The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India surpassed 7 million on Sunday with a number of new cases declining in recent weeks, even as health experts warn of the onset of mask fatigue and distancing.
India saw a sharp increase in cases in July, adding more than 2 million in August and another 3 million in September. But you’re seeing a slower pace of coronavirus spread since mid-September, when daily infections hit a record 97,894.
You can track national and state coronavirus cases, deaths, and testing rates here. A list of State Help Line numbers is also available.
Here are the latest updates:
United Kingdom
UK to start trials to test whether BCG TB vaccine works against COVID-19
Scientists in the UK will start recruiting frontline healthcare workers to test whether an old vaccine used to fight tuberculosis (TB), the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin or BCG jab, can also be reused to help boost immunity against the new coronavirus.
The University of Exeter, in south-west England, said Sunday that it is leading the British branch of global research called the BCG vaccine to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in the health worker trial (BRACE).
Participants will receive the BCG vaccine, which is currently given to more than 100 million babies worldwide each year, including in India, to protect against tuberculosis, or a placebo injection.
The BCG vaccine increases immunity by training the immune system to respond to subsequent infections with greater intensity. The researchers hope that this enhanced innate immunity will buy crucial time to develop an effective and safe vaccine against COVID-19.
–PTI
New Delhi
The FELUDE test is expected to launch in the next few weeks, says Harsh Vardhan
Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan during the 5th Sunday Samvaad. Twitter / @ drharshvardhan
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday that the government has yet to comment on granting emergency authorization to COVID-19 vaccines in India, as they become available.
The minister also said that the Feluda paper strip test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 could be implemented in the coming weeks. – PTI
Mumbai
Schools will not reopen in Maharashtra before Diwali, says education minister
As coronavirus cases continue to rise in Maharashtra, School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad has said schools will not reopen in the state before Diwali.
Ms Gaikwad, who recently recovered from COVID-19, said schools have been running virtual classes and teachers have been taking special classes for students in some areas.
However, the challenge is finding a way to finish the academic year and assess students, he said. – PTI
Calcutta
Government of West Bengal. institutes new COVID-19 awareness award for Durga puja
The West Bengal government has instituted a new award for COVID-19 awareness in addition to the usual categories of best idol, best pandal, best lighting for this year’s Durga Puja.
“We are presenting two Sera Covid Sachetan Pujo samman among other prize categories for bidding in the city and bidding in the 22 different districts of Kolkata,” said Minister of State for Cultural Affairs Indranil Sen.
Mr. Sen said the COVID-19 awareness award was important as bidders have been asked to follow all guidelines in pandemic situations and raise public awareness of certain mandatory measures. – PTI
New Delhi
Fewer than 1,000 deaths recorded for eight consecutive days in India
India’s COVID-19 recoveries crossed the 60 lakh mark, while fewer than 1,000 coronavirus deaths have been recorded daily for eight consecutive days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. Active coronavirus cases are less than nine lakh for the third day in a row.
With increasing recoveries, India has maintained its world leading position with the maximum number of recovered cases. The top five states with the maximum number of cases (61% of active cases) also contribute more than half (54.3%) of total recoveries, the ministry said. – PTI
Gujarat
Gujarat government may consider reopening schools only after Diwali
The Gujarat government is likely to consider reopening schools only after Diwali, a senior official said.
Vinod Rao, secretary of the State Department of Education, said there was no immediate plan to reopen schools.
“We are not doing this right away. We will consider reopening schools only after Diwali (holiday) after assessing the coronavirus situation, ”said Mr. Rao. – PTI
India
74,383 new cases in India
India recorded a daily increase of 74,383 COVID-19 cases and 918 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said in its daily COVID bulletin. With this, the number of virus cases from India is now 70.53,806 and the death toll is 1.08,334.
The Health Ministry added that the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country is now 8,67,496, while 60,77,976 people have recovered from the disease.
Karnataka
Congressional Leader Kagodu Thimmappa Tests Positive for COVID
Former Minister and Congressional Leader Kagodu Thimmappa tested positive for COVID-19 infection. He has been admitted to a hospital in Bangalore.
Thimmappa, 88, had given him a throat swab for COVID-19 in Sagar after he developed mild symptoms. He was taken to Bengaluru after the infection was confirmed. – Satish GT reports from Karnataka
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