(Contains Press releases concerning Covid-19, issued in last 24 hours, inputs from PIB Field Offices and Fact checks undertaken by PIB)

India’s 60% Daily New Recoveries come from 5 States, Total number of Recovered Cases nearly 35.5 lakh

India has been continuously reporting high number of recoveries. A total of 70,880 recoveries have been registered in the last 24 hours in the country. Maharashtra has alone contributed more than 14,000 and Andhra Pradesh has contributed more than 10,000 to the single day recoveries. With this, the total number of recoveries has touched 35,42,663 taking the Recovery Rate to 77.65%. 60% of the new recovered cases are being reported from five States, viz. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.96,551 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours. Of this, Maharashtra alone has more than 23,000 and Andhra Pradesh has more than 10,000.Nearly 57% of the new cases are reported from only five States. These are the same States that are also contributing 60% of the new recovered cases.The total number of active cases in the country stands at 9,43,480 as on date.Maharashtra is leading this tally with more than 2,60,000 cases followed by Karnataka with more than 1,00,000 cases.Nearly 74% of the total Active Cases are in nine most affected States. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh contribute more than 48% of the total active cases. As many as 1,209 deaths have been registered in the past 24 hours. Maharashtra has reported 495 deaths followed by Karnataka with 129 deaths, whereas Uttar Pradesh has logged 94 deaths.

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Union Health Ministry urges States/UTs to ensure that no restriction is imposed on movement of Medical Oxygen between States

It has come to the knowledge of the Union Health Ministry that few States are trying to curb the free inter-State movement of oxygen supplies by exercising provisions under various Acts and also mandating the manufacturers/suppliers located in the State to restrict their oxygen supplies to only the hospitals of the State. In view of this, the Health Ministry has reiterated the critical importance of Oxygen in hospitals for management of critical COVID patients. In a letter written to the States/UTs, Union Health Secretary has emphasised that availability of adequate and uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen is an important pre-requisite for managing moderate and severe cases of COVID-19.The Health Secretary has urged the States/UTs to ensure that no restriction is imposed on the movement of medical oxygen between them. It has been strongly reinforced that it is every State’s responsibility to ensure that every hospitalized COVID patient receives oxygen.Adequate supply of oxygen throughout the country has enabled effective clinical care of the hospitalised moderate and severe cases, in conjunction with other measures. The adopted host of strategies have actively resulted in rising Recovery Rate and steadily declining Case Fatality Rate (1.67% currently). As on date, less than 3.7% of active patients are on oxygen support.

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Serological Testing at CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow for antibodies against Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2)

CSIR-CDRI (Central Drug Research Institute) is carrying out a research study that involves testing of people for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The serological testing is conducted from 9^th-11^th September. The test is VOLUNTARY and free of cost and is open to all CSIR staff and students.

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Prime Minister addresses the Conclave on “School Education in 21st Century” under the NEP 2020

The Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi addressed the Conclave on “School Education in 21st Century” under the NEP 2020 today through video conference.Speaking on the occasion Prime Minister said that National Education Policy is going to give a new direction to 21st century India and we are becoming part of a moment that is laying the foundation for building the future of our country. He said that hardly any aspect of our life remained the same in these three decades yet our education system is still running under the old system. The new National Education Policy is a means to fulfilling new aspirations, new opportunities of a new India, he said.

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Ahead of the Parliament’s monsoon session, Chairman, RajyaSabha Shri Venkaiah Naidu undergoes COVID-19 test

Preparing himself to preside over the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Parliament beginning on September 14, 2020, the Chairman, RajyaSabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu underwent COVID-19 test today. It is mandatory for each Member to undergo COVID-19 test (RT-PCR) before attending the upcoming Monsoon Session, according to an advisory issued to all RajyaSabha Members. The Members have been asked to get their test done within 72 hours before the commencement of the Session at any hospital/laboratory authorized by the Government or at Parliament House Complex. For the convenience of the Members, three Test Centres are functioning in Parliament House Annexe from today. The members have also been requested to ensure that their test report is sent in advance to the RajyaSabha Secretariat via a designated e-mail so as to avoid any inconvenience at the time of their entry into the Parliament House during the Session. Similarly, RT-PCR test has been made mandatory for the employees of Parliament Secretariats and other agencies deployed in Parliament House Complex who remain in close proximity of the Members during the course of performance of their duties.

