Seniors rushing for 2nd dose, don’t want to wait six weeks

Seniors rushing for 2nd dose, don’t want to wait six weeks

Sunitha.Rao@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:17.04.2021 

In a bid to beat infection with cases surging, many seniors are rushing to take the second dose of the vaccine after just four weeks of the first dose, although the central government, on March 22, had advised all states to increase the interval between doses to 6-8 weeks.

A total 29,03,117 senior citizens in Karnataka have received the first dose since March 1. Of them, 1,22,983 or 4.2% have already taken the second dose. In the 45-60 years category, nearly 47,000 have taken the second dose.

Hospitals say they are seeing a trend of senior citizens wanting to take the second dose at the earliest to gain immunity. The vaccine is more effective if the interval between doses is eight weeks, but shortage of doses is a concern. Doctors say many senior citizens are only looking to prevent a severe infection and not the infection itself.

“Should we contract the virus and suffer, or should we get the second dose and be as safe as possible?” asked a 74-year-old man from Koramangala, who got the second dose on Thursday. A 55-yearold man on dialysis said: “We read about vaccine shortage every day. Why take the risk?”

Dr Ashwin Kulkarni, associate professor, MS Ramaiah medical college hospital, said: “What is needed is awareness on vaccination efficacy and the reason why the government increased the spacing. The guidelines keep changing. Most understand when we explain why.” He admitted some seniors got the second dose after just four weeks as they had travel plans.

Manufacturers of Covishield say, efficiency of the vaccine is 53.2 % if the second dose is taken after four weeks. This increases to 60.5% if the interval is 9-11 weeks. If the space between doses is 12 weeks or more, efficacy increases to 78.7%.

For Covaxin, however, the spacing between doses remains at four weeks. However, very few people have been given Covaxin.

On the rush to get fully inoculated, Dr Srivatsa Lokeshwaran, consultant, interventional pulmonology, Aster CMI hospital, said: “Fear is a major factor here. No vaccine is 100% efficacious. In my view, given the current surge, if someone wants the second dose after four weeks, s/he should be given it. The need is to vaccinate as many people possible and quickly as possible.”

He said if 70 people out of 100 get vaccinated, it is still good enough in the current scenario. “The remaining 30% will get indirect immunity as the transmission chain breaks because people are vaccinated,” said Dr Lokeswaran.

WANT IT NOW: Shortage of doses is spooking people who want to ward off a severe infection

KSE admits vax shortage in Shivamogga

District minister KS Eshwarappa, who on Friday held a review meeting with health department officials in Shivamogga, admitted the vaccination drive in the district is faltering due to shortage of doses. Eshwarappa said, so far, 1.7 lakh people got the first dose and 18,000 people were fully inoculated with both doses. He said the district would need another seven lakh doses to inoculate all above 45 years. “If people cannot get the jab on the due date, they will be allowed to get it on another day,” Eshwarappa said. “Health department staff will keep beneficiaries informed.” TNN

Break the chain of viral fake news, TOI shows you how

TIMES Verified

Break the chain of viral fake news, TOI shows you how

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

17.04.2021 

Recently, before Maharashtra went under partial lockdown, a picture of a cop sporting a coronavirusshaped helmet went viral. In the photograph, three men on a bike are seen ducking from the men in khakhi and the headline suggested that the state was about to go into complete lockdown from April 9 to 19.

In the heat of the second wave of the pandemic, misinformation around Covid-19 has been spreading almost as fast as the deadly virus. If you too have contracted anxiety or vaccine hesitancy from consuming the constant avalanche of unverified news that has been tearing through family social media groups, worry not. TOI is here to help break the chain of fake news.

Starting today, Times Verified—an initiative by the Times of India—will debunk falsehoods circulating on social media. All you have to do is save the WhatsApp number 9819432222 on your phone as “Times Verified” and share unverified or suspicious messages that ambush your social media messengers with us here. As soon as we receive your message, our newly-formed expert panel comprising reporters, editors and representatives from the BMC and the government will get cracking. The panel will contact the relevant authorities and sources to check the credibility of the news story and get back to you with a clear picture as soon as possible.

So, whether it is a dubious article about a man who has found a cure for Covid-19 or about a senior citizen who has developed severe complications after the second dose, make sure to send it to us for verification first before allowing it to shape your decisions and discussions. And let our experts fight the contagion of panic caused by falsehoods—both innocent and wilful—by vaccinating you with the truth.

No Cambridge exams, schools to give scores

No Cambridge exams, schools to give scores

Vinamrata.Borwankar@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:17.04.2021 

The Cambridge International late on Friday announced it had cancelled exams for schools in India and had decided to move to school-assessed grades for classes X to XII.

In a communication to its affiliated schools, the board said, “In view of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country, we have decided to switch Cambridge International schools in India, from exams to school-assessed grades, so that students can receive certification and progress with their education.” The board has shared with its schools guidelines for collecting evidence to support school-assessed grades and how to work out the final grade for each student.

As multiple education boards either cancelled or postponed board exams over the past few days, students and parents from Cambridge Internationalaffiliated schools were a worried lot as the board had earlier stated that it would take a decision by Monday, April 19.

“It was very stressful considering that the exam was only a couple of days away. We are relieved with the board making an announcement,” said a parent.

Parents were worried if the exam was conducted, it would risk the health of the stakeholders. “Was Covid-19 going to disappear over the weekend,” said a parent from a south Mumbai international school.

