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

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India sets unprecedented record, Doubling Time nearly 73 Days, Further slide in %Active Cases; now about 11% of Total Cases

India is reporting a progressively high increase in the recoveries and a persistent decline in the percentage active cases. It is now almost 73 days (72.8 days). This indicates a substantial fall in the daily New Cases and the consequent increase in time taken to double the Total Cases. India has come a long way from registering a doubling rate of 25.5 days in mid-August to now registering a doubling rate of nearly 73 days. 81,514 new recoveries were added in the last 24 hour. With this, the total number of recoveries are nearly 64 Lakh (63,83,441). Higher number of single day recoveries is also reflected in the continuous increase in the national recovery rate, which has crossed 87% and now is 87.36%. 10 States/UTs account for 79% of the new recovered cases. Maharashtra has contributed more than 19,000 to the single day recoveries followed by Karnataka with more than 8,000 recoveries. Presently the active cases comprise 11.12% of the total positive cases of the country standing at 8,12,390. They have been below the 9 lakh mark for a week now. 67,708 new confirmed cases were registered in the last 24 hours in the country. 77% of new confirmed cases are from 10 States and UTs. Maharashtra has the highest number with more than 10,000 cases followed by Karnataka with more than 9,000 cases.  680 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours. These have been sustained below the 1000 mark since 12 days. Of these, nearly 80% are concentrated in ten States/UTs. More than 23% of new fatalities reported are from Maharashtra (158 deaths).

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PM chairs review meeting of the research and vaccine deployment ecosystem against COVID-19

Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi took a review meeting of the research and vaccine deployment ecosystem against the COVID-19 pandemic including testing technologies, contact tracing, drugs and therapeutics etc.The meeting was attended by Union Health Minister Shri Harsh Vardhan; Member (Health), NITI Aayog; Principal Scientific Advisor; senior scientists; and other officials.The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts made by Indian vaccine developers and manufacturers to rise to the COVID-19 challenge, and committed to continue government facilitation and support for all such efforts.The Prime Minister stated that regulatory reform was a dynamic process, and experts in every current and emerging domain should be used by the regulator proactively, as many new approaches have emerged.The Prime Minister took stock of Health Ministry’s comprehensive distribution and delivery mechanism for vaccines. This includes mechanisms for adequate procurement, and technologies for bulk-stockpiling, filling vials for distribution and ensuring effective delivery.The Prime Minister reiterated the country’s resolve to provide cost effective, easily available and scalable solutions for testing, vaccine and medication, not only for India but for the entire world.

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Dr Harsh Vardhan chairs Inter-ministerial Meeting to boost ‘Whole of Government’ approach for FSSAI’s ‘Vision 2050’

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare today presided over an inter-ministerial meet with FSSAI and senior officials of various ministries to build a ‘Whole of Government’ approach to achieve ‘Vision 2050’ of the eat Right India Movement. The Union Minister took note of the fact the economic cost of food borne diseases in India is estimated to be a whooping $15 billion. While Wasting (21%), Underweighting (36%), Stunting (38%) are common among children, with 50% of women and children suffering from anaemia; prevalence of Obesity has doubled in the decade (2005-2015) from 9.3% to 18.6% among males and from 12.6% to 20.7% among females with a corresponding rise in deaths due to NCDs. Thus, to move from Food Security to Nutrition Security, these line ministries are expected to come together to form a common platform to determine common goals and strategy and synergize their actions accordingly. Dr. Harsh Vardhan taking note on the alarming statistics said, “‘Eat Right India’ and ‘Fit India’ Movement will prove to be game changers in the health sector of the country. The results will be visible for all of us in the coming ten years.”

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Dr. Harsh Vardhan holds a meeting on ‘Jan Andolan’ and COVID Appropriate Behaviour with Heads of all AIIMS and CentralGovernment Hospitals

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan held a meeting through video conferencing to review the activities taken under the “Jan Andolan” on COVID Appropriate Behavior with the Heads of all AIIMS and Central Government Hospitals, yesterday. Highlighting the importance of the coming months in the country’s collective fight against the pandemic, Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “We are now entering into the tenth month of our fight against COVID-19. It was on the 8^th of January when we had our first meeting of the expert group. Since then, the journey has been relentless. But today, we can proudly say that we have created significant infrastructure for our fight against COVID which includes over 90 lakh beds, over 12,000 quarantine centres and more than 1900 labs.” He expressed deep gratitude and salutations for the tireless and dedicated efforts by all warriors and expressed grief over the death of those warriors who sacrificed their life saving others. Urging people across the country to follow the clarion call of the Hon. Prime Minister as part of the ‘Jan Andolan’ launched on the 8^th of this month, Health Minister urged people to follow COVID appropriate behavior. He said, “The virus has adversely affected the whole world. But simple precautionary measures are effective in preventing the corona virus to a large extent. Wearing mask/face cover especially in public spaces, and following hand and respiratory etiquettes are the cardinal principles of social vaccine.”

