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

India’s Case Fatality Rate lowest since 1st April at 2.23%; Total recoveries fast nearing 1 million; More than 35,000 recovered in last 24 hours

Coordinated implementation of “Test Track Treat” strategy by the Union and State/UT governments has effectively ensured that the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is maintained at a low level when compared to the global scenario, and it has been progressively falling. The Case Fatality Rate stands at 2.23% today and it is lowest since 1^st April 2020.There is a consistent trend of more than 30,000 recoveries/day for the sixth consecutive day.The total number of recovered cases is fast approaching 1 million. With 35,286 patients discharged in the last 24 hours, the total recoveries have jumped to 9,88,029. The recovery rate has reached another high of 64.51% amongst COVID-19 patients.With such consistent increase in recoveries, the gap between recovered patients and active COVID-19 cases currently stands at 4,78,582. Active cases (5,09,447) are under medical supervision.

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Cumulative testing crosses 1.77 crore; Tests per Million increase to 12858

With 4,08,855 samples tested in the last 24 hours, the number of Test Per Million (TPM) has increased to 12,858 and cumulative testing has crossed 1.77 crore.The testing lab network in the country is continuously strengthened with 1316 labs in the country; 906 labs in the government sector and 410 private labs.Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released a document titled “COVID-19 Pandemic and Tobacco Use in India”.

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Dr. Harsh Vardhan releases book on Standard Treatment Guidelines for management of Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Addictions

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare released the e-book titled “Standard Treatment Guidelines for the Management of Substance Use Disorders and Behavioural Addictions” that aims to tackle substance abuse and behavioral addiction in the country. On the importance of addressing challenges to addiction in the times of COVID-19, Dr Harsh Vardhan cautioned that the World Drug Report 2020 “suggests that COVID-19 can have other fallouts just like earlier economic crises have caused – users seeking out cheaper synthetic substances; a shift to more injecting; economic downturn causing the poor and disadvantaged to turn to drug use and suffer its consequences.” He also elaborated on the “emerging evidence that smoking increases risk for COVID-19 as well as worsens the outcome in people who get infected with the virus.

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Finance Minister Smt. NirmalaSitharaman attends the 5th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. NirmalaSitharaman attended the 5^th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through video conference in New Delhi yesterday. The discussions at the meeting broadly covered official business including election of the President of the AIIB and roundtable discussion on the theme ‘AIIB 2030-Supporting Asia’s Development over the Next Decade’. In her intervention, Smt. Sitharaman appreciated AIIB’s efforts for fast tracking financial assistance of about $10 Billion to its member countries including India to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Smt. Sitharaman mentioned about Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi’s initiative of creating a COVID-19 Emergency Fund for SAARC Nations and India’s efforts in supplying critical medical health kits to tackle the COVID-19, and now supporting global efforts of COVID-19 vaccine trials. Besides, the Finance Minister highlighted India’s participation in the “G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative”.Smt. Sitharaman also outlined various measures taken by the Government of India to respond to the COVID-19, including the $23 Billion Pradhan Mantri GaribKalyanYojana (PMGKP) and $295 Billion AatmaNirbhar Bharat Package (ANBP), which aim at protecting all sectors and sections of the economy.

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AYUSH Minister reviews arrangements at Covid Centre in AIIA

Minister of State (IC) for AYUSH Shri ShripadYessoNaik, visited the COVID-19 Health Centre (CHC) at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Delhi yesterday. The Minister reviewed the arrangements at the Centre for treatment of COVID-19 patients. He also interacted with the team of doctors and enquired about the wellbeing of the patients at the centre. He sought their feedback about the facilities available at the COVID-19 health centre and the results of treatment by Ayurvedic medicines.The Minister expressed satisfaction with the services provided by AIIA in wake of COVID 19 pandemic. He said AIIA is playing an exemplary role in providing Holistic care through individualized Ayurveda Medicine, diet, Yoga and Relaxation techniques to COVID 19 patients across India.He stated that the traditional system of India - Ayurveda has a huge potential in preventive and curative health care of this pandemic. Majority of the patients admitted in CHC were administered standalone Ayurveda treatment protocol including diet and Yoga. Minister also visited the Free COVID-19 testing centre at AIIA. AIIA has been designated as COVID-19 testing centre (RT-PCR and Rapid antigen testing) by Government of Delhi.

