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A record single-day jump in Covid19 deaths seen by Rajasthan

covid raj

With a total of 121 more people succumbing to the viral disease on Tuesday as well as 16,089 fresh cases, Rajasthan recorded the highest single-day rise in its Covid-19 death toll. According to an official report, with the fresh cases, the state’s cumulative tally has climbed to 5,46,964 and the death toll stands at 3,806.

Also See: New mutants of Coronavirus

The official report also said that the number of active cases has also increased to 1,55,182.  Among the fresh cases include Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra.

He tweeted, “After showing the initial symptoms, my Covid test report is positive today. On the advice of doctors, I have isolated myself at the Sikar residence. I request all the people who have come in contact with me for the last few days to get the test done.”

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has wished him a speedy recovery. GS Dotasra has tested positive for the second time.

Also Read: Issues faced by India in dealing with Covid 19 resurge- Is it too late to contain the Second Wave

Among the districts in the state, which reported deaths were Jodhpur (22), Jaipur (21), Udaipur (14), Bikaner (8), Kota and Sikar (6 each), Pali and Alwar (5 each), Ajmer, Barmer and Sirohi (4 each).

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An unique approach taken by officials in Kakinada to induce Covid-appropriate behaviour

Kakinada

The importance of Covid19 appropriate behaviour needs to be driven into the minds of the population in order to contain the spread of the virus.

To nudge people into Covid appropriate behaviour, officials in Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) took an interesting step. They tied masks on the faces of the statues of freedom fighters and indirectly urged people of the East Godavari district to draw inspiration from the historical figures to take precaution against the spread of the virus. The district has been witnessing more than 1000 new cases of Covid19 each day, yet the people are reluctant to wear mask. The district officials expressed concern about the reluctance and urged the people to maintain social distancing apart from wearing masks.

Also See: New mutants of Coronavirus

Andhra Pradesh government has designated 15 private hospitals as Covid19 hospitals in Kakinada and Rajamahendravaram cities in East Godavari district to tackle the spread of the dreaded disease.

Also Read: Issues faced by India in dealing with Covid 19 resurge- Is it too late to contain the Second Wave

A Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant was inaugurated by Backward classes Welfare Minister Ch Venugopala Krishna at the Kakinada Government general hospital (GGH).  The centre has sanctioned the PSA plant to supply oxygen to Covid-19 patients. This plant would make oxygen from the natural air changing it to its liquid form for medical use. The Kakinada plant which has been set up at a cost of Rs 1.2 crore, is expected to produce 1,700 litres of liquid oxygen per day.

Kakinada is the sixth-largest city in Andhra Pradesh. The city located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal serves as the district headquarter of the East Godavari district.

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Delhi announced free vaccine for everyone above 18 years of age-approval given for purchase of 1.34 crore vaccines

Arvind Kejriwal

As the national capital, Delhi continues to grapple with the ongoing surge in Covid19, the Delhi government on Monday announced that it will provide free vaccines to everyone above 18 years of age when the drive begins on May 1. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced, “Today we have given the approval for the purchase of 1.34 crore vaccines. We will make an effort to ensure that it is purchased soon and administered at the earliest to people.”

Also See: New mutants of Coronavirus

On Monday, the Delhi High Court asked the state government to set up more virus testing centres and expand its sample collection infrastructure. The court was replying to Centre’s representative, who said that testing numbers have gone down in the national capital.

Apart from Delhi, Gujarat, Odisha, Rajasthan have announced free vaccine for all above 18 years.

Also Read: Issues faced by India in dealing with Covid 19 resurge- Is it too late to contain the Second Wave

While addressing the press on Sunday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that, in order to contain the spread, the lockdown in the National Capital would be extended by another week, until 5 am on May 3.

Also Read: US prioritized domestic production of vaccines over providing raw-materials to India

India has recorded over 3.52 lakh new Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours ending 8 am on Monday, taking the country’s total infections to over 1.73 crore. Apart from the USA, UK and EU have also pledged to help India in terms of vaccine-ingredients, oxygen tankers, and oxygen concentrators.

