First ‘Oxygen Express’ Leaves for Maharashtra Amid Covid Surge
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India's "Oxygen Express" train made its first run on Thursday, 22 April, from Rashtriya Ispat Nigam (RINL) in Visakhapatnam to Maharashtra.
Meawhile, Delhi, on Thursday, reported 306 deaths due to COVID-19 - the highest number of single day fatalities. Delhi also recorded over 26,000 cases during the same period. With this, the positivity rate has risen to 36.24 per cent.
India on Thursday, reported 3,14,835 fresh COVID-19 cases – the highest one-day spike so far and also the world’s biggest daily spike.
As many as 2,104 COVID fatalities and 1,78,841 discharges in 24 hours were recorded, as per the Union Health Ministry. The total case tally has now reached 1,59,30,965 with 22,91,428 active patients and 1,84,657 deaths. The total number of recoveries, meanwhile, stands at 1,34,54,880.
The same day, Maharashtra announced a series of stricter restrictions to combat the alarming surge in COVID cases. These curbs will come into effect from 8 pm on Thursday and will remain in force till 7 am on 1 May.
- Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced a lockdown in the national capital till 5 am on 26 April.
- The Centre on Monday announced that those above 18 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine from 1 May.
- Several states will offer the COVID-19 vaccine free of cost from 1 May.
- Karnataka has imposed night and weekend curfews in the entire state. The night curfew will be in force from 9 pm to 6 am till 4 May.
- Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in Rajasthan from 22 April till 21 May.
- Uttar Pradesh will see weekend lockdowns from 8 pm, Friday, to 7 am, Monday.
- In an urgent hearing, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Central government to ensure the supply of medical oxygen by “whatever means required”.
Lucknow Hospitals Turn Away Patients Over Oxygen Shortage
Amid the COVID surge in Uttar Pradesh, its capital Lucknow is now reportedly facing a shortage of oxygen cylinders. Notices have been put up in at least two hospitals declaring the lack of medical oxygen and patients have been asked to visit other centres.
Doses of COVID-19 Stolen From Hospital in Haryana's Jind
1,710 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, including 1,270 of Covishield and 440 of Covaxin have been stolen from PPC centre at Civil Hospital in Jind. Some files have been stolen as well.
The police is probing the matter.
Saroj Hospital Moves Delhi HC Over Oxygen Shortage
Saroj Hospital on Thursday moved Delhi HC seeking immediate supply of oxygen to treat seriously ill COVID-19 patients. The matter will be heard at 3 pm.
Haryana: Shops to Remain Closed From 6 PM, Non-Essential Gatherings Banned:
Haryana Minister Anil Vij announced on Thursday that all shops will remain closed from 6 pm onward in Haryana from tomorrow. All non-essential gatherings are banned, anybody holding any function within the prescribed limit will have to seek permission from the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
TMC Candidate Tests COVID Positive On Polling Day
As polling continues in North 24 Parganas’ Khardaha constituency, TMC candidate Kajal Sinha has tested positive for COVID-19. He has been admitted to the Beleghata ID hospital and is presently in ICU.
No Restriction on Inter-State Movement of Medical Oxygen: MHA
The Ministry of Home Affairs released an order stating that no restriction shall be imposed on the inter-state movement of Medical Oxygen.
- They added that transport authorities shall be instructed to accordingly allow free inter-state movement of oxygen-carrying vehicles.
- As per the order, no restrictions shall be imposed on oxygen manufacturers and suppliers to limit the supplies only to hospitals of the state in which they are located.
- Supply of oxygen for industrial purposes, except those exempted by the Government, is prohibited with effect from 22 April.
Bihar Health Minister: Availability of Oxygen and Remdesivir Increased
Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey announced on Thursday that availability of oxygen and Remdesivir have been increased.
He said, “We are also increasing beds in hospitals. We are doing more testing at bus stands and railway stations. Our aim is to protect our frontline workers.”
DCW Chairperson's Grandfather Dies 'Waiting for Emergency Support'
Taking to Twitter DCW Chiarperson Swati Maliwal, shared that her grandfather passed away “waiting for emergency support in front of Sharda Hospital Greater Noida”.
Some Devotees Back From Pak After Celebrating Baisakhi Test Positive, Will Be Quarantined: SGPC Prez
“Some devotees who came back from Pakistan after celebrating Baisakhi have tested positive for COVID. As per health department's instructions, all of them will be quarantined,” Bibi Jagir Kaur, president, SGPC informed, as per ANI
PM Modi Holds Meeting to Review Oxygen Supply Across the Country
To review the oxygen supply situation in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on Thursday to discuss ways to boost its availability. Officials briefed him on efforts undertaken in last few weeks.
- PM Modi spoke about the need to increase oxygen production, speed of distribution and using innovative ways to provide oxygen support to health facilities.
- PM was also informed that exercise is being done in coordination with states to identify their demand for O2 and ensure adequate supply. The PMO announced that against present demand from 20 states of 6,785 MT/day of Liquid Medical Oxygen, the Government has allocated 6,822 MT/day from April 21 to these states.
- It was noted that in last few days, availability of Liquid Medical Oxygen has increased by 3,300 MT/day with contributions from private and public steel plants, industries, oxygen manufacturers as well as through prohibition of O2 supply for non-essential industries.
- Officers informed PM that they are working together with states to operationalise sanctioned PSA oxygen plants as soon as possible.
PM Modi to Not Go to WB on Friday, Will Chair a High-Level Meeting on COVID
Uttarakhand Guv Calles Director of AIIMS Rishikesh, DM to Take Stock of COVID-19 Situatio
Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya on Thursday, 22 April, called Director of AIIMS, Rishikesh and District Magistrate, Dehradun to take stock of the COVID-19 situation, reported ANI, citing the Raj Bhawan.
Raj Bhawan further informed that the AIIMS director said all ICU beds are occupied in the hospital. DM, Dehradun said there is no shortage of O2 in the district.
Odisha CM Extends All Necessary Cooperation to PM Modi Including Ramping Up Oxygen
With ever increasing need for medical oxygen, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik speaks to PM Narendra Modi extending all necessary cooperation including ramping up oxygen production to help out states that urgently require it, reported PTI.
Earlier, in the day even Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal thanked Naveen Patnaik for assuring complete support to Delhi in facilitating lifting of Delhi’s quota of oxygen from Orissa
Uttarakhand Reports 3,998 New COVID-19 Cases
Uttarakhand on Thursday reported 3,998 new COVID-19 cases and 19 deaths. Total case tally rises to 1,38,010.
Uttarakhand: All Offices Except for Essential Services to Remain Closed for 3 Days
In view of the rising COVID-19 cases in Uttarakhand, all offices in the state, except those for essential services, will be closed for three days from 24 till 26 April.
PM Modi to Review COVID Situation Tomorrow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the COVID-19 situation in an internal meeting, tomorrow at 9 am. After which, at 10 am, he will interact with the Chief Ministers of high burden states. At 12:30 pm, a virtual meeting with leading oxygen manufacturers in the country will be held.
Nithyananda Bans Entry for Travellers From India to 'Kailasa'
In a statement, self-styled godman Nithyananda announced that devotees from India would not be allowed to enter his island ‘Kailasa’. In the statement, Nithyananda said that it was not just Indians but also travellers from Brazil, European Union and Malaysia who were banned from entering the island. The decision was made in view of the rising COVID-19 cases across the world.
Delhi: Medical Officers to Man 500 Oxygenated Beds in Sardar Patel COVID Centre
Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Thursday that an adequate number of medical officers and para-medical staff will be provided to manage 500 oxygenated beds in Sardar Patel COVID centre in Delhi’s Chhattarpur.
Director General of ITBP, Surjeet Singh Deswal said that they will start operations as soon as the Delhi government will be ready and provide the officers with complete infrastructure.
SII Has Not Contracted All Production of COVID Vaccine to The Centre Till 25 May: Govt
Serum Institute of India (SII) has not contracted all its production of COVID Vaccine to the Centre till 25 May, the Government, informed in a circular.
Further, SII said that the State Governments are free to procure COVID vaccine doses from the vaccine manufacturers as per the Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy.
New Curbs in Haryana From Tomorrow: Shops to Shut By 6 PM, Non-Essential Gatherings Banned
The Haryana government on Thursday announced several restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus, including closure of shops by 6 pm and a ban on all non-essential gatherings.
Taking to Twitter, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said:
Free Vaccines For All Above 18 Years of Age From 5 May: TMC
Free vaccination will be provided to all above the age of 18 years after 5 May: Trinamool Congress (TMC) has quoted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as saying.
DGCA Grants Conditional Exemption to ICMR For Study of COVID Vaccine Delivery Via Drones
Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have granted conditional exemption to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for conducting feasibility study of COVID-19 vaccine delivery using drones in collaboration with IIT Kanpur.
Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple Shuts Tomorrow Until Further Notice
Amid rising COVID19 cases, Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple to remain closed from Thursday, 22 April, until further notice, reported ANI, citing the temple's statement.
Around 1,500 Delhi Police Personnel Test COVID-19 Positive
Around 1,500 personnel of Delhi Police force have tested positive so far amid the prevailing second wave of COVID-19, reported ANI, citing Delhi Police.
Arrangement of Makeshift COVID Hospital in Delhi's RSSB in Full Swing: RSSB Civil Defence In-Charge
“The arrangement of makeshift COVID Hospital in Delhi's Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) is in full swing. As per the orders of DM south, beds will be available at the earliest”, said Vivek, in-charge, Civil defence at RSSB, Bhati Mines, as per ANI.
Maharashtra Reports 67,013 New COVID-19 Cases
Maharashtra has reported 67,013 new COVID-19 cases, 62,298 recoveries and 568 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Total cases: 40,94,840
Active cases: 6,99,858
Total recoveries: 33,30,747
Gujarat Reports 13,105 New COVID-19 Cases
Gujarat has reported 13,105 fresh COVID cases, 5,010 recoveries, and 137 deaths in the last 24 hours
Total cases: 4,53,836
Active cases: 92,084
Total recoveries: 3,55,875
Death toll: 5,877
Kerala Reports 26,995 New COVID Cases
Kerala reports 26,995 new COVID19 cases, 28 deaths in last 24 hours; total active cases: 1,56,266
UAE Bans Travel From India For 10 Days, Starting Sunday: Gulf News
The UAE has banned travel from India for 10 days from Sunday amid the worsening COVID-19 situation in the country, the Gulf News reported.. Further, passengers who have transited through India in the last 14 days are also, as per the report, not permitted to board from any other point to the UAE.
Loaded Roll On Roll Off Oxygen Express to Leave From Vizag for Maha Shortly
Roll On Roll Off (RORO) Oxygen Express with loaded seven tankers will leave from a steel plant in Vizag for Maharashtra shortly.
Punjab Reports 5,456 New COVID-19 Cases
Punjab reports 5,456 fresh COVID-19 cases, 3,657 discharges, and 76 deaths
Total cases: 3,19,719
Total cured cases: 2,70,946
Active cases: 40,584
Death toll: 8,189
Unidentified Man Gives Bag to Old Man at Tea Stall, 1,710 Stolen COVID Vaccine Doses Recovered: Haryana Cop
Jiytender Khatkar, DSP, Jind (Haryana) has informed ANI that at approximately 12:30 pm, an unidentified man came to a tea stall and gave a bag to an old man.
1,710 stolen doses of Covid vaccines were reportedly recovered from the bag.
“The probe is underway. No arrest has been made yet,” DSP Jind said.
Pune District Reports 9,841 New COVID-19 Cases
Pune district reports 9,841 fresh COVID19 cases, 115 fatalities and 9,186 recoveries in the last 24 hours.
Active cases: 1,01,916
Total cases: 7,63,194
Total recoveries: 6,49,565
Death toll: 11,882
'162 MT Oxygen Assured to Haryana, Supply Centres Requested to Give O2 as Per Allocations': CM Khattat
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, on Thursday, 22 April, said:
“For last two days, we're facing problems with oxygen supply. 162 MT O2 has been assured to Haryana. 12 stations will supply 480 MT O2 to Delhi. We've started building two temporary hospitals. Supply centres are requested to give O2 as per the allocation.”
Delhi Reports 26,169 New COVID-19 Cases
Delhi has reported 26,169 new COVID-19 cases, 306 deaths and 19,609 recoveries in the last 24 hours
- Total cases: 9,56,348
- Total recoveries: 8,51,537
- Death toll: 13,193
- Active cases: 91,618
Union Home Secy Writes to States on Supply & Transport of Remdesivir
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to all states and UT on seamless supply and transport of Remdesivir, asking authorities to personally monitor.
Indian Army to Add 400 Beds Over Next Week at Exclusive COVID Facility in Delhi
Col Aman Anand, PRO, Indian Army, has informed ANI that the Army will add 400 beds over next one week to its exclusive COVID19 facility at Base Hospital in Delhi Cantonment.
“It has created an additional 250 bedded COVID Care facility in Cantt for serving personnel,” Col Anand further said.
Only 300 Of 25,000 Police Personnel Tested Positive as All Are Vaccinated: Uttarakhand DGP
“More than 1,900 police personnel had tested positive for COVID-19 during the first wave. Now that the entire police force (25,000) has received both jabs of vaccine, only 300 have tested positive for the virus so far in the second wave,” Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar was quoted as saying by ANI.
Delhi Records Highest Number of Deaths in a Day
Delhi, on Thursday, 22 April, reported 306 deaths due to COVID-19 - the highest number of single day fatalities. Delhi also recorded over 26,000 cases during the same period. With this, the positivity rate has risen to 36.24 per cent.
First 'Oxygen Express' Leaves for Maharashtra Amid Covid Surge
India's "Oxygen Express" train made its first run on Thursday, 22 April, from Rashtriya Ispat Nigam (RINL) in Visakhapatnam to Maharashtra.
"Seven empty tankers from...Maharashtra reached Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, Visakhapatnam, early morning today. Liquid medical oxygen (LMO) has been filled in the tankers since morning," the railways said in a statement.
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