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Union Minister for HRD Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launches India Report- Digital Education June 2020

Union Minister for HRD Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually launched India Report on Digital Education, 2020 here yesterday. Shri Pokhriyal said that the report elaborates on the innovative methods adopted by Ministry of HRD, Education Departments of States and Union Territories for ensuring accessible and inclusive education to children at home and reducing learning gaps. Ministry of Human Resource Development has initiated many projects to assist teachers, scholars and students in their pursuit of learning like DIKSHA platform, SwayamPrabha TV Channel, Online MOOC courses, On Air – ShikshaVani, DAISY by NIOS for differently-abled, e-PathShala, National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER) to develop e-content and energized books, telecast through TV channels, E-learning portals , webinars, chat groups, distribution of books and other digital initiatives along with State/ UT Governments.Digital education initiatives are also enabling enhanced support for students preparing for competitive exams. Goa has partnered with Embibe, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered online platform for learning, practicing, and testing, for students preparing for entrance exams in the State.

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Distribution of food grains under PMGKAY-II started; Total 33.40 LMT food grains picked up by the States/UTs till now

After successful implementation of Prime Minister GaribKalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) from April to June 2020, Government of India extended this scheme for another 5 months from July to November 2020. About 81 crore beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Antyodaya Ann Yojana (AAY) are being provided 5 Kgs of Rice/wheat free of cost under this scheme. The total allocation for PMGKAY II from July to November 2020 is 200.19 LMT (91.33 LMT Wheat and 109.96 LMT rice). The scheme was rolled out on 08.07.20 and till 27.07.20, a quantity of 33.40 LMT food grains (13.42 LMT wheat and 19.98 LMT rice) has already been handed over to state governments across the country for further distribution to the beneficiaries, which is about 83% of the allocation for the month of July 2020.Including the additional allocation of 200.19 LMT for PMGKAY II, the total quantity of food grains that will be distributed by Government of India to the vulnerable sections of the society during the 5 months will be about 455 LMT. FCI has already wound up the procurement operations for the current season and has set new records in procurement of both wheat and rice. A total of 389.76 LMT wheat and 504.91 LMT rice has been procured in the just concluded crop season.

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Union Minister DrJitendra Singh being handed over a Demand Draft and a Cheque as contribution to the PM Cares Fund by BharatiyaYogSansthan at New Delhi

Union Minister of State DrJitendra Singh said that Yoga had already gained worldwide popularity after the declaration of “International Yoga Day” by the UNO at the behest of Prime Minister ShNarendraModi.  He also said thatnowadays Yoga is fast getting integrated with people’s lives and the awareness about health has suddenly increased manifold during the last twelve weeks or so. While accepting a Demand Draft and a Cheque donated by the BharatiyaYogSansthan towards PM Cares Fund yesterday, the Minister recalled PM Modi’s words that from Hollywood to Haridwar, people had taken serious note of Yoga during the Corona health crisis

