New COVID Curbs in Bengal, Weekend Lockdown in 9 Haryana Districts
Catch all the live updates of the COVID-19 pandemic here.
The West Bengal government on Friday, 30 April, announced a fresh set of restrictions amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, with shopping malls, restaurants, bars, beauty parlours, gyms, spas and swimming pools to be shut. All social, cultural, academic and entertainment-related gatherings will also be prohibited, while bazaars and hats will remain open during 7-10 am and 3-5 pm.
Essential services will continue, and home deliveries and online services will also be permitted.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, hearing a suo motu case on the COVID-19 crisis on Friday, warned that no state should clamp down on information if citizens communicate their grievances on social media, adding that doing so will be treated as contempt.
“We want to make it very clear that if citizens communicate their grievance on social media, then it cannot be said it's wrong information. We don't want any clampdown of information. We will treat it as a contempt of court if such grievances are considered for action,” the court said.
India on Friday reported 3,86,452 new COVID-19 cases, 3,498 deaths, and 2,97,540 discharges, as per the Union Health Ministry. The total cases in the country now stand at 1,87,62,976.
- SC on Friday suggested that the Centre should show the investments made by it to ramp up the manufacture of vaccines
- The apex court also told the Delhi government that there should be no political bickering, asking for cooperation with the Centre to deal with the crisis
- A weekend lockdown has been announced in nine districts of Haryana amid a massive COVID-19 surge
- Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal said on Friday that he has tested positive for coronavirus and has mild symptoms
- The third phase of vaccination is scheduled to begin from 1 May for citizens in the age group of 18-44 years
- Many states have expressed the inability to start the vaccination drive for people in the age group of 18 and 44 from 1 May
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2.28 Crore Registrations for Phase 3 Vaccination Drive in Less Than 48 Hours
Total registrations on the CoWin portal for the third phase of vaccination reached more than 2.28 crore till 9:30 pm on Thursday, the Health Ministry said.
One Worker Dead, 2 Injured in Oxygen Plant Accident
One worker died and at least two were injured after an oxygen cylinder exploded during refilling at Panki Oxygen Plant on Friday morning, ANI reported.
The police are present at the site of the incident reported in the Dada Nagar industrial area.
Assistance Flight From US Arrives in Delhi
An assistance flight sent by the US arrived in Delhi on Friday morning carrying oxygen concentrators, oxygen generation units, PPE, vaccine manufacturing supplies, and rapid diagnostic test kits among other things.
Fake Remdesivir Racket Busted in Uttarakhand
The Delhi Police Crime Branch conducted raids in Haridwar, Roorkee and Kotdwar and busted an illegal factory being used for manufacturing fake Remdesivir injections, ANI reported.
At least 5 people, including the kingpin, have reportedly been arrested. They used to sell the injections at Rs 25,000 per piece.
India Reports 3.86 Lakh New COVID-19 Cases
India reported 3,86,452 new COVID-19 cases, 3,498 deaths and 2,97,540 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry. The total cases in the country now stand at 1,87,62,976.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath Recovers from COVID-19
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath tweeted to say that he has recovered from COVID-19. He had tested positive on 14 April.
57-Member Naval Medical Team Deployed to Ahmedabad
A 57-member Naval Medical Team, consisting of four doctors, seven nurses, 26 paramedics, and 20 supporting staff were deputed to Ahmedabad. It will be deployed at 'PM Cares COVID Hospital', set up to manage the COVID crisis, the Indian Navy said. Initial deployment is for tow months, which would be extended if required.
ITBP Officials Visit COVID Care Centre For Inspection
Senior ITBP officials visited the wards of 500 oxygen bedded Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre, Radha Soami Beas, Chhatarpur, New Delhi to meet the patients and to check the ground arrangements. At least 400 patients are presently admitted at the centre.
We Ordered for 1 Crore Vaccine Doses but SII Isn't Prepared: Karnataka Minister
Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said that the state does not have enough vaccines to begin the drive from 1 May.
“We gave orders to SII, Pune for over 1 crore doses. But they are not prepared to give it to us from tomorrow. We request people, especially those between18-44 years of age, to refrain from going to hospitals thinking that you may be vaccinated tomorrow,” he told ANI.
“We will definitely intimate people after the confirmation that we obtain from the Serum Institute,” he added.
