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Coronavirus Highlights: Efforts on to increase beds, make oxygen available to all those who need it: PM Narendra Modi

Earlier, during a meeting via video conference, Modi asked vaccine manufacturers to scale up production capacity to vaccinate all citizens in the shortest possible time.

By: Express Web Desk
Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune | Updated: April 22, 2021 09:15 IST
Narendra ModiPM Narendra Modi addresses the nation (ANI photo)

Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Centre, state governments and the private sector are working together to make oxygen available to all those who need it. Efforts are on to increase the number of beds for Covid patients in hospitals, he added.

LIVE UPDATES | Coronavirus in India: Latest news and updates on April 22

“I understand your pain. Express my sympathies to those who lost their loved ones to Covid-19,” he said, further adding, “I also urge the states to consider lockdowns to be the last option and focus more on creating micro-containment zones.”

Earlier, during a meeting via video conference, Modi asked vaccine manufacturers to scale up production capacity to vaccinate all citizens in the shortest possible time.

Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said all ministers have requested Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to impose a complete lockdown in the state from 8 pm tomorrow. “We have made our request. Now it is up to the CM to take the final call,” Tope was quoted as saying by ANI. Curfew-like restrictions on the movement of people in the state were already imposed on April 14 and would be in effect till May 1.

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Addressing the nation, PM Modi on Tuesday said states should consider lockdowns to be the last option and focus more on creating micro-containment zones.

00:03 (IST)21 Apr 2021
Delhi govt forms committee for aiding migrant workers amid lockdown

The Delhi government on Tuesday proposed to give a financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to each of registered construction workers and formed a committee for aiding migrant workers, after a large number of them started leaving the city for home following the announcement of a week-long lockdown to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases.     

A large number of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and other states have thronged bus terminals and railway stations fearing that the six-day lockdown announced on Monday by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal may get extended.
     
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), in an order, stated that the vision of the Delhi government is to ensure welfare of daily wagers and migrant workers staying in the national capital by providing them shelter, food, water, sanitation, medical facilities. (PTI)

23:50 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Nothing but empty talk: Cong on PM's address to nation on COVID situation

The Congress lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday after he addressed the nation on the coronavirus situation and advised states against clamping lockdown, and said he has chosen to relinquish his responsibilities and put the onus of saving India on NGOs, children and the youth.
       
The Congress said the prime minister has left the people to fend for.themselves in fighting the pandemic and described his address to the nation as "nothing but empty talk".
     
"PM Modi's address to the nation was again today nothing but empty talk," Congress senior spokesperson Ajay Maken said in a statement.
     
He said the nation is going through an unprecedented and deadly crisis and it is taking days to first get the tests conducted and there are no beds in hospitals, and those hospitalized are not able to get life saving drugs or something as basic as oxygen. (PTI)

23:46 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Delhi registers its highest COVID figures of 277 deaths, over 28k cases

A record 28,395 coronavirus cases and 277 deaths marked the aggravation of the pandemic situation in Delhi on Tuesday as the positivity rate shot up to 32.82 per cent -- meaning every third sample came out positive -- amid a "serious oxygen crisis" unfolding in the city.
      
The city also faced acute shortage of ICU beds as the Delhi government warned that there will be an outrage if sufficient quantity of medical oxygen does not reach health facilities by Wednesday morning. It said oxygen is available only for the next 8-12 hours in most hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.
    
Only 30 ICU beds for COVID patients were available in hospitals across Delhi at 10 pm, according to government data.
    
The national capital has reported 1,100 deaths due to the deadly virus in the last six days. (PTI)

23:07 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Tata to import 24 cryogenic containers via special charter flights amid oxygen shortage

Tata companies, in its resolve to fight the pandemic, is importing 24 cryogenic containers via special charter flights to supplement the critical supply of liquid medical oxygen to various states.

In an Instagram post, the firm said, 'Given the oxygen crisis, we are putting in all our efforts to support India’s healthcare infrastructure'.

22:51 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Delhi health minister flags oxygen shortage at GTB Hospital, seeks help

Hours after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal raised serious concerns over the acute shortage of medical oxygen across several Covid hospitals in Delhi, state health minister Satyendar Jain also tweeted informing about the same to the Union Minister Piyush Goyal.