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AYUSH Sector set to add momentum to the Jan Andolan against Covid-19, Nearly 2000 take the COVID-19 pledge

The Ministry of AYUSH has launched the Jan Andolan Campaign on COVID-19. This Andolan is regarding “Public Health Response to COVID-19: Campaign for COVID-Appropriate Behaviour” which has been launched by the Hon. Prime Minister through a tweet on the 8^th of this month to encourage people across the country to adopt and encourage other to adopt COVID appropriate behaviours in view of the upcoming festivals and winter season. The Ayush professionals work closely with the public, and hence the sector is gearing up to add momentum to this campaign. The Jan Andolan Campaign will be driven by people’s participation. In the Ayush Sector, the practitioners and other Ayush professionals will act as catalysts for dissemination of relevant information throughout the country. The campaign emphasizes on “Unlock with Precautions”. The three key messages which are being highlighted across the sector are - “Wear Mask, Follow Physical Distancing, and Maintain Hand Hygiene”.To make the campaign a success, partnerships are being formed among the Ministry’s attached and subordinate offices and PSUs with private sector industry and academia. Ayush Directorates in States and UTs with Ayush dispensaries supported by the National Ayush Mission of Ministry of AYUSH under them, the States and UTs Ayush Directorates are important stakeholders, and will be a major network for this Ministry for spreading the instant behavioral change communication.

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‘Ayurveda for Covid-19' to be the main theme of 5th Ayurveda Day

Potential role of Ayurveda in the management of the Covid 19 pandemic will be the focus of this year's 'Ayurveda Day' observation. The Ayurveda Day is being observed every year from 2016, on the day of DhanwantriJayanti. This year it falls on 13^th November 2020. The Objective of Ayurveda Day is to focus on strengths of Ayurveda and its unique treatment principles, to work towards reducing the burden of disease and related mortality by utilising the potential of Ayurveda, to tap into the potential of Ayurveda to contribute towards National Health Policy and National Health programmes, and to promote Ayurvedic principles of healing in society. Thus, Ayurveda Day is more an occasion of re-dedication to the profession and the society, than one of festivities or celebrations.

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India is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of generic medicines across the world: Shri DV Sadananda Gowda

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri DV SadanandaGowda has said India is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of generic medicines across the world. During initial phase, he said, HCQ and Azithromycin was identified as one of medicines under treatment protocol for covid-19 in emergency cases. Referring to India supplying these medicines to more than 120 countries across the world,  he underlined that India thereby earned the reputation of reliable supplier of medicines. Addressing the virtual Latin America & Caribbean session on ‘Reimagining Distances’, during LEADS 2020, organised by FICCI late last evening Shri Gowda said that Indian pharma sector can grow to $ 65 billion industry by 2024.

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Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman attends the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting through video conferencing

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting yesterday through video conferencing. Ministers and Governors of G20 countries had gathered to discuss the current global economic outlook and G20’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with other G20 Finance Track priorities for the year 2020.In the first session, the Finance Minister spoke on updates to the G20 Action Plan in response to COVID-19 which was endorsed by the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors on April 15^th 2020. Smt. Sitharamanemphasised that the updated commitments in the G20 Action Plan have to be kept relevant in the current policy context for the action points to remain effective as a policy response to COVID-19.Explaining the core guiding principles for the updation of the G20 Action Plan commitments, Smt. Sitharaman highlighted the need to balance the health and economic objectives in the recovery plans. Adding to this, the Finance Minister also spoke about the need to consider heterogeneity of policy responses among member countries, international spillovers from domestic policy actions and reforms required in the global regulatory regimes particularly with respect to the procyclicality of credit rating downgrades.

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Telephone conversation between President of India and President of Turkmenistan

The President of India, Shri Ram NathKovind, received a telephone call today (October 15, 2020) from His Excellency Mr GurbangulyBerdimuhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan. The leaders acknowledged the warm and cordial relations between the two countries underpinned by historical and civilizational links. They noted with satisfaction the sustained momentum of cooperation in diverse areas.The leaders agreed on the immense potential that exists in trade and economic spheres and noted the success of joint collaboration between Indian and Turkmen companies, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.

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Para-archer Ankit tests Covid positive, shifted by SAI authorities to hospital in Sonepat

Para-Archer Ankit, who is a part of the national camp underway at SAI NRC Sonepat, has tested positive for Covid-19. To ensure proper treatment and close monitoring of his vitals, he was shifted to the BhagwanDass Hospital in Sonepat on Wednesday.The Para-Archery camp had commenced on October 5th and all campers including eight archers had reported to the camp after submitting their negative Covid RT-PCR test reports. As per the SOPs set up for the camp, samples of all campers were taken on October 12th for re-testing where Ankit’s report was found to be positive. He was immediately shifted to the isolation ward created above the medical centre at the SAI NRC Sonepat, before being moved to the hospital.