Students who wish to withdraw from the exam series can do so through the portal until April 17 and then by writing to the board in the next seven days. The board has organised webinars over the next week to share information on the school-assessed grades process, including using evidence to allocate grades, using the rationale document and avoiding bias when setting these grades. The board, though, has said it would not be able to offer the same option for primary and lower secondary checkpoints and students could withdraw from March series.

Cremations begin along Saraswati riverbank

Cremations begin along Saraswati riverbank

Bharat.Yagnik@timesgroup.com

Ahmedabad:17.04.2021 

The mounting death toll of Covid-19 patients has left pyres and cremation furnaces incessantly burning across crematoriums in Gujarat. The situation is no different at the Saraswati Muktidham at Siddhpur, known as one of the biggest crematoriums in the state. With barely two furnaces out of 14 rendered operational at the Saraswati Muktidham in Siddhpur, cremations have now begun along the Saraswati river in Siddhpur.

This is perhaps for the first time that so many simultaneous cremations are taking place along the river bank. J D Patel, trustee, Saraswati Muktidham Trust, said, “We have a total of 14 furnaces at the crematorium, of which five are under maintenance. Due to cremations taking place constantly, seven furnaces got burnt and are inoperative for the time being, leaving only two running.”

“Against some 20 cremations taking place in a day on normal days, due to the rise in death toll of Covidpatients, at least 50 cremations are taking place at the crematorium on a daily basis. It is impossible to do so with two furnaces and therefore, we’ve limited it for deceased Covid patients,” said Patel.

Cremation of the dead due to factors other than Covid is presently taking place along the Saraswati riverbank in the conventional way on a wood pyre.

Bodies of the deceased are being brought from Mehsana, Patan and Banaskantha districts to Siddhpur for cremation. “Two days ago i.e. on Wednesday, some 68 cremations took place at the crematorium. Of these, 29 were of Covid-patients,” said Patel.

At present, people at the crematorium have to wait for at least six hours for their turn to perform the cremation.

Of 14 furnaces at Siddhpur crematorium, five are under maintenance and seven are non-functional for the time being. Only two are operational

Covid-19 patient dies ‘twice’ in MP hospital

Covid-19 patient dies ‘twice’ in MP hospital

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bhopal:17.04.2021 

A Covid patient in MP’s Vidisha was declared dead twice in a day, the first time because of an error by the staff, leaving his family on the tenterhooks.

The first time the hospital authorities issued the death certificate, family members rushed to the crematorium to arrange for wood only to be told that he was still on ventilator. He finally died around 6pm on Thursday.

The 58-year-old patient, a native of Sultania village in Vidisha, was admitted to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College on April 12 with a ‘neck ailment’. His family says he wasn’t a Covid patient at the time of admission.

He was first declared dead on Thursday afternoon and the death certificate was issued. Soon, his family members told that he was still alive. A few hours later, the family was again told that he had died.

Do not close graft complaints, DMK tells DVAC

Do not close graft complaints, DMK tells DVAC

D.Govardan@timesgroup.com

Chennai: 17.04.2021 

With just about a fortnight left for counting of votes for the Tamil Nadu assembly election, the opposition DMK has urged the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to keep its hands off corruption complaints already submitted to the agency by the party. “Corruption has been on the rise in Tamil Nadu for the last five years and the DMK has assured the people of the state that those who have indulged in corruption, including the chief minister and his council of ministers, would be brought to book,” DMK organization secretary R S Bharathi said in his petition to the DVAC director on Thursday.

Bharathi said he had been given to understand that the DVAC is taking efforts to close all the complaints relating to corruption received against the chief minister and his council of ministers. He urged the DVAC to “keep their hands off” from these complaints until the new elected government takes charge in Tamil Nadu and not to “heed to any pressure from the ruling AIADMK”.

The corruption complaints have been lodged with the DVAC by the DMK, over the past couple of years, against chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, several of his cabinet ministers and a few MLAs of the ruling party. Subsequently, DMK president M K Stalin had bundled some of these complaints and submitted two memorandums to the Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit seeking action, following DVAC’s inaction on the complaints.

“We have submitted several corruption complaints against the chief minister, ministers P Thangamani, S P Velumani and C Vijayabaskar among others. On April 5, we lodged a complaint against deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam too on the illegal allocation of prime land near Koyambedu,” Bharathi told TOI. “We have now received information that attempts are being made to close the corruption complaint files. The police officials and the home secretary are part of the home department, which is part of the chief minister’s portfolio. We have already lodged corruption complaints against the chief minister himself. The AIADMK government is the only entity that can direct officials even now,” Bharathi said.

Not New Delhi or Mumbai, the worst-hit city is Maha’s Nashik

Not New Delhi or Mumbai, the worst-hit city is Maha’s Nashik

Atul Thakur & Rema Nagarajan

17.04.2021 

The four cities with the highest number of fresh cases per million population over the past month are all in Maharashtra. Nashik at the top is followed by Nagpur, Pune and Mumbai, in that order.

Sandwiched between these cities and Delhi (at No. 9) are Lucknow, Bengaluru, Bhopal and Indore, with Patna rounding off the top 10. In absolute numbers, Mumbai has added 3.7 between March 16 and April 15, much higher than any other city, while Delhi seems like it is the next worst hit. Absolute numbers, however, can give a misleading picture as cities with much bigger populations would tend to have more cases. Calculating the number of cases per million makes it possible to compare cities with vastly different population sizes.

Almost all cities breached their earlier highest daily cases

Thus, Mumbai and Delhi with populations of more than 20 million each have had single-day highs over the past month of more than 19,400 and 14,300, respectively.

But again, when we look at these numbers in proportion to their population, Lucknow’s high of just under 4,500 on April 15 is more alarming.

TOI looked at the number of Covid infections over the last one month in the country’s 30 most populous urban agglomerations – contiguous urban areas like Greater Mumbai or Greater Kolkata – according to the UN’s World Urbanisation Prospects data.

For two of these, Hyderabad and Vijaywada, data wasn’t available. Almost all the cities have breached their previous highest daily cases during the course of this month and are continuing to witness a rise.

This is a serious worry for the health infrastructure in these cities, as there is no telling how far the cases would increase before they reach the peak. Mercifully, Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik are now seeing decreasing number of cases over the last few days indicating that these cities could be over their peak.

Students in dark as Anna University withholds exam results

Students in dark as Anna University withholds exam results

The exam results for second, third and final year engineering students were announced earlier this week.

Published: 16th April 2021 05:47 AM 

By Sushmitha Ramakrishnan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Anna University has withheld the results of reportedly more than half the students, particularly those from colleges in Tier-II areas, who took up the November/December 2020 semester examinations, for reasons including “double-checking” that the candidates have not indulged in “malpractice”. This has led to confusion and complaints of being seen in bad light among the students.

The exam results for second, third and final year engineering students were announced earlier this week.

“If the students have not indulged in any malpractice, and yet their results are withheld, it will be released in the upcoming week,” said a senior official from the university. The official added that results of students have been withheld due to various reasons, including non-payment of exam fees, indulgence in malpractice, suspicion of indulging in malpractice and incompletely processed results.

Many students are confused over why their results have been withheld. A majority of students in engineering colleges, especially those in Tier-II cities, are yet to receive their results. “The results of more than 70 per cent of my classmates have been withheld. They have also failed many students whose results have been published. We are very anxious,” said a final year engineering student from Villupuram.

Another student from Cuddalore, pointing to similar circumstances in his college, said, “Students are very anxious about the results. Students who did not copy (in exams) have also not received their results. However, we are seen in bad light because our results are withheld.” The November/December 2020 semester examinations, which were delayed due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, were held online in February.

The exams were proctored not only by invigilators but also by Artificial Intelligence. Around four lakh students had appeared for the online examinations this year. Those who wish to check their results can visit aucoe.annauniv.edu.

Second wave of coronavirus can last up to 100 days: Expert's advisory

Second wave of coronavirus can last up to 100 days: Expert's advisory

Aimed at creating awareness among police personnel, the advisory by Dr. Neeraj Kaushik said the new mutated virus has potential to skip immunity and even vaccine.

Published: 16th April 2021 11:07 PM |

Patients are seen inside a Covid-19 care centre and isolation ward facility near a hospital in New Delhi, April 13, 2021. (Photo | Parveen Negi)By PTI

NEW DELHI: The second wave of coronavirus can last up to 100 days and such waves will keep coming till 70 per cent of the population is vaccinated and herd immunity is achieved, according to an advisory prepared by an expert for Southeast Delhi Police.

Aimed at creating awareness among police personnel, the advisory by Dr. Neeraj Kaushik said the new mutated virus has potential to skip immunity and even vaccine.

"This is the reason for re-infection and cases among vaccinated people." This mutated virus is so infectious that if one member is affected, the whole family gets infected.

It is preying on children too, Dr Kaushik said in the document. He said that routine RT-PCR tests may not detect the mutated virus. However, loss of smell is a very strong indicator that a person is corona positive.

"The second wave of coronavirus can last up to 100 days. Such waves will keep coming until we attain 70 percent vaccination and herd community. So, do not lower your guard, especially mask," the advisory read.

It said surface transmission of virus is no more a threat now as per the recent trends. Hence, not much emphasis on surface disinfection is needed.

The doctor told police personnel that the chance of getting infected becomes very high "when you come in contact with the positive person for more than 15 minutes".

People with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease etc. must take extra precaution, he said. Dr Kaushik advised police personnel to avoid over exercise and junk food.

"Go for nutritious foods including juice, coconut water. Dalia in meals," he said. He also suggested the personnel change their "careless mindset and attitude and learn to wear masks professionally".

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) RP Meena said Kaushik has been working with the district police since the pandemic began.

He has conducted several various campaigns and prescribed medicines for our staff, Meena said, adding suggestions by him will help us understand and deal with the second wave.

Breaking News: NEET PG 2021 Postponed

Breaking News: NEET PG 2021 Postponed: New Delhi: In view of the rising COVID-19 cases, the prestigious PG medical entrance exam, NEET PG 2021 has been postponed by the Government of India. The exam was earlier scheduled to be held on...

Failing to register with Karnataka Medical Council, 3500 MBBS students deprived of practice

Failing to register with Karnataka Medical Council, 3500 MBBS students deprived of practice: Bengaluru: Deprived of their rights to practice as doctors in absence of registration from the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC), around 3500 MBBS students are in the lurch as the medical colleges...

NEET PG Exam 2021 postponed due to Covid-19

NEET PG Exam 2021 postponed due to Covid-19

TOI-Online | Apr 15, 2021, 07.13 PM IST

NEW DELHI: Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Postgraduate exam has been postponed amid surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.

The exam was scheduled to be held on April 18. However, a new date will be decided now. This decision has been taken keeping wellbeing of our young medical students in mind, he said.

"In light of the surge in Covid-19 cases, GoI has decided to postpone NEET PG 2021 exam which was earlier scheduled to be held on Apr 18. Next date to be decided later. Decision has been taken keeping wellbeing of our young medical students in mind," Harsh Vardhan tweeted on Thursday.

