COVID-19 news from across the nation

With a fresh spike of 45,148 coronavirus infections and 480 deaths in 24 hours, India's tally on Monday stood at 79,09,959. In a respite, the country logged the lowest new cases since July. Meanwhile, the third phase human trial of indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine 'Covaxin' will soon commence at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and SUM Hospital in Odisha.

Hyderabad: With a fresh spike of 45,148 coronavirus infections and 480 deaths in 24 hours, India's tally on Monday stood at 79,09,959. In a respite, the country logged the lowest new cases since July. Out of the total Covid-19 cases, 6,53,717 are currently active, 71,37,228 have been discharged, while 1,19,014 lost the battle against the pandemic. Meanwhile, the third phase human trial of indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine 'Covaxin' will soon commence at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and SUM Hospital in Odisha. IMS and SUM Hospital is in the list of 21 medical institutes selected across the country by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) where the third phase trial would be conducted. It is the only institute in Odisha which has been selected for the trial.

India's COVID-19 tally

Maharashtra

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. His office said Pawar is admitted to a hospital in Mumbai for treatment. "Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar tests positive for COVID-19, he is admitted to a hospital in Mumbai," said the Office of the Deputy CM in a statement. With 1,41,001 total active cases, Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state by COVID-19 in the country. While 14,60,755 patients have recovered from the disease in the state, 43,264 have died so far.

Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday said that the 'Mysuru Dasara' festival will not be celebrated in a big way this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The festival is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the state and the country. It attracts tourists from around the world who come to take part in the festivities. The ten-day program begins on the first day of Navratri and ends on Vijayadashami or Dasara with massive celebrations.

Madhya Pradesh

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed an order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which had restricted political rallies in the state for the upcoming by-polls, and left it to the Election Commission to take appropriate steps in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. A bench of the apex court, headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar, also pulled up political parties for creating a situation that compelled the High Court to intervene.

Andhra Pradesh

Traditional stick fight celebration called 'Banni festival' has been cancelled this year at Devaragattu village in Kurnool district in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. The police have set up 11 check posts at Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka borders, cancelled Karnataka RTC bus services for Aluru, Holagonda and Halaharvi Mandals for today. However, local people want to celebrate the traditional stick fight. In this wake, police have imposed Section 144 in Devaragattu and surrounding areas.

Telangana

Continuing its downward slide, Telangana on Monday reported 582 new coronavirus cases as authorities conducted fewer tests taking its total tally to 2,31,834. The active cases now total 18,611, of which 15,582 are in-home or institutional isolation. During the last 24 hours, only 14,729 tests were conduced compared with 27,055 a day earlier. On Sunday, the state had reported 978 cases. Four more COVID-19 patients succumbed during the period, taking the death toll to 1,311. The fatality rate of Telangana stands at 0.56 per cent as against the national average of 1.5 per cent.