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Vice President calls for imparting value-based education, Advises people to not become complacent and continue with necessary precautions relating to COVID-19

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today stressed the need to impart value-based education for all round development of the individual. He called for moving beyond academics and making value-based teaching and learning an integral part of our education system. The Vice President was speaking at the online launch of ‘Heartfulness All India Essay Writing Event’ organized by Shri Ram Chandra Mission in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan. This event is held every year to commemorate the United Nations International Day of the Youth between the months of July and November. Shri Naidu lauded the initiative and said that such events stimulate the younger minds and enable them to think positively in their lives. Appreciating the National Education Policy – 2020 for focusing on value-based education, Shri Naidu said that this emphasis on values has been an integral part of all our teachings since ancient times. Drawing attention to the challenging situation caused by COVID-19 pandemic, he observed that nations have shown strong resolve and are working together in emerging out of this strongly and together. Observing that adversity is the time when one’s character is tested, he said that no problem is insurmountable when we work together with strong values. Shri Naidu also said that the pandemic has caused some stress in the people’s mind and the best way to release this is to live together with one’s family and practice meditation. He also appealed to provide succour and help to the needy and marginalized people in times like the current pandemic. He advised people to not become complacent and continue with necessary precautions and expressed hope that sooner than later the worldwide trials for a vaccine will bear fruit and we will be able to defeat the virus.

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Government relaxes existing timeline for submission of Life Certificate: DrJitendra Singh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, DrJitendra Singh said that in a major relief to elderly persons, Government has relaxed the existing timeline for submission of Life Certificate. All Central Government pensioners can submit Life Certificate from 1^st November, 2020 to 31^st December 2020. Earlier this used to be only for the month of November for maintaining continuity of Pension. However, the pensioners in the age group of 80 years and above, can submit Life Certificate from 1^st October, 2020 to 31^st December, 2020. During this extended period, the pension will be continued to be paid by the Pension Disbursing Authorities (PDAs) uninterrupted. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the decision was taken in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the vulnerability of elderly population to Corona Virus.

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Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurates and dedicates to the people development schemes in Gandhinagar district and city worth Rs. 15.01 crores via video conferencing

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated and dedicated to the people development schemes in Gandhinagar district and city worth Rs. 15.01 crores via video conferencing yestertday. He also laid the foundation stone of various developmental projects worth Rs. 119.63 crores. This includes Smart City projects, upgradation of gardens, road widening and new classrooms in Girls School. These development projects will give a boost to the development of Gandhinagar. Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitin Patel also attended the function via video conferencing from Rupaal village. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Amit Shah said, “I am confident that under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri NarendraModiji, we all will endeavour to make Gandhinagar a model LokSabha constituency.” Shri Shah also said that “the nation is fighting a battle against Corona epidemic under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri NarendraModiji”. He said as a result of these continuous efforts, there has been a decline in Casualty Rate and the Recovery rate has also improved.The Minister said that “public awareness is the only solution in the fight against Corona”. He also appealed to the people to strictly observe Social Distancing.

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Expert committee to assist Government for assessment of relief to bank borrowers

Various concerns have been raised during the proceedings of the ongoing hearing in Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in the matter of Gajendra Sharma Vs. UoI and Others, of the matter regarding the relief sought in terms of waiver of interest and waiver of interest on interest and other related issues. Government has accordingly constituted an Expert Committee for making an overall assessment so that its decisions in this regard are better informed.The Expert Committee has been formed underShri RajivMehrishi, former CAG of India as Chairperson.The committee will submit its report within one week.

