Geneva: The Indian coronavirus variant (B1617), which has now been declared a “variant of global concern” has spread to 44 countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

The B1617 variant, first identified in India in October, has been detected in over 4500 sequences uploaded to the GISAID open-access database, till May 11, “from 44 countries in all six WHO regions,” the global health agency said in its weekly epidemiological update on the pandemic on Tuesday.

The WHO has also “received reports of detections from five additional countries”, the update said.

The Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID) is a German non-profit organisation, launched in 2016 as a database for sharing flu genomes.

The WHO’s SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution Working Group on Tuesday determined that viruses within the lineage B1617 areA a variant of concern.

The B1617 variant was, till now, deemed a ‘variant of interest’ by the WHO. It now has been added to the list of other Covid-19 “variants of concern” — UK (B117), South African (B1351) and Brazilian (P1) variants.

The B1617 variant was declared as a variant of concern based on early evidence of higher rates of transmission, including its observed rapid increases in prevalence in multiple countries.

The UN health body also cited “preliminary evidence”, which suggests that B1617 variant reduces effectiveness of treatment of Covid patients with Bamlanivimab — a monoclonal antibody. It also pointed out lab studies that showed “slightly reduced susceptibility to neutralisation antibodies”.

Approximately 0.1 per cent of positive samples in India have been sequenced and uploaded to GISAID to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants, the WHO said.A

The agency said that spread of B1617, alongs with other more transmittable variants, are one of several factors fuelling India’s dramatic surge in new cases and deaths.

The number of new Covid-19 cases and deaths globally decreased slightly this week, with over 5.5 million cases and over 90, 000 deaths, the update said.A

“India continues to account for 95 per cent of cases and 93 per cent of deaths in the South-East Asia Region, as well as 50 per cent of global cases and 30 per cent of global deaths,”, the update added.

India on Wednesday recorded 4,205 deaths due to Covid, highest till date with 3,48,421 fresh cases, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

New Delhi: For the second consecutive day, India recorded a slight drop in the daily cases after reporting 3,48,421 new infections and 4,205 deaths in the last 24 hours, Union Health Ministry data on Wednesday updated.

As many as 3,55,338 people were discharged in the same period. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has reached 2,33,40,938, out of which, 37,04,099 are active cases, 2,54,197 people have lost their lives while 1,93,82,642 have recovered.

Maharashtra reported about 41,000 cases, much lower than its average in the last few weeks. Karnataka, Kerala continue to report around 40,000 cases each. Of the 4,205 deaths reported on Tuesday, the highest ever, Maharashtra reported more than 800 deaths. Six states – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, apart from Maharashtra – reporting more than 200 deaths a day.

Nearly 30 lakh infections have been recorded by the country since May 5. India’s total death count passed the 2.5 lakh mark this morning, Health Ministry data showed. The fresh surge takes active cases to 37,04,099; overall cases rose to 2.33 crore. The positivity rate stood at 17.56 per cent. Nearly 30 lakh infections have been recorded by the country since May 5. India’s total death count passed the 2.5 lakh mark this morning, Health Ministry data showed. The fresh surge takes active cases to 37,04,099; overall cases rose to 2.33 crore. The positivity rate stood at 17.56 per cent.

In the last 24 hours, 19,83,804 samples were tested, the most in a day since the pandemic broke. Per government data, 24,46,674 vaccine doses were administered in a new record since India began the world’s largest vaccine drive on January 16.

The data on Tuesday said to hit hard by the second wave, nearly 90 per cent of the country is witnessing a high positivity rate, stressing that 640 districts out of the 734 are above the national threshold level of five per cent.

Mucormycosis, a rare but serious fungal infection now affecting coronavirus patients. The first cases were reported in Gujarat last year, moving on to Delhi and Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, WHO has warned against the use of ‘ivermectin’ – an orally-administered drug used to treat parasitic infections – for treatment of COVID-19 patients. Earlier this week, Goa approved the use of ‘ivermectin’ as a preventive treatment for all adults against the SARS-CoV2 virus that causes the COVID-19 disease.

