Perform surgery or kill me, pleads prisoner

Perform surgery or kill me, pleads prisoner

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

25.04.2021

A 34-year-old remand prisoner staged a dharna in front of the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College in Salem, demanding that doctors perform a surgery to rectify his kidney-related problem immediately or subject him to mercy killing as the pain was unbearable.

According to a police source, S Ganapathy, a resident of Vellore district, was lodged in Salem Central Prison in connection with the murder of his mother-in-law in 2019.

He has been undergoing treatment at the government hospital for a kidney-related disease. While the judicial magistrate had granted him bail, none of his friends and relatives had come forward to provide surety and take him out of the prison.

Prison superintendent T Tamilselvan said, “Due to the difficulties in passing urine, Ganapathy had been using urinary catheter and undergoing treatment ever since he was lodged in the prison. About six months ago, he had refused to undergo a surgery in the government hospital to rectify his problem. He said he would undergo the surgery only in a private hospital. Now, amid the spike in Covid-19 cases, he wants to undergo the surgery.”

On Saturday morning, Ganapathy was taken to the government hospital after he complained of some irritation while urinating. Doctors, the source said, advised him to visit the hospital after a few weeks. “However, Ganapathy demanded that the doctors perform the surgery immediately. As the Covid-19 cases are increasing in the district, doctors have been performing only the surgeries that are emergency in nature. So, they refused to accept his demand.”

Suddenly, Ganapathy sat in front of the emergency ward of the hospital and refused to return to the person. He pleaded with the officials to take steps to perform the surgery immediately or kill him on compassionate grounds. However, officials pacified him and took him back to the prison.

Tamilselvan said, “Ganapathy’s health condition is good and stable.”

Meanwhile, the resident medical officer with the government hospital, Rani, refused to comment on the issue, stating medical details of a remand prison could not be shared.

FERVENT APPEAL: S Ganapathy in front of the emergency ward of Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College on Saturday

Improper Covid barricades irk Mannady locals

Improper Covid barricades irk Mannady locals

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:25.04.2021

A resident of Iyappa Chetty Street at Mannady in Royapuram zone in North Chennai has complained about Greater Chennai Corporation officials using tin sheets for quarantine purposes.

The resident, who declined to be identified, said that tin sheets have been placed perpendicularly covering part of a street.

He also claimed that vehicles like ambulances would not be able to go through. He said there were seven Covid-19 positive patients on the street. Photos show that there is enough space for vehicles to move through. The resident also said that there were no restrictions on movement of people.

However, a GCC official said that the tin sheets havenot been used to cover the entrance of any house.

“We have used it only for barricading purposes, to indicate that there have been COVID19 cases in this street,” an official said.

Last year, the Madras High Court had expressed their surprise and shock on the use of tin sheets to cover entrances of houses. The High Court had asked the civic body to explain if there was any scientific basis behind such a move.

GCC officials said that if there are less than 10 cases in any street they would only be placing barricades. Only if there are more than 10 cases on any street, would strict containment measures be followed.

“We have learnt lessons during the last year. We cannot disallow movement of people from apartments where there are no cases. Theremight be emergency travel requirements of people inside, say doctors or nurses and we can’t stop that,” an official said, explaining the containment measures that have been adopted by the Greater Chennai Corporation during the second wave.

HOLES IN THE WALL: Tin sheets installed as barricades at Iyappa Chetty Street at Mannady in Royapuram zone do not hamper the movement of people in the area, said a resident

GCC officials said that if there are less than 10 cases in any street they would only be placing barricades. Only if there are more than 10 cases on any street, would strict containment measures be followed

Ahead of Sunday’s total lockdown, Broadway, Parry’s become crowded

Ahead of Sunday’s total lockdown, Broadway, Parry’s become crowded

Civic Body’s Threat Of Hefty Fines No Deterrent

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:25.04.2021 

A day ahead of Sunday’s total lockdown, physical distancing and mask discipline were almost completely absent at Kothaval Chavadi, a busy wholesale market, as well as at Broadway and Parry’s Corner. The city corporation’s warning that hefty fines would be imposed and outlets violating rules would be shut down had little impact.

There was no pandemic protocol in sight as shoppers outnumbered police and corporation officials in places such as Audiappa Naicken Street, Anna Pillai Street, Acharappan Street, Varada Muthiyappan Street, Strotten Mudali Street, Govindappa Naicken Street and Anderson Street.

