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

Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Government of India

Recovery Rate climbs a new high of nearly 68%; Case Fatality Rate continues falling, stands at 2.05% today

India continues on the path of COVID-19 management boosted by two significant achievements, continuously rising recovery rate among the COVID-19 patients and Case Fatality Rate that has remained much below the global average. While the former is at a record high of 68%, the latter has touched a new low of 2.05%, thus ensuring low mortality among COVID-19 patients. These two in tandem have enabled a higher and rising difference (more than 7.7 lakhs) between the number of recovered patients and active cases in India.The total recoveries have jumped to 13,78,105 with recovery of 49,769 patients in the last 24 hours.Ramped up hospital infrastructure and emphasis on efficient treatment of hospitalized patients through the Standard of Care incorporated in the Clinical Treatment Protocol issued by the Centre, have effectively ensured improvement in the recovery rate. The average daily recovered cases (7 day moving average) have increased from around 26000 cases to 44000 cases in the last 2 weeks.

For details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1644012

India tests a new record of 6,64,949 tests in last 24 hours; More than 6 lakh tests done for 3rd successive day,Tests Per Million (TPM) cross 16,000

Keeping the focus on “Test, Track and Treat” strategy, India has continued testing more than 6 lakh COVID-19 samples for the third consecutive day in a row, on Wednesday. India’s resolve to rapidly increase the number of tests done per day has resulted in a successful march towards 10 lakh/day testing capacity with 6,64,949 tests conducted in the last 24 hours.The cumulative testing as on date has reached 2,21,49,351. The Tests Per Million too have seen a sharp rise to 16050. It is only by aggressive testing that positive cases can be identified, their contacts tracked and isolated as well as prompt treatment can be ensured. The lab network as on today consists of 1370 labs; 921 labs in the government sector and 449 private labs.

For details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1643871

PM delivers inaugural addresses at the Higher Education Conclave

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered the inaugural address at the Higher Education Conclave.PM mentioned that the National Education Policy was approved after extensive deliberations over 3-4 years and brainstorming over lakhs of suggestions. He noted that healthy debate and discussions are taking place on National Education policy across the country. National Education Policy aims at making the youth Future Ready while focussing on the National Values and National Goals. Shri Narendra Modi said that the policy lays the foundation of the New India, the 21st Century India, the education and skills needed for the youth to strengthen India, to advance it to new heights of development and to further empower the citizens of India to make them suitable for maximum opportunities. The Prime Minister said National Education Policy also reflects the ideals of Guru Rabindranath on Education, which aims at bringing our lives in harmony with all the existence. He said, a Holistic Approach was needed, which the National Education Policy has achieved successfully.

For details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1644051

Text of PM’s speech at Higher Education Conclave

For details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1644025

Pradhan Mantri GaribKalyan Anna Yojana Phase-I, Food Corporation of India moved total 139 LMT food grains during March 2020 to June 2020

During the period 24^th March to 30^th June 2020, Food Corporation of India moved about 139 LMT food grains, using nearly 5,000 rakes and nearly 14.7 LMT through 91,874 trucks across the country. Support of other Ministries such as Railways and Shipping augmented by Indian Air Force have played a crucial role in making these operations smooth and successful. For the distribution of food grains to beneficiaries, a network of about 5.4 Lakh Fair Price Shops (FPSs) was utilised across the country. All precautionary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 protocol, such as social distancing, use of face masks, hand sanitizers, availability of soap and water to maintain hand hygiene, staggered distribution timings, frequent sanitization of ePoS devices, etc were followed in each State/UT, besides use of innovative practices for giving foodgrains to beneficiaries while ensuring social distancing at all times.

For details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1643869

Vice President praises New Education Policy for reducing the load on students

Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu praised New Education Policy for bringing down the load of students by reducing the syllabus.Delivering the first RajalakshmiParthasarathy Memorial Lecture through video conferencing yesterday, the Vice President stressed that students must be encouraged to place equal emphasis on physical activity and sports. He also called for making Yoga an integral part of school curriculum from an early age and said students should spend equal time in playgrounds and classrooms.Terming the recently launched New Education Policy as a visionary document, the Vice President said that it laid emphasis on holistic development of the students. Expressing concern over the disruption caused by Covid pandemic in normal academic schedule, the Vice President said that virtual classes were temporary arrangement and they cannot replace a teacher. No virtual mechanism can give the flavour of real time classroom learning.Observing that India was on the move, the Vice President said the setback caused by COVID-19 pandemic was temporary and exuded confidence that the momentum would be back. Quoting Prime Minister’s three word mantra- ‘Reform-Perform-Transform’, he appealed to everyone to perform one’s duty towards transforming the nation.

For details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1643873

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Shri PiyushGoyal flagged off first “Kisan Rail”, a special Parcel Train from Devlali (Maharashtra) to Danapur (Bihar)

Indian Railways introduced first “Kisan Rail” from Devlali to Danapur today from Devlali. The train was flagged off via video conferencing by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchyati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Shri PiyushGoyal.Speaking on the occasion, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said, “It is a great day for farmers. Kisan Rail was announced in the budget. Agriculture produce needs best possible distribution and returns. Indian farmers have proved that they would never be deterred by any calamity or challenge. Kisan Rail will ensure that agro products reach from one corner to another corner of the country. This train will also benefit the farmers and the consumers.”Shri PiyushGoyal said, “Indian Railways has put trains in service of Farmers. It was the guidance and inspiration by the Prime Minister, Shri NarendraModiji that Indian Railways have started Kisan Rail. This train will serve as a milestone in doubling Farmers’ income. Indian Railways and Farmers had been forefront in battle against Covid challenges”

For details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1644077

Delhi Airport develops portal for all international arriving passengers across India

Delhi International Airport Limited today announced that it has developed a first-of-its-kind portal where India-bound international arriving flyers can fill the mandatory self-declaration form and also apply online for exemption from mandatory institution quarantine process. This facility will be available for all international arriving passengers from August 8, 2020.This will help in making passengers’ journey more convenient and comfortable in a contactless way as they won’t have to fill the physical copies of the forms on arrival. This new online self-declaration & quarantine exemption portal will prove to be beneficial for the government officials in taking a swift and informed decision on granting exemption or know the latest health condition of the international arriving passenger. Passengers would be considered for exemption only if they fall under any one of the five exempted categories - Pregnant women, Suffered a death in the family, Suffering from serious illness (Description to be provided), Parents accompanied by children below 10 years and Covid-19 negative in recent RT-PCR test. 

For details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1644076

Shri MansukhMandaviya launches the Online Exit Examination system for seafarers

Union Minister of State for Shipping (I/C) Shri MansukhMandaviya launched Online Exit Examination for the seafarers via virtual ceremony here today. Seafarers, who are getting training in different Maritime Training Institutes under Directorate General of Shipping, can now appear in the exam from the comfort of their homes in this unprecedented time of COVID-19 pandemic. Shri Mandaviya said that India is the only country in the world, which has started online examination for the seafarers from the comfort of their home in this pandemic. He said that because of the online exam, accuracy of the exam and uniformity in assessment of candidates can be ensured. With the online exam, seafarers will get a chance to qualify the exit exam at the comfort of their homes.

