Tag: coronavirus

Daily COVID-19 cases in India slip down to 7,633

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Daily COVID-19 cases in India have dropped to 7,633 in the past 24 hours compared to Monday’s 9,111 cases and 10,093 reported on Sunday. The active caseload now stands at 61,233, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday.

The death toll has increased to 5,31,152, with 11 additional deaths recorded.

The data shows that four deaths were reported from Delhi, while one each was reported from Haryana, Karnataka and Punjab. Meanwhile, Kerala accounted for four fatalities.

ALSO READ | Woman warns of hearing loss as COVID-19 symptom | How common is it

India’s COVID-19 case tally has reached 44.7 million (4,48,34,859). Active cases now comprise 0.14 percent of the total infections, and the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.68 percent, the ministry said.

The number of people who have recovered from the disease has surged to 4,42,42,474, and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.18 percent.

The Ministry’s website reports that 2.20 billion doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in the country so far, under the nationwide vaccination drive.

Punjab records 148 new cases, one death

Punjab recorded 148 new cases of COVID-19 and one death on Monday, according to a medical bulletin. The bulletin reported that the fresh cases included 43 from Mohali, 24 from Ludhiana, 19 from Patiala, 16 from Fatehgarh Sahib, and eight each from Amritsar and Mansa.

ALSO READ | Is conjunctivitis a ‘new’ COVID symptom? Here’s what experts and studies say | 5 points

The latest death was reported from Ludhiana, and the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state rose to 1,574. The positivity rate stood at 5.48 percent, the bulletin said.

Delhi records 32.25% positivity rate — highest in 15 months

Delhi recorded 1,017 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, with a positivity rate of 32.25 percent, the highest in 15 months, according to data from the city government’s health department. The capital had last recorded a positivity rate of 30.6 percent on January 14 last year.

With the new cases, Delhi’s COVID-19 tally climbed to 20,24,244, and four new fatalities pushed the death toll to 26,567, as per the health department bulletin. Of the latest fatalities, coronavirus was the primary cause of death in two cases, it stated.

The fresh cases emerged from 3,153 tests conducted the previous day, according to the bulletin. On Sunday, Delhi had recorded 1,634 cases with a positivity rate of 29.68 percent, while on Saturday, the city had reported 1,396 cases with a positivity rate of 31.9 percent.

ALSO READ | Resurging Covid — it’s time to reintroduce the aggressive testing, vaccination and behaviour regimen

With agency inputs.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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Woman warns of hearing loss as COVID-19 symptom | How common is it

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A nursing lecturer at the University of South Australia reported sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) five weeks after testing positive for COVID-19. She was fully vaccinated. The findings were published in the latest edition of the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Case Reports.

Under one of its ‘learning points’, the study in the BMJ journal said: “Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) might be a symptom of COVID-19 infection and could also present weeks after full recovery even among patients who only experienced mild illness.”

The COVID-19 case

A press release by the University of South Australia said Kim Gibson, a registered nurse with a clinical background in neonatal intensive care, developed acute hearing loss in one ear, along with vertigo and tinnitus weeks after experiencing a mild COVID-19 infection in 2022.

An otolaryngologist then confirmed it as a sensorineural hearing loss — a “little-known and poorly understood” side effect of COVID-19.

Did Gibson’s hearing improve?

A doctor prescribed her a course of oral prednisolone and betahistine, following which Gibson’s hearing “slowly improved”. However, she continues to experience intermittent tinnitus, a press release said.

Gibson used this COVID-19 experience to inform research into a little-known side effect of the virus. “The evidence around the short and long-term impacts of COVID-19 and vaccines is still emerging and the aim of this paper is to highlight the lesser-known side effects,” Gibson was quoted as saying. She added, “We believe that clinicians should include sudden hearing loss as a potential side effect of COVID-19 when talking to patients.”

Explaining the impact of the symptom, she informed that in her case, hearing loss and associated symptoms were “closely related with anxiety and depression”.

More evidence required

“Hearing loss and tinnitus are symptoms that have been seen in patients with both COVID-19 and influenza virus but have not been highlighted,” a BMJ report said.

Gibson said previous studies have linked sensorineural hearing loss “with COVID-19, as well as a potential side effect of COVID vaccination, but the evidence is still limited”.

Meanwhile, a study published in the National Library of Medicine — National Institutes of Health in 2022 said, “It is likely that SNHL (sensorineural hearing loss) could be included among the manifestations of the so-called ‘long COVID’ syndrome.”

It, however, noted that “further studies are necessary, particularly to evaluate the possible etiopathogenetic features between SARS-CoV-2 and SSNHL.” It mentioned that available reports are limited and often anecdotal.

