Covid-19 Cases in India: The recovery rate was recorded at 96.36 per cent.
India recorded 1,68,063 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,58,75,790 which includes 4,461 cases of the Omicron variant, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.
The active cases rose to 8,21,446, the highest in 208 days, while the number of deaths climbed to 4,84,213 with 277 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.
Meanwhile, Delhi today reported 21,259 new virus cases and 23 related deaths in the last 24 hours, while Mumbai recorded 11,647 new cases and two deaths.
Of the total 4,461 cases of the Omicron variant in the country, 1,711 people have recovered or migrated so far.
Maharashtra recorded the maximum number of 1,247 cases followed by Rajasthan at 645, Delhi 546, Karnataka 479 and Kerala 350.
The active cases comprise 2.29 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate decreased to 96.36 per cent, the ministry said.
An increase of 97,827 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.
Here are the Highlights on coronavirus (COVID-19) cases:
Get NDTV UpdatesTurn on notifications to receive alerts as this story develops.
COVID-19 India News: 4,593 New Cases, Nine More Deaths In PunjabNine more people died due to COVID-19 in Punjab on Tuesday, while 4,593 fresh cases pushed the infection count to 6,29,899, a medical bulletin said, according to news agency PTI. The number of active cases climbed to 23,235 from 19,379 on Monday. The positivity rate was 18.64 per cent. Two fatalities each were reported in Gurdaspur and Patiala and one each in Bathinda, Ludhiana, Moga, Mohali and Pathankot, pushing the death count to 16,692, as per the bulletin.
COVID-19 India News: Arunachal Imposes Night Curfew, Other Covid Curbs Till Jan 31In view of an upsurge in COVID-19 cases, the Arunachal Pradesh government on Tuesday imposed night curfew and other restrictions till January 31, reported news agency PTI. Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, in an order, said that night curfew will be imposed from 9 PM to 5 AM from January 12. All government and private schools shall remain closed till January 31, while online classes will be held on working days, it said. Universities, colleges and technical institutions were advised to regulate the timing of their classes with 50 per cent attendance and adherence to COVID protocols. Only fully vaccinated people from other states will be allowed to enter Arunachal Pradesh, it said.
COVID-19 News: Ban On Taking Dip In Ganga In Haridwar, Rishikesh On Makar SankrantiWith a surge in COVID cases in Uttarakhand, a ban has been imposed on devotees taking a dip in the Ganga in Haridwar and Rishikesh on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on January 14, reported news agency PTI. There will be a ban on devotees gathering at Har ki Pairi in Haridwar, Triveni ghat in Rishikesh, and other ghats for a ritual bath on Makar Sankranti for their safety in view of the recent spike in pandemic cases in the state, orders issued by Haridwar District Magistrate Vinay Shankar Pandey and Dehradun District Magistrate R Rajesh Kumar said.
COVID-19 India News: Mumbai Reports 11,647 New Cases, 2 DeathsMumbai today reported 11,647 new coronavirus cases and two virus-related deaths. Currently, there are 1,00,523 active cases in the city. The positivity rate stands at 18.75 per cent - a fall from 30 per cent reported four days ago. The city's bed occupancy stands at 19.9 per cent.
COVID-19 India News: Kerala Adds 9,066 New Cases, 296 DeathsKerala on Tuesday saw a sharp rise in the fresh COVID-19 cases with the state reporting 9,066 new infections which raised the caseload to 52,91,280, reported news agency PTI. Kerala also reported 296 deaths which took the total fatalities in the state over the 50,000 mark to 50,053, according to a government release. Of the deaths, 19 were recorded over the last few days and 277 designated as COVID-19 deaths after receiving appeals based on the new guidelines of the Centre and the directions of the Supreme Court. With 2,064 more people recovering from the virus since Monday, the total recoveries reached 52,05,210. However, as the number of recoveries were much less than the new cases, the active cases in the state rose to 44,441, the release said.
COVID-19 News: Odisha Bans Makar Sankranti, Pongal Celebrations On January 14Keeping in view the spiraling COVID-19 cases across Odisha, the state government Tuesday banned any religious gathering on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Pongal on January 14, reported news agency PTI. A special guideline issued by the office of the special relief commissioner (SRC) said congregations at river banks, ghats, ponds, sea shores or near other water bodies for bathing on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Pongal and on the following day is prohibited throughout the state. Since large crowd gather at the temples on the occasion, the order said that all religious places and places of worship will remain closed to the people on Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Makal Mela days. However, religious rituals will allowed with bare minimum number of priests, servitors and staff, it said.
COVID-19 India News: 14,473 New Cases In Karnataka, Positivity Rate Crosses 10%The coronavirus positivity rate in Karnataka has cross 10 per cent with the state reporting 14,473 new cases in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate stands at 10.3 per cent. Bengaluru accounts for 10,800 of the new cases. Currently there are 73,260 active cases in the state, including 59,000 in Bengaluru. The state also recorded five virus-related deaths during this period.
