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AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine safe, Indian trials progressing smoothly: Serum Institute
- Vaccine major Serum Institute of India on Thursday said the Covid-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University is safe and effective, and the Indian trials are progressing smoothly with strict adherence to all protocols.
- The comments came after AstraZeneca and Oxford University acknowledged a manufacturing error that is raising questions about preliminary results of their experimental Covid-19 vaccine.
5 more COVID-19 deaths, 487 new cases in J-K
- Jammu and Kashmir recorded 487 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday, while five fatalities took place in the last 24 hours, raising the infection tally to 1,08,306 and the death toll to 1,668, officials said.
- Of the fresh cases, 232 are from the Jammu division and 255 from the Kashmir division, they said.
- The officials said Jammu district recorded a maximum of 111 new COVID-19 cases, followed by Srinagar which recorded 110 fresh infections.
Covid-19: Navi Mumbai civic body commissioner orders probe into fake negative reports allegedly being prepared by some testing laboratories
Haryana reports 25 more COVID-19 deaths, 2,122 fresh cases
- Haryana reported 25 more fatalities due to COVID-19 on Thursday, taking the death toll to 2,316, while 2,122 fresh cases pushed the state’s infection tally to 2,26,611.
- Faridabad registered five deaths, Hisar, Jhajjar and Rohtak three each, and Gurgaon, Rewari, Panchkula, Kurukshetra and Jind districts two each, according to the state health department’s daily bulletin.
Covid-19 cases in Tamil Nadu dip below 1500 mark
- The number of new Covid-19 cases in Tamil Nadu has dipped below the 1500 mark with 1464 people testing positive for the infection on Thursday. This takes the total tally of cases to 776,174 , the State media bulletin confirmed. Tamil Nadu has been showing a steady decline in cases in the last few months, providing a lot of relief as it has been among the worst-affected in the country.
Delhi Govt to take decision whether night curfew is required to be imposed in the city
Delhi HC says it's now for Delhi Govt to take a call as to whether night curfew is required to be imposed in Delhi… https://t.co/8rV5YP0a1e
— ANI (@ANI) 1606402593000
Covid-19: Gujarat reports 1,560 new cases, 16 deaths and 1,302 recoveries
- The state’s case tally reaches 2,03,509 including 1,85,058 recoveries and 3922 deaths till now. Total active cases are 14,529: State Health Department
Africa faces wait for mass COVID-19 vaccination: Disease control group
- Mass vaccination against COVID-19 is unlikely to start in Africa until midway through next year and keeping vaccines cold could be a big challenge, the continent’s disease control group said on Thursday.
- Some European countries expect to start rolling out vaccination campaigns as early as January.
- But health campaigners are worried that Africa will find itself near the back of the queue for COVID-19 vaccines after wealthier nations signed a raft of bilateral vaccine supply deals with pharmaceutical companies.
Manipur reported 159 new cases and 158 recoveries today, taking total cases to 24,292 including 20,798 recoveries, 249 deaths and 3,245 active cases: State Health Department
Delhi reported 5,475 new COVID-19 cases, 4,937 recoveries, and 91 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to Delhi Health Department
Maharashtra reports 6,406 new COVID-19 cases, 4,815 recoveries, and 65 deaths today, as per State Health Department
COVID-19 testing has reached ‘saturation level’ in Delhi: Health Minister
- Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said the testing capacity for COVID-19 has reached the “saturation level” in the national capital and laboratories here are finding it difficult to release results of all RT-PCR tests within a day.
- As many as 61,778 tests, including 26,080 RT-PCR — the highest till date for the city — and 35,698 rapid antigen tests, were conducted on Tuesday for the detection of COVID-19.
Covid-19: Punjab reported 845 new cases, 467 discharges and 26 deaths today, says Govt of Punjab.
- Total cases in the state rise to 1,49,278, including 1,37,089 recoveries and 4,710 deaths. Active cases stand at 7,479.
355 more test positive for COVID-19, 11 deaths in Uttarakhand
- Uttarakhand’s COVID-19 tally rose to 72,997 with 355 more persons testing positive on Thursday, while eleven more patients died.
- Deharadun district reported the highest number of 128 cases, followed by Pithoragarh 51, Pauri 39, Haridwar 28, Nainital 24, Chamoli 24, Udham Singh Nagar 18, Almora 14, Tehri nine, Bageshwar and Champawat six each , Uttarkashi five and Rudraprayag three, a state health department bulletin said.
