COVID-19 news from across the nation

Ministry of Health said that India has exponentially scaled up its testing capacity from one in January to more than 9.32 cr at present. The very high testing has resulted in the continuous falling positivity rate. It has now fallen below 8%. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said community transmission of the coronavirus infection is restricted to certain districts in a limited number of states, clarifying that "this is not happening across the country". The Delhi Police has issued 98 challans to metro passengers for violating guidelines pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hyderabad: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said community transmission of the coronavirus infection is restricted to certain districts in a limited number of states, clarifying that "this is not happening across the country". The minister said this during an interaction with his social media followers on the sixth episode of "Sunday Samvaad".

So far, India has recorded 74,94,551 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 1,14,031 deaths. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have reported the highest number of cases.

COVID-19 news from across the nation

Delhi

New Delhi: The Delhi Police has issued 98 challans to metro passengers for violating guidelines pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic. Police personnel at metro stations have been conducting a drive to check on those violating Covid-19 guidelines. They said passengers who were not wearing masks or maintaining social distancing have been fined.

At least 1,903 metro trains were checked in the last four days and 98 challans were issued to passengers for violating the guidelines, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Metro) Jitendra Mani.

As the nine-day Navratri festival began on Saturday, devotees offered prayers at various temples of the city in strict adherence to social distancing norms and wearing face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. Some of the temples prohibited offerings like flowers and 'prasad' to Goddess Durga on the occasion.

Maharashtra

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said gymnasiums and fitness centres in the state will be allowed to reopen from Dussehra, which falls on October 25. During a virtual meeting with representatives of gyms and fitness centres, the chief minister said group activities like zumba and yoga and steam and sauna facilities will not be allowed.

"Gymnasiums and fitness centres are for the welfare of citizens, so care should be taken to ensure that there is no virus spread. The SoPs should be strictly followed," he said. Thackeray said the state government was going slow on lifting COVID-19 restrictions because there should be no complacency.

Rajasthan

Jaipur: A case has been registered against Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and 32 others in Bayana police station for holding Mahapanchayat in Bharatpur on Sunday in violation of COVID-19 protocols.

Odisha

Bhubaneswar:The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday closed a coaching institute in the State Capital over violation of COVID-19 Guidelines.