Another study said: “COVID-19 can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness” but these findings “should be interpreted with caution given insufficient evidence and heterogeneity among studies”.

Some studies also analysed sudden hearing loss following vaccination against COVID-19. A study revealed: “In this cohort study of 5.5 million Finnish residents, the data suggested no increased risk for SSNHL following any COVID-19 vaccination”.

The first case of sudden permanent hearing loss linked to COVID-19 in the UK was reported in 2020. A BMJ report had then said that it’s not clear what the causes are, “but the condition can follow a viral infection, such as flu, herpes, or cytomegalovirus”.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India records over 9,000 COVID cases, 27 more deaths reported

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India recorded 9,111 new COVID-19 cases, while active cases jumped to 60,313 in the last 24 hours, according to the data released by the Ministry of health and Family Welfare early Monday. With fresh infections, the COVID case tally was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,48,27,226). Meanwhile, 27 more deaths due to the infection were reported, taking the toll to 5,31,141.

While six deaths were reported from Gujarat, four were reported from Uttar Pradesh, three each from Delhi and Rajasthan, two from Maharashtra, one each from Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am said.

The daily positivity was recorded at 8.40 percent and the weekly positivity rate was pegged at 4.94 percent. The active cases now comprise 0.13 percent of the total infections and the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.68 percent, the ministry said.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,42,35,772 and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.  According to the ministry’s website, 220.66 crore doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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India adds 10,093 new COVID-19 cases, active infections climb to 57,542

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India added 10,093 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases increased to 57,542, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll has increased to 5,31,114 with 23 deaths. While five deaths were reported from Delhi, three each were from Chattisgarh and Rajasthan, two each from Karnataka and Maharashtra, one each from Haryana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand and four reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 5.61 percent and the weekly positivity rate  at 4.78 percent.

The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,48,18,115) The active cases now comprise 0.13 percent of the total infections and the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.68 percent, according to the health ministry website.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,42,29,459, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 percent.  According to the ministry’s website, 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

Also read: Time for India to update COVID-19 vaccine against latest variant: Former AIIMS director

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

COVID-19: 27 deaths recorded across India, over 10,000 fresh cases added; active infections cross 53,000

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India recorded 10,753 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the number of active infections to 53,720, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The toll has climbed to 5,31,091 with 27 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours.

Six deaths were recorded in Delhi, followed by four in Maharashtra, three in Rajasthan and one each in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The figure includes six deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

As the country witnesses a new surge in COVID-19 cases, and the Health Ministry confirmed that the dominant variant behind the surge in COVID-19 cases is XBB1.16. However, there is no need to panic, as cases are expected to peak in the next 8-10 days, followed by a decline.

Although cases are increasing, hospitalisation is low, sources told PTI. COVID-19 in India is moving towards the endemic stage. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 6.78 while the weekly positivity rate was pegged at 4.49.

Also read: Time for India to update COVID-19 vaccine against latest variant: Former AIIMS director

The total tally of Covid cases is at 4.48 crore (4,48,08,022).

The active cases now comprise 0.12 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.69, according to the ministry website.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease rose to 4.42 crore (4,42,23,211) while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19.

According to the ministry’s website, 220.66 crore vaccine doses have been administered under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive so far.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Is conjunctivitis a ‘new’ COVID symptom? Here’s what experts and studies say | 5 points

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A “new COVID-19 symptom” has grabbed the attention of doctors in India. Dr Vipin M Vashishtha, a member of WHO’s Vaccine Safety Net, claimed this month that “an infantile phenotype seems to emerge”. While referring to “pediatric COVID cases”, he said in a tweet that he treated infants with high fever, cold and cough, and “non-purulent, itchy conjunctivitis with sticky eyes (sic)”.

Now, this symptom of “itchy conjunctivitis with sticky eyes” was seen in early waves. Therefore, it is being seen as a new COVID-19 symptom of the infection caused by the XBB.1.16 COVID-19 variant which experts believe is behind the recent surge in India. This Omicron subvariant, XBB.1.16, has been dubbed as Arcturus.

XBB.1.16 #Arcturus

For the last 2 days, have started getting pediatric Covid cases once again after a gap of 6 mo! An infantile phenotype seems emerging—treated infants w/ high fever, cold & cough, & non-purulent, itchy conjunctivitis w/ sticky eyes, not seen in earlier waves pic.twitter.com/UTVgrCCLWU

— Vipin M. Vashishtha (@vipintukur) April 6, 2023

It is known that a small mutation in a virus can cause changes in the symptoms. “If there’s a minor change in symptom, it means there has been a massive shift in the virus,” an expert told CNBTV-18.com earlier. Symptoms can also vary depending on vaccination status.