COVID: Rajasthan reported 3,180 new cases, 2179 recoveries/discharges, and 19 deaths today, as per State Health Department
Ambassadors of 100 countries are scheduled to visit visit Serum Institute of India
Ambassadors of 100 countries are scheduled to visit Pune on December 4, they will visit Serum Institute of India an… https://t.co/pRcA5Bu1pn
— ANI (@ANI) 1606397005000
Fine for non-wearing of masks in public places will be increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1000: Chandigarh Administration
Andhra Pradesh adds 1,031 new COVID-19 cases, 8 deaths push toll to 6,970
- Andhra Pradesh’s Covid-19 tally increased by 1,031 to 8,65,705 on Thursday.
- The total recoveries touched 8,46,120 after 1,081 patients got cured in 24 hours ending 9 am on Thursday.
PM Modi to visit Serum Institute of India in Pune on November 28th
PM Narendra Modi will visit Serum Institute of India in Pune on November 28 to review the vaccine production and di… https://t.co/MMYLwyt5ji
— ANI (@ANI) 1606395548000
Covid-19: Kerala reports 5,378 new cases today; There are 64,486 active cases and 5,16,978 recoveries in the State: State Health Department
Africa CDC sees COVID-19 vaccinations in 2nd quarter of 2021
- Vaccinations against COVID-19 in Africa might not start until the second quarter of next year, the continent’s top public health official said Thursday, adding that it will be “extremely dangerous” if more developed parts of the world vaccinate themselves and then restrict travel to people with proof of a vaccination.
- The director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong, told reporters that “I have seen how Africa is neglected when drugs are available” in the past.
London to be placed in second highest COVID risk category
- London will be placed into the second highest COVID-19 risk category when a national lockdown ends on Dec. 2, while much of England remains under the toughest level of restrictions to control the spread of the virus.
- Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that blanket restrictions in England will end after a month-long lockdown, to be replaced by a system of regional restrictions to try to insulate the worst-hit areas.
Greece extends nationwide coronavirus lockdown by a week
- Greece will extend its nationwide lockdown by a week until Dec. 7 as COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the country, a government spokesman said on Thursday.
EU drugs watchdog expects first application for COVID-19 vaccine in days
- Europe’s drugs watchdog said on Thursday it expects to receive the first application for conditional marketing approval for a COVID-19 vaccine “in the coming days”, the latest step towards making a shot available outside the United States.
Germany’s hotspot district to launch COVID-19 mass tests for children
- The state premier of Thuringia on Thursday announced a first mass test for children in the district of Hildburghausen, Germany’s coronavirus hotspot, to find out to what extent they contribute to a rapid surge in infections.
- The east German district saw a record 603 cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days, more than four times Germany’s average incidence of 140, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases.
Ukraine requests $100 mln World Bank loan for COVID-19 vaccine
- Ukraine is seeking a $100 million loan from the World Bank to buy doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, deputy health minister Svitlana Shatalova said on Thursday, as the number of new infections in the country hit a daily record high.
Putin opens COVID-19 drug plant as Russia reports daily record for cases, deaths
- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday inaugurated a pharmaceutical plant in Siberia that will manufacture drugs to treat COVID-19 as the country reported record high numbers of new coronavirus infections and deaths.
- Russia has experienced a surge in infections since September, but authorities have resisted imposing lockdowns, relying instead on targeted measures in certain regions.
Georgia introduces new restrictions for two months to curb COVID-19
- Georgia is to introduce more coronavirus restrictions including new curfew hours, the closure of most shops, restaurants, swimming pools and gyms and the restriction of transport and a ban on sports and cultural events.
- The South Caucasus country’s prime minister, Giorgi Gakharia, said on Thursday the new measures would come into force on Saturday and last until Jan. 31. Restrictions will be temporarily eased from Dec. 24 to Jan. 3 and on Jan. 6-7 for the Orthodox Christmas.
Prevalence of COVID-19 infections in England fell last week
- The prevalence of COVID-19 infections in England have fallen slightly, with 633,000 infections in the latest week to Nov. 21 from 664,700 the week before, the Office for National Statistics said on Thursday.
Uttar Pradesh records 30 more COVID-19 deaths, 2,094 new cases
- The COVID-19 tally in Uttar Pradesh rose to 5,35,449 on Thursday with 2,094 fresh cases, while 30 more fatalities pushed the death toll to 7,674, a health department bulletin said.
- There are 25,422 active cases in the state, of which 12,443 are in home isolation.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has been admitted to Max Hospital, he is stable: Office of the Environment Minister
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has been admitted to Max Hospital, he is stable: Office of the Environment Min… https://t.co/jm8zuozPEe
— ANI (@ANI) 1606387162000
Germany passes over 15,000 virus deaths
- Germany has passed the grim milestone of more than 15,000 deaths from the coronavirus.
