Coronavirus

On December 31, 2019, China reported a new virus to the World Health Organization (WHO), which later came to be known as COVID-19 -- the “CO” stands for coronavirus, “VI” for virus and “D” for disease. The coronavirus itself is called “nCoV-2019”. The virus, which causes symptoms ranging from an itchy throat to pneumonia, has killed thousands globally and infected millions. Several countries, including India, have implemented lockdown measures and other restrictions in a bid to stop the tranmission of the coronavirus. There are global efforts to find a cure or vaccine for the coronavirus, with several studies underway and in different stages of development. Scientists are also trying to understand the origin of the virus and how it is transmitted. An indigenous vaccine for the coronavirus is being developed in the country by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (MMIL). India initiated a lockdown on March 24 due to the coronavirus, and has gradually eased restrictions in phases. The country stopped rail and air services to contain the coronavirus. The Centre announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore package to that would largely benefit the unorganised sector workers, especially daily wage earners and the urban and rural poor. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also taken several relief measures to mitigate the economic fallout due to the coronavirus. The Centre initiated Shramik Special trains in May to help stranded migrants, tourists students and others return to their home states. It announced the Vande Bharat Mission and Operation Samudra Setu to help Indian nationals abroad return to the country amid the coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus pandemic is altering beviour across the world. From social distancing to wearing masks, from washing hands to working from home, people have been forced to change their habits. And not just humans, the coronavirus pandemic has led to cleaner air, blue skies and a change in animal behaviour.

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CORONAVIRUS NEWS

US proposes once-a-year Covid shots for most Americans

January 24, 2023 7:22 am

The FDA on Monday proposed a simplified approach for future vaccination efforts, allowing most adults and children to get a once-a-year shot to protect against the mutating virus.

Serum Institute seeks inclusion of Covid jab Covovax in CoWIN portal as heterologous booster dose for adults

January 18, 2023 5:41 pm

The letter was written by Prakash Kumar Singh, Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Serum Institute of India (SII), they said. National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) is likely to hold a meeting soon to decide on the matter.

Coronavirus: Kerala govt makes masks must in public

January 17, 2023 9:57 am

In its order, dated January 12, the state government has also directed shops, theatres and organisers of various events to ensure facilities for people to wash their hands and use sanitisers.

India records 179 Covid-19 cases; active caseload drops to 2,227

January 14, 2023 3:53 pm

The country's active Covid-19 caseload recorded a decrease of 30 cases in the last 24 hours.

Lalit Modi on oxygen support as he recovers from Covid-19 and pneumonia

January 14, 2023 3:54 pm

Lalit Modi contracted the infection in Mexico City and was taken to London in an air ambulance.

Why prevention remains the best strategy against BF.7, other variants

January 10, 2023 8:27 am

Unfortunately, the virus has so far always been a step ahead of us. So we cannot be certain of what it will do next and when. We should always be prepared for the worst case scenario while hoping for the best.

COVID-19: Covovax to get approval as booster in 10-15 days, says SII CEO Adar Poonawalla

January 08, 2023 10:33 pm

Adar Poonawalla said there are ample stocks with the Union government for supply of Covishield vaccines.

India records 188 new Covid-19 cases; active infections down to 2,554

January 05, 2023 12:10 pm

The daily positivity has been recorded at 0.10 per cent while the weekly positivity has been pegged at 0.12 per cent, Union health ministry said.

Travellers from ‘high-risk’ countries like China to be quarantined for 7 days in Karnataka

January 02, 2023 8:49 am

The health department said that Karnataka is reporting about 30 to 40 cases daily and the Test Positivity Rate has been around 0.59 per cent to 0.7 per cent for the last five months.

Xi says COVID control is entering new phase as cases surge after reopening

December 31, 2022 8:34 pm

China saw unprecedented protests over the 'zero Covid policy', marking the strongest show of public defiance in Xi's decade-old presidency and coinciding with grim growth figures for the country's $17 trillion economy.

CORONAVIRUS PHOTOS

Masks make a return in India as Covid cases rise globally again

December 24, 2022 9:42 am

A week after China eases Covid curbs, residents swarm pharmacies, test centres

December 15, 2022 7:14 pm

Tourists flock to hill stations to beat Covid blues, but officials call for vigilance

July 10, 2021 1:37 pm

With daily case detections still above 40,000 and reports and pictures of blatant violations of social distancing norms coming from tourist spots, officials warn that daily cases could explode if people behave recklessly.

Amid the pandemic and rise of multiplexes, Kolkata's single screen cinemas struggle to stay afloat

June 26, 2021 2:59 pm

Amidst rampant modernisation and the emergence of lush multiplexes, Kolkata's single screen cinema halls struggle to stay afloat.

24 crore people vaccinated so far, Govt says over 25.87 crore doses provided to states

June 12, 2021 3:07 pm

Dr V K Paul, who heads the country’s Covid task force, said the US decision will not have any regulatory impact in India.

After pandemic pause, Avengers swing, soar into Disneyland

June 05, 2021 10:54 am

A Spider-Man ride that lets visitors blast bots with virtual webs from their bare hands and a show of strength from the royal guard of Wakanda are among the highlights of the new Avengers Campus at Disney's California Adventure Park, whose debut was paused for about a year by the coronavirus pandemic before it opens to the public Friday.

Spirometers, yoga exercises part of daily routines at Covid-19 care centres

May 29, 2021 1:57 pm

Nurses, doctors and volunteers have started making patients do yoga, and a few stretching exercises known to provide better care as the virus hits. Due to the nature of the virus, monitoring breathing patterns and focusing on lung health has become vital.