Several traders in Kothaval Chavadi said most of those on the streets were not regular shoppers but owners of retail outlets out to buy stock. “We cannot possibly turn away our customers. We try our level best to ensure physical distancing in and around our premises, but since the roads are narrow, they get crowded,” said a member of Madras Chillies Merchants Association.

Among the 80-odd market areas in the city, Kothaval Chavadi is one of the earliest and deals mainly in pulses, chillies and similar items. Huge crowds also thronged Badrian Street, Rattan Bazaar Road near George Town and NSC Bose Road, leading to heavy traffic as hawkers occupied pavements and autorickshaws lined up on one side of the road.

“We have taken stock of the issues. Apart from our teams, supervisory teams headed by tahsildars from the Chennai Collectorate will also be monitoring and reporting on violations and deficiencies. We are hoping that all norms will be streamlined in the coming days,” said a senior official with Greater Chennai Corporation.

Police and civic authorities have been conducting regular meetings with all stakeholders to ensure that traders are well prepared this time to ensure that their customers wear masks, follow physical distancing and other conditions that are part of the standard operating procedure.

The Kothaval Chavadi wholesale market falls under Royapuram zone which has 2,608 active Covid-19 cases — the fourth highest among the 15 zones in the city.

NO CARE FOR PROTOCOL: (From top left) Scenes at Badrian Street, Broadway, NSC Bose Road and Vanagaram fish market

Online regn on Co-Win a must for jabs from May 1

Online regn on Co-Win a must for jabs from May 1

New Delhi:25.04.2021 

Those in the 18-45 age group eligible for anti-Covid vaccines from May 1will need to mandatorily register online on the Co-Win platform and seek an appointment to get the shot as walk-ins will not be permissible, at least in the beginning of the new inoculation drive. Registration can be done from April 28, reports Sushmi Dey.

Walk-in facility, which got a good response in the 60-plus and 45-plus age groups, is not being provided as the government expects a big jump in the number of vaccinations in phase 3 of the drive at a time when supplies are limited, official sources said. The move is also likely to prevent crowding at vaccination centres.

“Phase 3 means a large number of people, so can’t be implemented without planning. Online registration will help vaccination centres plan sessions in advance, manage crowds as well as supply of vaccines,” a senior official told TOI.

Register additional pvt vax centres: Govt to states

While India administered more than 14 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccines till Saturday 8pm, daily vaccinations are on a decline for nearly three weeks now. On Saturday, 24.22 lakh doses were given till 8pm. Apart from fear of infection amid the current surge, vaccines supplies have been reported to be erratic.

So far, vaccination numbers were largely driven by walk-in beneficiaries. Of the total 12.21 crore registrations till Saturday, over 68% were by walk-ins and merely 11.6% were registered prior vaccination. Apart from these two categories, 2.43 crore health and frontline workers have also been registered by governments and their data pre-populated into the Co-Win system.

The Centre issued an advisory to states asking them to augment infrastructure and suggesting specific measures for the phase 3. Apart from asking states to publicise the “only online registration” for 18-45 age group, the Centre suggested that states should register additional private vaccination centres (CVCs) in mission mode by engaging private hospitals, facilities in industrial establishments and industry associations. It also asked states to monitor number of hospitals that have procured vaccines and have declared stocks and prices on Co-Win.

The Centre also advised states to prioritise decisions regarding direct procurement of vaccines by state and UT governments and coordinate with lawand-order authorities for effective crowd management at CVCs.

Deaths among Mum’s 60+ less in 2nd wave: Experts

Deaths among Mum’s 60+ less in 2nd wave: Experts

Some Say It Could Be Tied To Vaccination

Malathy.Iyer@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:25.04.2021 

In what could be the first indication of the Covid-19 vaccination drive working, some experts say deaths among the elderly have reduced in the ongoing second wave in Mumbai. London mathematician Murad Banaji has calculated that there have been 40% fewer deaths than expected among the elderly during the second wave.

On Friday, Banaji tweeted: “There isn’t much good news coming out of India. Here’s some: Mumbai’s data is showing what looks like vaccines reducing fatalities.”

Calling the effect significant, he said: “Deaths in the over-60s this week are around 40% less than expected based on trends up to late March and deaths in under-60s.”

