COVID-19 news from across the nation

So far, India has recorded 94,31,692 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 1,37,139 deaths. A total of 88,47,600 people have recuperated from COVID-19 so far. There are 4,46,952 active cases in the country as of date, which comprises 4.74 percent of the total caseload, the data stated. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have reported the highest number of cases.

Hyderabad:India continues to have one of the lowest deaths per million population globally, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Monday.

"India continues to have one of the lowest deaths per million population globally (presently 99). Focussed measures to ensure a low and manageable fatality rate have resulted in daily mortality figures of less than 500," according to the MoHFW.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the three teams involved in developing indigenous vaccines for Covid-19 and advised them to try and inform people in simple language about the shot and related matters such as its efficacy. These teams were from Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd Pune, Biological E Ltd Hyderabad and Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd Hyderabad.

'The PM advised all the departments concerned to engage with the manufacturers and seek to resolve matters so that the efforts by these companies bear fruit in order to serve the needs of the country and the entire world,' a statement from the Prime Minister's Office read.

In conversation with superstar Amitabh Bachchan and The Indian Express Executive Director Anant Goenka, at a 26/11 special event showcasing corona warriors who epitomise the stories of strength that mark Mumbai — which was telecast on Star Plus on Sunday night — Guest of Honour Dr Harsh Vardhan talked about Prime Minister Modi’s efforts and the role of India’s immunisation programme in fighting Covid.

COVID-19 news from across the nation

Delhi

New Delhi: Hours after chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said authorities will bring down the price of Covid-19 test by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), the Delhi government on Monday fixed the price of the test by private labs at Rs 800. The home collection of samples will cost Rs1,200. At present, people have to spend Rs 2,400 for the RT-PCR test at private labs.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said, "I have directed that the rates of RT-PCR tests be reduced in Delhi. Whereas tests are being conducted free of cost in govt establishments, however, this will help those who get their tests done in private labs."

Maharashtra

Mumbai: To encourage COVID-19-appropriate behaviour among residents of Mumbai, the city civic body has decided to provide 'free' masks to those found without face cover in public and also collect a fine of Rs 200 from them.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in a release on Sunday said from April till November 28, it took action against 4.85 lakh citizens for not wearing masks in public places and collected over Rs 10.7 crore as fine from them. The BMC said when an offender, after being fined, goes ahead without a face mask, the objective of implementing the COVID-19 prevention protocol remains unfulfilled.

Tamil Nadu

Chennai: The restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 in Tamil Nadu have been extended till December 31, the state government has announced. However, undergraduate final year classes can begin from December 7; Chennai's Marina Beach will reopen on December 14 and gatherings will be allowed with 50 per cent capacity of the facility, or up to 200 people.

Rajasthan

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government said that schools, colleges, cinema, entertainment park, etc. will remain closed till December 31 in the state. The step was taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic.