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Govt issues guidelines for mgmt of co-infections of COVID with seasonal diseases

Fact Check

New Delhi (NVI): Health Ministry today issued guidelines on prevention and treatment of co-infections of Covid-19 with other seasonal epidemic-prone diseases like dengue, malaria, seasonal influenza, and chikungunya, observed every year during this time, as India continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Health Ministry has issued guidelines for states and medical facilities on management of coronavirus co-infections, amid increasing instances of COVID-19 patients also contracting other seasonal diseases with similar symptoms, and the health complications emerging because of diagnostic delay.

Co-infections can not only present as a diagnostic dilemma to the doctors but may co-exist in coronavirus cases, the ministry said.

The health advisory states that people can contract coronavirus and other seasonal diseases at the same time and emphasises on need for aggressive testing for early and accurate diagnosis to save lives.

The Health Ministry stated that coronavirus infection may present with acute onset of fever and cough and acute onset of any three or more of the following signs or symptoms: fever, cough, general weakness/fatigue, headache, myalgia, sore throat, coryza, dyspnoea, anorexia/nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, altered mental status.

Furthermore, the viral, vector-borne and bacterial diseases listed by the Health Ministry also have symptoms that can be confused with COVID-19. It thus urges “high index of suspicion” for diseases prevalent in different parts of the country post monsoon.

The ministry further stated in its guidelines that seasonal epidemic-prone diseases like dengue, malaria and the flu may all present as febrile [showing the symptoms of a fever] illness, with symptoms that mimic that of the coronavirus.

“If there is a co-infection, then apart from the febrile illness there may be constellation of signs and symptoms that may lead to difficulty in diagnosis,” the health ministry said, listing out the approach to diagnosis of suspected co-infection.

While each of these infections are antigenically distinct, cross-reactions (resulting in false-positive/false-negative results) cannot be totally ruled out, the health ministry said.

“Hence, the tests recommended by ICMR [for coronavirus] and that recommended by the concerned programme divisions (NVBDCP for vector borne diseases [Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya]) and NCDC (Seasonal Influenza, Leptospirosis, Scrub Typhus)] needs to be followed,” the health ministry said.

-CHK

Govt to provide jobs to unemployed during this Navratri? Here’s the truth

New Delhi (NVI): A message viral is doing rounds on social media, especially WhatsApp, claiming that the central government will provide jobs to unemployed citizens through “Rojgar Yojana” at home during this Navratri season.

Taking note of the message being forwarded on WhatsApp, the Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has clarified that no such announcement has been made by the government and the link mentioned in the viral message is fake.

”Claim: – In a message on Whatsapp, it is being claimed that in view of rising unemployment, on this Navratri, the central government will give job opportunity to the unemployed.

#PIBFactCheck: – This claim is fake. No such announcement has been made by the Central Government,” PIB tweeted in Hindi.

The message read, “As unemployment is rising, the Indian government will provide jobs to unemployed people on Navratri. If you have a smartphone, you can work from home under this employment scheme and earn Rs 1,000-2,000 per day. The last date to apply is October 20.”

It also carries a link and a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asks people to send their applications on it if they are unemployed.

Earlier, a YouTube video claiming that the central government is depositing Rs 90,000 in the bank accounts of all under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Samman Yojana’ had gone viral.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in India, social media platforms are flooded with fake news and misinformation. The government has urged people not to fall prey to such rumors.

-RJV/ARK

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

Covid variant
File photo

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has crossed the 71 lakh-mark and stands at 71,75,881 after 55,342 fresh cases were reported in the last 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The country’s death toll stands at 1,09,856 after 706 new fatalities were reported during the same period.

In worst-hit Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases climbed to 15,35,315, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 7,58,951 cases, and Karnataka with 7,17,915 positive cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 4,023

Andhra Pradesh- 7,58,951

Arunachal Pradesh- 12,367

Assam- 1,95,304

Bihar- 1,97,535

Chandigarh- 13,260

Chhattisgarh- 1,45,247

Dadra Nagar Haveli & Diu – 3,168

Delhi- 3,11,188

Gujarat- 1,52,603

Goa- 38,674

Haryana– 1,43,221

Himachal Pradesh- 17,578

Jammu and Kashmir- 84,031

Jharkhand- 93,035

Karnataka- 7,17,915

Kerala- 2,95,132

Ladakh- 5,151

Madhya Pradesh- 1,48,298

Maharashtra- 15,35,315

Manipur- 13,556

Meghalaya- 7,771

Mizoram- 2,202

Nagaland- 7,240

Odisha- 2,54,662

Puducherry- 31,737

Punjab- 1,24,535

Rajasthan- 1,61,184

Sikkim- 3,359

Tamil Nadu- 6,61,264

Telangana- 2,14,792

Tripura- 28,678

Uttarakhand- 55,347

Uttar Pradesh- 4,39,161

West Bengal – 2,98,389

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 55

Andhra Pradesh- 6,256

Arunachal Pradesh- 24

Assam- 826

Bihar- 955

Chandigarh- 192

Chhattisgarh- 1,286

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 5,809

Goa- 511

Gujarat- 3,574

Haryana- 1,592

Himachal Pradesh- 251

Jammu and Kashmir- 1,333

Jharkhand- 798

Karnataka- 10,036

Kerala- 1,025

Ladakh- 64

Madhya Pradesh- 2,645

Maharashtra- 40,514

Manipur- 93

Meghalaya- 64

Nagaland- 18

Odisha- 1,040

Puducherry- 565

Punjab- 3,860

Rajasthan- 1,665

Sikkim- 57

Tamil Nadu- 10,314

Telangana- 1,233

Tripura- 317

Uttar Pradesh- 6,438

Uttarakhand- 762

West Bengal- 5,682

However, a total of 62,27,295 people have been cured or discharged. The total active cases stands at 8,38,729 in the country.

-CHK

Coronavirus cases surge past 37.8 million worldwide

Coronavirus cases
File photo

New Delhi (NVI): More than 37.8 million people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19 while the death toll has crossed 10,80,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. More than 26.2 million people have recovered from the disease.

In the US, the number of coronavirus infections are nearing the 8 million-mark and have surpassed 7.8 million while the number of casualties due to the deadly contagion has crossed 2,15,000 in the country.

Brazil’s covid-19 cases have surged past 5.1 million while the number of deaths have exceeded 1,50,000.

New Zealand recorded its 18th consecutive day of no new cases of Covid-19 spread in the community, health officials said on Tuesday. All 39 active cases of the virus in New Zealand were diagnosed in travelers returning to the country, who remain in quarantine facilities run by the government.

France reported a three-month high in ICU patients. Health authorities said the number of people treated in intensive care units for Covid-19 surpassed the 1,500 threshold on Monday, for the first time since May 27, raising fears of local lockdowns in the country.

For the second day in a row, Iran has announced the highest single-day death toll from the coronavirus, with 272 new victims, as well as its single-day highest count of new cases, with 4,206.

South Korea reported 102 new coronavirus cases as of Monday midnight, marking a triple-digit increase in six days, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on Tuesday.

Malaysia announced that it will impose some restrictions on movement in its capital city and in the neighbouring state of Selangor from Wednesday, as the country grapples with a fresh surge of cases.

The Czech government will order bars, restaurants and clubs to close from Wednesday until November 3 and shift most schools to distance learning as it puts new measures in place to curb the fast spread of Covid-19 cases in the country.

Johnson & Johnson said on Monday that it has temporarily paused its Covid-19 vaccine candidate clinical trials due to an unexplained illness in a study.

-CHK

Security forces foil another attempt by Pak to smuggle weapons into Kashmir

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Security forces foiled another attempt by Pakistan army to smuggle weapons from Pak occupied J&K and recovered arms and ammunition from a suspicious bag at Teetwal area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, officials said today.

A police official said that a bag was found lying on a road side in Gundi-Sharh village, Teetwa.

Official said that the troops reached the spot and recovered the bag with five pistols, 10 magazines and 138 rounds of ammunition from a location close to the Line of Control (LoC).

“The arms and ammunition were in a black-coloured bag. Two biscuit packets were also in the bag,” the official said. He said that police have registered a case under Indian Arms Act and investigations have been taken up.

