COVID-19 Updates: 41,195 New Cases, Covaxin WHO Nod By Sept, Maharashtra Relaxes Restrictions

India has reported 41,195 new cases and 490 deaths in the last 24 hours. The active caseload currently stands at 3,87,987, said the health ministry bulletin.

Kerala Records 23,500 New Covid Cases, 116 Deaths

Covid continues to rage in Kerala with 23,500 new cases registered on Wednesday, while the only saving grace was that the daily test positivity rate fell from 15.91 per cent to 14.49 per cent.

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A statement issued here by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that there were 1,75,957 active cases after 19,411 people turned negative.

Karnataka Adds 1,826 New COVID-19 Cases, 33 Deaths

The Dakshina Kannada district bordering Kerala, continues to top the daily COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, as the state reported 1,826 new cases and 33 deaths, taking the total number of infections to 29,22,875 and death toll to 36,881, the health department said on Wednesday.

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The day also saw 1,618 discharges, taking the total number of recoveries in the state to 28,63,117. With 422 new cases, Dakshina Kannada outnumbered the state capital Bengaluru Urban which reported 377 cases.

Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered In India Cross 52 Crore

The cumulative coronavirus vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed the 52 crore-mark, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday.

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More than 40 lakh (40,02,634) doses were administered on Wednesday, according to the 7 pm provisional report.

Covaxin Likely To Get WHO Authorisation By Next Month

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is likely to authorise Covaxin, Bharat Biotech¡¯s COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin by next month.

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Covaxin has been authorised for emergency use in India and has also been exported to several countries. However, it is yet to receive approval from any Western regulatory authorities.

Salons, Gyms To Open With 50% Capacity From August 15 In Maharashtra

Maharashtra government issued revised guidelines of COVID-19 restrictions with few relaxations on Wednesday, and allowed Gyms, Parlors and Salons in the state to open with 50 per cent capacity with effect from August 15.

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"All types of shops will be open till 10 pm every day. With a maximum of 200 people allowed in weddings and other events. Government offices to open with full capacity with employees being vaccinated with both doses. Private offices can open for 24 hours with employees being fully vaccinated," stated the Maharashtra government.

Puri Jagannath Temple Issues SOP For Reopening For Devotees

Puri¡¯s Shree Jagannath Temple is all set to reopen for devotees on August 16. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has now announced the same. According to SJTA, devotees need to produce an RT-PCR negative report in order to gain entry inside the temple.

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The SJTA has also announced that the temple will remain closed on Saturdays, and Sundays, as Puri is currently going through weekend lockdowns.