Coronavirus news highlights: India's Covid-19 tally crosses 63-lakh mark

India sees a spike of 80,472 new infections and 1,179 deaths in the last 24 hours, with the country's tally crossing the 63-lakh mark. In its most recent update, the Union Health Ministry placed the total number of cases at 62,25,763 and the death toll at 97,497. The Ministry said that 51,87,825 people have so far recovered from the infection Stay tuned for more updates.

World's biggest study on Covid-19 shows early deaths among Indians, higher risk of infection in vehicles

Carried out on nearly 85,000 positive cases in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and their 5,75,000-plus contacts, the research found that the oldest adults were surprisingly protected from exposure to the infection, but children up to 14 years of age carried a significant risk of picking up the infection from their friends.

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Karnataka govt says 'no' to school visits till October 15

The order extends the restriction on opening schools for consultation up to October 15. Previously, the government had issued an order restricting visits up to September 30 and now, the same has been extended by a fortnight.

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Maharashtra adds 18,317 new Covid-19 cases, 19,163 recover; 481 deaths

The Mumbai division, which consists of Mumbai city and satellite towns, reported 5,743 new cases, raising the total count to 4,81,103. A total of 15,851 people have died so far in the region, a health official said.

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Economic casualties of the coronavirus crisis

Among the carriers in crisis in the air transport sector are two Latin American airlines, including the region's biggest LATAM, and Colombia's Avianca, both of which have filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States.

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Will decide on reopening schools after mid-Nov: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of reopening schools anytime soon, saying her government will take a call on the issue only after mid-November.

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States can take call on reopening schools; cinemas, B2B exhibitions from October 15: MHA

The “reopening” guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that virtually opened up the whole country also further relaxed restrictions on religious, political, social and other gatherings by entirely lifting the cap of 100 people after October 15. However in closed spaces, a maximum of 50% hall capacity will be allowed with a ceiling of 200 persons.

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Karnataka reported 8,856 new Covid-19 cases, 8,890 discharges and 87 deaths, taking total cases to 6,01,767 including 4,85,268 discharges and 8,864 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 1,07,616: State Health Department.

Athletics Federation of India cancels national championships due to Covid-19

The move was on expected lines after the AFI on August 28 decided to defer the season, earlier scheduled to start on September 12 in view of the global health crisis. There has not been any athletics competition so far this season.

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Maharashtra reports 18,317 new Covid-19 cases, 481 deaths and 19,163 discharges today. Total cases in the state rise to 13,84,446, including 36,662 deaths and 10,88,322 discharges. Active cases stand at 2,59,033: Public Health Department, Maharashtra.

Not wearing a mask? Be ready to pay Rs 1,000 in Bengaluru

The proposal to increase the fine amount has been submitted to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and if the CM clears the proposal, the rule will be implemented across Karnataka starting from Thursday, according to Medical Education minister Dr. K Sudhakar.

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Kerala government sanctions 191 posts for Tata's Covid-19 hospital at Kasaragod

The government had also made the administrative block of the upcoming medical college in the district as a Covid-19 hospital on a war footing. The district has also been witnessing protest by relatives of Endosulfan victims over the lack of sufficient medical infrastructure.

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Farmers harvest wheat crop at a field, during Unlock 4, amid the coronavirus pandemic, at Tangmarg in Baramulla District of North Kashmir. Credit: PTI

For re-opening of schools and coaching institutions, state governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision after 15th October, parental consent required: Government of India.

MHA issues new guidelines for re-opening; gives flexibility to states, UTs for opening of schools

Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes will be permitted to open with upto 50 per centof their seating capacity, for which, SOP will be issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

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Schools and colleges to remain closed till October 15 in Karnataka, in wake of the rising Covid-19 cases. Government will release a new notification on reopening schools and colleges soon: Commissioner, Department of Public Instruction, Bengaluru.

Jammu and Kashmir reports 975 new Covid-19 cases and 1,355 recoveries today, taking the total tally in the Union Territory to 75,070, including 56,872 recoveries and 1,181 deaths. Active cases stand at 17,017: Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

1,435 new Covid-19 cases and 47 deaths have been reported in Punjab today, taking the total number of cases to 1,13,886 including 16,814 active cases and 3,406 deaths: State Government.

Govt of India issues new guidelines for 'Re-opening'; cinema halls/ multiplexes/ swimming pools used for training of sportspersons/entertainment parks to re-open from 15th October.

Lockdown in Maharashtra extended till 31st October.