The timing is about right as the vaccination drive for the 60-plus started on March 1 and the “first hints” of an effect were apparent by April 8, said Banaji. Healthcare professionals, among them Dr Shashank Joshi, say they are sceptical. Dr Joshi, member of the state government task force on Covid-19, said it was too early to make correlations between the vaccination drive and deaths.

At present, only 18.5 lakh of the Mumbai’s1.4 crore population has taken at least one dose of either the Covishield or the Covaxin vaccine.

Dr Gagandeep Kang from the Christian Medical College, Vellore, who has worked extensively with vaccines, said: “We will need to immunise at least 30% of people before we begin to see the effect that is driven by vaccines alone.” BMC executive health officer Dr Mangala Gomare said the public health department, too, had noted a drop in deaths among the elderly. “However, we are still working out the details,” she said.

While many doctors in Mumbai acknowledge that the Covid-19 vaccination has possibly reduced the severity of symptoms among people, the stark effect of vaccination as seen in countries such as Israel and the UK, where 60% and 50% of the population, respectively, has got at least the first shot, is missing. In India, only 8.3% of the population has been vaccinated so far.

There is evidence trickling in from other countries that vaccinations have led to fewer hospitalisations. “The latest being the UK, which has reported 70% drop in hospitalisations,” said Dr Kang. In Israel, residents of some areas are allowed to walk out without a face mask. “The vaccines we have do work,” said Dr Kang. “When the data on positive people who do not or rarely need hospitalisation is available at scale, it will tell us that the vaccines are working.”

People wait at a vaccination centre in Mumbai on Saturday

TN shuts down cinemas, malls, large retail shops from Monday

TN shuts down cinemas, malls, large retail shops from Monday

Shrines Closed; Grocery, Veggie Shops Allowed

Julie.Mariappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:25.04.2021

The state government on Saturday issued a fresh set of curbs, shutting down cinema theatres, gyms, recreation clubs, bars, auditoriums and meeting halls from 4am on April 26.

An official release said large format retail stores, shopping complexes and malls will not be permitted. Grocery, vegetable and other outlets are allowed following standard operating procedure. “Grocery and vegetable outlets in malls, however, are disallowed. Department stores are allowed without air-conditioning, but only 50% of customers should be permitted at a time,” the release said.

Beauty parlours, spas, saloons, barber shops will not allowed across all corporations and municipalities. “This is one step below total lockdown. It is absolutely necessary to curtail movement of people and transmission of disease. This pain must be endured to avoid a catastrophe. If the situation does not improve, we may have to opt for harsher measures such as lockdown,” a senior officer said. Only takeaway services would be permitted in restaurants/hotels/ mess and tea shops. Door-delivery of food in hotels and lodges would be permitted. E-commerce services shall continue within the restricted time.

“Public worship would not be allowed in religious places, while daily rituals/prayers shall go on with staff alone,” the release said. Temple events and congregations have already been prohibited from April 10. Permission was granted to allow pre-scheduled events with 50 members, but the government has now decided to allow only temple staff to hold consecration ceremonies. No new consecration ceremony/temple events would be permitted. Not more than 50 members are allowed to participate in marriage events, and 25 members for funerals. IT&ITES companies are mandated to allow 50% of employees to work from home. Sports training academies are not allowed. Except Puducherry, all those coming from states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala should register at http://eregister.tnega.org.

Standees would not be allowed in public and private buses in the state.

CORONA WHAT? Crowds thronged markets without maintaining social distance a day ahead of the lockdown in TN on Saturday

Active cases in TN cross 1L; 4,000 new cases in city

As active cases in the state crossed the one-lakh mark (1,00,668) on Saturday, Tamil Nadu government revised admission protocols to reserve hospital beds for sick patients and cancelled elective surgeries in all government hospitals. The state added 14,842 new cases and 80 deaths, pushing the case tally to 10,66,329 and death toll to 13,475. Chennai, which reported 4,086 new cases, had 31,506 active cases by the end of the day. While Chengalpet (1,163) and Coimbatore (1,004) reported a four-digit spike, 28 districts reported three-digit spurt in cases. P2

SII defends vax rate for states & private hosps

A day after strong criticism from state governments and opposition parties, the Serum Institute of India (SII), which makes the most used Covid-19 vaccine in the country, on Saturday defended pricing Covishield at 1.5 times the initial rate, saying the earlier price was based on advance funding and now it has to invest in scaling up and expanding its capacity. The firm, earlier this week, announced a price of ₹600 per dose for private hospitals and ₹400 per dose for state governments. It currently charges the Union government ₹150 per dose for the existing supplies.

