As Delhi continues to grapple with the ongoing Covid surge, the Delhi government on Monday announced that it will provide free vaccines to everyone above 18 years of age when the drive begins on May 1. “Today we have given the approval for the purchase of 1.34 crore vaccines. We will make an effort to ensure that it is purchased soon and administered at the earliest to people, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced.

The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the state government to set up more virus testing centres and expand its sample collection infrastructure. The court was replying to Centre’s representative, who said that testing numbers have gone down in the national capital.

India recorded over 3.52 lakh new Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours ending 8 am Monday, taking the country’s total infections to over 1.73 crore. Out of these, over 28 lakh cases are currently active while 1.43 crore people have recovered after testing positive. With 2,812 new fatalities, the death toll is now over 1.95 lakh.

Apart from the US, UK and EU have pledged to help India in terms of vaccines ingredients, oxygen tankers and oxygen concentrators. This comes on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann ki Baat radio address, said that the Covid storm had “shaken” the country and was “testing our patience.”

Addressing the press on Sunday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the lockdown in the National Capital would be extended by another week – until 5 am on May 3.

Amid surge in COVID-19 infections, Centre on Sunday directed the states to ensure that the use of liquid oxygen is not allowed for any non-medical purpose, PTI reported. It also asked oxygen plants to maximise production and make oxygen available to it for medical use only with immediate effect, amid COVID surge. “Entire stock of liquid oxygen should be used for medical purposes, no exception to any industry,” said Central government.

Source: The Indian Express

BDST: 1315 HRS, APR 26, 2021
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