Indian NSA Ajit Doval had a phone call with his American counterpart Jake Sullivan on Sunday. Following this call, the USA has decided to export raw materials required by Indian vaccine makers and deploy a team of experts to help India tide over the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Covid19: Daily infection rate crossed 3.5 lakh amid Oxygen deficiency- the virus now has a BRN of 9-10

coronavirus infections

On Monday, 352,991 fresh coronavirus infections were reported in India, taking the cumulative caseload to 17,313,163, as per the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Amid a back-breaking situation of oxygen shortage and a faltering health system in India, the country saw 2,812 deaths in the highest single-day spike. As of now, the death toll from the deadly infection of Covid19 stands at 195,116. India now has more than 2.8 million active cases.

Also Read: Issues faced by India in dealing with Covid 19 resurge- Is it too late to contain the Second Wave

Hospitals in Delhi and other places across the country are turning away patients after running out of medical oxygen and beds. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has extended a lockdown in the capital that had been due to end on Monday for a week. Doctors at All India Institute of Medical Sciences have found out that one patient is now infecting up to nine in 10 contacts, compared with up to four last year. In virological & epidemiological terms, this means that this recent wave is seeing a Basic Reproduction Number or R0 of 9-10.

On Sunday, Maharashtra logged 832 Covid19 related fatalities, which is the highest-ever single-day spike since the pandemic started to grapple the world early last year. After the inclusion of today’s count, the death toll in the state has reached 64,760.  Today as many as 66,191 fresh Covid-19 cases were reported from Maharashtra.

Also See: New mutants of Coronavirus

In India, the six most affected states by total number of cases are Maharashtra (4,161,676), Kerala (1,322,054), Karnataka (1,247,997), Tamil Nadu (1,037,711), and Andhra Pradesh (997,462), Uttar Pradesh (976,765) and Delhi (956,348).

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It is important to do ‘Jan Ki Baat’ as system has failed, said Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi

On Sunday, Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged all Congress workers to leave all political works to stand by with people amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic because the system has failed.

Mr. Gandhi tweeted that it is time to talk about the welfare of the people because the ‘system’ has failed. The tweet came as the country recorded 2,767 deaths from Covid-19 in the last 24 hours and 3,49,691 fresh Covid-19 infections, both of which are records for the country.

He also said, “At this hour of crisis, the country needs responsible people. I urge my friends in the Congress to leave all political works and help the people of India; help alleviate the suffering of the people of India. This is the dharma of the Congress family.”

Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that the “system has failed” came visibly as a response to the ‘mann ki baat’ programme. Mr. Gandhi asserted that it is the duty of the party to provide help to fellow citizens suffering due to sudden spurt in Covid-19 cases in the country.

Also Read: Issues faced by India in dealing with Covid 19 resurge- Is it too late to contain the Second Wave

It is worthwhile to note that on March 18, 2021, Rahul Gandhi had spoken about an impending tsunami of Covid19 cases. On April 24, 2021, Delhi high court reflected the same observational stance by calling the Covid19 situation a tsunami.

The Delhi High Court on Saturday asked the Centre about the preparedness to deal with the expected Covid-19 second wave peak in mid-May, terming the massive rise in cases as a “Tsunami”, and warned that it will “hang” any person who tries to obstruct oxygen supplies to hospitals.

Also See: New mutants of Coronavirus

Reiterating the notion of Covid19 tsunami presented by Rahul Gandhi on March 18, the Delhi high court bench talked tough on the Covid19 issue. The bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli, gave their comment during a special hearing on a holiday on the issue of mounting oxygen crisis in various hospitals in Delhi.

Also Read: Oxygen crisis continues- 20 patients died due to low Oxygen pressure in Delhi hospital

Even when the cases of Covid19 are on a surge, parties especially BJP went on all guns blazing for election rallies in poll-bound states like West Bengal, adding to the risk of further rise in cases. Around Rs 100 crore were spent by BJP on flights for the purpose of rallies in West Bengal, and about Rs 200 crore were spent on stay in hotels and suites, while the country struggles to get the citizens vaccinated.