India has new air bubble pacts with Kenya, Bhutan: Hardeep Singh Puri

"In order to further boost bilateral international air connectivity air bubble arrangements are now in place with Kenya & Bhutan. Indian carriers will be able to operate to these countries," Puri said on Twitter.

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Hotels, bars allowed to open from 5 October with 50% capacity in Maharashtra.

Why won’t Donald Trump tell Americans to wear masks?

Public health officials had initially warned the public against using masks — they worried that people would buy up medical-grade masks, whose supplies were limited. But in April, officials began recommending cloth face masks — which could easily be made or purchased — and now the nation’s medical experts are all but twirling signboards while break dancing in chicken costumes to get you to mask up.

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Shivakumar criticises school opening plan amid Covid-19

Is Modi govt under-reporting Covid-19 deaths? Donald Trump hints so

“When you talk about numbers you don't know how many people died in China, you don't know how many people died (of Covid-19) in Russia, you don't know how many people died in India,” Trump said at the first debate with his rival Joe Biden ahead of the US presidential polls. “They don't exactly give you a straight count.”

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Tamil Nadu reported 5,659 new Covid-19 cases, 5,610 recoveries and 67 deaths today, taking total positive cases to 5,97,602, including 5,41,819 recoveries, 9,520 deaths & 46,263 active cases: State Health Department.

Andhra Pradesh reported 6,133 new Covid-19 cases, 7,075 recoveries and 48 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total positive cases to 6,93,484, including 6,29,211 recoveries, 58,445 active cases & 5,828 deaths: State Health Department.

Delhi reports 3,390 new Covid-19 cases, 3,965 recoveries/discharges/migrations and 41 deaths today. The total cases in the state rise to 2,79,715, including 2,47,446 recoveries/discharges/migrations and 5,361 deaths. Active cases stand at 26,908: Delhi Govt.

8,830 new Covid-19 cases reported today in Kerala, taking the total number of active cases to 67,061 so far. 1,28,224 patients have recovered till date in the state: Kerala Government.

Himachal Pradesh reports 55 new Covid-19 cases, 202 cured cases & 1 death since 9 pm bulletin yesterday. Total positive cases in the state stand at 14,802, including 11,173 recoveries, 181 deaths and 3,423 active cases: State Health Department.

A health worker takes samples for Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Tests, as coronavirus cases surge across the city, in Guwahati. Credit: PTI

AAP govt terms news reports on sero survey results fake; HC says don't play games

Delhi government additional standing counsel Satyakam said according to the news reports, the preliminary findings of the survey were that prevalence of antibodies in those tested was 33 per cent, whereas in reality it was only 25.1 per cent as per the final report.

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recovers from Covid-19

Odisha reports 3,443 fresh Covid-19 cases, tally at 2.19 lakh

"Regret to inform the demise of fourteen Covid-19 positive patients while under treatment in hospitals," the Health and Family Welfare Department said on Twitter. Of the fresh fatalities, three each were reported from Khurda and Nayagarh, two from Puri, and one each from Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Ganjam, Kalahandi and Kandhamal districts, the official said.

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Common low-cost enzyme may potentially treat Covid-19: Study

"In the meantime, our research suggests this enzyme could offer a very effective therapeutic solution for treatment of hyperinflammation that occurs due to SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as hyperinflammation generally,” said Lu, a senior author of the study published in the journal Advanced Materials.

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CCRS to submit Covid-19 management report by November

They are now in the process of analysing data and would submit a comprehensive report on the studies to the Union Ayush ministry in about a month's time. A senior official at the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), here said significant progress has been made in the research on Kabasura Kudineer (a herbal concoction) and the results were encouraging.

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IMA Goa withdraws Covid-19 patients' teleconsultation

The programme is being withdrawn, as government medical officers have already taken up the task of providing consultation to patients in home isolation and giving them necessary medical kits, said Dr Samuel Arawattigi, the IMA's Goa unit president.

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India's active Covid-19 cases constitute 15.11% of total caseload: Health Ministry

"From 33.32 per cent on August 1 to 15.11 per cent on September 30, active cases have less than halved in two months," it said in a statement while highlighting that the country "continues to report a trend of steadily declining active cases as a percentage of the total caseload".

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Thane Municipal Corporation ropes in police to implement mask rule

In an attempt to ensure strict implementation of the Covid-19 mask rule in public places, the civic body in Maharashtra's Thane city has decided to rope in the police, mayor Naresh Mhaske said on Wednesday.

