India reported 173,790 new Covid-19 cases and 3,617 deaths in the last 24 hours ending 8 am on Saturday. 

With 2,84,601 patients recovered during the last 24 hours, a total of 2,51,78,011 recoveries reported across the country so far. 

Also, the active caseload further declined to 22,28,724 with a drop of more than a lakh in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry.

The number of new Covid-19 cases detected on Friday is the lowest since April 12. Maharashtra reported 1,022 new deaths while Tamil Nadu had 486. Tamil Nadu recorded over 31,000 new cases while Karnataka had close to 23,000.

With today’s data, the recovery rate has increased to 90.80 per cent. Also, the weekly positivity rate is currently at 9.84%, daily at 8.36%, less than 10% for 5 consecutive days.

The Union Health Ministry Saturday said over 27.7 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states and union territories. Out of which, the total consumption, including wastages is 20,80,09,397 doses, it said. “Over 1.82 crore Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states/union territories. Over 4 lakh doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the states/UTs within the next 3 days,” the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Health Department Friday tweaked vaccination norms for those travelling abroad, allowing them to take the second dose of Covishield vaccine after four to six weeks of the first one, as against the existing 12-16-week interval recommended now. Last week, the state government had included those travelling abroad for jobs and studies among priority groups for vaccination, to be administered Covishield procured by the government.

In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation also announced Friday that those going abroad for studies would be given priority among the 18-44-year age group for Covid-19 vaccination. The municipal corporation has set aside three days in the week (Monday to Wednesday) for their vaccination without pre-registration, at specified centres in Mumbai.

Source: The Indian Express 

BDST: 1345 HRS, MAY 29, 2021
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