In the tweet addressed to Goyal, the health minister said there was an acute shortage of oxygen at GTB Hospital adding that it may not last beyond four hours when over  500 corona patients are on oxygen at the hospital.

22:43 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Delhi Police chief asks senior cops to check migrant exodus amid lockdown

To prevent an exodus during the lockdown, Delhi Police Commissioner S N Shrivastava has directed all 15 DCPs and SHOs to stop movement of migrants and drop them back home if they are found outside during the lockdown without authorisation.

The direction came a day after hundreds of migrant workers gathered at the Anand Vihar Bus Terminal to board buses and head to their states.

“A video conference was called by the police chief with all DCPs, ACPs and SHOs to discuss safety measures taken for Covid and how to implement the lockdown tactfully,” a senior police officer said. Read More

22:41 (IST)20 Apr 2021
‘Provide vaccines free of cost’: Kerala CM writes to PM Modi

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the new policy on vaccine distribution and provide the required quantity of vaccines free of cost to the state governments.

Referring to the policy that the manufacturers would have to make an advance declaration of the price for 50 per cent supply that would be available to state governments and in open market, Vijayan said states have been asked to get vaccines from the manufactures at a price. “The state governments are already facing additional financial commitments due to the pandemic. The additional burden of purchasing vaccines will place considerable strain on state finances,’’ he said. Read More

22:26 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Karnataka announces night curfew from tomorrow 9 pm till May 4

A night curfew has been announced in Karnataka from 9 pm on 21 April till 6 am of May 4. All shops, shopping malls (except those offering essential services) will close at 9 pm on Wednesday. All educational institutions, gyms and spas will remain closed during the period. Swimming pools will be opened for sports persons for training purposes only.

21:27 (IST)20 Apr 2021
India gasping for oxygen due to Centre's 'incompetency': Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says India is gasping for oxygen due to Centre's 'incompetency and complacency'. (PTI)

21:06 (IST)20 Apr 2021
States should consider lockdowns to be their last option, focus more on creating micro-containment zones: PM Modi

PM Modi says, “India with two 'made in India' vaccines started the world's largest vaccination programme. Till now, more than 12 crore vaccine doses have been administered. From 1st May, those above the age of 18 years can be vaccinated.”

He adds, “I request state governments to urge the workers to stay where they are. This trust given by the states to the workers will help them, and that they will be vaccinated in the city where they are. I also urge the states to consider lockdowns only as the last option and focus creating on micro-containment zones.” (ANI)

21:02 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Centre, state govts working to make oxygen available to all those who need it: PM Modi

PM Modi says, "The demand for oxygen has increased in many parts of the country. The Centre, state government, private sector are trying to make oxygen available to all those who are in need of it. Many steps are being taken in this direction."

He adds, "Work is on to increase the number of beds in hospitals. In some cities, large COVID-19 dedicated hospitals are being built." (ANI)

20:49 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Express my sympathies to families who lost loved ones to Covid: PM Modi

We are facing the second wave of COVID-19 now, says PM Modi. "I understand the pain you are going through and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones due to Covid," he adds.

20:44 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Maharashtra records more than 62,000 new Covid cases

Maharashtra recorded 62,097 new Covid cases, 54,224 recoveries and 519 deaths on Tuesday. (ANI)

20:12 (IST)20 Apr 2021
PM Modi to address nation on Covid situation at 8.45 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the Covid situation at 8.45 pm. Earlier, during a meeting via video conference, Modi asked vaccine manufacturers to scale up production capacity to vaccinate all citizens in the shortest possible time.

19:57 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Most hospitals in Delhi have oxygen left for 8-12 hours: Manish Sisodia

In most hospitals in Delhi, oxygen is available for the next 8 to 12 hours only, says Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia. He adds, "We have been demanding for one week to increase the oxygen supply quota to Delhi, which the central government has to do." (ANI)

19:41 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Lack of logistics to transport oxygen has led to shortage: Priyanka Gandhi

Senior Congress leader that despite the fact that India produces 7,500 MT of oxygen daily, there is a shortage now due to “lack of logistics to transport” it.

19:37 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Karnataka Governor chairs all-party meeting to discuss Covid situation in state

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala today chaired an all-party meeting via video conferencing, to take stock of the Covid situation in the state. (ANI)

19:34 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Young kin of Devendra Fadnavis takes Covid-19 vaccine, triggers row

A young relative of Maharashtra BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis shared a photo of him getting Covid-19 prevention vaccine, triggering a controversy as he does not fulfil the age criteria to receive the shot.