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We must continue working together to find solutions for common problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic : Shri Gangwar

The Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment Shri SantoshGangwar has called upon all G-20 members to continue to work together for finding solutions to the common problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Shri Gangwar was speaking at Virtual Meeting of G-20 Labour and Employment Ministers last evening through Video Conferencing. He pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a new normal and changed the way we used to function.Referring to region specific measures to contain the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, he underlined that to mitigate the problems of the workers, India encouraged its employers for payment of wages to their workers. Shri Gangwar added that adequate arrangements were made to provide temporary shelters, food and medical facilities to the migrant labourers. In order to facilitate distribution of food grains to migrant workers, Shri Gangwar also informed that Indian Government has launched one nation, one ration card scheme. COVID-19 and its impact have also ben discussed in the G20 and the declaration also lists out the measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the labour market.

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INPUTS FROM PIB FIELD OFFICES

• Chandigarh: The Administrator, UT Chandigarh, directed all three medical institutions to ramp-up testing, enhance beds and take personal care of critical patients. He also appealed to the public representatives to collect information about symptomatic and suspected cases in their areas and inform the health authorities, so that early detection and treatment will be feasible and fatalities could be reduced.  The onus also lies on the citizens to join the battle against Covid.  They should join hands with the Administration and co-operate.
• Punjab: Making an emotional appeal to the people of Punjab, Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu urged the people to come forward and undergo Covid testing as delayed reporting by the patients to the hospitals is the cause of concern in this battle against the pandemic. He said that everyone has to play a significant role in this war by remaining vigilant about the precautions which would help them to protect from Covid-19 pandemic as only awareness is vital for keeping the Covid-19 pandemic at bay.
• Maharashtra: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that in view of the WHO’s warning that COVID-19 cases will be on the rise in the coming days, the state government has decided to provide 80 per cent oxygen cylinders to hospitals and 20 per cent to industries.  Maharashtra on Thursday recorded its second-highest spike in coronavirus cases at 23,446, which took the case tally to 9,90,795. There  are 2.61 lakh active patients, 69,456 of them in Pune district, followed by Thane with 28,460 and Mumbai with 26,629 active patients.
•  Gujarat:  Over 150 doctors in the state have tested positive for Covid-19. While over a hundred doctors in Rajkot were struck by the Coronavirus, more than 50 doctors working in AMC-run hospitals in Ahmedabad have been affected by it.  There are a total of 1,800 doctors on Covid duty right now. Doctors are the frontline warriors right now and their role is most critical in helping citizens fight the pandemic situation.  Gujarat added 1,332 new Covid cases on Thursday and the number of active case load at present is 16,198.
• Rajasthan: The Covid-19 positivity rate in the state has risen from 5%  in August to over 6% in September. According to health department figures, out of every 100 tests done, five tested positive in August and it is six in September.  In August, the average number of tests done daily was 25,407. It is 25,336 in September.  The state reported 740 new Covid cases during the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 98,116.  Out of this, 16,427 are active cases.
• Madhya Pradesh: Staring at a shortage of oxygen supply as the Covid-19 graph climbs higher, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced setting up a new plant for manufacturing oxygen at Hoshangabad and other short-term measures to increase its import and in-house industrial production. The move comes days after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray directed all oxygen production units to curtail export of oxygen and store about 80 per cent of its production for the state’s requirements. The active case load of Covid 19 patients in the state is 18,433.