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327 police personnel tested positive for Covid-19 and 1 died in the last 24 hours: Maharashtra Police

327 police personnel tested positive for Covid-19 and 1 died in the last 24 hours, taking total cases to 23,360 in the force including 20,139 recoveries, 2,975 active cases and 246 deaths. 77 health officials reported being attacked in the state: Maharashtra Police.

Oxford will study top-selling prescription drug for potential Covid-19 treatment

Britain's Oxford University said on Wednesday it would study whether the world's best-selling prescription medicine, adalimumab, was an effective treatment for Covid-19 patients, the latest effort to repurpose existing drugs as potential coronavirus therapies.

The AVID-CC trial will test the anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drug and will be aimed at treating people in the community, especially in care homes. It will enroll up to 750 patients from community care settings throughout the UK. (Reuters)

Egypt to receive 25 mn Covid-19 vaccines from Russia

Russia's sovereign wealth fund said on Wednesday it had agreed to supply 25 million doses of its potential Covid-19 vaccine to Egypt via Pharco, which it described as one of the country's leading pharmaceutical groups.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund has struck several deals to supply the Sputnik V vaccine abroad, including 100 million doses to India where it also expects to hold clinical trials. (Reuters)

I am doing well, says Covid-19 infected VP Naidu

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who has tested positive for Covid-19, on Wednesday thanked the vice president of Maldives for his message wishing him speedy recovery, and said he appreciates his spontaneous response and sincere concern.

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Housing sales fall 46% in July-September; 57% in Jan-September on low demand amid Covid-19: Report

India's top seven cities witnessed 46 per cent drop in sales of residential properties during the July-September quarter at 29,520 units, amid muted demand due to Covid-19 pandemic, according to property consultant Anarock.

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23 security personnel among 28 new Covid-19 patients in Mizoram

At least 28 people, including 23 security personnel, have tested positive for Covid-19 in Mizoram, taking the northeastern state's tally to 1,986, a health department official said on Wednesday.

Of the fresh cases, 14 were reported from Aizawl, 11 from Serchhip, two from Lunglei and one from Champhai districts, he said.

Four more succumb to Covid-19 infection in Puducherry

Four more people died of coronavirus in Puducherry on Wednesday, taking the toll in the union territory to 521. Director of Health and Family Welfare S Mohan Kumar said in a release that 491 fresh cases were reported after examination of 4,938 samples during last 24hours ending 10 am on Wednesday pushing the caseload to 27,544.

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The day the music died: Coronavirus kills one of Seoul's oldest nightclubs

Tucked away in the dazzling neon lights of Seoul's nightlife district, Club MWG, one of the capital's oldest underground music venues, closed its doors last weekend as the pandemic crunch begins to bite South Korean nightclubs.

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As coronavirus curbs Nepal's festivals, devotees fear gods' anger

The old palace courtyard packed with hundreds of thousands of people each year during the Indrajatra festival is deserted, the temples are locked and all public celebrations are banned by the government to curb the coronavirus.

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A man wearing a facemask as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus walks past a mural in Mumbai on September 30, 2020. Credit: AFP Photo

Ukraine reports record daily high of 4,027 new coronavirus cases

Ukraine registered a record 4,027 cases of newcoronavirusin the past 24 hours, the national security council said on Wednesday, up from a previous record of 3,833 new cases reported on Sept. 26.

Punjab: 315 students & 100 Pakistani nationals who were stuck in India due to Covid-19lockdown crossed over to Pakistan via Attari-Wagah border today.

"Came for medical purposes & got stuck amid lockdown. Thankful to India & Pakistan govts for helping," says Pakistani national.

(ANI)

North Korea finds 'faults' in anti-coronavirus effort after outcry over South Korea

North Korea has discovered "faults" in its anti-coronavirus measures, state media said on Wednesday, after an outcry in South Korea over a citizen who North Korean soldiers killed near their maritime border where tight virus controls are in force.

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UK PM Boris Johnson to speak on Covid-19 today as anger mounts towards curbs

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a news conference on Covid-19 on Wednesday as he grapples with a swiftly spreading second wave of the novel coronavirus outbreak and growing anger in his own party over restrictions imposed on citizens.

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491 new Covid-19 cases, 458 discharges, and 4 deaths reported in Puducherry today, taking the total number of positive cases to 27,544 so far, including 4,949 active cases, 22,074 recovered cases and521 deaths till date.

Japan health workers snub Covid-19 database as PM Suga seeks to digitise govt

Japanese health workers are snubbing the government's real-time Covid-19 database introduced in the middle of the pandemic to better deal with outbreaks, pointing to hurdles for the new prime minister's goal of digitising the government.