COVID-19 India News: India Likely To See Sharp Spike In Cases: Covid Panel MemberWith the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, India is likely to witness a sharp spike in the number of cases in the coming days, however, following COVID appropriate behaviour and vaccination could help contain the spread of the disease, noted a top health expert, according to news agency ANI.
Speaking to ANI, Chairman of COVID-19 Working Group of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) Dr NK Arora said, "The peak will depend on the virus transmission, and how well the community adheres to the COVID appropriate behaviour. If the COVID norms are violated, a faster and taller peak is likely to occur. On the other hand, vaccination and administrative actions like night curfews, and weekend curfews tend to flatten the curve."
"The way that the IIT Kanpur model has shown, it looks like, the transmission is taking place very actively and we should be reaching our peak in the near future. But it is likely to last for several weeks before it subsides," he added.
COVID-19 India News: PM Rings Karnataka Chief Minister Who Has Tested PositivePrime Minister Narendra Modi today dialled Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who has tested positive for COVID-19, and enquired about his health, reported news agency PTI citing an official statement. PM Modi rang up Mr Bommai at 4.30 pm on learning about his infection along with two others in the family, said the statement.
"The conversation took place for five minutes where the Prime Minister advised him and others in the family to take proper treatment," it said. During the conversation, PM Modi also enquired about the prevailing COVID-19 situation in Karnataka and the measures taken by state government.
COVID-19 India News: Delhi Reports 21,259 New Cases, 23 Deaths In Last 24 Hours
Delhi reported 21,259 new cases of coronavirus and 23 related deaths in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate is 25.65 per cent - the highest since May 5. The daily deaths figure is the highest since June 16. Currently, there are 74,881 active cases in the city. The coronavirus death count now stands at 25,200 in Delhi. The fatality rate stands at 1.58 per cent.
COVID-19 India News: RT-PCR Test Mandatory For Entering MeghalayaThe Meghalaya government has made it mandatory for people, irrespective of their vaccination status, to produce RT-PCR negative reports conducted within 72 hours or undergo screening at the check-gates to enter the northeastern state, a senior health official said, according to news agency PTI. The order, which came into force from Tuesday, aims at checking the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, said the official.
"Everyone entering the state, including those fully vaccinated, have to produce RT-PCR negative reports or undergo RT-PCR tests at entry points," Health Department Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar said in the order issued on Monday. "Entrants producing an RT-PCR negative report should have been tested at a recognised laboratory within 72 hours of their arrival at the entry point," he said.
He said that those undergoing RT-PCR tests at the entry points must isolate themselves at their place of stay till the receipt of their test reports.
COVID-19 India News: Necessary Arrangements Being Made For Budget Session, Says Lok Sabha SpeakerAmid a growing number of Covid cases in the country, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said necessary arrangements for the upcoming Budget session of Parliament are being made to enable members of Parliament perform their constitutional responsibilities, according to news agency PTI. He also asserted that the "situation is under control" and all steps are being taken to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. According to a statement issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Mr Birla inspected the Parliament House complex during the day to take stock of the health safety related measures and other preparations put in place in light of the recent spike in Covid cases in the country.
COVID-19 News: Half Of Europe On Track To Catch Omicron, Predicts WHOMore than half of people in Europe are projected to catch Omicron (the new coronavirus variant) in the next two months, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday, according to news agency AFP. "The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) forecasts that more than 50 per cent of the population in the region will be infected with Omicron in the next six to eight weeks," said Hans Kluge, regional director for WHO's European office.
On Delhi Covid Curbs' Imposition In NCR, Arvind Kejriwal Cites Centre's AssuranceThe Centre's representatives have assured the Delhi government that Covid-related curbs imposed in the capital will be replicated across the National Capital Region (NCR), said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday, according to news agency PTI. The NCR includes Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and several other cities. Mr Kejriwal further said the Delhi government had to impose restrictions out of compulsion and reiterated that a complete lockdown will not be implemented.
COVID-19 News: Rajnath Singh Recovering Well After Testing Positive, Says MinistryDefence Minister Rajnath Singh, who tested COVID-19 on Monday, was examined by a team of doctors from Army Hospital (R and R), Delhi Cantt, informed A Bharat Bhushan Babu, Principal Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence on Tuesday, according to news agency ANI. "A team of doctors from Army Hospital (R and R), Delhi Cantt examined Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who had tested COVID positive, yesterday. He is recovering well," said the spokesperson. The Defence Minister went under home quarantine as he had mild symptoms after getting infected with the coronavirus infection.
COVID-19: 66 prisoners, 48 staff of three Delhi jails test positiveAs many as 66 jail inmates and 48 staff of three different prisons in the national capital have tested positive for COVID-19, said officials on Tuesday.
Out of the 66 prisoners, 42 are from Tihar jail, and 24 are from Mandoli prison.
Of the 48 staff, 34 from Tihar, eight from Mandoli and six from Rohil jail have contracted the virus.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Delhi recorded 19,166 new cases of COVID-19 and 17 deaths.
Administration of 'precaution dose' begins on the campuses of BSF Jammu Frontier in the city.
Precautionary dose of Covid vaccine being administered at Malleswaram Government School, Bangalore for front line workers and senior citizens on the second day of its roll out.
