COVID: India Reports 2,35,532 Fresh Cases; Karnataka to Lift Night Curfew
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India recorded 2,35,532 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, 29 January, according to the Union Health Ministry.
That is a slight decline from the previous day's numbers of 2,51,209.
The country did, however, see 871 COVID-related deaths in the past 24 hours, as compared to the 627 deaths that were recorded on Friday, 28 January.
Out of these 871 deaths, 258 of them are backlog deaths from Kerala, while 613 of them are new casualties from Friday.
The daily positivity rate has reduced to 13.39 percent, while the number of active cases in the country is at 20,04,333.
Delhi recorded 4,483 fresh COVID cases on Saturday, 29 January.
Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Health Minister, held a virtual review of the COVID situation in five states, namely Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.
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Maharashtra Records Highest Deaths Since October
With 103 deaths, Maharashtra witnessed the sharpest spike in daily COVID deaths, and recorded 24,948 new infections on Friday, slightly less than Thursday's numbers (25,425).
The positivity rate of the state was at 10.32 per cent, about 5 points less than the national average (15.88 per cent).
It also recorded 110 fresh Omicron cases. The total number of Omicron patients in the state is now 3,040.
West Bengal Reports 3,805 Cases
West Bengal reported 3,805 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Friday, 28 January, with the capital, Kolkata, accounting for 481 of the total cases in the state.
The state's tally has increased to 19,86,667.
The positivity rate is currently at 6.15 percent.
Union Health Minister to Review COVID Situation in 5 States
Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Health Minister, will conduct a virtual review of the COVID situation in five states, namely Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.
Among other things, he is expected to focus on the public health preparedness response measures being taken by the states with respect to the spread of the Omicron variant.
The review is supposed to commence by 3 pm.
On Friday, 29 January, Mandaviya had held high-level meetings with the health ministers of southern states and union territories.
Rajasthan Governor Tests COVID Positive
Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra tests positive for COVID-19. He is asymptomatic.
Schools, Colleges in Pune to Reopen From 1 Feb
Schools and colleges in Pune will reopen from 1 February, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar announced on Saturday, 29 January.
"Schools and colleges will reopen in Pune district from February 1. For classes 1 to 8, the school timings will be half of the regular timings, but for classes 9 to 10, the school will run as per the regular schedule. Colleges will also function as per regular time," he said.
However, he also said that consent from parents would be required to attend the school.
"The further decision for classes 1 to 8 will be taken in the next meeting", he added.
Karnataka To Withdraw Night Curfew From Monday
Karnataka government to lift night curfew with effect from Monday, 31 January.
"We've decided to open schools in Bengaluru from Monday. Night curfew to be lifted from January 31. We have directed the concerned departments to ensure that proper SOPs are followed. Marriage functions are permitted with 200 members indoors and 300 outdoors," Karnataka minister BC Nagesh said, as per ANI.
"Gyms will continue with 50% capacity. Bars, hotels, have been allowed to open. Government offices to work with 100% capacity. Offering prayers in the temples also allowed. Protest, sit-ins, religious congregations, political programs are prohibited," he added.
"Darshan and service will be allowed in religious places at 50% capacity; swimming pool and gym at 50% capacity. Sports complexes and stadiums allowed to open at 50% capacity," the Karnataka Chief Minister's Office said.
Delhi Reports 4,483 New COVID Cases
Delhi reported 4,483 new cases of COVID-19, 28 deaths and 8807 recoveries on Saturday, 29 January. Positivity rate stands at 7.41%. Active cases in the national capital are at 24,800.
Tamil Nadu Reports 24,418 New COVID Cases
Tamil Nadu reports 24,418 fresh COVID cases, 27,885 recoveries, and 46 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active cases in the state stand at 2,08,350.
Karnataka Logs 33,337 New Cases
Karnataka records 33,337 fresh COVID-19 cases, 69,902 recoveries, and 70 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active cases in the state stand at 2,52,132, while the positivity rate is at 19.37%.
'More Than 1 Cr Precaution Doses Administered So Far': Union Health Ministry
"More than 1 Cr (1,16,18,975) precaution doses for the identified categories of beneficiaries for COVID vaccination administered so far. More than 53 lakh (53,47,810) vaccine doses have been administered till 7 pm today," Union Health Ministry said on Saturday.