•  Kerala:An all-party meeting, convened by CM PinarayiVijayan has decided to ask the Election Commission to defer the by-elections to two assembly seats.  The leaders pointed out that there will be just three months for the elected legislators to work effectively as the present Assembly’s term ends in May 2021. They also cited the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic spread in the state as well as the financial burden. The all-party meet also decided to request the state election commission to postpone the local has-self-government polls in November, in the wake of rising Covid cases. Industries Minister E P Jayarajan has tested positive for Covid-19.  Kochi based PNB Vesper Life science has received approval from the DCGI for second stage of drug trials of Covid vaccine. 3349 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the state yesterday. At present, 26,229 patients are undergoing and a total of 2.04 lakh people under quarantine across the state. The death toll is 396.
• Tamil Nadu: In Puducherry, 504 more people tested positive for Covid-19 and 12 died in the last 24 hours ending 10 am on Friday. There are 4878 active cases in the UT now with the total Covid count reaching 19026 and deaths touching 365. TN Health Minister C.Vijayabaskar said the test positivity rate in the State is less than 10 per cent, except in Krishnagiri and Cuddalore districts where the positivity rate is 11.7 percent. He added that in districts where cases are high, the govt is conducting fever camps, and doing aggressive testing and also tracing for Influenza-Like-Illness cases. As the State plans to partially reopen schools, Tamil Nadu schools are considering classes on rotation basis to ensure social distance.
• Karnataka: Six months after State reported first Covid case, the number of active cases crossed one lakh yesterday and touched 1,01,537. HC stays Karnataka govt’s order to defer payment of Variable Dearness Allowance under the Minimum Wages Act by employers to employees from April 01, 2020 to March 31, 2021. To address the issue of Covid test samples piling up in some districts and reports of government hospitals running out of oxygen supply, CM BS Yediyurappa has called for an inter-district coordination effort. Karnataka’s health experts have stated that they will continue with plasma therapy as it has been found effective in the state despite the ICMR study suggesting to the contrary.
• Andhra Pradesh: Close to 20 percent of the 5.34 crore population in Andhra Pradesh has acquired immunity to Covid-19, a Sero prevalence study has revealed. The survey findings reveal that 22.5 percent population in urban areas and 18.2 per cent in rural acquired immunity for Covid-19. Interestingly, the survey revealed that 90 to 100 per cent of the positives were asymptomatic. Chittoor district authorities appointed an expert committee to probe into the causes of increasing Covid-19 deaths and to conduct an audit into pandemic death toll in the district. While almost 510 deaths occurred in the district so far, Tirupati accounts for 174 which is a cause of concern. District Collector directed the officials not to allow those above 50 years of age for home isolation.
• Telangana:2426 new cases,  2324 recoveries &  13 deaths reported in the last 24 hours; out of 2426 cases, 338 cases reported from GHMC. Total cases: 1,52,602; Active cases: 32,195; Deaths: 940; Discharges: 1,19,467. International air travel between Hyderabad and Dubai resumes; this gives a big boost to the air travel, which is now showing signs of recovery amidst Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. Telangana High Court asks State government if it can hold PG exams online.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh has recorded 127 new positive cases of Covid-19.  99 people recovered from Covid-19 yesterday. Itanagar bench of the Gauhati High Court directed the Itanagar Capital Region district administration to take steps for providing psychosocial support to the inmates at Covid Care Centre in Lekhi.
•  Assam: In Assam during the last 24 hours 2197 COVID-19 patients discharged. Total 105701 COVID-19 patients discharged after recovery till date. The total active cases reached 29687 in the state.
• Manipur: In Manipur 108 more persons test COVID-19 positive. There were 245 recoveries with 77 percent recovery rate. There are 1633 active cases in the state. 4 patients have expired during the last 24 hours. Government has started eSanjeevaniOPD app downloadable from Google Play store for online consultations on Covid19 related medical needs.
• Meghalaya: In Meghalaya the total COVID-19 active cases reached to 1434. Out of them 272 are from BSF and Armed Forces. 1842 COVID-19 patients have been recovered so far.
•  Mizoram: Mizoram government announces partial lockdown in Aizawl municipal area till 17th September 2020.20 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Mizoram yesterday. Total COVID-19 cases reached to 1353 in the state. Out of them 603 are active cases.
• Nagaland: In the state of Nagaland more areas sealed in Kohima following detection of new COVID 19 positive cases. Houses at Zeinoubadze colony, P Khel, Lower Naga Bazar, Officers Hill & Jail Colony are sealed.

FACTCHECK

open view news desk

New Delhi, september 11, 2020