New Delhi: The booster dose vaccine has been approved for the third phase of the trial in the country amid a spate of covid cases. The DCGA panel of experts has approved the further trial of the vaccine of Bharat Biotech, which can be given through the nose. The vaccine will be available in March after the trial. Meanwhile, Covid and Omicron cases are on the rise in the country. Maharashtra and Delhi have the highest number of covid cases reported.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong has banned flights from seven countries, including India. Australia, Canada, France, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, the United States, and India are all barred from entering.
The reason for such restrictions is the rising number of Omicron and covid cases in these countries. Bars and gyms have been closed and parcels out of restaurants following reports by Omicron in Hong Kong City. So far, 114 Omicron cases have been reported in Hong Kong.
In this case, 21 days of compulsory quarantine was imposed on those coming from outside the country. As Hong Kong is a major city in China, quarantine facilities and large-scale inspections have been introduced. Arrangements have also been made for a lockdown if required.
Thiruvananthapuram: The covid review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has decided to limit weddings, posthumous ceremonies, and other socio-political, cultural, and community events to 75 in closed rooms and 150 in open spaces in the wake of the Omicron expansion.
The covid test of people from all countries at airports should be strengthened. Those who have not yet applied for covid death funding should apply immediately. The Chief Minister directed the officials not to delay the process on the applications received.
There has been an increase in omicron cases. At present, there are 181 Omicron infected in Kerala. About 80 percent of the people in the state have been vaccinated with the second dose. 15.43 lakh children are eligible for the vaccine. Of these, 2% were vaccinated. Currently, the vaccine stock is adequate. Steps are being taken to vaccinate children. The Department of Health will release a treatment protocol for those undergoing covid treatment at home in the event of an Omicron outbreak.
Kochi: The court has adjourned till January 20 the petition filed by the prosecution seeking a further inquiry into the actress’ assault case.
The prosecution has filed an application seeking further investigation against actor Dileep in the case. The trial court in the case considered the prosecution’s application. In the wake of the revelations made by director Balachandra Kumar, the prosecution demanded a further investigation and adjournment of the ongoing trial.
While considering the petition today, the police submitted to the court the revelations made by Balachandra Kumar yesterday. The court has been directed to inquire into the matter and submit a report before the 20th.
The court orally noted that it was also time to appoint a new prosecutor in the event that the second prosecutor resigned, alleging that the trial court’s position under the witness examination weakened the prosecution.
New Delhi: Precautionary measures, including a weekend curfew, have been tightened in Delhi amid rising covid cases.
Delhi Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has decided to impose a weekend curfew on Saturdays and Sundays and allow work-from-home to all government offices except essential services. The new restrictions are in addition to the night curfew. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority.
Sisodia urged people to go out on Saturdays and Sundays only in emergencies. It has also been suggested that only 50 percent of employees in private companies should attend. At the same time, because of the crowds, the metro and the bus were allowed to carry full passengers. Earlier it was reduced to 50 percent.
About 80 per cent of the new covid cases in Delhi are Omicron cases. Omicron infection has only mild symptoms but is highly contagious. At present, about 350 people with Omicron are being treated at the hospital. Of these, only 124 needed oxygen support. Seven people are on the ventilator.
In the last 24 hours, it has confirmed 5481covid cases in Delhi. The test positivity rate is 8.37%.
Kochi: The parents in law gets bail in Mofia Parveen’s suicide case. Meanwhile, the High Court rejected the bail plea of her husband Suhail.
The court denied bail to Suhail, saying the allegations against him were serious. The court also observed that there were no serious allegations against the parents.
The crime branch was investigating the suicide case of law student Mofia Parveen. Mofia Parveen (21), a resident of Edayappuram, Aluva, was found hanged on the morning of November 24. The woman hanged herself after she lodged a complaint with the police against the family.
Srinagar: Four militants were killed in a clash between militants and security officers in Kulgam village in Kashmir. The security officers launched a search in the area receiving information that the militants were hiding in the area.
The militants were killed in various clashes that took place within 24 hours. IG Vijayakumar said he suspected that they were affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and were involved in various attacks in Kashmir.
Chandigarh: A night curfew has been declared in Punjab following an increase in covid cases. The curfew is from 10 pm to 5 am. The new restrictions were announced after a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.
The new restrictions are effective until January 15. All educational institutions in the state, including schools and colleges, will be closed. Later, the government announced that online classes would continue. The order also says that bars, movie theaters, malls, and restaurants can accommodate up to 50 percent of people.
Thiruvananthapuram: Sara Joseph received the 51st Odakkuzhal award. Award for her novel Subodhini”. The award carries a cash prize of Rs.30,000, a citation, and an appreciation memento. On the second of February, the 44th death anniversary of G. Shankarakurup, Dr. M. Lilavati will present the award. This award, which has been given since 1968, could not be given for two years. The award is given by the Guruvayoorappan Trust, founded by the great poet.
Thiruvananthapuram: Minister Veena George said that it is possible to complete the vaccination of children on time. There are 551 vaccination centers for children between the ages of 15 and 18 in the state. There are also 875 vaccination centers for adults. A total of 1426 centers for children and adults have been set up. Pink boards have been set up at the Children’s Vaccination Center to avoid confusion. The guideline on registration and vaccination has been issued. The minister said the response from children and their parents was positive. The Minister was speaking after visiting the Children’s Vaccination Center at the Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital.
A total of 5,02,700 doses of the vaccine have reached the state, including 1,34,590 doses in Kozhikode, 1,97,900 doses in Ernakulam and 1,70,210 in Thiruvananthapuram. The vaccine is expected to reach 1,45,530 doses today. The Center has said that the vaccine will be given again once the vaccine is exhausted. Children can be vaccinated well. The first dose of vaccination for those above 18 years of age in the state has so far been 98 per cent and the second dose is 80 percent.