Karnataka's Covid-19 testing too low to match speed of spread: Experts

The government’s Covid-19 testing numbers are too low to track the current velocity of the virus spread, experts said.In March, the state was conducting an average of only 80 tests per day. On Monday, it conducted an unprecedented 87,475 tests, according to data shared by Dr Shalini Rajneesh, IAS officer-in-charge of antigen testing.
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Thane records 1,259 new Covid-19 cases; tally at 1,73,074

The number of Covid-19 cases in Thane has risen to 1,73,074 after detection of 1,259 new cases in the Maharashtra district, an official said on Wednesday.

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Telangana records 2,103 new coronavirus cases, tally at 1.91 lakh

Telangana recorded 2,103 fresh coronavirus cases, pushing the tally of infections to 1.91 lakh while the toll rose to 1,127 with 11 more fatalities.

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Donald Trump questions credibility of India's coronavirus data

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday questioned the credibility of India's statistics on Covid-19 deaths, lumping in the US partner with nemeses China and Russia during a fiery pre-election debate.

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Covid-19: Pakistan opens all educational institutions after 6 months

Pakistan on Wednesday opened all the educational institutions which remained shut for nearly six months due to the coronavirus pandemic that has infected over 3 lakh people in the country.

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People wearing facemasks as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus jog along the Marine Drive waterfront in Mumbai on September 30, 2020. Credit: AFP Photo.

Israel limits protests in new coronavirus lockdown law

Israel's parliament approved a government-backed edict on Wednesday likely to stifle protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged corruption and his handling of the coronavirus crisis.

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"The Big Bang Theory" star Jim Parsons has revealed that he and his husband, producer Todd Spiewak, had contracted the coronavirus in the middle of March.

During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the actor said their experience "defied the descriptions" of the Covid-19 virus.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar releases a compendium 'Building Self Reliant, Resurgent, Resilient India' on public sector enterprises contribution amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Early trials promising for Covid-19 treatment, says Regeneron

The US biotech firm Regeneron said Tuesday its antibody cocktail against the coronavirus reduced viral load and recovery time in non-hospitalized Covid-19 patients during an early-stage clinical trial.

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"We need a ‘people’s vaccine’ that is affordable and available to all." On Wednesday, Antonio Guterresbrings together leaders to reaffirm global commitment to accessibility of Covid-19tests & treatment- United Nations

Click here for live updates on the coronavirus vaccine:World Bank wants $12 billion for coronavirus vaccine in developing nations

Hong Kong August home prices post biggest monthly drop since February

Private home prices in Hong Kong fell 1.1% in August, their biggest monthly drop since February, official data by the Rating and Valuation Department showed on Wednesday, as the financial centre was hit by a new wave ofcoronavirusinfections.

Maharashtra govt bars garba, dandiya this Navratri

The excitement of garba, dandiya, cultural events and processions would be missed during Navratri in Maharashtra, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

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All eyes are on Pfizer as Trump pushes for Covid-19 vaccine by October

In media appearances and talks with investors, Pfizer’s chief executive nearly always mentions a word that is so politically perilous, most of his competitors shy away from it: October.

“Right now, our model — our best case — predicts that we will have an answer by the end of October,” the chief executive, Dr. Albert Bourla, told the “Today” show earlier this month. In other interviews, he has said he expected a “conclusive readout” by then, with an application for emergency authorization that could be filed “immediately.”

Britons would pay more tax for a fairer society as Covid-19 exposes inequality

Britons would be happy to pay higher taxes for a fairer, more caring and gender-equal society as thecoronaviruspandemic transforms people's views about the world they want to live in, economists said on Wednesday.

In a major report to be presented to parliamentarians, regional governments and business leaders, they laid out a radical roadmap for building a "caring economy" that puts people and the planet first.

Australia's Victoria marks steady downward trend in new Covid-19 cases

Australia's coronavirus hotspot of Victoria state maintained its steady downward trend in new infections on Wednesday as states began easing internal border closures, fuelling optimism about a return to normal.

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Cats shed more than dogs: Coronavirus, not fur - Study

A new scientific report confirms that cats and dogs can be infected by the novelcoronavirus, and that neither animal is likely to get sick. Cats, however, do develop a strong, protective immune response, which may make them worth studying when it comes to human vaccines.

There is still no evidence to suggest that pets have passed the virus to humans, although cats do shed the virus and infect other cats.