FULL COVERAGE: P2

‘Bail not jail’ rule not to apply to gangsters: SC

‘Bail not jail’ rule not to apply to gangsters: SC

Dhananjay.Mahapatra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:25.04.2021

The Supreme Court has advised all high courts not to mechanically apply the ‘bail not jail’ principle while giving relief to gangsters, sharpshooters and heinous offenders and must weigh the effect of bail to such offenders on the safety of witnesses and families of victims.

On the last day of his retirement, CJI S A Bobde on Friday, while heading a threejudge bench, cancelled the bail granted by Allahabad high court to Azamgarh gangster Arun Yadav, who was accused of gunning down one Rajnarain Singh. Singh’s widow Sudha Singh had challenged the bail to Yadav, who operated a crime gang and faced 15 cases of murder or attempt to murder.

In cancelling the bail granted to Yadav, the SC recalled the case relating to grant of parole to Vikas Yadav, despite he facing 64 cases of murder, attempt to murder and extortion.

“The appellant cites the example of a person who was prosecuted in connection with 64 criminal cases which included cases of murders, offences of dacoity, criminal intimidation, extortion and offences under the UP-Gangster Act, etc., but who was released on bail. Ultimately, when a police team went to apprehend him in a case, allegedly eight policemen were killed and many grievously injured,” the bench noted.

It said, “We find in this case that the HC has overlooked several aspects, such as the potential threat to witnesses, forcing the trial court to grant protection (to the victim’s family).

“It is needless to point out that in cases of this nature, it is important that courts do not enlarge an accused on bail with a blinkered vision by just taking into account only the parties before them and the incident in question,” the bench said.

In cancelling the bail granted to Arun Yadav, the SC recalled the case relating to grant of parole to Vikas Yadav, despite he facing 64 cases of murder, attempt to murder and extortion

Kuwait suspends all commercial flights from India due to Covid-19

Kuwait suspends all commercial flights from India due to Covid-19

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:25.04.2021 

In view of surging Covid-19 cases in India, Kuwait has indefinitely suspended all commercial flights from the country with immediate effect. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of Kuwait has issued a circular, which says Indians can arrive there from some other country only if they have last spent 14 days outside India.

“Kuwaiti citizens, their first-degree relatives — spouse and children — and their domestic workers are exempt (from this restriction). Operation of air freight flights will continue from India. This circular will be effective from 12.01am (local Kuwait time) on Saturday (April  24) until further notice,” the circular says.

Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Bahrain tweeted: “Bahrain has announced revised International arrival procedures w.e.f. 27 April 2021. All passengers arriving from India must carry negative PCR test report with a QR code conducted within 48 hours before departure. All other existing travel-related procedures remain unchanged.”

This requirement is for all passengers above the age of six going to Bahrain from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Several countries like the UK, Canada and the UAE have barred entry of travellers from India due to the massive surge in Covid cases in the country.

Several countries like the UK, Canada and the UAE have barred entry of travellers from India due to the massive surge in Covid cases in the country

Airfares for destinations in US from Chennai soar

Airfares for destinations in US from Chennai soar

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:25.04.2021 

Airfares for trips from Chennai to destinations in the US have shot up to more than ₹2lakh to ₹3lakh for travel next month as there is a rush among people to travel fearing a complete suspension of flights.

Absence of direct flights from Chennai and a temporary ban on Indian travellers by major transit hubs like the United Kingdom, Canada, United Arab Emirates and other countries in the Middle East are the reason for scramble for tickets and the consequent increase in fare. Return airfare is in the range of ₹2.60lakh to ₹3.35lakh from Chennai via the Middle East to the US for travel in the first week of May.

People who have to return to work, relatives and students are the category of people who are travelling to the US.

Rangarajan L N, who was scheduled to travel to San Francisco via Dubai on Sunday said " I was supposed to travel yesterday. But had to reschedule and book from Delhi. The air fare via Dubai was ₹80,000 but now I am paying ₹1.10lakh. I do not want to wait and travel next month because the countries in the Middle East may extend the temporary ban for Indians to travel." He is worried to travel via Delhi where cases are increasing.