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INPUTS FROM FIELD OFFICES

• Chandigarh: The Administrator, UT Chandigarh, inaugurated a “COVID AWARENESS VAN” fitted with an LED screen.  The vehicle will be used for creating awareness on public health regarding COVID-19.  Concerned over the  rising number of coronavirus cases in the city, the Department of Public Relations, Chandigarh Administration planned to generate awareness amongst the residents of Chandigarh about COVID-19 under IEC activities.
  • Punjab: Amid increasing number of Covid cases in the state, the Punjab government has appointed young IAS officers as nodal officers in Amritsar and Patiala to effectively manage the rising caseload in the two Government Medical Colleges, as well as coordinate with private sector hospitals providing tertiary level Covid care. The Chief Secretary has also directed all DCs to identify dynamic young officers in their districts to track each and every Covid patient and coordinate their treatment and care and ensure timely and efficient healthcare facilities.
  • Kerala:Three Covid-19 deaths have been reported in the state today. The fatalities were two in Kozhikode and one in Malappuram. With this, so far 70 people have succumbed to the virus in the state. Meanwhile, lockdown continues in the state capital with relaxations which will not be applicable in critical containment zones. According to the COVID statistics one positive case is reported for every 18 tests in Thiruvananthapuram.  Heavy rains lashing various parts of the state have hampered the Covid containment activities. Covid-19 protocol violators in the state will have to pay fine on the spot from today onwards. Currently, 10,093 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 are undergoing treatment and 1.5 lakh people under surveillance in various districts.
• Tamil Nadu: Puducherry registers highest spike with 166 Covid-19 cases; home isolation for asymptomatic patients. TN Governor isolates self for a week as 3 more test Covid-19 positive in Raj Bhavan. The Ranipet district administration is taking containment measures on a war footing after projections estimated that the Covid tally in the district would touch 8,000 by 4^th August. 6972 new cases, 4707 recoveries & 88 deaths reported yesterday. 1107 cases from Chennai. Total cases: 2,27,688; Active cases: 57,073; Deaths: 3659;  Discharges: 1,66,956; Active cases in Chennai: 12,852.
• Karnataka: Students need not panic, says Karnataka Dy CM as govt all set for CET amid Covid-19 crisis. Medical Education Minister Dr.K.Sudhakar said that there will be a centralized system in place to classify asymptomatic, symptomatic and mild symptomatic persons and recommend treatment based on the severity of the cases. He added that various existing Apps related to Covid will be brought under one platform to get real time information which will assist in strategizing allocation of hospitals/beds to the needy. 5536 new cases, 2819 discharges & 102 deaths reported yesterday; 1898 cases in Bangalore city. Total cases: 1,07,001; Active cases: 64,434; Deaths: 2055.
• Andhra Pradesh: AP Medical and Health Minister said that the state is providing medical assistance to corona victims irrespective of the financial situation, allocating more funds for containing the pandemic. He warned of stringent action against private hospitals defying government orders and refuses to treat corona patients. State is recruiting 17 thousand medical staff including doctors to ward off the crisis.State Wakf Board has announced that the managements of the Wakf Institutions can’t obstruct or prevent or deny the burial of any deceased Muslims due to Covid-19, in Muslim burial grounds. 7948 new cases, 3064 discharges and 58 deaths reported yesterday. Total cases: 1,10,297 ; Active cases: 56,527; Deaths: 1148; Discharges: 52,622.
• Telangana:  State on Wednesday recorded 1,764 new cases of Covid-19 as testing touched an all-time high of 18,858 samples tested in a single day and the cumulative number of samples tested touching the 4 lakh mark. With many districts across the state seeing a continuing rise in Covid-19 cases — most recording over 50 cases in the last one week — the health infrastructure is now at a tipping point.1764 new cases, 842 recoveries & 12 deaths reported in the last 24 hours; out of 1764 cases, 509 cases reported from GHMC. Total cases: 58,906; Active cases: 14,663; Deaths: 492; Discharges: 43,751.
• Arunachal Pradesh: In Arunachal Pradesh Rapid Response Antigen Tests are being carried out in different parts of the state including capital Itanagar. In Itanagar, 1664 such tests conducted during last twenty four hours detecting 26 positive cases.
• Manipur: Manipur reports first COVID19 related death.56-year-old patient from Thoubal district was admitted at RIMS Hospital in Imphal for renal problem (Dialysis).
• Nagaland: 53 new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Nagaland.  29 in Dimapur, 19 in Kohima& 5 in Mon.
• Maharashtra: A sero-survey conducted in Mumbai showed that more than half the people, or 57% tested in slums had been exposed to and developed antibodies against SARS-COV2 virus as compared to only 16% of those tested in residential societies.  Lack of living space resulting in difficulty in practicing physical distancing, use of common toilet facilities are said to be the main reasons for high spread of infection. Mumbai reported a marked dip in new cases at 717, despite more than 8,000 tests being conducted on Tuesday.  In early July, the city regularly reported over 1,500 cases with 5,000-6000 tests, indicating that the spread of Covid 19 in the financial capital is gradually slowing down. 7,717 patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in entire Maharashtra on Tuesday.  The number of active cases are 1,44,696.
• Gujarat: Gujarat government has set the ceiling on covid 19 treatment in private hospitals across the state. The move came in the light of complaints received against private hospitals for charging exorbitant charges from Covid patients. The government has clarified that the new rates will be applicable to all the private hospitals providing Covid treatment across the state except those which are located in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat and Bhavnagar municipal corporation limits where charges have already been fixed. A ceiling rate of Rs 5700 per day for Covid patients in non ICU wards, while patients admitted in ICU facilities cannot be charged more than Rs 6000 per day.  Gujarat reported 1,108 new positive cases and 24 deaths reported in Gujarat in the last 24 hours. Total cases have increased to 57,982. It includes 13,198 active cases, 42,412 recoveries and 2,372 deaths.
• Rajasthan: 328 new patients have been reported today morning. The state tally of COVID-19 has increased to 38,964. Recoveries around the state have gone up to 27,569. Maximum new patients, that is, 154 of them are from Alwar district, followed by Jaipur having 61 patients and then Ajmer having 47 patients.
• Madhya Pradesh: 628 new cases have been reported in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. The state tally of COVID-19 has now gone up to 29,217. While there are 8044 active patients in the state now; the total recoveries stand at 20,343 and the death toll is 830.

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