‘COVID Vaccine Shortage is Not the Issue, Planning Is’: Centre
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The issue is not of vaccine shortage but of better planning, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a briefing on Tuesday, 13 April, amid surging daily coronavirus cases in India and several states flagging paucity of doses to inoculate the eligible citizens.
"As per data till 11 am today, unutilised doses available with state and Union territories is over 1,67,20,000. This month – till April end – 2,01,22,960 doses will be provided to states/UTs. This clearly shows that the issue is about better planning and not the shortage of doses," Bhushan was quoted as saying at the Health Ministry press briefing.
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday announced that Section 144 will be imposed in the state from Wednesday for 15 days, in a bid to tackle COVID-19 infections that he said were "exploding dangerously" in the state. (Read the full list of restrictions here.)
Earlier on Tuesday, the Centre announced that it is fast-tracking approvals for foreign-produced COVID-19 vaccines that have been granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) in other countries, to expand inoculation in the country.
- India on Tuesday reported 1,61,736 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the country’s tally to 1,36,89,453. The death toll rose by 879 to 1,71,058
- The Haryana Government has revised the timings of the ‘corona curfew’ in the state, now applicable from 10 pm to 5 am
- UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that he has isolated himself as a precautionary measure after some officials of his office tested positive
- The Russian COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, has been approved for emergency use in India
- 14 private hospitals in Delhi have been declared ‘full COVID-19’ hospitals and are not allowed to admit non-COVID patients till further orders
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DCGI Approves Sputnik V for Emergency Use in India
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) on Tuesday announced that Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved the use of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus in the country.
On Monday, reports said that the Subject Expert Committee had approved Dr Reddy's application for emergency use authorisation to Sputnik V.
India Records Spike of 1,61,736 Fresh COVID-19 Cases
India on Tuesday, 13 April, reported 1,61,736 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the country’s tally to 1,36,89,453. The death toll rose by 879 to 1,71,058. The active cases stand at 12,64,698, while 1,22,53,697 patients have recovered so far.
102 Test Positive for COVID at Kumbh Mela Between Sunday, Monday: Report
According to The Indian Express, over 18,169 devotees at the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar were tested between 11.30 pm Sunday and 5 pm Monday and 102 were found positive.
India's Vaccination Exceeds 10.85 Cr on Day 3 of 'Tika Utsav'
On Day 3 of 'Tika Utsav', India’s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 10.85 crores with over 40 lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Tuesday.
13,500 Fresh COVID Cases in Delhi in Last 24 Hrs, Says Kejriwal
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that as per the report available with him, in the last 24 hours, Delhi had reported 13,500 cases. He also pointed out that during the peak in November, 8,500 cases were reported.
As the national capital recorded its biggest ever surge, Kejriwal urged the central government to cancel CBSE board exams.
"Around six lakh students and around one lakh will come to exams centres. They can get infected of COVID-19 hence it would necessary to cancel CBSE exams. I would request the Centre to cancel CBSE exams," he added.
Fast Tracking EUA for COVID Vaccines in Use in Other Countries: Centre
The Government on Tuesday announced that the Centre is fast tracking Emergency Approvals for foreign-produced COVID-19 vaccines that have been granted Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) in other countries to expand the basket of vaccines for domestic use and hasten the pace and coverage of vaccination.
COVID-19 Pandemic "A Long Way From Over": WHO Chief
Even though more than 780 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered globally, the pandemic is "a long way from over" but it can be brought under control in months with proven public health measures, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said.
18,201 New Coronavirus Cases in UP, Biggest 1-Day Spike
Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday reported 18,201 new coronavirus cases, the biggest one-day spike in the state, and 85 new fatalities.
'COVID Vaccine Shortage is Not the Issue, Planning Is': Centre
The issue is not of vaccine shortage but of better planning, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a briefing on Tuesday, amid surging daily coronavirus cases in India and several states flagging paucity of doses to inoculate the eligible citizens.
"As per data till 11 am today, unutilised doses available with state and Union territories is over 1,67,20,000. This month – till April end – 2,01,22,960 doses will be provided to states/UTs. This clearly shows that the issue is about better planning and not the shortage of doses," Bhushan was quoted as saying at the Health Ministry press briefing.
He pointed out that the Centre has sent more than 13.10 crore vaccine doses till now to states and UTs, out of which, the total consumption, including wastage, was 11.43 crore.
Maharashtra CM Thackeray to Address the State at 8:30 pm Today
Amid the continuing surge in coronavirus cases, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will address the state at 8.30 pm on Tuesday.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath Isolates Self After Officers Test COVID +Ve
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that he has isolated himself as a precautionary measure after some officials of his office tested positive for coronavirus. "These officers have been in contact with me," he tweeted.
'CM Thackeray Will Take Decision Related to Imposing Strict SOPs': Maha Minister
Ahead of CM Uddhav Thackeray's address to the state at 8:30 pm on Tuesday, Maharashtra Minister Aslam Sheikh said the former will take a decision related to imposing strict SOPs.
"We have to break the chain of transmission of infection. We could have avoided lockdown if the number of cases was less. The government will do its best to save lives," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
He also said that celebrities who are asymptomatic should take treatment at home, and not occupy beds in hospitals. "Some celebrities like Akshay Kumar and Sachin Tendulkar did not need to get admitted to the hospital. Beds should be left for the needy," Sheikh said.
New Restrictions in Maharashtra From Tomorrow
Following measures will be enforced in the state from 14 April, 8 pm, till 1 May:
- Section 144 and night curfew to be imposed in the State. No one will be allowed to move about in public places without valid reasons.
- All public places, establishments and activities shall remain closed, except services and activities mentioned in the essential category.
- All places of worship, schools and colleges, private coaching classes, barbershops, spas, salons and beauty parlous will remain closed from tomorrow till 7 am on 1 May.
- E-commerce will be only allowed for the delivery of essential goods and services. No religious, social, cultural or political functions allowed.
- Cinema halls, theatres, auditoriums, amusement parks, gyms, sports complexes to be closed. Shooting for films, serial, ads to be closed. All shops, malls, shopping centres not performing essential services to also remain closed.
Read the full story here.
Assam Issues SOPs for People Arriving By Air
All passengers arriving in Assam by air will have to mandatorily undergo a mandatory Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at the airport, as per the new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Assam government. No fees will be payable by the passengers for the Rapid Antigen Test, reported ANI.
6,690 New Coronavirus Cases in Gujarat
Gujarat reported 6,690 new cases on Tuesday, with 2,748 discharged and 67 deaths. This takes the total active cases in the state to 34,555 and the death toll to 4,922.
8,998 New COVID Cases in MP, Highest So Far
Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday reported 8,998 new coronavirus cases, the highest one-day spike. Meanwhile, the death toll increased by 40 to 4,261.
Haryana Curfew Timings Revised, Now From 10 pm to 5 am
The Haryana Government has revised the timings of the 'corona curfew' in the state, now applicable from 10 pm to 5 am, ANI reported.