ALSO READ | A factcheck on COVID-19 symptoms — Does muscle pain, dry mouth, skipping meals indicate infection

Now, coming to conjunctivitis as the new COVID-19 symptom, here’s a look at what other experts and studies say. Is it correct to call it a “new” symptom?

1. The Consultant General Pediatrician at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Dr SK Nakra said conjunctivitis is reported in some COVID-19-positive cases, but “it is too early to say that the red eye is more common with XXB 1.16 variant”.

“The symptoms of COVID-19 are high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches and gastrointestinal symptoms. Red sticky eyes (conjunctivitis) has been also been reported by some physicians. However, this was seen in the earlier strains also in about 1-3 percent of COVID patients,” he said.

2. Richard Reithinger, an infectious disease epidemiologist at RTI International, also noted that conjunctivitis has previously been reported as a COVID symptom, “though not often”. He told Fortune that it is “probably too early to tell” if the virus’s symptom set has truly shifted.

ALSO READ | New XBB.1.16 COVID variant behind spike in India’s coronavirus cases? What we know so far

3. A study published in April 2020 said “Conjunctivitis can be the only presenting sign and symptom of COVID-19”. In conclusion, the study said, “In these (five) patients, acute conjunctivitis was the presenting sign and symptom, but also remained the sole form of manifestation of COVID-19. The study was conducted in Italy.

4. Researchers at Nebraska Medicine Truhlsen Eye Institute in the United States said the “virus is found in the eye’s tear film”. Steven Yeh, MD, Nebraska Medicine ophthalmologist, was quoted by a report as saying last year that this can sometimes lead to conjunctivitis.

“Most often, eye symptoms are associated with systemic symptoms of COVID, including the typical features of the respiratory illness we’re familiar with including cough, fever, and fatigue,” he said.

The report said that when eyes are exposed to the virus, a person can develop conjunctivitis symptoms, often appearing like pink eye. Symptoms may include: Tearing or watery eyes, redness, swelling, irritation or pain, itching and discharge

5. A study published in BMJ journals said, ” The most significant ocular symptom experienced by people suffering from COVID-19 was sore eyes.” It, however, noted that “the term ‘conjunctivitis’ is too broad and should be used with caution”.

India reported 10,158 new COVID-19 cases — the highest in nearly eight months — while the active caseload mounted to 44,998 in the last 24 hours. As many as 15 more deaths due to the infection were reported, as per the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

AIIMS-Delhi issues advisory after staff tests positive for COVID-19

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In light of a recent surge in COVID-19 cases among its staff, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)-Delhi has issued an advisory to its employees to strictly adhere to COVID-appropriate behaviour.

India has reported 10,158 new COVID-19 cases – the highest in nearly eight months – in the past 24 hours. The active caseload has mounted to 44,998.

The advisory, released on Wednesday, emphasized the importance of using reusable cloth face coverings or surgical masks in the workplace and ensuring proper cleaning and frequent sanitation of the workplace, particularly of frequently touched surfaces.

ALSO READ | India sees big spike in COVID cases with over 10,000 new infections

Employees were also advised to cover their nose and mouth with their elbow, handkerchief, or tissue while sneezing and coughing and to maintain personal hygiene and physical distancing.

“Must use reusable cloth face cover /surgical mask in the workplace. Ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitation of the workplace, particularly of the frequent touched surfaces,” reads the advisory.

To avoid any potential spread of the coronavirus, gatherings, especially in canteens, were discouraged, and a gathering of five or more persons at any place in the office should be avoided.

The AIIMS advisory also stated that if employees felt unwell, they should leave the workplace immediately after informing their reporting officers. Additionally, such employees should also home quarantine themselves.

ALSO READ | PM Modi to inaugurate AIIMS Guwahati, projects worth Rs. 14,300 crore in Assam on Friday

Furthermore, the advisory recommended that employees at higher risk, such as pregnant employees, older employees, or those with underlying medical conditions, take extra precautions to protect themselves from the virus.

With agency inputs.

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India sees big spike in COVID cases with over 10,000 new infections

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India reported 10,158 new COVID-19 cases — highest in nearly eight months — while the active caseload mounted to 44,998 in the last 24 hours. A total 10,256 cases were recorded on August 26 last year. As many as 15 more deaths due to the infection were reported, as per the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday. With these fatalities, the death toll due to the virus has increased to 5,31,035.

Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Haryana are among the stated witnessing a significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. As per an update in Wednesday evening, Delhi reported 1,149 cases, Haryana 642 cases, Maharashtra 1,115 cases and Kerala 3420 cases.

