COVID-19 news from across the nation

So far, India has recorded 84,62,080 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 1,25,562 deaths. A total of 78,19,886 people have recuperated from COVID-19 so far. There are 5,16,632 active cases in the country as of date, which comprises 6.11 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have reported the highest number of cases.

Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the 51st Annual Convocation of IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology), through video conferencing. He says, "In the present situation amid COVID19 pandemic, technology has played the most significant role. It has changed the way things are being conducted today. Virtual reality is becoming a working reality now." India recorded 50,357 new Covid-19 infections in the last 24 hours, taking the overall cases in the country to 84,62,081. Delhi overtook Maharashtra and Kerala by reporting 7,178 COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours, becoming the largest contributor to the new 50,356 single day infections, according to Union Health Ministry.

COVID-19 news from across the nation

Delhi

New Delhi: The national capital is currently reeling under the "third wave" of the COVID-19 infection, but cases should begin to come down soon, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Saturday.

Interacting with reporters, he also said that the Delhi government has filed a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court after the high court did not allow reserving 80 per cent ICU beds for COVID-19 patients at several private hospitals here.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain says, "Delhi government has added 500 COVID-19 beds, including 110 ICU beds in the govt hospitals across the national capital. In private hospitals, 685 more beds have been added. Delhi govt has filed Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court to address the High Court overturn of our mandate to reserve 80% beds as ICU beds in private hospitals."

Delhi's COVID-19 tally increased to 4,23,831 on Friday after the national capital for the first time recorded over 7,000 coronavirus cases.

The 7,178 fresh cases came out of the 58,860 tests conducted on Thursday, while the positivity rate on Friday stood at 12.19 per cent amid the festive season and rising pollution in the city, according to a bulletin issued by the Delhi health department.

West Bengal

Kolkata: West Bengal Tourism Minister Gautam Deb tested positive for COVID-19, following which he was hospitalised, Health Department officials said on Saturday. Deb undertook the COVID test after he was feeling unwell, they said.

His test result came in as positive on Friday, officials said, adding that he was admitted to a hospital in Siliguri. Deb was present at the administrative review meeting held at state secretariat 'Nabanna' on Thursday. He also held meetings with party leaders in Siliguri on Friday.

"All those who have met him were asked to go on isolation. The vehicle used by Deb and his residence were sanitised on Saturday morning," a Health official said.

Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has tested positive for COVID-19. A tweet from the Kerala Governor's handle said, "Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan said: 'I have tested positive for Covid19. But, there is no cause for concern. However, I request all those who had contact with me in NewDelhi last week to test for Covid, or be under observation to be on the safe side."

Rajasthan

Jaipur: BJP MLAs Narpat Singh Rajvi and Madan Dilawar have tested positive for Covid-19. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot wished them a speedy recovery. "I have come to know, BJP MLAs Narpat Singh Rajvi ji and Madan Dilawar ji have tested positive for COVID?19. My best wishes for their speedy recovery," Gehlot tweeted.