Lata Mangeshkar In Hospital After Testing Positive For COVID-19Singing legend Lata Mangeshkar has been admitted to a hospital here after she tested positive for Covid, her niece said on Tuesday.
The 92-year-old singer is in the ICU ward at the Breach Candy hospital and her symptoms are mild, her niece Rachana told PTI.
Healthcare workers, frontline workers and senior citizens queue up outside a vaccination centre in Delhi's GTB Nagar to take 'precaution dose' on the second day of its roll out.
Coronavirus Updates: Arunachal Pradesh reports 134 new COVID-19 cases, highest one-day spike in Jan
Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday recorded 134 new COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike in January so far, pushing the tally to 55,692, a health department official said.
Of the fresh cases, 63 were registered in the Capital Complex Region, 23 in Papum Pare district, 11 in Namsai and nine each in West Kameng and Lohit, he said.
Seven new infections were reported from Tawang, four from Lower Subansiri, two each from West Siang, Lower Dibang Valley and East Siang and one each from Changlang and Pakke Kessang.
"Special Yoga/pranayam classes to be brought in by Delhi government for Covid positive patients in home isolation. Yoga boosts immunity. We will send them a link today and classes to begin from tomorrow in different batches": Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin takes 'precautionary dose' of Covid vaccine.
The nationwide drive for healthcare workers, frontline workers, and people aged 60 and above with comorbidities kicked off yesterday, January 10.
Coronavirus Updates: Over 156.71 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses provided to States, Union Territories so far
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday stated that more than 156.71 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been supplied to States and Union Territories so far through the Centre's free of cost channel and through direct state procurement category.
"1,56,71,24,055 vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category," the Ministry informed.
There are 17,11,31,206 balance and unutilized COVID vaccine doses still available with the States/UTs to be administered, the ministry said.
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi takes precaution dose of Covid vaccines
"I took my precaution dose on payment today. We need hope and not horror to fight with Covid-19. All eligible people should get administered with precaution dose," says the Minister.
Coronavirus Updates: Odisha logs 7,071 fresh COVID-19 cases, biggest one-day spike in seven monthsOdisha logs 7,071 fresh COVID-19 cases, biggest one-day spike in seven months
Odisha recorded 7,071 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, a sharp rise of 46 per cent over the previous day and the biggest one-day spike in over seven months, the Health Department said.
The tally climbed to 10.83 lakh with the latest infections, which include 707 children, a bulletin issued by the department said.
Odisha's death toll mounted to 8,469 with one more fatality reported from Bolangir district.
Just In| Work-from-home for all private offices in Delhi except those exempt in new Covid curbs
"There is no need for full lockdown as of now. Chief Minister has asserted that the economy should not be affected, restricted lockdown enough for now": MA Subramanian, Health Minister, on COVID-19 restrictions due to the surge in cases.
COVID-19: Andhra government imposes night curfew, Cinema halls to function with 50 per cent occupancy
The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday imposed a night curfew from 11 pm to 5 am to check the rise in COVID-19 cases in the state.
The decision was taken following the review meeting held by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy with the officials of the health department on the COVID-19 situation.
Theatres, multiplexes and cinema halls will be operational with 50 per cent occupancy or alternate seating arrangements.
The government has also imposed restrictions on public gatherings, allowing 200 people outdoor and 100 inside the auditorium.
Wearing of masks is mandatory at public places and penalty of Rs 100 will be levied for the violation.
Just In| 1.68 lakh fresh Covid cases in India, 6.4% lower than yesterday
COVID-19: Rajasthan government caps charge of rapid antigen test at Rs 50 in private labs
The Rajasthan government on Monday capped the rate of Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for COVID-19 detection in private labs at Rs 50 included of all taxes.
Principal Secretary to the government Vaibhav Galaria informed that the rate has been fixed to provide easy and accessible test facilities to the general public at low prices.
This rate has been fixed as per the proposal of the committee constituted by Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Mr Galaria said.
Tamil Nadu's Positivity Rate Crosses 10%, Nearly 14,000 New Covid CasesTamil Nadu reported 13,990 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, with the state's positivity rate soaring above 10 per cent, as the state imposed new restrictions in view of the Pongal festival.
The new cases were detected among the 1,35,266 samples tested today. Besides, 11 deaths were also reported in the state that increased its death count to 36,866.
Of the new cases, Chennai accounted for 6,190 fresh infections followed by Chengalpattu with 1,696 and Thiruvallur 1,054 new cases. On Sunday, 12,895 new cases were detected in the state.
No Symptoms Or Not At "High Risk"? Don't Get Tested, Says CentreContacts of COVID-19 patients, unless identified as high-risk, don't need to be tested, the government's top medical body said today in a new advisory.
Asymptomatic individuals in community settings, patients who stand discharged as per home isolation guidelines, also patients discharged from a COVID-19 facility and individuals undertaking inter-state domestic travel need not be tested, said the Indian Council of Medical Research or ICMR.
Those with cough, fever, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, breathlessness and other respiratory symptoms) individuals should be tested, said the body.