As the photo of Tanmay Fadnavis, who appears to be in his 20s, went viral on social media on Monday, Devendra Fadnavis’s office here issued a statement on Tuesday, saying it was “completely improper” if the age criteria has been violated and added that all should follow rules. (PTI) Read more

19:11 (IST)20 Apr 2021
With over 19,000 new cases, Kerala records highest single-day peak

Kerala on Tuesday recorded its highest single-day peak, with 19,577 more people testing positive. (PTI)

18:58 (IST)20 Apr 2021
PM Narendra Modi holds meeting with leading vaccine manufacturers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a meeting via video conference with leading vaccine manufacturers.

18:47 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Some hospitals in Delhi have only a few hours of oxygen left: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal once said on Tuesday that the oxygen crisis in Delhi is serious and some hospitals are left with a few hours of oxygen now.

18:44 (IST)20 Apr 2021
India-EU Leaders’ Meeting on May 8 will be held in virtual format: MEA Spokesperson

India-EU Leaders’ Meeting on May 8 will be held in virtual format: MEA Spokesperson. (ANI)

18:42 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Maharashtra CM will take a call on lockdown tomorrow, says state health minister

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said all ministers have requested Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to impose a complete lockdown in the state from 8 pm tomorrow. “We have made our request. Now it is up to the CM to take the final call,” Tope was quoted as saying by ANI. Curfew-like restrictions on the movement of people in the state were already imposed on April 14 and would be in effect till May 1.

18:03 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram runs out of Covishield doses

A hospital in Thiruvananthapuram has run out of Covishield doses. “We only have Covaxin doses. Those who took Covisheild first have to take the same vaccine. If it's not available, the whole purpose is lost,” said Karthik Kumar, district secretary, Kerala Nurses’ Union. (ANI)

17:53 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Exodus of migrant workers from Delhi continues

With the lockdown having come into effect in Delhi, more migrants workers were seen leaving the city on Tuesday. (Express photos by Praveen Khanna)

17:43 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Section 144 to be imposed in Rajasthan from April 22 in view of Covid surge

Section 144 of the CrPC to be imposed in Rajasthan from April 22 to May 21 in view of the current COVID-19 surge, says the state home department. (ANI)

17:34 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Maharashtra minister alleges BJP leader illegally distributed remdesivir vials

Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik has alleged that BJP leader Shirish Chaudhari illegally distributed remdesivir vials without licence. But BJP has dismissed the allegation as 'baseless'.

Meanwhile, Bruck Pharma director, who was questioned over firm's remdesivir stock, has denied stocking the vials in Mumbai and claimed the consignment has been moved to a godown in Daman, says police. (PTI)

17:32 (IST)20 Apr 2021
If nothing is done to augment oxygen supply, country will head for bigger disaster: Delhi HC

Delhi High Court has suggested cutting down production in petroleum and steel industries to save oxygen for diversion to hospitals.

HC says if nothing done to augment oxygen supply, the country will head for bigger disaster; first priority has to be to save lives.

"When you have lockdown, what development will you have. What is the point of producing all that," said the court, adding, "economic interests cannot override human lives".

The court also pulled up the Centre for not implementing this order immediately. 'How many lives do you want to put on stake,' it asked. 'Why not implement this immediately?” (PTI)

17:30 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Rajnath Singh grants emergency financial powers to three forces for procurement of medical equipment

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has granted emergency financial powers to three forces for procurement of medical equipment.

Singh asked the armed forces to be in close touch with state governments and provide required assistance in dealing with COVID-19. He also asked SUs, DRDO and the Ordinance Factory Board to work on "war footing" to provide oxygen cylinders, beds to state governments. (PTI)

17:22 (IST)20 Apr 2021
More than 45,000 active cases in Haryana now: CM ML Khattar

Haryana CM ML Khattar says, “The total number of active cases in the state has crossed 45,000. We are taking all measures to curb the COVID-19 infection. There is no shortage of beds in hospitals in the state.”

He adds, “Till now, the state's medical oxygen requirements are being met. We get liquid oxygen supply from Indian Oil's Panipat plant. We have ensured that the supply of medical oxygen remains smooth.” (ANI)

17:19 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Working on increasing facilities to tackle Covid: Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan says, “Last year, over 80% people were treated under home isolation. Our start is good but we need to increase our facilities more. We're creating more temporary beds in hospitals. We are also working on increasing the manpower.” ANI

17:17 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Kejriwal approves postponement of polls of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal gives approval to the proposal for postponement of the elections of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. The elections were scheduled to be held on April 25.

16:25 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Delhi HC: News reports state that 44 lakh vaccines have been wasted till now

A Delhi HC bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said according to news reports there is a daily wastage of six per cent of vaccines and till now 44 lakh vaccines out of 10 crore have been wasted, maximum in Tamil Nadu.

"This is a huge wastage. Give it to those who want it. Whomsoever you can vaccinate, please vaccinate. Whether 16 years old or 60 years old, all need vaccination. The pandemic does not discriminate," the court told the Centre.

The court said young people are being affected more this time around, and a lot of young lives have been lost.

It said if at the end of a day, a few shots are available in a vial, then it be given to someone whether they fall in the approved categories for vaccination or not. (PTI)

16:22 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Use of oxygen for industrial purposes banned from April 22, Centre tells Delhi HC

Centre informed the Delhi High Court that in order to ensure a continuous supply of oxygen for medical purposes, the use of oxygen for industrial purposes has been banned, except for certain critical industries, with effect from April 22. 

The court in return asked the Centre why the ban will be implemented from April 22 and not from today itself. "Every life is very important and valuable," stated the court. (ANI)

16:18 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Johnson & Johnson Cares requests approval to conduct bridging study for its vaccine in India

Johnson & Johnson Cares submits an application to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) requesting approval to conduct a bridging clinical study of single-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine candidate in India to comply with local regulations. (ANI)

16:13 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Delhi HC pulls up Centre over vaccine wastage, says it’s result of ‘bad planning’

Delhi High Court has raised concerns over vaccine wastage and said since the pandemic does not discriminate between people, everyone needs to be vaccinated. Calling it a result of “bad planning”, the division bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said, “You should have foreseen the situation. It is no rocket science.”

15:52 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Delhi High Court raises concerns over vaccine wastage, says, "we are wasting precious time"

Delhi High Court raises concerns over vaccine wastage, says, "we are wasting precious time". In a few days, vaccination will be opened for all, the Court further stated.

On the aspect of test reporting, Delhi High Court suggests that it should be on a first-come-first-serve basis. Sample taken first should be processed first and reported first, it says. (ANI)

15:48 (IST)20 Apr 2021
UGC-NET postponed in view of current Covid situation: Ramesh Pokhriyal

UGC-NET has been postponed in view of the COVID-19 situation. The revised date will be announced at least 15 days before exam, says Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. (PTI)

15:45 (IST)20 Apr 2021
New vaccine policy hollow, without substance: Mamata Banerjee

New vaccine policy appears hollow, without substance, says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. "It is a regrettable show of evasion of responsibility by the Centre," she adds.

15:43 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Centre holds high-level meeting to discuss Covid status and response strategy

Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, chaired a high-level meeting to review and discuss the COVID status, and the management and response strategy with Chief Secretaries of all the Union Territories.

Bhalla urged constant vigilance regarding the evolving situation of COVID in UTs. Strict enforcement of COVID-appropriate behavior was stressed along with stricter enforcement of movement restrictions and prohibition of large gatherings and regulated timings for markets should be there in place.

During the meeting, Dr VK Paul pointed out the criticality of the next 3 weeks for COVID response measures. UT administrators were advised to plan in advance for 3 weeks. A survey to promptly identify COVID-positive people should be taken up, he stated. (ANI)

15:39 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Congress leader Anand Sharma tests positive, shifted to hospital

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been shifted to a private hospital in Gurgaon, sources said Tuesday.

The 68-year-old Sharma, who was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Delhi late last night, has now been moved to the Medanta Hospital, sources close to him said.

Several Congress leaders, including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Randeep Surjewala, wished him an early recovery. (PTI)

15:37 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Assam announces fresh Covid guidelines till April 30

As Assam announces fresh Covid guidelines till April 30, chief secretary Jishnu Barua says all establishments, including markets, shops, etc (except pharmacies) should be shut by 6 pm.

