Noida metro resumes, Gujarat extends night curfew, Covaxin's phase-4 trial: Covid-19 roundup

NEW DELHI: As Covid-19 cases record a decline, some states have started easing curbs whereas restrictions and lockdown-like conditions continue to prevail in other states. India's tally of total Covid-19 cases stood at 2.9 crore on Wednesday with a total death toll of 3.53 lakh.
Here are the latest developments:
Centre issues guidelines for management of Covid in kids
The government on Wednesday released detailed guidelines for the management of Covid-19 among children.In the guidelines, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Union health ministry has advised against the use of remdesivir in kids.

For asymptomatic and mild cases of infection, the guidelines said that the steroids are harmful, recommended against self-medication and use of antimicrobials for therapy or prophylaxis.
A six-minute walk test is recommended for children above 12 years under the supervision of parents/guardians.

Noida metro resumes
Nearly 2,000 passengers on Wednesday took a ride on the Noida-Greater Noida metro which resumed service after a hiatus of over a month due to Covid-19 curbs, officials said.

The passenger services on the Aqua Line that connects Noida and Greater Noida were suspended on May 1 as the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the region.
The resumption of services was announced on Monday, the day Gautam Buddh Nagar district, adjoining Delhi, in western Uttar Pradesh also eased Covid-19 curbs amid a dip in new cases of coronavirus.
Covaxin phase-4 trials to check real-world effectiveness
Bharat Biotech will be conducting phase-4 clinical trials of indigenously developed Covaxin to check its real-world effectiveness. It will also apply for full licensure for Covaxin only after it gets the final analysis data of phase-3 studies, the company said on Wednesday.

According to the company, the phase-4 trials will not just help check the real-world effectiveness but also ensure that “its vaccine met every rigorous scientific standard for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization (EUA)”.
“It is important to note, the inoculation which began in mid-January and with several million doses administered, will have credible and sizable data soon,” it said.
Gujarat extends night curfew
Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday chaired a core committee meeting wherein it was decided to roll out fresh Covid-19 curbs in the state. To prevent the spread of the virus, a night curfew will be in place till June 26.
Restaurants and hotels can be maintained during this period i.e. from June 11-26, 2021 from 9 am to 7 pm with 50 per cent of its seating capacity. Takeaway can be done till 9 pm and home delivery can be done till 12 pm.
Night curfew will be enforced every day from 9 pm to 6 am till June 26.
Karnataka may go for unlock in 4 to 5 phases
Karnataka revenue minister R Ashoka on Wednesday indicated that the state may go for unlocking in four to five phases after June 14, as the Covid-19 induced lockdown comes to an end.

Keeping the number of deaths and new cases in mind and aimed at bringing down the Covid infections further, lockdown will not be relaxed at one go. Ashoka said.
Chief minister BS Yediyurappa is likely to call a meeting of ministers, officials and experts on June 11 or 12, to discuss and take a decision on the unlocking process.
India administers over 24 cr Covid-19 vaccine doses
India administered more than 24 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses till today, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The country has administered cumulatively more than 24 crore (24,24,79,167) vaccine doses as per the 7 pm provision report on Wednesday.
19,24,924 beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years received their first dose and 86,450 beneficiaries of the same age group received their second dose of the Covid vaccine today.
Cumulatively, 3,38,08,845 persons across 37 States/UTs have received their first dose and a total of 4,05,114 have received their second dose since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive.

UP to support further cut in GST rates on Covid relief items
Uttar Pradesh will fully support measures to further reduce taxes on Covid relief items such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, PPE kits etc to improve their cheaper access to the masses and help the nation to be better prepared for any possible fresh wave of Covid-19 pandemic, a state minister said on Wednesday.
State finance minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said that the state is favour of reducing taxes on Covid relief items meant for those contracting the virus and the Group of Ministers set up by the GST Council is looking into the issue and will come back with its suggestions soon.
Telangana cancels class 12 board exams
The Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education (TSBIE) has cancelled the second year Intermediate Board Exams 2021 (Class 12) in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy said that a committee is being constituted to finalise the modalities. Marks to be decided based on first-year marks.
Jharkhand extends restrictions till June 16
The Jharkhand government on Wednesday extended Covid-related lockdown-like restrictions till June 16 with some relaxations, including expanding the time of opening of shops across the state by two hours till 4 pm, an official said.

But, religious places will remain closed for the devotees like earlier and so is the educational institutions. This is the fifth time that the curbs, first imposed in the state on April 22 for a week, were extended. The ongoing measures were scheduled to end on June 10.
(With inputs from agencies)