As the India-wide COVID-19 case count increases at an alarming pace, experts say that the peak in infections is nowhere on the horizon. This inference was made following the analysis of sero-surveys conducted in different cities of India.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that gymnasiums and yoga institutes will be allowed to open from August 5 and night curfew will be ended, as a part of Unlock 3. Educational institutions, metro rail services and cinema halls are among services that will remain shut.
You can track coronavirus cases, deaths and testing rates at the national and State levels here. A list of State Helpline numbers is available as well.
Here are the latest updates:
12.40 pm | Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Complete lockdown on weekends in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar administration has decided to impose a complete lockdown on weekends, beginning August 1, to contain the spread of coronavirus, an official said.
The strict restrictions will be in force on Saturdays and Sundays till the COVID-19 situation improves in the Union territory, Chief Secretary Chetan B. Sanghi said in an order.
All commercial establishments, shops and transport, barring those dealing with essential commodities and services, will remain shut, it said. – PTI
12.20 pm | India
India’s gold demand in Apr-Jun sinks 70% on COVID-19 disruptions
Gold demand in India plunged 70% during the April-June quarter to 63.7 tonnes compared with the same period last year mainly due to the nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and high prices, according to a World Gold Council (WGC) report.
In terms of value, India’s gold demand during the second quarter of this year was ₹26,600 crore, down by 57% compared to ₹62,420 crore in the corresponding period of 2019. – PTI
12 pm | India
India’s National Sports Awards likely to be delayed due to pandemic
The National Sports Awards ceremony this year is likely to be delayed by a month or two due to the COVID-19 pandemic but a final decision will be taken only after receiving guidance from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a Sports Ministry official has said.
The National Sports Awards include the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand honours, conferred every year by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 29.
The ceremony coincides with the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. But this year, it might be delayed due to the pandemic, although a final decision is still awaited. – PTI
11.50 am | Health
DCGI asks Serum Institute to revise protocol for phase 2, 3 trials of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine
A CDSCO expert panel has sought clarifications from Serum Institute of India (SII) over its application to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) seeking permission for conducting phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of the Oxford vaccine candidate for COVID-19, official sources said.
The Subje