhi government is conducting three times the tests recommended by ICMR.
"Less testing doesn't mean fewer COVID-19 cases. Mild, asymptomatic, or high-risk contact cases, everyone gets tested. We're conducting 3 times more tests than required by the ICMR guidelines," Jain said.
"Cases have started reducing for past 3 days, but we will look at a substantial decrease for the next 3-4 days. Positivity rate will reduce with time as patients admitted to hospitals are stagnant. Most of the deaths were due to comorbidities," he added.
Telangana Govt Extends Vacation for All Educational Institutes
Telangana government has extended the vacation for all educational institutions till 30 January in view of the rise in COVID-19 cases.
World is Amazed by Our Vaccine Drive: Mansukh Mandaviya
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday said that the world is "amazed" by India's vaccine drive.
"Today is an important day for us as we've completed one year of vaccine drive. The world is amazed by our vaccination drive. Over 156 cr doses administered. 93% of people above 18 yrs are vaccinated with the 1st dose and 70% of population is fully vaccinated," he said, as per ANI.
"Some people started creating confusion even before the vaccines were rolled out, but PM Modi was dedicated and encouraged our scientists, companies to continue the work and vaccination campaign," he added.
TN Schools Shut for All Classes
"Schools have been declared shut in Tamil Nadu for all classes, due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state. The exams which were supposed to be held on 19 January 19 are now postponed," the Tamil Nadu government said on Sunday.
HM Amit Shah Compliments PM Modi On 1 Year Of COVID Vaccination Drive
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, 16 January, complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful completion of one year of India's COVID vaccination drive.
"With the efficient leadership, determination and constant efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India has set an example in the world that if the government and citizens unite in the interest of the nation and set a common goal, then the country can overcome the impossible and conquer every challenge," he tweeted in Hindi.
"I congratulate the talented scientists, health workers, all corona warriors and citizens on the successful completion of one year of the world's largest free vaccination campaign in the fight against COVID under the strong and inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji," Mr Shah said in another tweet.
'India Was Able to Provide Vaccines to Over 100 Countries': ICMR DG
"It's the largest vaccination drive in the world. We've administered over 156 crore doses in a year and were able to provide vaccines to over 100 countries in line with our philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'," Dr Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR.
Unvaccinated Children Won't be Allowed to Attend Physical Classes: Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij
Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij on Sunday said that unvaccinated children will not be allowed to attend physical classes.
"Haryana reports around 9,000 COVID-19 cases every day, of which over 50% cases are from Gurugram, Faridabad & Sonipat. 7 lakh children aged between 15-18 years have been vaccinated. Unvaccinated children will not be allowed to attend physical classes,"he said.
Mandaviya Launches Stamp to Mark 1 Yr of COVID Vaccination Drive
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launches stamp to mark 1 year of COVID vaccination drive.
Andhra Pradesh Logs 4,570 New Cases
Andhra Pradesh reports 4,570 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Active cases in the state currently stand at 26, 770.
Intl Passengers from UAE Exempted From Compulsory 7-Day Home Quarantine
International passengers arriving from UAE, including Dubai, in Mumbai are now exempted from the compulsory 7-day home quarantine, the BMC said on Sunday, adding that the RT-PCR test will be done on arrival.
Kerala Reports 18,123 new COVID19 cases
Kerala reported 18,123 new COVID19 cases and 8 deaths on Sunday. Active caseload in the state stands at 1,03,864.
Chandigarh Reports 1,358 New Cases
Chandigarh reports 1,358 new cases on Sunday. Active cases in the state currently stand at 9,203. Positivity rate at 22.49%.
Mumbai Logs 7,895 New Cases
Mumbai reported 7,895 new cases of COVID-19 and 11 deaths on Sunday. Active cases in the city stand at 60,371.
Goa Reports 3,232 New Cases
Goa reported 3,232 New Cases and seven deaths on Sunday. The active caseload in the state stands at 21,381.
Gujarat Reports 10,150 New COVID Cases
Gujarat reported 10,150 fresh COVID cases, 6,096 recoveries and 8 deaths in the last 24 hours.
41,327 New Cases Reported From Maharashtra
Maharashtra reported 41,327 new cases and 29 deaths on Sunday. The active caseload in the state stands at 2,65,346.
Eight cases of the Omicron variant were also reported from the state, taking the case tally to 1,738.