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INPUTS FROM PIB FIELD OFFICES

• Maharashtra: As part of its ‘Mission Begin Again’, the Maharashtra Government today allowed reopening of libraries, higher education institutions that require research or lab work, Metro Rail Services, business exhibitions and weekly markets. In an order issued by the state government, all these activities will be allowed to reopen from Thursday in all places outside the containment zones. 
• Gujarat: The Gujarat High Court will close its premises for the second time during the Covid-19 pandemic from October 16 to October 19 for complete sanitisation. The Registrar General of the high court issued a circular on Wednesday saying that antigen tests will also be conducted for the lawyers and staff during that period. The state’s cumulative Covid-19 cases crossed 1.55 lakh on Wednesday as the number of patients discharged continue to exceed that of tested positive.
• Rajasthan: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has decided to get a social audit of Covid-19 welfare programmes done with the help of non-government organisations, a first for the country.  During the pandemic, especially during the lockdown, the Rajasthan government took initiatives to help the needy through schemes such as Rs 3,500 one-time financial assistance to meet daily requirements, paid in three instalments; free ration to the needy and social security pension among other measures.
• Madhya Pradesh: In Madhya Pradesh, all the temples of GodnessDurga of the state will remain open during Navratra and devotees will be able to visit temples comfortably and easily.In view of the Corona infection, the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has appealed to the people of the state to perform Pooja at home as far as possible and not to assemble in crowds in the temples.
• Assam: In Assam during the last 24 hours 139,868 COVID-19 tests performed and out of them 1427 cases detected positive. The total COVID-19 tally reached to 198213 in the state.
• Meghalaya: 176 individuals have recovered from coronavirus in the State today. Total active cases in Meghalaya reached to 2339.  Out of them 122 are from BSF and Armed forces.
• Kerala: Chief Minister PinarayiVijayan inaugurated the Institute of Advanced Virology in Thiruvananthapuram today. The   Institute will conduct research on various viruses, viral infections and review its clinical aspects. State Child Rights Commission has directed that the educational institutions in the state should allow 25 percent deduction in the fees this year considering the pandemic crisis. The Commission made it clear that the order will be applicable for government, CBSE and ICSE schools. Meanwhile, 6,244 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Kerala yesterday. Currently there are 93,837 patients undergoing treatment and 2.78 lakh people under observation. The present death toll is 1066.
• Tamil Nadu:Tamil Nadu continues to see a dip in Covid cases; for the third day in a row, new infections dipped marginally in the State, with 4,462 persons testing positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday. While 5,083 persons were discharged, the deaths of 52 more persons were registered. Chennai records only 2% of last year’s dengue cases so far; the southwest monsoon, which is when dengue cases peak, is nearing its end in the city.
  “Hospitals which may be busy with Covid-19 may not have treated cases accordingly or there may have been a lesser number of cases,” said a senior GCC official.
• Karnataka: Candidates get Covid test done once in two days for the  Karnatakabypolls. State Government on Wednesday released a set of guidelines to be followed this Dasara and Deepavali festival season in the light of the pandemic: cracker sale from Nov 1 to 17; small crowds for Dasara. Doctors in Karnataka have begun to come across patients with co-infections – Covid-19 along with another disease, making it difficult to detect the second one and plan treatment for both conditions. These conditions include malaria, typhoid, tuberculosis, dengue, H1N1 and bacterial pneumonia.
• Andhra Pradesh: Cinema halls and multiplex screens remained shut in Andhra Pradesh though the Centre permitted them to reopen to half capacity from today under Unlock 5.0.  Film exhibitors made it clear that they could not resume shows given the various constraints, primarily the steep maintenance costs and lack of new movies for screening as film shootings did not happen for more than five months now due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown.  Moreover, each theatre has to spend at least Rs 4 lakh for implementing Covid-19 rules as per the SOPs issued by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, coupled with other expenses. Meanwhile, TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy was diagnosed with corona.
• Telangana: 1432 new cases, 1949 recoveries & 8 deaths reported in the last 24 hours; out of 1432 cases, 244 cases reported from GHMC. Total cases: 2,17,670; Active cases: 23,203; Deaths: 1249; Discharges: 1,93,218.To support the on-going efforts of the government to fight Covid-19, the Apollo Hospitals on Thursday said it is prepared to administer 10 lakh Covid-19 vaccines on a daily basis. Whenever the Union government makes a vaccine available, the Apollo Hospitals will leverage its robust pan-India web of 19 medicine supply hubs with cold chain facilities and use its 70 hospitals, over 400 clinics, 500 corporate health centres and nearly 4,000 pharmacies along with their digital platform to administer the vaccine.

FACT CHECK

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YB