In light of the surge in #COVID19 cases,GoI has decided to postpone #NEETPG2021 exam which was earlier scheduled to… https://t.co/sHJk18HUde— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) 1618492985000

The National Board of Examinations had issued the admit cards for NEET PG 2021 on Tuesday on its official portal.

Issuing a notice on Thursday, Amit Biswas, undersecretary to the Government of India, said, “Looking at the present situation of the pandemic and taking into account the safety and well being of the students, it is decided that the NEET-PG 2021 exam scheduled to be held on 18th April 2021 be postponed.”

The notice further reads “The next date of examination would be announced after reviewing the situation later. A notice will be issued well in advance before the conduct of examination.”

Stay on action against Anna varsity V-C Surappa extended

Stay on action against Anna varsity V-C Surappa extended

HC extends interim order restraining govt action against the Anna University ex-VC

Published: 17th April 2021 06:04 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Friday extended, until further orders, an interim order restraining the Tamil Nadu government from taking any decision on an inquiry report against former vice chancellor of Anna University MK Surappa.

Justice M Govindaraj passed the orders on the plea moved by Surappa that the State government had passed a notification dated November 11,2020 constituting a commission of inquiry headed by a retired judge of the High Court, Justice P Kalaiyarasan, to probe the allegations of bribery and corruption during his tenure. This was so as the ruling dispensation was not happy with the fact that he was not toeing the line of the political masters, Surappa pleaded.

According to him, “The notification is an abuse of process of law as the very complainants do not exist, and the commission of inquiry was not appointed to inquire into the complaints received but to find out if any complaint can be made against the petitioner to harass the petitioner.”

“Certain actions I took as a vice-chancellor and as an academician did not find favour with the Higher education secretary as these actions hurt the political agenda of the ruling dispensation,” he added. Surappa’s three-year term as Vice Chancellor came to an end a few days ago.

The State government during the hearing on Friday sought time to file an additional counter on the plea. The judge noting the earlier interim orders of a single judge extended the plea until further orders and adjourned it to June.

Brothers aged six and fifteen complain of threat to their lives from parents

Brothers aged six and fifteen complain of threat to their lives from parents

Both the father and mother were involved in extramarital relationships but continued to live together with their partners in the same house, according to the complaint letter.

Published: 13th April 2021 09:28 PM 

By Express News Service

ERODE: Two brothers, aged six and fifteen, on Monday, filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Police seeking action against their parents for allegedly torturing and threatening to kill them.

In their complaint, the children said that they were forced to do household chores, failing which they were tortured by their parents and two of their paramours. "The punishments included rubbing chilly powder in our private parts, forcing us to eat food cooked with rotten vegetables, making us drink toilet cleaners, and sleep in the bathroom or on the terrace without shirts," they said in the complaint.

The children's maternal grandparents accompanied them to the district police office.

Both the father and mother were involved in extramarital relationships but continued to live together with their partners in the same house, according to the complaint letter.

The children were also asked to call the man in a relationship with their mother as 'father' and their own father as 'uncle', according to the complaint.

On February 23, the siblings escaped to their grandparents' house after their parents threatened to carry out a 'narabali', a superstitious sacrifice.

Later, the grandparents later lodged a complaint with a local police station. On receiving information, the Child Welfare Committee issued a 'temporary placement order', allowing the children to stay with their grandparents till the case is fully investigated.

However, the grandparents and other relatives constantly received threats from their parents to send the children back to their house, the complaint added.

Sources in the Child Welfare Committee said that a call would be taken on sending the children to a government home if the problem persisted. Police officials said that they were investigating the case and would take action as required.

College teachers fear getting Covid at work

College teachers fear getting Covid at work

‘Fresh protocols should be issued holding college managements responsible for reporting cases & contact tracing’

Published: 14th April 2021 05:01 AM |

A woman personnel dressed as virus, creates awareness, at Egmore Railway Station, on Tuesday | Sri Loganathan V

By Sushmitha Ramakrishnan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Amid the spike in Covid cases, faculty members at city colleges fear their health is at risk since they have to be on campus on all working days. They want the government to issue fresh protocols holding college managements responsible for reporting Covid cases and contact tracing on campus.

The faculty of a popular government-aided arts and science college in central Chennai told Express there has been a rise in the number of Covid cases on campus, causing anxiety among teachers. “When a teacher tests positive, we are not informed formally, but hear only after a few days through word-of-mouth from other teachers,” said Maria (name changed).

She said many teachers were exposed to infected colleagues while on election duty. “Some of us were even presiding officers, coming in contact with thousands of voters. A faculty on the administrative team, who came in contact with almost all teachers in the past week, tested positive, but we were not informed about it officially,” she alleged.

Another faculty member from the college said all teachers have been mandated to come to work in view of the upcoming NAAC inspections. “We interact with each other a lot and have to come to work,” she said. The principal of the college argued that all teachers in government-aided colleges have been showing up for work. “We ask them to take leave as soon as they have symptoms. So no other teacher would have been exposed,” she asserted.

A faculty member from another arts and science college in central Chennai told Express there is still a lot of stigma regarding reporting Covid. “Many teachers silently take leave, putting the rest of us at risk. We would like to work from home and take online classes from there. We would at least like a transparent system in which we are informed when our colleagues test positive,” she said.

She added that teachers with comorbidities or suppressed immunity should be allowed to work from home. “Across colleges in Chennai, the number of Covid cases is rising, and very few people seem aware about it. The government should act quickly before we have clusters everywhere,” she exclaimed.

Covid 2.0: Dry eyes, fatigue, diarrhoea common symptoms

Covid 2.0: Dry eyes, fatigue, diarrhoea common symptoms

As the State gears up to tackle the second wave of Covid, the symptoms and infection manifestation have changed quite a bit, say doctors.