The daily positivity rate jumped to 4.42 percent, while the weekly positivity rate stood at 4.02 percent, as per the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday.

The nationwide COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.71 per cent, according to the health ministry website. The case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 percent. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease rose to 4,42,10,127.

According to the ministry, 220.66 crore doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in the country.

‘India is moving towards the endemic stage’

As the country sees a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases, official sources told PTI that COVID-19 in India is moving towards the endemic stage, so the cases may keep rising for the next 10-12 days after which they will subside. The sources said even though the cases are increasing, hospitalisation is low and expected to remain low.

The current rise in coronavirus cases is being driven by XBB.1.16, which is a sub variant of Omicron, officials were quoted as saying. While Omicron and its sub-lineages continue to be the dominant variant, most of the assigned variants have little or no significant transmissibility, disease severity or immune escape.

Doctors say the number of positive cases could be higher as many might not be getting tested for the infection. Diagnostic companies indicated a marginal up move in testing as of now. As for doctors, currently they are seeing an increase in patients coming in with flu symptoms.

A Mumbai-based doctor said around eight to ten people came to him with flu symptoms in a day. However, off these people, only around two or three have a positive COVID-19 report. The remaining patients don’t get themselves tested.

Even though the cases are rising, there is no severity in symptoms witnessed as of now. Most patients have flu-like symptoms which subside in four-five days.

COVID-19 preparedness

Officials said over 10 lakh beds are available across the country right now. Out of which, over 3 lakh beds are oxygen-supported, 90,785 are ICU beds, and 54,040 are ICU-cum-ventilator beds.

As part of the government healthcare infrastructure preparedness, 77,923 ventilators are functional, 261,534 oxygen concentrators, 685,567 oxygen cylinders are functional.

Besides a total 8,652,974 PPE kits and 28,039,957 N-95 masks are in stock. The health ministry has also stocked 668,432,658 paracetamol doses, 97,170,149 doses of Azithromycin and other essentials.

(With inputs from Ekta Batra, a CNBC-TV18 reporter)

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

XBB1.16 variant behind sudden Covid case surge in India

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As the country witnesses a new surge in COVID-19 cases, sources from the Health Ministry on Wednesday confirmed that the dominant variant behind the surge in COVID-19 cases in India is XBB1.16. However, there is no need to panic, as cases are expected to peak in the next 8-10 days, followed by a decline.

Even though cases are increasing, hospitalisation is low, sources said. COVID-19 in India is moving towards the endemic stage.

The sources from the ministry also said that the hospitalisation rate is likely to be low. Furthermore, the ministry is also planning to call a physical meeting with e-pharmacies soon to discuss the implementation of an Indian model of “e-prescription.” It is recommended that e-pharma companies in India start the practice of e-prescriptions as soon as possible.

Sources said these e-pharmacies are on the government’s radar.

On Wednesday, India reported 7,830 new COVID-19 cases, the highest in over seven months. The active caseload now stands at 40,215, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The jump in daily cases is the highest in 223 days, according to a PTI report. On September 1, 2022, India saw a significant increase in COVID-19 cases with a single-day jump of 7,946 cases.

According to updated data at 8 am, the disease has claimed 16 more lives, bringing the death toll to 531,016. Two fatalities each were reported in Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, while one each was recorded in Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Kerala reconciled five deaths.

ALSO READ | Maharashtra district makes masks mandatory amid rising COVID-19 cases, other states issue advisories

Meanwhile, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 4,47,76,002 or around 44.7 million.

Currently, active cases only account for 0.09 percent of total infections, and the national COVID-19 recovery rate is at 98.72 percent, according to the health ministry website.

The number of people who have recovered from the disease is at 4,42,04,771, and the case fatality rate stands at 1.19 percent.

ALSO READ | Time for India to update COVID-19 vaccine against latest variant: Former AIIMS director

According to the health ministry website, the nationwide coronavirus vaccination drive has administered 220.66 crore vaccine doses in the country thus far.

Six million boosters available: Vaccine maker Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla

CEO of the Serum Institute Adar Poonawalla on Wednesday clarified that six million booster doses of the Covovax vaccine for COVID-19 are available.

The Serum Institute of India has restarted manufacturing Covishield vaccines and will make 6-7 million doses available in 90 days amid the recent surge in cases.

Poonawalla added that adults need to mask up and take their booster shots, PTI reported.

Delhi reports 980 fresh cases on Tuesday

According to data shared by the Delhi government’s health department, the city recorded 980 fresh COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, with a positivity rate of 25.98 percent, the highest since August 20. The number of active cases currently stands at 2,876, it added.