15:35 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Jharkhand lockdown for a week with certain relaxations in place

Jharkhand announces lockdown from April 22 to 29 with certain relaxations.

15:28 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Night curfew extended in Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday extended the ongoing night curfew to all municipal and urban local body limits in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases.

The order and guidelines related to the curfew were announced by the Lieutenant Governor's office in a series of tweets.

“The night curfew shall be extended to all municipal and urban local body limits of all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It was already in force in eight districts earlier, from 10 pm to 6 am,” the LG office tweeted.

It also said that public transport (matadors/mini-buses/buses) shall be permitted to ply only at 50 per cent of its authorised seating capacity. The district superintendents of police shall ensure compliance to this effect, it added. (PTI)

15:26 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Rajnath Singh chairs meeting to review Ministry of Defence’s preparations and response to Covid-19

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chairs a meeting to review the Ministry of Defence’s preparations and response to Covid-19. He asked officials to make optimal use of resources to align with civil needs. He also asked officials to analyse and let him know what more is required and there will be procurement immediately. (ANI)

15:22 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Govt paving way to unhealthy price bidding for vaccines: P Chidambaram

By liberalising the price of vaccines and not fixing a price for states at the same rate as available to Centre, the government is paving the way to unhealthy price bidding and profiteer, says Congress leader P Chidambaram. "States with limited resources will be at a considerable disadvantage," he adds. (ANI)

15:17 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Rahul Gandhi tests positive for Covid-19

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tests positive for Covid-19.

15:14 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi CM, tests positive for Covid-19

Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, has tested positive for Covid-19. She is in home isolation now.

15:09 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Grocery stores and shops selling food items to be open only from 7 am to 11 am in Maharashtra

According to a new order issued by Maharashtra to break the chain of Covid transmission, all grocery stores and shops selling fruits, vegetables and other food items can be open only between 7 am and 11 am.

The order issued on Tuesday stated, “All Groceries, Vegetables Shops, fruit vendors, dairies, bakeries, confectionaries, all type of food shops (including chicken, mutton, poultry, fish and eggs), shops related to agricultural implements and farm produce, pet food shops, shops related to materials for impending rainy season for individuals as well as for organisations to be open only between 7 AM to 11 AM.”

Home delivery from these shops will, however, be allowed between 7 am and 8 pm, the order stated, adding that these timings may be changed by the local authorities.

The order further stated, “The local Disaster Management Authorities to include any additional entities/ services as essential under Section (2) of the order dated 13th April, 2021 only after the consent of the State Disaster Management Authority.”

14:18 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Union minister Jitendra Singh tests positive for COVID-19

Union minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said he has tested positive for COVID-19 and asked all those who came in contact with him to get themselves screened. "I have today tested #COVID positive with symptoms. Please get yourself screened if you were in my contact recently and take care," he tweeted. Singh, who holds multiple portfolios, including Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, is also the Lok Sabha member from Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur constituency.

13:56 (IST)20 Apr 2021
UP: Weekend lockdown extended in districts with over 2,000 cases; night curfew continues

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced that the weekend lockdown in districts that have more than 2,000 active cases will be in place from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am. Last week, the lockdown was effective from 8 pm on Saturday to 7 am on Sunday.

According to the new order, districts with over 500 active Covid cases will continue to remain under night curfew, effective between 8 pm to 7 am every day,

A state government spokesperson said the decision was taken on Tuesday after a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

According to data provided by the state on Monday, the state has at least 20 districts with more than 2,000 active cases. -- ENS

13:55 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Lockdown has started in Delhi from today, cooperate with govt: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday took to Twitter to appeal to people to stay home and help the government in fighting the pandemic. "Lockdown has started in Delhi from today. This decision has been taken in view of your health and safety. Please cooperate with the government in this, stay at your home, avoid infection," he tweeted.

13:45 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Delhi govt to ramp up availability of beds for COVID-19 patients

Around 2,700 beds will be added at different hospitals and facilities in the national capital in the next few days for COVID-19 patients, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced on Tuesday.

"In 2.5 weeks, bed count has gone up by 3 times here. 2,700 more beds will be arranged in next few days. Most COVID-19 patients are recovering in home isolation. I urge those who need hospitals to check app beforehand for bed availability and then proceed further," Sisodia said at an online press conference.

13:44 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Bus ferrying migrant workers from Delhi to Tikamgarh in MP overturns, 3 dead

At least three people were killed and seven injured after a bus ferrying labourers from Delhi to Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh toppled at Jhorasi ghati in Gwalior. The bus was carrying around 100 labourers, several times more than its capacity.

Many of the travellers attempted to jump off the bus to save their lives.

13:05 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Supreme Court stays Allahabad HC order imposing lockdown in five UP cities
A view of the iconic building of Lucknow, Imambada as ASI protected monuments remained shut for visitors, in view of the rising Covid-19 cases, in Lucknow. (PTI)

The Supreme Court Tuesday put on hold the Allahabad High Court order on a weeklong lockdown in the badly hit Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur Nagar and Gorakhpur districts, till April 26.

The apex court also asked the state to submit before the High Court its various steps and measures taken to control the pandemic, within a week.

A day after the High Court's order, the Uttar Pradesh government had moved the Supreme Court against the order.

On Monday, the High Court passed the order saying that the rising Covid cases had “virtually incapacitated” the medical infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh.

12:52 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Manmohan Singh’s condition stable, best possible care being provided: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Manmohan Singh’s condition is stable, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said Tuesday, a day after the former prime minister was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in New Delhi with Covid-19. Vardhan said the best possible care was being provided to Singh.

“Followed up on Dr Manmohan Singh Ji’s health with the medical team attending to him at AIIMS, Delhi. His condition is stable. Best possible care is being provided to him. We all pray for his quick recovery,” Vardhan tweeted.

12:43 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Industries can wait for oxygen, not COVID-19 patients: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court Tuesday said sufficient oxygen was not being supplied to COVID-19 patients in the national capital and asked the Centre if it can be diverted from industries which can wait for now. "Industries can wait. Patients cannot. Human lives are at stake," a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said to the central government.

The bench said it has heard that doctors at Ganga Ram Hospital were being forced to reduce oxygen being given to COVID-19 patients admitted there as there was scarcity of oxygen. "Which are these industries whose supplies of oxygen cannot be curtailed," the court asked central government standing counsel Monika Arora and asked her to take instructions on what all can be done to augment the oxygen supply to COVID-19 patients.

12:43 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Karnataka: Amid covid surge, experts recommend ‘weekend janata curfews’

With the number of active Covid-19 infections up at nearly 1.5 lakh from across the state, the Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) constituted by the Karnataka government has recommended extension of night curfew timings and imposing “weekend Janata curfews”.

As per a report submitted by TAC, ahead of the all-party meeting convened by the Governor on Tuesday, clubs, swimming pools, gyms, sports complexes, film and drama theatres, auditoriums, video game points, parks, amusement parks, and arcades, video game should remain closed till May 31.

12:29 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Explained: Why countries are restricting travel to and from India
People wearing masks check-in at Silvio Pettirossi Airport, in Luque Paraguay. (AP Photo)

With the number of Covid-19 cases in India on an upsurge, the international community is drawing the line when it comes to travel from here. Late Monday, the United Kingdom put India in its travel “red list” effective Friday. Shortly after that, the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put out an advisory saying “Travelers should avoid all travel to India”.

On Sunday, Hong Kong activated an “emergency circuit breaker” and banned passenger flights from India for 14 days starting April 20. New Zealand, too, suspended entry of travellers from India earlier this month. Read More here

12:11 (IST)20 Apr 2021
Suburban train services hit in Bengal after 90 drivers, guards test COVID-19 positive

Eastern Railway on Tuesday said it has so far cancelled 56 local trains in the Sealdah section after around 90 drivers and guards tested positive for COVID-19. No decision has been taken on cancellation of trains in the Howrah section, an official said.

"The situation is pretty grim. Some 90 drivers and guards are unable to report for duty due to Covid. We have cancelled 56 local trains to ensure mail and express train services are not impacted," Eastern Railway spokesperson Eklabya Chakraborty told PTI.

"As far as possible, the non-peak hour trains are cancelled to minimise the impact for commuters," he added. Suburban train services resumed in West Bengal on November 11 last year after more than seven months. (PTI)

Coronavirus India Live Updates: Covid-19 testing at Civil Hospital in Ludhiana on Sunday. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday criticised the Centre over the wastage of Covid-19 vaccines and said since the pandemic does not discriminate between people, everyone needs to be vaccinated. Calling it a result of “bad planning”, the division bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said, “You should have foreseen the situation. It is no rocket science.”