Published: 14th April 2021 05:02 AM 

A health worker takes swab sample of a worker in GSN Coaching Depot, in Chennai. (Photo | R Satish Babu, EPS)

By Sowmya Mani

Express News Service

TIRUCHY: As the State gears up to tackle the second wave of Covid, the symptoms and infection manifestation have changed quite a bit, say doctors. While asymptomatic patients were high in number earlier, more patients are showing symptoms at present. Severe muscle pain, diarrhoea, stomach pain, eye irritation and fatigue are the most prevalent symptoms now, doctors in Tiruchy said.

“We are witnessing mixed presentation amongst our patients. Many have several symptoms but no fever. Also, more patients now are in the age group 25 to 45 years. Earlier, the younger ones were asymptomatic,” says Dr K Vanitha, Dean of MGMGH.

Recent symptoms also include, eye irritation and dryness in eyes. Doctors say that it is important for people to be aware of these symptoms, as normally people attribute eye irritation to the summer heat. “We are also seeing some older patients have confusion and slight memory loss. They are unable to remember things like if they ate medicines, etc.

Loose stools is also a common symptom now,” said Emergency Physician Dr A Mohamed Hakkim. “People with slight fever, fatigue and eye irritation think it’s because of the heat. They need to be aware that it could be symptoms of Covid,” he added.

Smell, taste not reduced too much

Doctors say that loss of smell and taste were not commonly reported recently. “We are seeing people feel extremely tired. This is because of muscle pain and loss of appetite. Some people also have trouble breathing,” said Dr Sathish of the Medicine Department, MGMGH.

Beware! Now, Covid-19 can clutch you in ways you don’t even know

Beware! Now, Covid-19 can clutch you in ways you don’t even know

In fresh concerns for health department, people down with headache, vomiting and diarrhoea also are testing positive for Covid-19.

Published: 14th April 2021 05:02 AM 

A health workers takes swab sample for Covid testing. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav)

By Express News Service

COIMBATORE: In fresh concerns for health department, people down with headache, vomiting and diarrhoea also are testing positive for Covid-19. With positivity rate of 7.9 per cent, officials advised people to take a test if they exhibit any of the above symptoms in addition to fever, cold, and cough.

Dean of Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) A Nirmala said the hospital of late has been recording several instances of patients with complaints of headache, vomiting, and diarrhoea testing positive.

CMCH sources said at least 10 out of 100 Covid patients exhibited symptoms of diarrhoea, headache or vomiting. On March 29, a 23-year-old Covid positive patient died at the CMCH reportedly after she complained of vomiting and fever. Nirmala reasoned that the woman might have ignored symptoms and sought medical help late.

Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine T S Selvavinayagam told TNIE that a person would be declared Covid positive only on the basis of RT-PCR test result. “Vomiting and diarrhea could also be the symptoms. A person must undergo a test when in doubt,” he added.

Late hospitalisation a cause for worry

Despite the high positivity rate, the mortality rate is relatively less in the district. Six Covid deaths were reported in Coimbatore in the last seven days, sources said. “Patients invariably wait till their condition deteriorate. This could be one reason for the deaths,” Nirmala said.

A senior official in the city corporation said some persons who tested negative died due to lung damage. “The second wave is now seeing a rise in the graph. People must not take this condition lightly but get tested as soon as they develop symptoms,” he added. Public health expert, P Rathan, reasoned that mutant variant of Coronavirus could be the reason for persons without lung issues testing positive.

COVID death: Mix-up at hospital sees Muslim family bury Hindu man in Tamil Nadu

COVID death: Mix-up at hospital sees Muslim family bury Hindu man in Tamil Nadu

On Wednesday morning, relatives of Zaheer Hussain and Arumugam collected the bodies and left for their respective villages.

Published: 14th April 2021 10:08 PM 

Representational image. 

By Bagalavan Perier B

Express News Service

CUDDALORE: In a grave mix-up, staff of the Cuddalore government hospital handed over bodies of two COVID-19 victims, who died on the same night, to the wrong families. One of the families unknowingly buried the body of the Hindu victim as per its Islamic rituals.

According to sources, Zaheer Hussain (59) of Perumathur village near Bhuvanagiri in Cuddalore was undergoing treatment for Covid at the government hospital. He died on Tuesday night and his body was kept at the mortuary. Meanwhile, Arumugam (51) of Puthupettai near Panruti, who was being treated in the same ward also died that night.

On Wednesday morning, relatives of Zaheer Hussain and Arumugam collected the bodies and left for their respective villages. While Hussain's family buried the body they received at the Muslim cemetery at Perumathur with safety measures and as per their religious customs, relatives of Arumugam found that the body they had received were not his. Immediately, they took the body back to the hospital. Only then did the staff realise that there had been a mix-up.

Hussain's relatives were informed that they had buried the mortal remains of Arumugam. However, villagers there were opposed to exhuming Arumugam's body. Finally after talks with revenue officials, the villagers agreed to the exhumation and on Wednesday evening, the mortal remains of Arumugam were dug out with the help of a pockline machine and handed over to his relatives. Hussain's body was handed over to his family, who once again performed the burial rituals as per their religious beliefs.

However, a health department official in Cuddalore added that an inquiry is on.

On the lines of CBSE, Jamia also postpones examinations

On the lines of CBSE, Jamia also postpones examinations

New Delhi:15.04.2021

Jamia Millia Islamia has also postponed Class X and XII board exams scheduled to begin from April 15.