- The Robert Koch Institute, the country’s disease control center, said Thursday that another 389 deaths were recorded overnight, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 15,160.
- Germany has seen 983,588 total cases of the coronavirus after adding 22,368 overnight, the agency said.
Increase COVID-19 testing in rural areas of Rajasthan: CM to officials
- Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday stressed on the need to increase COVID-19 testing in rural areas of the state and directed officials to intensify awareness programmes on the coronavirus.
- The chief minister issued the directions during a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation of the state.
- He asked officials to further intensify public awareness campaigns on COVID-19, especially in rural areas. Testing for the coronavirus should also be increased in villages, the chief minister said.
Delhi records over 2,300 COVID deaths in less than a month: Official data
- The national capital has witnessed 2,364 deaths due to coronavirus since October 28, when the daily rise in infections breached the mark of 5,000 cases for the first time, according to official data.
- Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths, 99 more fatalities on Wednesday pushed the city’s total death toll due to the disease to 8,720. It was after five days that Delhi recorded single-day deaths below 100.
- The city reported 98 deaths on November 19, 118 on November 20, 111 on November 21, 121 each on November 22 and 23, and 109 fatalities on November 24, according to official data.
PM Narendra Modi to visit Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune on November 28
Militant attack in J-K, two security personnel killed
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the assailants, he said.
Haryana sets up 3-member drafting committee to frame law on ‘love jihad’
6 states/UTs contributed to 60.72% of new cases
The case fatality rates of Punjab (3.16 per cent), Maharashtra (2.60 per cent), West Bengal (1.75 per cent) and Delhi (1.60 per cent) are higher than the national average of 1.46 per cent, the ministry said.
Germany’s COVID restrictions likely to continue in January: Merkel
“Given the high number of infections, we assume that the restrictions which are in place before Christmas will be continue to be valid until the start of January,” said Merkel.
Avoid cash payment of fines for COVID norms violations; create portal for it, HC tells Delhi
What have you done with fine amounts collected for violation of COVID-19 norms? Use it for a good cause: HC to Delhi govt
PM to visit Serum Institute of India in Pune on Nov 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Pune-based Serum Institute of India, which has partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca and the Oxford University for COVID-19 vaccine.
Premium for new insurance policies purchased between Oct 12-Mar 31 period eligible under LTC scheme
- Payment of premium for existing insurance policies would not be covered under the scheme
- However, payment of premium for insurance policies purchased during October 12, 2020, and March 31, 2021 period is eligible for reimbursement.
- FinMin also clarified that for purchases of goods like cars, employees can submit self-attested photocopy of bills instead of original bills as proof for availing the benefit under the scheme.
Prohibitory orders in Lucknow till Dec 1 to stop Covid spread
- UP government has clamped Section 144 in Lucknow till December 1.
- No new event will be allowed in Lucknow without prior permission.
- Active cases in Lucknow has risen to 3,570 while the total number deaths have reached 975. The city has recorded more than 70,000 cases till date.
- Lucknow is among the six cities — Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Meerut and Agra– that are reporting high virus load cases.
Seven found positive in Noida’s random COVID testing at Delhi border
- Seven people coming from Delhi to Noida were found positive for COVID-19 during random tests of 147 people at Gautam Buddh Nagar’s border.
- The administration had on November 18 started random testing of people coming to Noida from Delhi in view of the spike in coronavirus cases in Delhi.
UP CM Adityanath warns against harassment, says no permission requirement for organising wedding functions
- The chief minister warned of stern action if complaints were received
- He asked them to create awareness and encourage people to follow the guidelines
- Adityanath clarified that there is no requirement for police or administrative permission for organising wedding functions
- Wedding functions can be held by complying with necessary COVID protocols and guidelines
- Workers and band group members are exempted from the restrictions on such events
International air travel to remain suspended till Dec 31, 2020.
- International air travel to remain suspended till Dec 31, 2020.
- International all-cargo operations & flights approved by DGCA exempted.
- The DGCA order came after the home ministry did not allow international flights under unlockdown measures
COVID may hurt male fertility: Researchers
- Evidence of testes damage from COVID has been accumulating in a series of small autopsy studies, suggesting that the new coronavirus could have an impact on male fertility.
- Researchers from the University of Miami in Florida compared testis tissues from six men who died of COVID-19 and three who died of other causes.
