Coronavirus India Updates: Tally Tops 25 Lakh As New Cases Continue To Mount

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Punjab, Haryana and their joint capital Chandigarh celebrated Independence Day on Saturday in a subdued manner by following safety guidelines.

The celebrations were restricted to hoisting the national flag and addresses by the chief guests.

Punjab Governor and Union Territory of Chandigarh Administrator VP Singh Badnore unfurled the tricolour at a function in Parade ground in Chandigarh, while Haryana Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya did the same at the state Raj Bhavan in the joint capital, officials said.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh hoisted the national flag at the government college in Mohali while his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar unfurled the tricolour at Parade ground in Panchkula.

In his message, Amarinder Singh tweeted, "As we all get together to celebrate the 74th Independence Day, let us all pay tribute to the sacrifice of our freedom fighters who gave away their present for our better future. On this day, we must also collectively thank our armed forces. I congratulate you all. Jai Hind!"

The administrations of Mohali, Panchkula and UT Chandigarh held live webcasting of Independence Day celebrations, officials said.

Tight security arrangements had been made for the peaceful celebration. All Covid-19 safety guidelines were followed, they said. However, in view of the pandemic, the 'at home'' programme at the Punjab and Haryana Raj Bhavans has been cancelled this time.

Source: PTI

With the coronavirus infection spreading to over 300 villages in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, state minister Subhash Desai has instructed the authorities to increase testing in rural parts.

The Industries Minister gave the instructions during a Covid-19 review meeting held in the district collector office here on Friday evening. Desai, who is also the district guardian minister, asked the officials to enhance contact tracing of patients.

"At least 15 contacts of a positive patient should be traced. Besides, people should be tested before they enter villages," he said.

The number of fever clinics in rural parts of the district should be increased, Desai said, adding, "Use antigen kits if required."

"Patients in rural areas should be treated at the local level only so that the stress on Aurangabad city is reduced," the minister said.

Source: PTI

Global Update

New Zealand reported seven new virus cases on Saturday. Infections in Australia’s Victoria state continued to trend lower. California became the first state to top 600,000 confirmed infections, while U.S. cases increased by 1% on the day, matching the average daily increase over the past week. South Korean case numbers climbed Saturday, raising the specter of a new wave of infections.

More than a third of Americans in a survey said they wouldn’t get vaccinated.

Total cases globally, have topped 21 million.

Track news and developments around the outbreak in India here.