With the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, students and teachers had raised concern over holding of offline exams. TOI had reported about it on April 14.

A note issued by the examination controller of the university, said, “The competent authority of JMI — seeing the situation of covid-19 and taking into account the safety and well-being of the students — has postponed the annual board examination 2020- 21 of Class X and XII with immediate effect.”

It added, “This postponement is on the lines of postponement of CBSE exams based on the directives of the Prime Minister and minister of education.” TNN

Univs prepare for delayed start for 2nd year in a row

Univs prepare for delayed start for 2nd year in a row

Mohammad Ibrar & Shradha Chettri TNN

New Delhi:15.04.2021

With the Central Board of Secondary Education announcing the postponement of the Class XII final exams due to the rampaging pandemic, universities across the country are gearing up for delayed admissions for the new academic sessions. Most universities, including Delhi University, have admission systems based on the Class XII exam scores. Only private institutions of higher learning did not appear to be affected by the announcement.

Acknowledging that exam postponement would impact admissions at DU for a second year in a row, acting vice-chancellor P C Joshi said, “As a national university, we even wait for results of the state boards to accommodate their students. There is no clarity yet on the central entrance exams for universities, so the Covid situation will impact our schedule.” Joshi added, “Like last year, we will try to make admissions an entirely online process and quicken the process after the CBSE results are published.”

S P Aggarwal, principal, Ramanujan College, said, “Perhaps if the Covid situation improves, CBSE can conduct the exams in June and enable us to complete the admissions by September.” Aggarwal wasn’t certain about CUCET, the proposed entrance exam for central universities, being implemented this year. So, he argued, entry would have to be based on board exam scores. “And we will have to wait for that, even if it takes till December,” he said.

Former DU deputy dean of students’ welfare Gurpreet Singh Tuteja, however, felt the postponed exams would not have “a major impact on DU except for some changes in the academic calendar”.

The schedule of Delhi government’s District Institutes of Education and Training will also be affected. The nine DIET colleges offer courses such as nursery teacher training and diploma in elementary education, admission for which depends on marks obtained in Class XII, with Class X scores used as tiebreakers. When asked if there was an alternative, Rajesh Kumar, principal, DIET, Gumanhera, said, “Jamia Millia Islamia and DU have admission tests. So, we can think along those lines. However, a Class XII pass is a must.”

At Delhi Technological University, there is less of a hubbub because admission depends on the scores from the Joint Entrance Examination Main. “If JEE Main is held in time, admission won’t be a problem,” said a DTU official. Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia too are not totally reliant on Class XII marks. Jamia conducts its own entrance tests, but aspirants need to have scored a certain percentage to be able to sit for these tests. JNU admits students to its undergraduate courses through the National Testing Agency exam.

At private universities though, the CBSE announcement hasn’t created waves. A Shiv Nadar University spokesperson told TOI, “In the wake of the pandemic, we had altered our admission process last year. We are making provisional admission offers to candidates based on their performance in remotely proctored entrance tests and personal interviews. Selected candidates only need to secure a defined minimum percentage in Class XII exams, which can be updated whenever the results are declared. We also accept JEE, SAT and ACT scores from applicants.”

An Ashoka University spokesperson similarly said, “We are in a position to make a firm offer of admission to applicants without waiting for their Class XII results based on SAT, ACT or mandatory Ashoka Aptitude Assessment scores. This reduces the uncertainty for applicants.”

6 2  THOUSAND SEATS IN DU COLLEGES

Court exam cheating: 2 govt employees held

Court exam cheating: 2 govt employees held

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:15.04.2021 

Delhi Police has arrested ten people, including two government employees, and claimed to have busted a gang that was allegedly involved in helping candidates cheat during an exam for a job opening at Tis Hazari court.

On February 28, the police had received information from one of the examination centres that some candidates were using Bluetooth devices for cheating. Later, the candidates, identified as Rajesh Kumar, Rahul Jatain and Kunal Sharma, were caught and the devices were recovered from them.

During questioning, the trio told police about the whereabouts of the main accused, currently posted as a peon in the irrigation department at Bhiwani, Haryana. He was then arrested from north Delhi’s Sant Nagar. “On the directions of the main accused, the trio had hid these micro devices under their face mask and clothes. They were all provided with answer keys over a WhatsApp call,” said deputy commissioner of police (outer north) Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Later, police nabbed more people involved, including another government official.

Order to curb meetings that can be avoided

Order to curb meetings that can be avoided

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:  15.04.2021 

Amid rising Covid cases, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has ordered restrictions in unnecessary interactions among officers and directed all the departments to avoid unnecessary meetings. Over a dozen people, including interns, who worked in different floors of Delhi Secretariat have recently tested positive.

“As the Covid cases are consistently increasing, hence, for effective management, it is necessary that, besides reductions in attendance in the officers of Delhi government, unnecessary interaction among officers/officials are restricted,” the DDMA order stated.

“The competent authority has directed that no meetings in person shall take place, except meetings related to Covid-19 management, court matters and matters of urgent nature,” the DDMA order added.

Why chances of getting a false Covid report have increased

Why chances of getting a false Covid report have increased

Multiple mutations in the coronavirus over the past 15 months are making parts of it unrecognisable to RT-PCR test kits

Abhilash.Gaur@timesgroup.com

15.04.2021

It starts with a cough. Then comes fever and you feel short of breath. An alarm goes off in your mind. Is it Covid? You are so relieved when the test comes out negative, but four days later you are no better. A second test confirms Covid.

Many patients have experienced this in the second wave. As TOI reported on Tuesday, about 1 in 5 patients may get a false negative report.

Sometimes, second and third tests also fail to spot the virus.

It’s worrying because the coronavirus is now fooling RT-PCR tests — the most reliable type. A false negative report is bad for the patient as they might delay consulting a doctor. It’s also bad for others, as the patient might not isolate, and spread the virus around.

Why are tests failing? It’s because the virus they were designed to detect has changed its look and behaviour considerably since last year. It’s like you lost a puppy a year ago and are still trying to trace it with old photographs.

Tests based on old virus

A research paper by University of Illinois and Michigan State University scientists had raised this concern last September: “PCR diagnostic test reagents were designed based on early clinical specimens containing a full spectrum of SARS-CoV-2, particularly the reference genome collected on January 5, 2020, in Wuhan.”

The rise of fast-spreading coronavirus variants in the UK, South Africa and Brazil was still months away when the scientists warned that mutations “will cause a large number of false positive and false negative tests if currently used diagnostic reagents are undermined.”

Tests detect the virus by identifying a few specific parts of it — like a fingerprint scan or an iris scan can identify you. These parts are called ‘diagnostic targets’. By September, the virus had already changed enough for the scientists to say: “essentially all of the current Covid-19 diagnostic targets have undergone mutations.”

Fears coming true

Other countries have also faced the problem of false negative results this year. In February, reports from Finland said mutations in the viral nucleoprotein of a local variant “may make this latest variant more difficult to detect with some PCR tests.”

In March, French authorities identified a new variant in the Brittany region. In one hospital, PCR tests failed to detect all 8 carriers of this variant.

Later, tests based on blood samples and tissue taken from the respiratory system confirmed they had Covid.

“What’s remarkable about this particular mutation is that the novel coronavirus may have already evolved in such a way as to bypass detection by conventional PCR tests,” a report in Forbes said.

Arvind Kothandaraman, general manager at diagnostics company PerkinElmer, told Technology Networks in February that mutations in the spike protein of the UK variant could make tests less reliable. The UK variant has been detected in many samples from Punjab.

“The 69–70 deletion in S gene of the UK variant has been reported to cause a negative result owing to a complete dropout of the genetic region targeted by certain RT-PCR assays,” Kothandaraman said.

FDA issued alert in Jan

The US Food and Drug Administration had flagged the same concern in a January 8 letter to clinical laboratory staff and healthcare providers. “False negative results may occur with any molecular test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 if a mutation occurs in the part of the virus’ genome assessed by that test,” it had said.

For example, it found that one brand of RT-PCR tests could be less reliable when a patient’s sample contained a genetic variation at “position 28881” in the virus.

Another test could have “significantly reduced sensitivity due to certain mutations, including one of the mutations in the recently identified B.1.1.7 (UK) variant.”

RT-PCR tests usually look for more than one part of the coronavirus but “the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants in a patient sample can potentially change the performance of the SARSCoV-2 test.” The FDA also said the frequency of false negative results would vary with the prevalence of variants in a population.

Keeping false negative results in mind, it advised doctors to “consider negative results in combination with clinical observations, patient history, and epidemiological information,” and “consider repeat testing with a different test if Covid-19 is still suspected.”

Virus behaviour has changed

There’s another reason why RT-PCR tests are returning more false negatives now. On Tuesday, Dr Pratibha Kale, associate professor of clinical microbiology at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, told TOI: “It’s possible that in these patients the virus did not colonise the nasal or throat cavity because of which swab samples taken from these areas didn’t yield a positive result.” It’s as though we are learning to deal with a whole new virus this year.

RT-PCR tests usually look for more than one part of the coronavirus but “the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants in a patient sample can potentially change the performance of the test”

Paramedic, MR & med student sell key drug at 4x price, held

Paramedic, MR & med student sell key drug at 4x price, held

Nitasha.Natu@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:15.04.2021

A paramedic, a medical student and a medical representative (MR) were arrested for allegedly selling Remdesivir injections in the black market. Police said the MR procured the injections from the pharmacy of a suburban hospital in a legal manner while his co-accused sold it at a higher price in black.

An informant told Malwani police earlier this week that a paramedic known to him was offering Remdesivir injections at Rs 20,000 each against the actual price of Rs 5,400. The paramedic had suggested to the informant he could resell it at a higher rate and make his own commission. Malwani police immediately informed the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). A trap was laid in Kandivli on April 13.

Around 7.30pm, the paramedic, Rizwan Mansuri (32), arrived at the location with a student, Siddharth Yadav (21). The police had already sent their informant with Rs 60,000 in cash to make the purchase so they could nab the accused red-handed. “Mansuri handed over three Remdesivir injections to the informant while Yadav accepted the cash. Our team and the FDA team swung into action and the two men were taken into custody,” said investigating officer Rakesh Pawar. It turned out that Yadav is a medical student based in Kandivli and comes from a family of doctors.

Yadav told the police that he had procured the injections through an MR, Chiranjeevi Vishwakarma (28), employed with a pharma company. The cops got Yadav to dial Vishwakarma and summon him for a meeting. When Vishwakarma arrived, he was taken into custody. Vishwakarma told officials he had presented a Covid-19 patient’s health report, his Aadhar card and a doctor’s prescription for purchasing the three Remdesivir injections.

RGUHS to study spread of infection in slums

RGUHS to study spread of infection in slums

Sunitha.Rao@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:  15,04,2021

A team of community medicine researchers from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) will conduct a study in 24 slums in Bengaluru to analyse exposure to Covid-19 in the crowded habitations.

A dozen medical colleges have been assigned two slums each and they will conduct Covid-19 antibody tests on slum dwellers.

During a meeting last month between the chief minister, technical advisory committee members and heads of departments including police, Praveen Sood, Karnataka DG&IGP, had asked why cluster outbreaks were being reported from apartment complexes but not from slums.

TAC members discussed the matter further and Dr MK Sudarshan, chairperson, asked the government to conduct a serosurvey in slums.

“This will help us understand precisely what is happening in slums,” said Dr Sudarshan.

Dr Ranganath TS, HOD, department of community medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute and principal investigator of the project, said, “A huge majority of cases are largely of people from middle to upper sections of society, especially those living in apartments. People in slums, who could be going out every day for work, are not coming for Covid tests or seeking treatment. We need to find out if they are falling ill, where they are going and what sort of treatment they are receiving if so.”

Medical colleges will cover select slums nearby, said Dr Ranganath. The survey is likely to begin in two days. Dr Riyaz Basha, another principal investigator of the project and head of community medicine, Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College Hospital, said they will conduct both RT-PCR test and antibody tests on 720 people in 24 slums.

“All medical colleges work closely with urban primary health centres,” said Dr Basha. “Medicos who are working in these UPHCs will conduct the research in slums. From each slum, we plan to include at least 30 people in the study. The cohort will be those aged above 18 years of age.”

Dr Basha said they will also collect details such as vaccination status, previous exposure to the disease, infections among immediate neighbours and facilities they have for home isolation.

“This survey will help us understand at least two aspects. The first is if the people surveyed are Covid positive, they will be immediately isolated and their primary and secondary contacts will be traced. If they have already developed antibodies, then it means that they had prior exposure to the virus. In such cases, we must educate them about the Covid-19 vaccine and ensure that all those in slums who are eligible get vaccinated,” said Dr Basha.

In case they test negative for both RT-PCR and antibodies, questions will arise on how safe they are living in crowded localities and if it has anything to do with their immunity levels, researchers said. The survey also aims at improving vaccination status among the slum-dwellers.

During a Covid-19 meeting last month Praveen Sood, Karnataka DG&IGP, had asked why cluster outbreaks were being reported from apartment complexes but not from slums

Class XII exams’ delay may hit JEE, NEET

Class XII exams’ delay may hit JEE, NEET

Yogita.Rao@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:15.04.2021

The decision to postpone CBSE Class XII exams is likely to have a cascading effect on admissions to engineering and medical colleges this year. While the Centre plans to review the Covid-19 situation on June 1to decide on the exam dates, students are worried JEE (Advanced) for admissions to IITs and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical exams may be pushed further too, in a repeat of the 2020 scenario.

Last year, JEE (Main), JEE (Advanced) and NEET were all held in September due to the pandemic and the resultant lockdown. With academic session starting late last year, this year’s entrance tests have already been affected. JEE (Advanced) 2021, usually held in May, is scheduled on July 3, while NEET is on August 1. With the Centre’s decision to postpone Class XII board exams by over a month, parents are worried all these entrance exams will be pushed further, leading to a delayed start to the academic session this year too.

A parent representative, Sudha Shenoy, said when the national lockdown was announced on March 23 last year, the state board exams were nearly over and only a few papers were pending for the national boards. “This year, the boards are yet to be conducted. We do not know when they will be held or when the results will be announced. There is a lot of uncertainty in the Covid-19 situation. The CBSE board will have to give a two-week notice before holding the exam in June. If it starts even in the third or fourth week of June, they may have to postpone JEE (Advanced) and NEET,” she said. “Even if the entrance exams are conducted on time, there will be delays in announcing the board results. Students require Class XII board scores to be eligible for medical admissions,” said Shenoy. Some of the parents are in favour of the board exams being held twice so that students who are unable to take the exam now can do so later.

Full report on www.toi.in

‘Decision on 12th exams will be taken on 1st June’

‘Decision on 12th exams will be taken on 1st June’

Ramesh Pokhriyal

15.04.2021

I would like to thank the honourable Prime Minister for calling the high-level meeting regarding the conduct of board examinations. At the onset of the meeting he has given a clear vision and reiterated that “the well being of the students has to be the top priority for the government”. He also stated that “the Centre would keep in mind the best interests of the students and ensure that their health is taken care of at the same time their academic interests are not harmed”.

His directions and vision made us take the decision to cancel the tenth class board exams and postpone the 12th class exams. The decision regarding the 12th exams will be taken on 1st June after reviewing the situation. I am very sure that this will give clarity to the students.

Every year almost 30 lakh students write the board examinations of CBSE. To be precise this year there are 21,50,761 and 14,30,247 students who were to appear in the Class X and Class XII exams respectively. CBSE, in normal circumstances, schedules Board exams for Classes X & XII from 15th February to the first week of April. The Board exams-2020 were disrupted due to the pandemic and had to be rescheduled.

In the current year, to accommodate for the loss in learning time and closure of schools, the Board exams 2021 were scheduled from 4th May to 14th June, instead of mid-Feb as was done normally. This announcement was made on 31.12.2020. The trend in Covid cases was also going down when the exam schedule was announced.

However, in the recent few weeks, the downward trend in Covid cases has reversed and the number of new cases daily has started increasing. This situation has given rise to concerns and apprehensions in the minds of students/parents/teachers about the conduct of examination in a safe manner as well as disruptions that may arise due to restrictions that may be imposed from time to time.

CBSE has made arrangements for the conduct of the exams from May 4th, however in view of the rising number of cases, an assessment of the situation in terms of a conducive and safe environment for conducting the exams was done in an objective manner.

Full interview on www.toi.in