The police official further said that primarily it seems that the bag was meant to be delivered to some terrorists as they are facing shortage of weapons.

“There is a possibility that the pistols may have been supposed to be distributed among the youth to lure them into militancy,” the official said.

Earlier on October 9, Indian troops deployed at the neighboring Keran sector of north Kashmir had recovered four AK 74 Rifles, 8 magazines and 240 AK rifle ammunition.

-RJV/CHK

Sarpanch found hanging at his home in J&K’s Bandipora

Hang
Representational image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): A Sarpanch was found hanging at his home in Zurimanz village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, police officials said today.

They said that the family members of the Sarpanch, who saw him hanging in a room at the house, immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

The deceased has been identified as Javaid Ahmed Dar, aged 38.

A police official said that the body was later taken to Bandipora district hospital for post-mortem and other medico-legal formalities.

He added that it was not immediately known as to why the Sarpanch took this extreme step.

The official said that the proceedings under relevant sections of law have been initiated and further investigation has been taken up in this regard.

-CHK

India’s COVID tally nears 72 lakh, death toll at 1,09,856

corona
(File/Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India increased to 71,75,881 with a single jump of 55,342 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, Union Health Ministry confirmed.

The country’s death toll has reached to 1,09,856 with 706 fatalities reported during this period.

So far, 62,27,296 patients have been cured and recovered all over the country while active cases stands at 8,38,729. With this, the recovery rate further improves to 86.78 per cent vs yesterday’s 86.36 per cent in India.

In worst-hit Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases climbed to 15,35,315, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 7,58,951 cases, and Karnataka with 7,17,915 positive cases.

Other states with a high virus hit included Tamil Nadu (6,61,264), Uttar Pradesh (4,39,161) and Delhi (3,11,188).

Meanwhile, of the total deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 40,514 fatalities, followed by Tamil Nadu with 10,314 deaths.

The death toll in the national capital surpassed to 5,809, while 2,84,844 patients have recovered so far, the healthy ministry data shows.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 8,89,45,107 samples tested for COVID-19, up to October 12. Of these, 10,73,014 samples were tested yesterday.

Furthermore, the Madhya Pradesh government yesterday said Classes I to VIII will remain shut till November 15, while those between IX and XII, which resumed on September 21, will continue partially with COVID-19 containment protocols.

-RJV

Donald Trump tests negative for Covid-19

Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump (File pic)

New Delhi (NVI): US President Donald Trump has tested negative for the coronavirus, 10 days after he had tested COVID-19 positive, said the White House physician Sean Conley.

According to a memo from Conley, the US President has tested negative “on consecutive days” using an Abbott Laboratories BinaxNOW antigen card and is “not infectious to others”.

“It is important to note that this test was not used in isolation for the determination of the president’s current negative status,” Conley added.

Meanwhile, Trump returns to the campaign trail with a rally in Sanford, Florida, his first since he disclosed on October 2 that he tested positive for COVID-19.

At least 35 people have been infected with COVID-19 in the White House, including top aides to the president and first lady Melania Trump.

-RJV

First Pakistan, now China creating border dispute under a mission: Rajnath

Balakot Air Strikes
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

(Updating earlier copy)

New Delhi (NVI): Amid border stand-off in Eastern Ladakh along LAC, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that Pakistan and China are creating border disputes under a mission.

Singh was addressing a virtual conference today after inaugurating 44 major permanent bridges by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in strategically key areas located in seven States and Union Territories of in Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

“You are also aware of the situation at our eastern and northern borders. It appears as if border disputes are being created under a mission, first by Pakistan and now even China. The two countries share 7,000 km of borders with us and often in some or the other sector there is tension. Despite such problems the nation is not just dealing with these challenges with great determination but also bringing about crucial changes in all sectors,” Singh said.

“Despite facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the situation at the borders India has been resolute in its response. The nation has also been successful in completing its infrastructure projects under the inspiring leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the Defence Minister said.

Singh also congratulated DG and all ranks of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their achievements and said that dedication of 44 bridges in one go in itself was a record.

Lauding the BRO for its role in improving the border infrastructure, the Defence Minister said these bridges improved connectivity in the far-flung areas of western, northern and north east sectors and fulfilled the aspirations of local people.