India reported 2,59,170 new Covid-19 cases and 1,761 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. The total cases in the country now stand at 1,53,21,089. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Tuesday put on hold the Allahabad High Court order for a weeklong lockdown until April 26 in five Uttar Pradesh districts, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur Nagar and Gorakhpur districts, which are reporting a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases.

On the travel front, United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to India. In its advisory, the CDC stated that there is “very high level of covid-19” in India. Britain has also added India to its COVID-19 travel "red list", which bans all travel from the country and makes a 10-day hotel quarantine mandatory for UK residents returning to the country.

On Monday, the government announced that every person above the age of 18 years will be eligible to be vaccinated against Covid-19 from May 1. The announcement, one of four significant shifts in the government’s vaccination policy, came at the end of a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the backdrop of a relentless surge in coronavirus cases. Apart from this, vaccine manufacturers will be incentivised to further scale up their production, as well as attract new national and international players. Vaccine manufacturers will be empowered to release up to 50% of their supply to state government and in the open market at a pre-declared price.

The Union Health Ministry Monday said Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan are among the 10 states that account for 78.58 per cent of the new Covid-19 cases reported in a day. The other states in the list of 10 are Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Also, within hours of Delhi announcing a weeklong lockdown to tackle the second Covid surge, and despite an appeal from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a familiar scene from last year played out at the national capital’s bus terminals and railway stations — hundreds of migrant workers lining up to leave for home.

The decision of opening vaccinations for all adults came a day after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wrote to Modi on Monday, recommending that states be allowed greater flexibility in vaccine administration, to define categories of frontline workers for vaccination even if they were younger than 45 years, the current cut-off age.

Second, states have been empowered to procure additional vaccine doses directly from manufactures. So far, the Centre has procured all supplies and distributed doses to states to vaccinate priority groups. Third, 50 per cent of the vaccine supply will now be made available directly in the open market and to state governments for the vaccination programme.

Private hospitals will have to procure supplies of vaccines exclusively from the 50 per cent basket, and at prices determined by the manufacturers. “Manufacturers would transparently make an advance declaration of the price for 50 per cent supply that would be available to State Governments and in open market, before May 1,” the Centre said.

Also, the 50-50 division of supplies between the Government of India and “other than Government of India” channels would be applicable “uniformly across for all vaccines manufactured in the country”.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Monday said a lockdown has been imposed in the city from 10 pm tonight to 6 am next Monday (April 26). The chief minister said the city is facing the fourth wave of Covid-19 and that harsh measures will have to be taken to prevent a collapse of the health system. "Essential services, food services, medical services will continue. Weddings can be held with a gathering of only 50 people, passes will be issued separately for it. A detailed order will be issued shortly," Kejriwal said.

Key virus strain found in October but its gene study stalled; a new variety appears

Also, the Indian-origin double mutant strain of the coronavirus, B.1.167, that many experts say could be behind the rapid climb of the second Covid wave, was first detected way back in October 5 last year through genome sequencing of a virus sample.

Because both the mutations, E484Q and L425R, were located in the virus’s critical spike protein — that binds it to the receptor cells in the body. Its destructive potential should have raised immediate red flags and led to widespread gene surveillance to look for its prevalence and spread.

Vaccine makers had sought funding help, market access opens up revenue source

The Finance Ministry has relaxed rules to make “advance payment” to Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers in order to speed up vaccine procurement processes.

The change in rules would effectively enable the Health Ministry to make advance payments of Rs 3,000 crore to Serum Institute of India (SII) and Rs 1,500 crore to Bharat Biotech for procuring vaccines.

In Mumbai, 90% cases of Covid in non-slums, high rises or buildings

High rises and other buildings continue to report bulk of the Covid-19 cases in India’s business capital Mumbai, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Mumbai has about 87,000 active cases, of which over 90 per cent are concentrated in high rise buildings while slums account for just 10 per cent.

Latest data compiled by BMC shows that non-slum areas comprising mainly high rises and standalone buildings, have 79,032 active cases. Slums, on the other hand, have only 8,411 out of total 87,443 active cases, as on April 16.

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First uploaded on: 19-04-2021 at 09:35 IST
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