According to a new US study, the Omicron variant appears to be the result of less severe COVID-19 than was observed during previous periods of higher coronavirus transmission, including the delta wave, with fewer hospital stays, fewer intensive care visits, and more. are needed and there are fewer deaths.
you can track coronavirus Cases, deaths and testing rates at the national and state levels Here, a list of state helpline number also available.
here are the updates,
Delhi
Masked, vaccinated, socially distanced, only 5,000 people attend Republic Day parade
The crowd at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday was reduced to just 5,000 people, all double masked, vaccinated and maintaining strict ‘two yards’ in view of the COVID situation.
Only double-vaccinated adults and children above 15 years of age who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine were allowed to enter the venue. Children under the age of 15 were not allowed to participate.
Tight security arrangements were in place with personnel keeping a close watch. Chairs were set up at some distance to ensure social distancing is followed. The participants also received a white cap with “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” printed on it. , PTI
China
Beijing sees spurt in COVID cases ahead of Olympics
The Chinese capital on Wednesday reported 14 new COVID-19 cases as it began the third round of mass testing of millions for the Winter Olympics.
An announcement of mass testing by Beijing’s Fengtai district on its social media account late Tuesday prompted complaints from some residents, who were asked to line up outside again as day temperatures hit freezing.
Beijing has stepped up China’s already strict pandemic response measures as it tries to quell any outbreaks ahead of the Olympics, which open in nine days. The city announced this week that anyone who has fever, headache or two other types of medicine will be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours. , AP
Telangana
Telugu actor Chiranjeevi tests positive for COVID-19
Telugu matinee idol Chiranjeevi on Wednesday said that he has tested positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms.
“Despite all precautions, I have tested COVID-19 positive last night with mild symptoms and am staying at home. I request all those who have come in contact with me in the last few days to get tested. Can’t wait to see you all back soon!” he said in a tweet.
Responding to Chiranjeevi’s tweet, Jr NTR tweeted, “Wishing you a speedy recovery sir! Hope you get well soon.” In November 2020, the actor said that he tested positive for COVID-19. However, after three days he again said that it was a false report. PTI
United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi says vaccinated tourists need no boosters to enter
UAE officials have published new information about the capital’s entry requirements, saying that unlike residents and citizens, vaccinated tourists do not need to show proof of a booster shot to cross into Abu Dhabi. Is.
The tourism-specific change comes as confusion about the entry rules of Abu Dhabi, which has taken a more drastic approach to contain the coronavirus than its freewheeling neighbour, Dubai, comes.
The pandemic has prompted Abu Dhabi to create a tough border with Dubai, forcing all drivers to stop for vaccinations and a COVID check on what was once a wide, empty highway before the virus arrived . , AP
America
Biden administration officially withdraws vaccine rules
The Biden administration has officially rolled back a rule that would require employees of large companies to be vaccinated or face regular COVID testing requirements.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed the return on Tuesday. But the agency said it still strongly encourages workers to get vaccinated.
In early November, OSHA announced vaccine-or-testing mandates for companies with at least 100 employees. The rule, which would have affected more than 80 million American workers, was originally due to go into effect on January 4.
America
COVID-19 booster drive is faltering in the US
The COVID-19 booster drive in the US is losing steam, worrying health experts who have urged Americans to get an extra shot to bolster their protection against the highly infectious Omicron variant.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 40% of fully vaccinated Americans have received a booster dose. And the average number of booster shots given daily in the US has fallen from a peak of 1 million in early December to nearly 490,000 over the past week.
Plus, a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that Americans are more likely to see early vaccinations — rather than boosters — as necessary. , AP
America
US considers allowing diplomats to leave China over stricter COVID rules
Sources told Reuters that the US State Department is weighing in on whether to authorize departures for US diplomats and their families in China, which will help prevent the US government from subjecting Chinese officials to intrusive pandemic control measures. Wants to leave because of incapacity.
Two sources familiar with the issue said the US embassy on Monday sent a request to Washington for a formal signature, as China ramps up containment protocols for COVID-19, less than two weeks before the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Had given.
Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, sources said some embassy staff are upset that the US government is unwilling or unable to exempt US officials from strict quarantine measures. , Reuters
West Bengal
In West Bengal, parents demand reopening of schools, colleges
A campaign is underway in favor of reopening educational institutions in West Bengal, with many angry parents demanding to know that whenever restrictions related to the pandemic are imposed, students should always be allowed to sit at home. Why is it made?
Schools and colleges, which reopened late last year, were to resume classes on January 2 after the winter holidays, but after the number of COVID-19 cases exploded due to the third wave driven by Omicron. was closed again. As of now, they are to remain closed until January 31, but there is no official word yet on whether they will reopen after that date.
The campaign is reflecting online, with calls to reopen institutions under the hashtag #openschoolcollegeuniversities.
India
India has shown unmatched resolve in meeting the challenge of pandemic: President
President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said the country has shown unmatched resolve to face the extraordinary challenge posed to mankind by the coronavirus pandemic, and said a strong and sensitive India is now emerging.
Addressing the nation on the eve of the 73rd Republic Day, President Kovind said that democracy, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity are the cornerstones of India, and urged people to celebrate “Indianness” on this Republic Day.
He stressed that the observance of the Fundamental Duties as mentioned in the Constitution creates a proper environment for the enjoyment of the Fundamental Rights, and the people’s participation in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and COVID-19 Vaccination to ensure that the citizens fulfill their Fundamental Duties and provide a cited as an example. National Service.
Pfizer begins Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine trial
Pfizer and its partner BioNTech have launched a clinical trial to test the safety and immune response of their Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine in adults up to 55 years of age, the companies said in a statement on January 25. Enrollment for has started.
Pfizer CEO Albert Boerla has previously said the pharmaceutical giant may be ready to file for regulatory approval of the shot by March.
The company’s head of vaccine research, Katherine Jensen, said in a statement that while current data shows that boosters against the original COVID-19 strain continue to protect against serious consequences with Omicron, the company was acting with caution. , AFP
Active COVID-19 cases in India cross 22.3 lakh mark on Jan 25, 2022
India recorded 2,74,709 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. The total number of infected has reached 3.98 crore and the number of active cases has crossed the mark of 22.3 lakh.
The figures are based on the state bulletin issued till 8.50 pm on Tuesday. However, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jharkhand and Lakshadweep were yet to release data for the day.
Kerala recorded 55,475 infections on Tuesday, followed by Karnataka (41,400) and Maharashtra (33,914).
Labs grappling with reagent shortages, fund impacts genome sequencing
Amid the third wave of COVID-19, many laboratories tasked with genome sequencing are limiting the number of coronavirus samples they can analyze for various reasons, including: Hindu learned, including a lack of necessary reagents, a fund crunch or a flood of sample requests.
Some of these laboratories are part of the INSACOG network, a pan-India consortium of 38 laboratories tasked with monitoring genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2.
For example, an internal note by the Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, states that “reagent shipment is highly impacted” and only a limited number of samples will be taken for sequencing. The institute, however, said it expects the shortfall to be resolved within a week.
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