“They would also meet the transport and logistics requirements of the armed forces throughout the year,” he added.

Singh said that roads and bridges are the lifeline of any nation and play a vital role in the socio-economic development of far flung regions.

Reiterating the Central government’s commitment to boost development activities in border areas, he said that progress of all projects is regularly being monitored and adequate funds are being provided for their timely execution.

The Defense Minister further informed that the annual budget of BRO that varied from Rs 3,300 crores to Rs 4,600 crores in years 2008-2016, saw a substantial rise and is pegged at over Rs 11,000 Crores in 2020-21. There was no reduction of this budget despite COVID-19 pandemic.

During the ceremony, Singh also laid the foundation stone of the strategically important Nechiphu Tunnel on the road to Tawang. This 450 mtrs long, bi-lane tunnel would ensure all weather connectivity across Nechiphu Pass besides providing a safe and secure passage through accident-prone areas.

Moreover, briefing the dignitaries, Lt Gen Harpal Singh, DG BRO, said the 44 bridges of various spans ranging from 30 meters to 484 meters are located in J&K (10), Ladakh (08), Himachal Pradesh (02), Punjab (04), Uttarakhand (08), Arunachal Pradesh (08) and Sikkim (04).

Harpal also said these bridges are of strategic importance and have been designed to facilitate movement of heavy civil and military traffic in border areas. “In line with the vision of Prime Minister, these bridges will contribute towards the overall economic growth of remote border areas and will also assist in speedy deployment of Armed Forces in strategically important sectors,” he added.

BRO has worked relentlessly even during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions continuing with works of strategic importance like construction of major bridges and roads, Atal Tunnel Rohtang, Sela Tunnel etc, and Snow Clearance for opening of Strategic Mountain Passes.

However, the dedication ceremony was conducted in the presence of Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff, Gen MM Naravane and Defence Secretary, Ajay Kumar.

-RJV/ARK

J&K LG seeks detailed report on measures taken for business revival in UT

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha (file photo)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today sought a detailed report on a host of financial and administrative measures recommended for the revival of the business sector in the Union Territory.

He accorded timelines, aimed at helping business and entrepreneurs and steps taken thereon. J&K government’s official spokesman said that the LG made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting of the committee constituted to suggest measures for revival of business in J&K. The LG recently had announced Rs 1,350 crore package for the revival of business in the UT.

“Business sector is the backbone of every economy and it is important that the government machinery must lay a special focus on its revival and for the welfare of the people associated with it,” the official spokesman quoted the LG as saying.

“The Lt Governor stressed on effective implementation of the recommendations made by the Committee as per the timelines set up by the government to improve the overall business environment of J&K,” he added.

The official spokesman said that LG Sinha directed the officials to disburse the financial assistance to the beneficiaries at the earliest.

“The LG directed for holding Workshops for awareness of NPA and GEM on-boarding to be held in 20 districts for 10 days which shall be jointly organized by the Finance Department and J&K Bank. He also called for extending support to small businesses, weavers, artisans by effecting purchases by government departments exclusively,” the official spokesman said.

The Lt Governor also took stock of the progress made on various financial measures recommended by the Committee including interest subvention of 5% in case of all borrowers excluding borrowers under KCC, ACC, Loan against deposits, loans under personal segments, NBFCs.

Apart from that, he took stock of 50 % waiver of the fixed charges of electricity in respect of the Industries and Commercial Establishments for a period of 1 year from January 2020 to December 2020; 50 % waiver of the water charges in respect of the Industries and Commercial Establishments for a period of 1 year from January 2020 to December 2020.

In addition to this bus drivers/cleaners/sumo drivers and auto drivers who have moved to construction works shall be registered with the building and other construction workers board and paid monthly remuneration of Rs 1000 each in DBT mode for a period of six months as per norms.

The LG also took stock of release of pending interest subvention under 2014 and 2016 rehabilitation schemes for restructured accounts; 80% subsidy amounting for installation of the bio-digesters in the Houseboat; 50% subsidy or Rs 5.00 lakh whichever is lower shall be provided to the transporters for replacement of old buses, etc.

-ARK

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