Worldwide, 15.96 crore infections have been reported since the pandemic broke.

By: Tasaduq Hussain

Kupwara:  Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole Wednesday said there won’t be any relaxation on Eid-ul-Fitr eve in Kashmir given the steep rise in COVID-19 infection cases while the overall situation is under control in the Valley. He was quick to add that 30-40 per cent of surplus oxygen was available in Kashmir as of now.

Pole was on a visit to Kupwara along with other administrative officials to review COVID preparations put in place by the health authorities and district administration.

Talking to reporters on sidelines of the visit, Divisional Commissioner said overall situation in Kashmir is under control while the preventive restrictions put in place up to May 17th will remain in place.

“There won’t be any sort of relaxation in curfew on Eid eve in Kashmir,” he said, adding that Covid 19 does stop on any special occasion.

Pole said about 175 oxygen-supported beds are available in Kupwara and a plant of 1000 LPM has been made functional at SDH while the occupancy of beds is below 40%. “The Covid situation, however, is good and the cases have started to decline”.

“We hope that the COVID ends soon but there won’t be any laxity from the administration side and preparations are in full swing to contain the spread,” he said.

About the situation in Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner said the overall situation is definitely under control.

“The cases will increase in the coming days in Kashmir and that shouldn’t be a source of panic for people,” he said.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir urged people to stay away from any such information that leads to health issues mainly mental problems saying that people must stick to things that don’t impact stability.

Asked about the oxygen refilling issue faced in Kupwara, he said that the 1000 LPM oxygen plant is already functional here and the cylinders won’t be of that use besides concentrators have been made available.

Pole said that oxygen is being monitored scientifically outside the states like Maharashtra.

“Doctors have conducted the oxygen audit in J&K and stated that around 40% of the oxygen is surplus and there is no question of shortage at any point,” he said.

94 FIRs registered, 145 persons arrested: Police

Srinagar: Ahead of the Muslim festival, Eid-ul-Fitr, authorities on Wednesday tightened Corona Curfew across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley to prevent the deadly virus from spreading.

The strict curfew comes a day after the markets across Srinagar and other districts witnessed a huge rush of shoppers, who were seen buying essentials ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.

Most of the roads across Srinagar wore a deserted look as the authorities had deployed police and paramilitary troopers on the roads since the wee hours of this morning to enforce the lockdown strictly.

The roads were blocked by the forces by erecting concertina wires, saying that no one was being allowed to pass through the roads.

Shops, which remained open yesterday, were closed as the authorities didn’t allow them to run their businesses after the administration withdrew its orders regarding the partial relaxation for some permissible activities from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Witnesses said that police had placed rolls of barbed wires on the middle of the roads in Srinagar to prevent private vehicular traffic.

Meanwhile, a police spokesman said police has arrested 145 persons, lodged 92 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 1,09,200 from 678 people for violating the guidelines and rules throughout Kashmir.

“Besides, 15 vehicles were also seized in Budgam and Kulgam for violating guidelines and restrictions and indulging in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals. Four shopkeepers were also booked by police in Ganderbal and Handwara for violating Covid-19 norms,” the police spokesman said.

He said  special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines and rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs and guidelines envisaged by government to curb COVID-19 pandemic.

Calls for hassle-free movement of healthcare workers

Srinagar: Inspector General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar ordered strict restrictions to contain the covid-19 in the Valley.

In his meeting with officers, he however called for hassle free movement of health workers especially doctors and avoiding any kind of argument or Law and order situations at the checkpoints.

A police spokesman said IGP chaired a review meeting at PCR through video conferencing with district SSsP of Kashmir Zone. DIG CKR Srinagar and SSP Srinagar attended the meeting at PCR Kashmir, he said.

On the occasion, IGP was briefed by the participating officers about the overall situation scenarios in their respective areas and the measures being adopted to contain the Covid-19. While interacting with the officers, IGP Kashmir urged upon them to revisit the existing security deployments including security/restriction arrangements in view of Covid-19. “He urged them that the strict restrictions should be exercised and the  employees only with passes shall be allowed. He also directed the officers to ensure hassle free movement of health workers especially doctors and avoid any kind of argument or L&O situations at the checkpoints.”

Reiterating the medical significance of O2 tankers, IGP Kashmir directed officers to ensure hassle-free movement of such vehicles and treat them at par with ambulances, the spokesman quoted him as saying. While mentioning the special helpline for doctors and healthcare workers established earlier on Zonal level, he directed the officers to establish a special helpline on similar pattern at district levels so as to avoid any hindrance in passage of healthcare workers.

He also urged upon the officers to strategise the deployments on eve of eid-ul-fitr to thwart the “nefarious designs of militants and anti-national elements.”

He also stressed for better synergy and coordination with other security agencies deployed in their respective areas.

The IGP also directed to establish special joint nakas with CRPF at strategic locations and share GPS coordinates accordingly to strengthen the security grid.

Srinagar: Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their help to combat the prevailing COVID-18 pandemic, Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said countless lives have been saved after their intervention.

He said smooth coordination between the UT administration and Union Government has been a big relief in this hour of crisis.

The LG on his official Twitter handle said, “I am deeply grateful to Hon’ble PM @narendramodi for his help to J&K UT in combating the pandemic. Thanks to his intervention, countless lives have been saved with adequate supplies of oxygen, medicines, vaccines and the lifting of 9 oxygen plants from Munich,”.

Sinha further wrote “smooth coordination” between the UT administration and the Union government had been a big relief in this hour of crisis”.

The tweet further reads “The smooth coordination with the union government has been a big relief in this hour of crisis. For helping the Union Territory deal with this calamity effectively, I am also thankful to Hon’ble HM @AmitShah,”.

Important to look at context, suitable action will follow: Div Com

By: Tasaduq Hussain

Baramulla: The district administration of Baramulla came under serve criticism on Wednesday after a video of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Baramulla went viral on social media sites in which he can be seen beating men and women with a stick while enforcing COVID-19 lockdown.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Muhammad Ahsan along with his team Wednesday was accessing the lockdown situation within the main town wherein he along with his staff was seen walking on the streets and carrying sticks in their hands.

In the viral video, ADC can be seen beating several people including women which have hugely been criticized by the cross-sections of society with people demanding action against him and his staff for use of violence against people and women in particular.

Meanwhile, an official in the district administration said that the ADC took a strong note of violations reported and dealt with them sternly besides warned them to follow government advisories in letter and spirit.

He said that the ADC urged upon the people to cooperate with the administration adding that there is nothing more important than human lives since every preventive measure is for the safeguard and to keep the virus away.

Earlier, netizens, lawyers and civil society activists had vent their anger on social media to condemn ADC’s act. While netizens termed it as “bureaucratic hooliganism”, Umer Mir, a practicing lawyer at Jammu and Kashmir High Court Srinagar said that there is a proper legal course and mechanism to deal with every wrong and no law on earth authorizes a bureaucrat to beat the public on road like horses. “If somebody was violating covid protocol there is a procedure established by law to book the violators under relevant code but the action of the official in question is not justifiable at all,” he said.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, PK Pole who was on a visit to twin north Kashmir districts while talking to reporters said: “Context of the action will be looked into and appropriate action will be taken accordingly.”

“Looking at the context is also important and whatever is suitable will be done”, he assured—(KNO)

‘No patient should die due to Oxygen unavailability’

Jammu: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday called for an audit of oxygen cylinders and ventilators in the Government Medical College Jammu to ensure equitable distribution for needy patients.

He said, even a single death due to alleged unavailability of Oxygen causes tremendous social unrest and negates all the other good work done if any.

“A confidence building message has to go out loud and clear that a premier institution like GMC Jammu will ensure that not a single death occurs on account of Oxygen unavailability”, he said during an urgent high level meeting of administration and medical staff convened by him, at a short notice, in view of disturbing reports emanating from Govt Medical College, Jammu with regard to COVID management facilities.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to LG Sh Bhatnagar, Financial Commissioner, Atal Dullo, Divisional Commissioner Raghav Langer, DC Jammu Anshul Garg apart from the Principal, GMC Jammu Dr Shashi Sudan Sharma and others.

Singh said, “community management is a vital component of optimum Covid management and the GMC as well as the administrative authorities should not feel shy of taking the community into confidence and soliciting their cooperation.”

The Union Minister asked about various steps being taken by the administration for augmenting the oxygen capacity of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu and various District Hospitals across the UT.

In this regard he was informed that two Oxygen Plants each of 1200 lpm capacity have been set up in GMC Jammu. A 1000 lpm Oxygen plant has also been set up in Chest and Diseases Hospital, Jammu.

Further, in Govt. Hospital, Gandhi Nagar another 1000 lpm plant has been set up. In addition to this, two more plants are being set up in GMC Jammu to augment its oxygen capacity.

With regard to the buffer stocks of Oxygen cylinders Dr Singh was informed that presently buffer stock of 400 cylinders was present in GMC Jammu.

While commending the steps being taken to augment the oxygen capacity of hospitals Dr Singh called for audit of oxygen capacity as well as ventilators in the UT so that no lives should be lost for want of critical care.

He further expressed his support to Administration and Hospital Staff for fighting the battle against Covid and saving precious lives of people

Dr Singh instructed the Divisional Commissioner to post one Mechanical Engineer and one Biomedical Engineer in GMC to exclusively look after the upkeep of Oxygen supply so that the patient’s attendants or nurses don’t have to undergo the ordeal of struggling to maintain oxygen supply.

He asked for a regular issue of medical bulletin by the authorities and keeping public representatives informed about what is being done by the GMC.

He also reviewed the situation of the ventilators to handle critical patients.

In this regard it was informed that around 60 ventilators and Respirators were being provided to GMC Jammu.

He urged the GMC Doctors to surrender their private rooms/chambers in Chopra Nursing Home so that the same could be converted into COVID chambers.

Baramulla:  A resident of Uri in Baramulla district surrendered before the security forces immediately after returning from Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) after four years, officials said.

They said Shabir Ahmad Cheechi, resident of Hathlanga, border town of Uri in Baramulla, had crossed over to PaK in October 2017 when he was 32-years old.

However, after staying there for about four years, unarmed Shabir returned last night and surrendered before the troops of 3 Rajput Unit.

It was not immediately clear what he was doing in PaK, they said, adding he was being questioned.

Directs scaling up of anti-corona activities

Baramulla:  Divisional Commissioner  Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Wednesday visited Baramulla, where he took inspection of several Covid-19 wellness centres and reviewed the mitigation measures besides other related aspects.

The Div Com during the visit was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Bhupinder Kumar, COVID-19 Nodal Officer, Dr Waseem Quereshi, Dy Director Health Kashmir, Dr Bashir Ahmad Chalkoo and other concerned officers.

He inspected Covid-19 wellness centres established at Covid Care Hospital GMC Baramulla and SDH Sopore wherein the DC briefed him about various measures that have been undertaken by the authorities to combat the challenge.

After taking a detailed review, the Div Com directed to ensure that all the required medicare and other necessary facilities are provided effectively and efficiently, besides all the necessary arrangements are in place so that any kind of exigency is averted smoothly.

Pole directed the concerned to scale up anti-corona activities by taking all the stakeholders on board. He further directed to ensure that adequate stock of oxygen supply is available in these centres and said that several initiatives are being taken in this regard.

He also took stock of the COVID-19 vaccination programme undergoing in the district during which he exhorted upon different stakeholders to ensure that the process runs smoothly. He directed to educate and motivate people so that they come forward for vaccination at their stipulated time.

Meanwhile, Div Com stressed for following all the requisite SOPs and guidelines adding that only the strict adherence of related advisories can avert any kind of health emergency. He also said that strict legal action shall be taken against those who violate any kind of advisory.