New Delhi: Another day of a rise in the country’s total caseload amidst the discovery of mutant strains in the country.
As per the tally in the last 24hours; 12,521 new cases were added to the already apprehended 1,09,49,646 individuals. The Active caseload of the country stands at 1,34,241. 11,849 recoveries after hospital treatment are noted adding to the existing cured 1,06,54,802. The novel virus has taken another 90 lives across the country. As per the Union Health Ministry, the death toll now stands at 1,59,039; with a recovery ratio of 97.3%. According to ICMR; the total sample testing has reached 20,87,03,791 since the Pandemic.
The detection of the SA and Brazilian strain amongst the new arrivals in India has raised a question on the potentiality of AstraZeneca. Will the vaccines be effective? Analysis of the mutant strain has proven it to be on par with the parent strain, thereby speaking fears. CDC noted the South African variant of SARS-CoV2 to contain specific genetic sequences which will allow it to elude the antibody produced in the body through vaccines.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the supply of the Made in India vaccines across 25 nations. He said” Today, the pharmacy of the world is stepping forward to meet the global vaccines challenge… We are, of course, a significant source of supply to the COVAX facility. But in addition, India is also directly sending vaccines to friends and partners.,”
Taking charge of the risks; centre has issued new guidelines for international travellers across the globe. The government has also suspended air travelling till 28 February. As per the new SoPs, all foreign passengers will have to upload a COVID-19 RT-PCR report, stating their negativity. The Civil Aviation Ministry says, the passengers travelling on flights originating from the UK, Europe and the Middle East have to submit a self-declaration from Air Suvidha portal before they schedule their journey.