In this regard, Congress was the first party to cancel its rallies in the run-up to the Bengal polls, due to the risk of rise in Covid19 cases.

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To curb the spread of Covid19, Tamil Nadu government imposed lockdown on Sunday

Coronavirus

In view of the rising number of cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), fresh restrictions with some exceptions have been imposed by Tamil Nadu government in the state from April 26.

Earlier the Palaniswami government had announced a night curfew, ban on tourists at hill stations and a complete lockdown on Sundays.

People largely chose to remain indoors in the state on the first Sunday of complete lockdown during the second wave of Covid-19, making things easy for law enforcement personnel.

Also See: New mutants of Coronavirus

Arterial roads across the state like Anna Salai, Poonamalee High Road, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, East Coast Road in Chennai, Avinashi Road, Pollachi Main Road, Salem Ernakulam Nation Highway in Western Tamil Nadu and several such stretches in Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Tirunelveli and other important centres did not see vehicle movement.

From Apr 26, beauty parlors, salons, spas, barber shops are to remain closed. Only takeaway would be allowed in hotels, restaurants & tea shops. Apart from this, all places of worship would remain closed for the public.

Also Read: Issues faced by India in dealing with Covid 19 resurge- Is it too late to contain the Second Wave

Additionally, the night curfew, in place from 10pm to 4am, and the Sunday lockdown will continue, with an exemption for essential services.

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Fire broke out in ICU of Covid19 unit-hospital in Mumbai amid rising number of cases

Mumbai icu fire

After a fire broke out in the intensive care unit of an Indian hospital treating Covid19 patients near Mumbai, at least 13 patients have died.

Authorities stated that the blaze, which took place early on Friday, was extinguished and four survivors have been moved to nearby hospitals. This incident comes amid a deadly second wave of infections in India.

Also See: New mutants of Coronavirus

The spike in the cases has overwhelmed hospitals, creating a critical shortage of oxygen, intensive care beds and ventilators.

Adding to the anxiety, on Friday India recorded 332,730 coronavirus cases, the highest one-day tally anywhere in the world for the second day in a row. Daily deaths from Covid-19 rose by a record 2,263 in the previous 24 hours.

The incident of fire took place at the Vijay Vallabh hospital in the Virar area of the western state of Maharashtra, which is about 70km (43 miles) north of Mumbai.

It remains unclear exactly how the blaze started, and Maharashtra’s chief minister has ordered an inquiry in this regard.

Also Read: Issues faced by India in dealing with Covid 19 resurge- Is it too late to contain the Second Wave

The rising number of cases of Covid19 has resulted in a deepening healthcare crisis that has gripped several states in India.

The supreme court of India has asked the central government for a national plan by Friday, on bolstering supply, oxygen, medicine, treatment, and vaccines.

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In Tripura, atleast 30 Covid19 patients fled from Covid care centre

In Tripura, atleast 30 Covid19 patients fled from Covid care centre

When the entire country is dealing with the second wave of Covid19, a new problem arises in the North-East. On Thursday, in Tripura, at least 30 Covid-19 patients escaped from a Covid care centre where they were admitted, as stated by Police. The incident took place on Wednesday late at night.

A senior police official said, “We have already alerted the railway stations and all police stations after getting the complaint. We suspected that they have escaped from the backside of the Covid care centre as there were securities in front of the centre.”

The locations of these Covid-19 patients have been traced outside the northeastern state after tracking their mobile numbers.

Also See: New mutants of Coronavirus

These Covid-19 patients were learnt to have landed in Tripura from different states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, to appear for job interviews.

With a hike in Covid-19 cases in the state, the government has imposed a night curfew from Thursday till April 30 from 10 pm to 5 am.