Infected dogs in the new study didn’t produce the virus in their upper respiratory tracts and didn’t shed it at all, although some other studies have found different results. Neither the cats nor the dogs in the study showed any illness.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc on Tuesday said its experimental two-antibody cocktail reduced viral levels and improved symptoms in non-hospitalized Covid-19 patients, enhancing its chances of becoming a treatment for the disease that has killed over a million people worldwide.

"We hope these data will support an EUA" (emergency use authorization) from the USFood and Drug Administration, Regeneron Chief Scientific Officer George Yancopoulos said on a conference call.

The FDA can authorize emergency use of a drug before completing its review for a formal approval.

North Korea has discovered unspecified "faults" in its anti-epidemic measures, state media said on Wednesday, amid controversy over the death of a South Korean man whom Pyongyang said was killed to prevent thecoronavirus.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un convened a meeting of the ruling Worker's Party's powerful politburo on Tuesday to review its anti-Covid-19 measures and discuss ways to improve them, the official KCNA news agency said.

India's Covid-19 tally crosses 62-lakh mark with a spike of 80,472 new cases & 1,179 deaths reported in last 24 hours.

Total case tally stands at 62,25,764 including 9,40,441 active cases, 51,87,826 cured/discharged/migrated & 97,497 deaths: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

A total of 7,41,96,729 samples tested for Covid-19, up to 29th September. Of these, 10,86,688 samples were tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

85-90% Americans susceptible to Covid-19, say experts, despite claims by Trump's allies

In the last week, leading epidemiologists from respected institutions have, through different methods, reached the same conclusion: About 85 per centto 90 per centof the American population is still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the current pandemic.

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Moderna Covid-19 vaccine appears safe, shows signs of working in older adults: Study

Results from an early safety study of Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine candidate in older adults showed that it produced virus-neutralizing antibodies at levels similar to those seen in younger adults, with side effects roughly on par with high-dose flu shots, researchers said on Tuesday.

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Covid-19 cases rising among US children as schools reopen

After preying heavily on the elderly in the spring, the coronavirus is increasingly infecting American children and teens in a trend authorities say appears fuelled by school reopenings and the resumption of sports, playdates and other activities.

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As India witnesses high single day Recoveries, several States/UTs are reporting more patients recovering than the new cases. The average single day recoveries have touched a record high of 90,000 in the recent days, according to the Ministry of Health.

World Bank wants $12 billion for coronavirus vaccine in poor nations

The World Bank on Tuesday said it has asked its board of directors to approve $12 billion to help poor countries purchase and distribute eventual vaccines against Covid-19.

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Germany's CureVac NV said on Tuesday it has started a mid-stage study testing its experimentalcoronavirusvaccine and plans to begin a decisive global trial with about 30,000 volunteers in the fourth quarter.

CureVac has dosed the first patient with its experimental Covid-19 vaccine in the trial taking place in Peru and Panama and expects data on older adults in the fourth quarter.

Disney to sack 28,000 US employees due to coronavirus

For six months, Disney has kept tens of thousands of theme park workers on furlough with full health-care benefits in hopes that a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel would appear. On Tuesday, Disney conceded that none was coming.

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A man wearing a facemask as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus visits the Marine Drive waterfront in Mumbai, Credit: AFP Photo.

GlaxoSmithKline CEO optimistic about Covid-19 vaccine availablity in 2021

The chief executive of GlaxoSmithKline, the world's largest maker of vaccines, said she was optimistic the industry will be able to make an immunisation against Covid-19 widely available next year.

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Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases, deaths on September 29

Total number of confirmed positive cases in India reaches 62,14,384; death toll stands at 96,417 as of September 29

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Disney announced Tuesday it will cut 28,000 jobs from its US parks and experiences division, pointing to depressed demand caused by the coronavirus and uncertainty on when it will recover.

The cuts were needed in light of social distancing requirements, exacerbated by tough restrictions imposed by the California state government, the company said in a press release. About two-thirds of the affected employees are part-time staff.

Phase-III trials of the Covid-19 vaccine being developed by Bharat Biotech will involve 3,000 people- 1,500 each from Lucknow and Gorakhpur: State Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh (ANI)

Family attempting to procure plasma scammed

In pre-Covid days, online scammers were targeting general online buyers or sellers. Now, their hunting ground appears to be desperate citizens trying to procure Covid antibody-infused plasma.

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People with heart conditions, who recovered from coronavirus, prepare to go home during World Heart day celebrations at a government hospital in Chennai. Credit: AFP Photo.

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