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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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.
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.
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.
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.