Page 6 - Corona

US-approved vaccines effective against B1617 Indian Covid variant: Official

COVID-19 vaccines approved by the United States like Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have effectiveness against the B1617 variant of the virus that is predominant in India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the pandemic, a top American health official said. The observation is based on the latest data about the variant and the three major vaccines approved by the United States, said Dr Francis Collins, Director of National Institute of Science. The data is coming in, and it looks very encouraging that the U.S.-approved vaccines, the Pfizer, the Moderna, the J&J, do have effectiveness against this variant called B1617, Collins told the media. It's a little less effective in that case than some of the others, but it looks like it ought to be good enough to make Americans protected. And that's really a good thing to hear, he said in response to a question. Early this week, the World Health Organization classified the B1617 SARS-CoV-2 variant, which was first .

US trade chief testifies before Senate Finance Committee over vax waiver

The trade chief said people in India are facing an "existential crisis" due to the pandemic

2 Covid-19 patients die of mucormycosis in Thane district; 6 hospitalised

Two Covid-19 patients have died due to mucormycosis, a serious but rare fungal infection, in Maharashtra's Thane district, a health official said on Wednesday

Global Covid-19 caseload tops 159.3mn; deaths surge to more than 3.31mn

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 159.3 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.31 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

India's daily Covid-19 deaths rise by record 4,205, says health ministry

India saw a record 4,205 Covid-19 fatalities in a day taking the death toll to 2,54,197, while 3,48,421 new coronavirus infections were reported, according to the Union Health Ministry data shows

Joe Biden urged to take decisive global leadership in fight against Covid

In an open letter, a group of eminent global business and policy leaders has urged US President Joe Biden to demonstrate a decisive American leadership in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic

Coronavirus vaccine in India: Key updates of last 24 hours you need to know

India's most socioeconomically backward states may have to spend as much as 30% of their health budgets to procure Covid-19 vaccines for their populations

Regular ivermectin use may cut risk of contracting Covid-19, claims study

According to a review of available data by researcher, the medicine can help end the pandemic

Twitter donates USD 15 mn for Covid relief in India to battle second wave

Microblogging giant Twitter has donated USD 15 million to help address the Covid-19 crisis in India which is battling the unprecedented second wave of the deadly pandemic

Top English medic hopeful new Indian Covid variant will not escape vaccines

A new coronavirus variant of concern known as B.1.617.2, first identified in India, appears to be less likely to be vaccine resistant, English Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said

Govt allows cash payment of over Rs 2 lakh for Covid treatment at hospitals

The Income Tax Department on Friday issued a notification allowing hospitals and nursing homes to accept cash payments of Rs 2 lakh and more for the treatment of coronavirus infected patients

Bihar govt fixes AC and non-AC ambulance charges for Covid patients

In wake of surge in Covid-19 cases, the Bihar government has fixed the rates of both AC and non-AC ambulances in the state

India's struggle to track new Covid-19 variants could worsen the crisis

Second- or even third-generation versions of the variant known as B.1.617 could already be circulating in India and some may be more dangerous

N440K variant fades as B1617 picks up, say scientists on Covid second wave

The N440K variant of coronavirus,which wreaked havoc during the first wave of the pandemic in the country is diminishing and likely to disappear soon

India Coronavirus Dispatch: NIMHANS sees 40% spike in distress calls

Some Covid beds in select military hospitals could be made available to civilians, farmer unions in Punjab to pare numbers, and more-news relevant to India's fight against Covid-19

Liquor prices in UP increase with 'corona cess'

Liquor prices in Uttar Pradesh have increased after the state government imposed a 'corona cess' from Tuesday

Govt asks major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen

Port chairpersons have been asked to personally supervise logistic operations to ensure unhindered movement of such consignments

Phase 3 vaccination registration to start from April 28: Things to know

The central government had announced that the vaccination for those above 18 years will begin across the country from May 1 as part of the third phase of the inoculation drive

Covid: Bank branches to reduce business hours, offer basic services

In the wake of surge in coronavirus cases across the country, Indian Banks' Association mandates 50% attendance for banks, business hours to be reduced to 10 am-2 pm

India battles Covid surge amid oxygen shortage: Key updates you should know

In this podcast, we take a look at all the major updates as India battles oxygen emergency. Listen in