157 Ventilators, 480 BiPAPs Received from UAE
Air Cargo Import, Delhi Customs facilitated smooth clearance of 157 ventilators, 480 BiPAPs and other medical supplies from UAE, Delhi Customs department said.
PIL in Delhi HC Seeking Affordable Medical Infrastructure
A PIL has been moved in Delhi HC seeking directions for framing guidelines for affording health services including oxygen cylinders, medical consultations, injections, testing, plasma therapy to homebound patients and who have been denied admission due to unavailability of hospital beds.
Adani Group Opens COVID Centre in Ahmedabad
In support of the state's fight against the virus, Adani Group will open a COVID Care Centre in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) Adani Vidya Mandir school campus in the city will be converted into a supportive care facility for COVID-19 positive patients, the company said in a statement.
“This facility aims to lighten the load on the city’s government and private health infrastructure and will take care of those who are isolated from their families. This isolation facility will also protect their other family members and contribute in slowing down the spread of COVID-19,” it said.
Yet to Receive Vaccines, Says Delhi CM
We've not received the vaccines yet, we are in constant touch with the company. We are hopeful that vaccines will reach by tomorrow or the day after. They have assured us. 3 lakh doses of Covishield is coming to us first, tomorrow or the day after: Delhi CM on phase 3 vaccination
SC Starts Hearing Suo Motu Cognizance Case into COVID Crisis
Supreme Court begins hearing in the case where it took suo moto cognizance on issues related to oxygen supply, drug supply, and various other policies in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Not received Vaccines Yet: Delhi CM Kejriwal
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that the national capital has not received vaccines for the drive to begin from 1 May.
“We have not received the vaccines yet, we are in constant touch with the company. We are hopeful that vaccines will reach by tomorrow or the day after. They have assured us. Three lakh doses of Covishield is coming to us first, tomorrow or the day after,” he said.
“We have requested both companies to make available to us 67 lakh doses each in the next three months. The Delhi government is ready to make payments for it. People of Delhi will be given free vaccines. We are making all efforts to see that people of Delhi are vaccinated in the next three months,” he said.
Is Equal Distribution of Vaccines, Oxygen Being Ensured? SC Asks Centre
The Supreme Court on Friday, 30 April started hearing the suo motu cognizance case of the COVID-19 crisis and asked the Centre how equal distribution of vaccines to states and oxygen to the poorest of the society was being ensured by the Central and the state governments.
“What measures have been taken to make sure supply of tankers and cylinders reach?, Justice Chandrachud asked.
“What is the expected supply of oxygen? How do central and state governments enable vaccine registration for illiterates or those who don't have access to the internet?” he added.
The Supreme Court further asked the priority criteria for vaccines from state to state.
“Will one state get priority access over another in getting the vaccines? Centre says 50% will be procured by states for vaccines. How will the vaccine manufacturers ensure equity?” the court asked.
The court further suggested that the Centre should show the investments made by it to ramp up the manufacture of vaccines.
“This will be the most important intervention by Central government when private manufacturers have been funded to produce vaccines,” Justice Chandrachud said.
Don’t Clampdown on Citizens Sharing Grievances on Social Media: SC
The Supreme Court on Friday warned that no state should clampdown on information if citizens communicate their grievances on social media, adding that doing so will be treated as contempt.
“We want to make it very clear that if citizens communicate their grievance on social media, then it cannot be said it's wrong information. We don't want any clampdown of information. We will treat it as a contempt of court if such grievances are considered for action,” the court said.
SC told the Centre that there should be free flow of information, adding that “we should hear voices of citizens.”
The court said it will also hear citizens crying for oxygen cylinders.
“Ground situation in Delhi is, oxygen isn't really available and it is the same in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The government has to tell us what difference will be there from today and the next day of the hearing,” Chandrachud said.
'Why Can't the Centre Follow National Immunisaton Policy?': SC Asks
Justice Chandrachud said that a “national immunization policy” must be followed in terms of procurement and distribution of vaccines and asked why the Centre is not buying 100% of the COVID-19 vaccine doses as it is in the best place to determine equity and disburse.
'Can't Let Private Manufacturers Decide Which States Get How Much'
Private vaccine manufacturers cannot be allowed to decide which state should get how many vaccines, the SC said.
Bihar Chief Secretary Succumbs to COVID-19
Bihar chief secretary Arun Kumar Singh passed away at a hospital in Patna where he was undergoing treatment for COVID-19.
Delhi LG Baijal Tests Positive For COVID-19
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal tested positive for COVID-19.
Telangana Night Curfew Extended
Night curfew in Telangana extended for seven more days till 5 am on 8 May. The statewide night curfew comes into effect at 9 pm and continues till 5 am.
Bihar Chief Secy Passes Away After Contracting COVID
Bihar Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Singh passed away at a hospital in Patna where he was undergoing treatment for COVID-19, ANI reported on Friday.
'No Political Bickering, Cooperate With Centre': SC to Delhi Govt
The Supreme Court, in its hearing on Friday, also told the Delhi government that there should be no political bickering, asking for cooperation with the Centre to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.
"We told Centre how it has a special responsibility to Delhi, but we need to send a message to the highest levels of your government that in this humanitarian crisis, we don't want lives to be lost in political bickering... Politics can be during elections. Interact with the Centre," the court reportedly told the Delhi government's counsel.
No Shortage of Medical Oxygen in the Country: Centre to SC
The Centre told the Supreme Court on Friday that there is no shortage of medical oxygen in the country, with the supply being augmented for COVID relief.
There is enhanced production of oxygen in country, from about 6,000 MT per day in August 2020 to 9,000 MT till date, the government said, according to PTI.
Fresh Restrictions in West Bengal: Malls, Restaurants, Gyms to be Shut
The West Bengal government on Friday announced a fresh set of restrictions amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, with shopping malls, restaurants, bars, beauty parlours, gyms, spas and swimming pools to be shut.
All social, cultural, academic and entertainment-related gatherings will also be prohibited, while bazaars and hats will remain open during 7-10 am and 3-5 pm.
Essential services will continue, and home deliveries and online services will also be permitted.
Weekend Lockdown in 9 Districts of Haryana
A weekend lockdown has been announced in nine districts of Haryana amid a massive COVID-19 surge.
The lockdown will be in force in Panchkula, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonepat, Rohtak, Karnal, Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad districts from 10 pm on Friday till 5 am on 3 May.
Rate of Rise in Infections Rapid in 2nd Wave, Immense Strain on Health Infra: Centre
The rate of rise in infections has been rapid in the second wave, which has put immense strain on the health infrastructure, the Centre said in its briefing on Friday.
Highlighting the extent of the current wave, the government pointed out that this surge is five times the previous peak in Rajasthan and UP, 4.5 times in Chhattisgarh and 3.3 times in Delhi.
"The Health Ministry is closely coordinating with states regarding the availability and supply of medical oxygen – 8,593 MT has been allocated to 23 states... States are also advised to undertake oxygen consumption audit in all hospitals, including private hospitals," the Centre was quoted as saying.
Kerala Reports 37,199 New COVID Cases
Kerala reported 37,199 new cases, 49 deaths and 17,500 recoveries today. The total number of recoveries stands at 12,61,801.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced today, that stringent measures will be imposed in Kerala from 4 May to 9 May considering the surge in COVID cases. Chief Secretary will issue detailed orders regarding it. He also urged that on counting day, COVID guidelines should be strictly followed by all.
More Than 26 Lakh Vaccine Doses Administered Today
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced that the cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 15,48,54,096 as per the 8 pm provisional report today. This includes more than 26 lakh vaccine doses administered till 8 pm today.
Karnataka Reports 48,296 New COVID Cases
Karnataka reported 48,296 new COVID cases, 217 deaths and 14,884 discharges today. Total case tally rises to 15,23,142.
Maharashtra Reports 62,919 New COVID Cases, 828 Deaths
Maharashtra recorded 62,919 new cases, 828 deaths and 69,710 discharges in the last 24 hours. Total active cases stand at 6,62,640.
Delhi Reports 27,947 New Cases, 375 Deaths
Delhi reported 27,047 new COVID cases, 375 deaths and 25,288 recoveries in the last 24 hours. Total active cases stand at 99,361.
Chhattisgarh Reports 14,994 New Cases, 216 Deaths
Chhattisgarh reported 14,994 new cases, 216 deaths and 12,804 recoveries. Total active cases stand at 1,18,958.