Additionally, the national capital reported two more deaths, but COVID-19 was not the primary cause of death in one of the fatalities, while the case sheet on the other death was awaited. The national capital has reported 15 deaths in the past 12 days out of which COVID was incidental in 14 and the primary cause in one.

With the addition of the fresh cases, Delhi’s COVID-19 tally has risen to 20,16,101. The death toll stands at 26,545, the bulletin stated.

Delhi has witnessed a spurt in the number of fresh Covid infections over the last fortnight amid a sharp rise in H3N2 influenza cases in the country. The number of fresh cases had dropped to zero on January 16, the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The health department on Tuesday said 170 of the 7,945 beds in the city’s dedicated COVID-19 hospitals are occupied while 1,736 patients are in home isolation.

Odisha seeks 50,000 vaccines from Centre as cases rise

The state government of Odisha has requested an additional 50,000 doses of the CorBEvax vaccine from the Centre to cover individuals who have not yet received their booster dose.

In a letter to the health ministry, the state director of family welfare, Bijay Panigrahi, cited a rise in COVID-19 cases and public demand for precautionary vaccinations at government facilities. Panigrahi said that the state has had no vaccine left since February and requested at least 50,000 doses of the CorBEvax vaccine with long expiry as early as possible.

Odisha reported 141 fresh infections on April 11, with active cases in the state increasing to 731.

Odisha public health director Niranjan Mishra said the infections are being reported from 16 districts and asked the people to get themselves tested if they had any symptoms.

“The positivity rate in the country is 6.9 percent whereas it is 2.8 percent in Odisha,” he said.

Daily cases in Mumbai jump from 95 to 242

Mumbai reported 242 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, a sharp jump from the previous day’s 95 cases, taking the overall tally to 11,59,225. The active caseload rose to 1,478, and there were no fresh deaths.

The recovery rate stood at 98.2 percent, and the growth rate of cases between April 4 and 10 was 0.0169 percent.

The city has been reporting more than 200 cases daily since last week, except on Monday when it recorded only 95 cases. Mumbai’s case doubling rate was 3,943 days, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The state of Maharashtra as a whole reported 919 fresh coronavirus cases on April 11 and one fatality raising the tally of infections to 81,51,176,

With agency inputs.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Time for India to update COVID-19 vaccine against latest variant: Former AIIMS director

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India may have to update its COVID-19 booster shots with the latest strain of the coronavirus, similar to flu vaccines, according to renowned pulmonologist and former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria.

Speaking with News18.com, Guleria noted that the vaccines currently being used in India are based on the Wuhan strain or the strain that was circulating in December 2019, while the virus has since mutated significantly, with new strains such as alpha, beta, delta, and omicron emerging.

He warned that the efficacy of the vaccines against the latest strains may have declined significantly, and pointed out that countries such as the US and UK have already updated their vaccines to include both old and new strains. Flu vaccines are updated annually against the latest strain in the environment.

ALSO READ | COVID-19 LIVE update: Active cases jumps to over 37,000, second day of mock drills today

“By now, the strain of the virus has changed and evolved dramatically. From alpha, beta, delta to now omicron and its sub-lineages, the virus has mutated long back,” Guleria said.

Guleria, who is also the president of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bilaspur, cautioned that although Indian vaccines reported efficacy of 80-90 percent during trials, the effectiveness of these vaccines against the latest strain might have decreased significantly.

He further noted that the new strain of the virus has evolved dramatically, and flu vaccines are updated every year to incorporate the latest strain.

As India records a rise in COVID-19 cases, Guleria advised people to exercise caution, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with co-morbid conditions. He noted, however, that there is no need to create panic, just be more cautious.

According to government data, India reported 5,676 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, taking the active caseload to 37,093. The daily positivity rate stands at 2.88 percent, while the weekly positivity rate is at 3.81 percent.

ALSO READ | Covovax gets government’s nod as heterologous COVID-19 booster on CoWIN

Guleria attributed the surge in cases to a lack of COVID-appropriate behaviour among the public, mutation in the virus making it more infectious and changes in weather leading to more viral infections.

While Guleria acknowledged that the new XBB.1.16 variant could be one of the reasons driving the recent surge, he emphasized that there is no need to panic.

“If cases of infection will increase, chances of these vulnerable people getting the disease also increases,” he warned.

ALSO READ | New XBB.1.16 COVID variant behind spike in India’s coronavirus cases? What we know so far

He suggested that updating vaccines with the latest strain could be a possible solution, but more data needs to be analyzed to determine its efficacy.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow