Coronavirus live updates | Closing borders to Indian travellers will impact financial system, says Singapore Minister

Four instances of the SARS-CoV-2 variant pressure from South Africa and one case of the Brazil variant have been detected in India, the Health Ministry confirmed on February 16, 2021.

Stating that India ought to proceed its vigil to include the COVID virus regardless of the autumn in variety of energetic COVID instances in India and vaccines member (well being) NITI Aayog V.K. Paul, famous that India is now giving COVID vaccines to 24 international locations.

“We don’t still fully understand the virus and need to be serious about vaccinating while following COVID appropriate behaviour. The vaccines are safe and can be given to people on blood thinners and aspirin,” he added.

You can monitor coronavirus instances, deaths and testing charges on the nationwide and State ranges here. An inventory of State Helpline numbers is offered as effectively.

Here are the most recent updates:

Singapore

‘Will impact Singaporeans if borders are closed’

If Singapore closes its borders to travellers from India and Indonesia over COVID-19 fears, there will be widespread social and financial impact for Singaporeans, parliament was advised Tuesday.

Dr .Koh Poh Koon, the Senior Minister of State for Health, advised parliamentarians the repercussions might imply that many Singaporeans wouldn’t obtain the keys to the housing models they purchased, and households will have to take into account discovering various care preparations for his or her family members as a result of they will face delays in hiring international home staff as caregivers.

National

India’s struggle in opposition to COVID-19 is inspiring the world: PM Modi

India’s struggle in opposition to COVID-19 is inspiring the world, although firstly of the pandemic different international locations fearful concerning the countrys scenario, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Tuesday.

Also learn: Coronavirus | WHO chief thanks PM Modi for continued support

India is following a human centric strategy to furthering world good, which is predicated on a wholesome balanced welfare and well-being, he stated, nearly delivering the valedictory handle to ‘Heartfulness Practitioners’ on the platinum jubilee celebrations of Heartfulness Institute of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

Australia

Victoria to carry lockdown

The Australian Open will find a way to open its gates to followers for the final 4 days of the event after the state of Victoria introduced {that a} snap coronavirus lockdown could be lifted at midnight on Wednesday.

Victoria State Premier Dan Andrews introduced the lifting of the lockdown however stated the crowds allowed into Melbourne Park for the semi-finals and finals of the Grand Slam is perhaps decreased from the initially agreed 25,000 a day.”There will be meeting early this afternoon … where we go through and work through exactly what is a safe number and that decision will be made as soon as possible,” Mr. Andrews advised reporters.

New variant

Four instances of South Africa variant of virus present in India

Four instances of the SARS-CoV-2 variant pressure from South Africa and one case of the Brazil variant have been detected within the nation, the Health Ministry confirmed on Tuesday. India has up to now reported 187 instances of the UK variant.

Giving particulars of those instances, which he stated have been examined and remoted, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava stated, “South African variant of SARS-CoV-2 which has spread to 44 countries has entered India. The strain has been detected in four different SA returnees this past month — Angola (1), Tanzania (1) and South Africa (2). All travellers have been tested, quarantined and ICMR-NIV is attempting to isolate and culture the SA variant.”

Maharashtra

Violators warned of contact motion

Amid a spike in COVID-19 instances throughout Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday directed divisional commissioners, district collectors and police authorities to take stern measures to implement pandemic rules.

However, no determination has been taken on re-imposition of a stringent lockdown, the CM added.

As COVID-19 instances in Maharashtra outpaced its recoveries for the fifth consecutive day, Mr. Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar held a gathering to take inventory of the scenario with divisional commissioners and district collectors.

Puducherry

Vaccination session websites set to be elevated in Puducherry

The session websites for administering COVID-19 vaccination are being elevated to enhance immunisation protection within the Union Territory.

At a gathering of the State Task Force cum District Task Force on COVID-19 vaccination, it was determined that two extra session websites could be made practical on the Community Health Centre (CHC) Mannadipet and on the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Bahour. These services will be as well as to the present 10 session websites throughout the Union Territory.

North Korea

North Korean hackers focused vaccine know-how alleges Seoul

North Korean hackers tried to steal details about coronavirus vaccines and coverings, South Korea’s intelligence service stated on Tuesday, but it surely denied a lawmaker’s declare that vaccine maker Pfizer Inc. was focused.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ha Tae-keung, a Member of Parliament’s intelligence committee, advised reporters that the National Intelligence Service advised him and different lawmakers throughout a closed-door briefing that North Korea hacked Pfizer to get hold of COVID-19 vaccine know-how.

(With inputs from our Correspondents and companies)