- Three of the COVID-19 patients had testis damage that would impair their ability to produce sperm.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tests positive
I have tested positive for #COVIDー19 & am self isolating with mild symptoms. I‘ll continue working from home & will… https://t.co/NluDBMS5cR
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) 1606366159000
South Korea virus cases hit highest level since March
- South Korea reported its highest daily number of coronavirus cases since March, with a surge of new infections sparking fears of a major third wave.
- 583 new cases have been reported after several weeks of fresh infections ranging between around 100 and 300.
- The latest cases have mostly been clusters at offices, schools, gyms and small gatherings in the greater Seoul area.
Ajit Pawar prays at Pandharpur temple for early COVID-19 vaccine
- Maharashtra DeputyCM Ajit Pawar prayed for early availability of COVID vaccine and performed the customary ‘maha pooja’ at Lord Vitthal’s temple in Pandharpur on the occasion of ‘Kartiki Ekadashi’.
- Ajit Pawar and his wife Sunetra Pawar performed the pooja of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini at the temple located at Pandharpur in Solapur.
6 Pakistan cricketers test positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand
- Two of the cases are deemed historical and four are new but all six players will move to the quarantine arm of their isolation facility.
- The Pakistan team’s exemption to train while in managed isolation will be withheld until an investigation has been completed.
- All players were tested four times before their departure from Lahore to New Zealand and were negative on each occasion.
Delhi minister Gopal Rai tests positive for Covid-19: Sources
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain had been infected with coronavirus.
India tested nearly 11 lakh samples yesterday
Total number of samples tested up to 25th November is 13,59,31,545 including 10,90,238 samples tested yesterday: In… https://t.co/KL4mgEVhaU
— ANI (@ANI) 1606365106000
44,489 new infections & 524 fatalities reported in last 24 hours
- Single-day rise of 44,489 new infections & 524 fatalities pushes India’s COVID-19 caseload to 92,66,705, death toll to 1,35,223: Govt.
- Active COVID-19 cases stand at 4,52,344, while 86,79,138 people have recovered from the disease so far: Health Ministry.
Jharkhand reports 237 new COVID-19 cases, 3 fresh fatalities
- Jharkhand’s COVID-19 tally roseto 1,08,158 on Thursday as 237 more people tested positive for the infection.
- Three more patients succumbed to the infection, pushing the state’s coronavirus death toll to 958.
Goa makes screening of air, rail passengers mandatory
- Goa government made it mandatory for the passengers arriving at the state’s airport and railway stations to undergo thermal screening.
- Only those who pass through such screening may go home or to their destination
- Passengers with body temperature beyond acceptable range will be sent for COVID-19 test on payment of Rs 2,000 per individual.
- Persons travelling from Goa to Maharashtra by road, railway and air and who are desirous to obtain RT-PCR negative test report from the health authorities may do so after paying Rs 2,000.
UK records highest daily Covid-19 death toll since May 5
- The coronavirus-related deaths in Britain rose by 696 to 56,533, marking the highest daily death number since May 5.
- Another 18,213 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 1,557,007.
US Covid-19 deaths top 2,60,000: Johns Hopkins University
- US registered over 2,400 deaths from Covid-19 in 24 hours, the highest daily toll in six months as the Thanksgiving holiday began.
- With the national caseload topping 12.6 million, the death toll across the US rose to 2,60,322.
- New York state reported 34,362 fatalities. Texas recorded the second most deaths, standing at 21,245. The states of California, Florida and New Jersey all confirmed more than 16,000 deaths.
- States with more than 9,000 fatalities also include Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan.
Maharashtra conducting COVID tests on train passengers arriving from Delhi, Goa, Rajasthan & Gujarat
Maharashtra: #COVID19 tests being done on passengers arriving from Delhi, Goa, Rajasthan & Gujarat. Visuals from Pu… https://t.co/lXm9wfqwzF
— ANI (@ANI) 1606345087000
AstraZeneca manufacturing error clouds vaccine study results
- AstraZeneca and Oxford have acknowledged a manufacturing error that is raising questions about preliminary results of their experimental COVID-19 vaccine.
- A statement describing the error came days after the company and the university described the shots as “highly effective” and made no mention of why some study participants didn’t receive as much vaccine in the first of two shots as expected.
- In a surprise, the group of volunteers that got a lower dose seemed to be much better protected than the volunteers who got two full doses.
- In the low-dose group, AstraZeneca said, the vaccine appeared to be 90% effective. In the group that got two full doses, the vaccine appeared to be 62% effective. Combined, the drugmakers said the vaccine appeared to be 70% effective.
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