Also Read: Issues faced by India in dealing with Covid 19 resurge- Is it too late to contain the Second Wave

This situation of Covid19 patients feeling from care unit can lead to a situation of an escalating number of cases, if they are not brought back into containment or in any Covid care unit. Services like India epidemic intelligence service under National Centre for Disease Control can be expected to spring into action in this case, albeit behind the scene.

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Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh tested positive for Covid19-admitted in AIIMS

Manmohan-singh

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has tested positive for Covid19. On Monday evening at around 5 pm, he was taken to AIIMS after he complained of mild symptoms. It is worthwhile to note that Dr. Singh had taken both shots of the Covaxin, the first on March 04 and the second on April 03. He has been admitted to the AIIMS trauma centre, a dedicated Covid19 unit in the hospital. The decision to hospitalize 88-year-old Dr. Singh was taken keeping into consideration his age and medical history. Dr. Singh has had two bypass surgeries done, one in 1990 and the other in 2004.

Former Union minister P Chidambaram, CMs Ashok Gehlot, Amarinder Singh and Mamata Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah and several other leaders expressed their concerns on the news of Dr. Singh getting admitted for Covid19 and wished him speedy recovery.

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Wishing you a speedy recovery. India needs your guidance and advice in this difficult time.”

 “My prayers are with Manmohan Singh ji and his family today, and my deepest respect. May he fight this scourge with all his might and get well soon,” Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Twitter.

Also See: New mutants of Coronavirus

Dr. Manmohan Singh had provided a five-point guide to help the Modi government with regards to Covid19 pandemic. But, instead of constructively incorporating the suggestions given by the former PM, the government responded in a political BJP vs Congress tone. And, it was the health minister who responded, not Modi, as the latter’s distance from constructive intellectual discourse and guidance is well-known.

It must be noted that India had clocked a 10.08% growth under Dr. Manmoham Singh’s guidance and work as Prime Minister, which is diametrically opposed to the present shambolic state the decimated economy stands in.

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Under duress induced by Covid19, non-essential shop owners are shifting to home service mode

Non essential-shops

Non-essential shop owners and traders have suffered financially as strict restrictions have been imposed in Pune.

To create options for customers, new techniques of getting business done by these shop owners are being employed.

Over the past weeks, the inferno of the Covid19 has hammered the Indian population through the carelessness of a large number of people & the indifference of the parties conducting election rallies. The impacts on Maharashtra are no different.

Also See: New mutants of Coronavirus

Several non-essential shop owners around the city of Pune have put up banners outside their shops giving contact details for those in need of purchasing any product.

Similarly, non-essential service providers, like the barbers, have also started circulating contact numbers on social media and are providing home service to customers.

Amit Shinde, a barber from the Bajirao road area stated, “From April first week our shop is closed, but I was getting calls from my regular customers to give home service. Accordingly, we made some social media posts and circulated it amongst our regular customers. Now we daily do home service as per orders.”

Also Read: Issues faced by India in dealing with Covid 19 resurge- Is it too late to contain the Second Wave

Most telephone and electrical shop owners near the Hatti Ganpati mandal and on Tilak road have put up banners outside their closed shutters.

Shamsher Khan, a mobile shop owner on Tilak road stated, “Customers who want to purchase mobile phones or any accessories can contact us directly. According to their requirements, we send them details on WhatsApp and then sell the product. The delivery is to the home or to the address given by the customer.”

Even customers are looking at this system to purchase non-essential items. Kushal Das, who purchased a water cooler last week from a shop on Sinhagad road, said, “As summer is going on, I wanted to buy a water cooler urgently. So I went to a shop where they had given their contact number, selected the product and made the payment online. Within a couple of hours, the cooler was delivered to my home.”

As per Maharashtra health department, a day after logging the highest 68,631 COVID-19 cases, the state on Monday witnessed a dip in its daily count by recording 58,924 fresh infections and 351 deaths. The department further stated that the overall case tally in the state now stands at 38,98,262 while the toll is 60,824. The state is now left with 6,76,520 active cases.