For details: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1644120

INPUTS FROM FIELD OFFICES

• Chandigarh: The Administrator, UT Chandigarh, directed that a Committee of medical experts should be constituted to study the existing facilities in the three major medical institutions and also recommend methods to enhance COVID treatment beds, keeping in view the rising number of cases. He further directed that the guidelines notified for gymnasiums and yoga institutions should be strictly followed while opening these places. Any violation will invite closure of the unit.
• Punjab: The Punjab tourism department to provide free training and skill development to the youth interested to pursue their career in the tourism and hospitality sectors post COVID-19. Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr.Charanjit Singh Channi said that more than 2000 students would be trained under the umbrella scheme of 'Hunar Se RozgarTak' and they will also be assisted in placement. About 1000 students would be provided training in Skill Testing and Certification under Entrepreneurship program.
• Haryana: Haryana Chief Minister urged the patients who have recovered from COVID-19 infection to come forward and motivate people suffering from this infection to put up a tough fight against this Pandemic. He also appealed to the people who have recovered from COVID-19 infection to donate their plasma. The Chief Minister directed the officers that free pick and drop ambulance facility should be provided to the patients who need to be tested after recovering from COVID-19 or before.
• Arunachal Pradesh: In Arunachal Pradesh, more than 98,000 samples collected for Covid-19 test so far. Namsai district administration has issued a notice to all participants of porters recruitment rally to remain in strict home quarantine for at least 14 days after detection of 55 positive cases related to rally.
• Manipur: Manipur government warns public and private hospitals to attend to all non-Covid patients and continue with health services without delay in treatment. Manipur government to provide Rapid Antigen Test kits to all hospitals through Directorate of Health Services.
• Mizoram: In Mizoram till 9am today, 320 people were tested with Rapid Antigen Test and 18 truck drivers and one local tested Covid19 positive.
• Sikkim: In Sikkim, 25 new COVID-19 positive cases found today. Till now 399 patients cured and discharged and 446 active cases in the State.
• Kerala: One more Covid-19 death has been reported in the state, from Kasargod.  The overall tally of Covid-19 patients in the state crossed 30,000 yesterday which saw 1,298 fresh cases. As many as 11,983 patients are still undergoing treatment and 1,48,039 people are under observation across the state.     
• Tamil Nadu: Puducherry reports 244 fresh Covid-19 cases, five deaths; tally rises to 4,862, active cases to 1,873 and deaths to 75 in the UT. Invitees for TN CM’s Tirunelveli event test Covid positive for virus; More than 10 staff, including doctors, have also tested positive for the disease.  Steps taken to simplify e-pass system, says CM Palaniswami at a function in Madurai to distribute financial assistance to kin of frontline workers who succumbed to virus. 5684 new cases, 6272 recoveries & 110 deaths reported yesterday. Total cases: 2,79,144; Active cases: 53,486; Deaths: 4571;  Active cases in Chennai: 11,720.
• Karnataka:  In the last one week recovery rate improved marginally in the state as well as Bangalore city, said Medical Education Minister. On July 30 recovery rate was 39.36% in state and 29.51% in Bangalore city, within a week rate gone up to 50.72% and 50.34%, he added. 6805 new cases, 5602 discharges & 93 deaths reported yesterday; 2544 cases in Bangalore city. Total cases: 1,58,254; Active cases: 75,068; Deaths: 2897; Discharges 80,281.
• Andhra Pradesh:About 265 prisoners’ tested positive for coronavirus in Rajahmundry Central Jail. There are a total of 1,675 inmates at the Central Jail.  Around 24 prison staff who came in contact with the inmates of the jail, are being treated under home isolation. In Prakasam district about 150 corona positive patients have gone missing. BJP RajyaSabha member CM Ramesh tested positive for coronavirus. Visakhaptanm district authorities have imposed a complete lockdown in Araku Valley, the famous hill station in the Eastern Ghats from today in the wake rising corona cases. 10,328 new cases, 8516 discharges and 72 deaths reported yesterday. Total cases: 1,96,789; Active cases: 82,166; Deaths: 1753.
• Telangana: The rapid rise in Covid-19 cases in the state is increasing the burden on healthcare infrastructure. FICCI (Telangana) and Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FTCCI) along with the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) have recommended that the government regulate and centralise hospital admission system for coronavirus patients in the state. 2207 new cases, 1136 recoveries & 12 deaths reported in the last 24 hours; out of 2207 cases, 532 cases reported from GHMC. Total cases: 75,257; Active cases: 21,417; Deaths: 601; Discharges: 53,239.
• Maharashtra:  After Mumbai and Pune districts, Thane became the third to breach the one lakh mark in cases on Thursday to reach 1,00,875 cases.  The total cases in the state are now 4.79 lakhs out of which 1.46 lakh are active cases. Mumbai added 910 cases on Thursday, taking the cumulative tally to 1,20,150. However, Mumbai’s share in the state’s daily cases, which is on the decline, reduced to just 8% on Thursday, when Maharashtra added 11,514 cases, which is a new single day high.
• Gujarat: The civic authorities in Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot initiated fire safety audit of designated Covid-19 hospitals in the respective cities following a mishap at a similar health facility in Ahmedabad that left eight patients dead on Thursday. Shrey Hospital, the Covid-designated hospital in Navrangpura area, where the incident took place on Thursday did not have a fire safety NOC, according the Fire Safety Officer of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.  Meanwhile, Gujarat reported 1,034 new Corona virus cases taking the state tally to 67,818.  Out of these, 14,905 are active cases.
• Madhya Pradesh: The Madhya Pradesh government has relaxed night curfews by two hours and partially lifted weekend lockdowns in coronavirus-affected districts of the state, an official said. Night curfews will now be observed from 10.00 pm to 5.00 am as opposed to the earlier timing of 8.00 pm to 5.00 a.m.  Madhya Pradesh reported 830 new cases and 838 recoveries on Thursday, leaving the number active cases at 8,716.
• Chhattisgarh:Shops and commercial establishments in Raipur and other urban parts of Chhattisgarh resumed their operations on Friday, as they were allowed to function with certain restrictions after overa two-week long lockdown came to an end on Thursday. Roads in state capital Raipur witnessed a rise in the traffic movement as all the state government and private offices, which were shut since July 22 due to the lockdown, started functioning again from Friday.
• Goa : Goa is all set to start administering Remdesivir anti-viral drug to Covid 19 patients.  Goa’s Health Department today received 1,008 vials of Remdesivir from pharma major Cipla.  Goa is currently witnessing a sustained spike in the number of Covid-19 cases. The state has recorded 7,614 coronavirus cases in all, out of which 2,095 are active.

YB