A majority of the passengers, especially relatives of those in the US, prefer to fly via the Middle East because it's hassle-free than flying domestic to Delhi or Mumbai and then switching to the international flight.

Basheer Ahmed of Metro Travels said : "The fare is high because people want to travel before all airlines stop flights. Many people who were trying to fly via Dubai are affected because of the temporary suspension of allowing Indian passengers to the UAE. Other Gulf countries like Kuwait and Oman too have stopped the arrival of Indian nationals. There is a worry that this may be extended because cases are increasing here. Air India is the only option from Delhi as United Airlines too have suspended carrying passengers from Delhi.`` In the absence of flights, passengers are also looking at different options to fly.

Arul Lazaran of United Travels said that "People who need to travel are willing to spend and also find ways to reach the US. A few are flying via Nepal. They spend time there in quarantine and then fly to Dubai and then further to the US."

Set out early for a hassle-free Covid-19 vaccine

Siddharth.Prabhakar@timesgroup.com

Chennai:  25.04.2021

People going out for their a jab of Covid-19 vaccine at their nearest health centre or hospital in Chennai may have to return home without one. Alternatively, they might have to visit at least a couple of centres.

This is because many Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are unable to cater to the growing demand for vaccines in the city. This is even more so for Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, which, according to senior Greater Chennai Corporation officials, was in shortage.

“Currently, we are prioritising Covaxin for those who come in to get their second shots. Covishield (Oxford-Astrazeneca) is available,” an official said.

This comes at a time when the demand for Covaxin has increased, the official said, after media reports on its efficacy against the mutated strain of the virus as well.

Mathew Thomas, a resident of Injambakkam who visited the PHC in his area on April 22, was told that Covaxin was out of stock. Staff took his contact number and said they would inform him when stocks were refilled.

“We are upset. We sincerely went to take the vaccine and were sent back. This shows a lack of planning,” he said. His parents Thomas Mathew and Sarasu Thomas could not get their dose at a private centre in Villivakkam and ended up taking it in a the PHC at Purasaiwalkam after running around.

Faced with many similar experiences, citizens like Narayanan Hariharan, 36, have started sourcing information to put out tweets on availability of vaccines at different health centres to help people. “Vaccines are available in certain places like PHCs and private hospitals, but they are sent back by staff who ask them to take the second shot at the place where they got their first,” he said.

Some people also said that it depends on the time of the day you visit the centres; in many centres the vaccines are exhausted by12pm.

G Satish, a resident of Shollinganallur, said the shortage in corporation centres was due to non-availability in private institutions. “People are panicking as the cases have increased rapidly. The people who took their1st dose at private hospital had taken the 2nd dose in corporation centres as private hospitals didn’t have stocks,” he said.

Rama Rao, a resident of Chromepet, said private labs did not have supply of Covaxin for 4 days and from Monday, they wouldadminister the fresh stock only for those who have already taken one jab. “But for Covishield, 50 tokens are issued everyday,” he said. Local PHCs don’t have stock of Covaxin.

Another senior corporation official said vaccine doses would be replenished regularly and people could return to the centre a couple of days later to get their shots.

The prevailing situation is because many Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are unable to cater to the growing demand for vaccines in the city

Flights cancelled due to travel ban

Flights cancelled due to travel ban

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

25.04.2021 

Surge in Covid-19 cases and several countries banning flights from India has affected flight services, forcing airlines to cancel trips due to poor patronage.

BSG Mustafa of Meraj Travels said many do not want to travel as each state has several restrictions that change from time to time. “There is also an anticipation of total lockdown being imposed. Various countries including Dubai, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom and Singapore have banned entry of Indian passengers. It also has its impact on domestic flight operations,” he said.

Air Arabia has cancelled Coimbatore to Sharjah flights for the next 10 days. While flights from Sharjah to Coimbatore will be operated as usual, the airline will not carry passengers from Coimbatore due to the increasing Covid-19 cases here, sources said. This comes after the UAE banned flights from India on Saturday, but allowed Indians residing in the UAE, to fly back to their hometowns.

IndiGo has suspended Madurai-Hyderabad services from April 22 to 30. A Madurai-Chennai morning flight operated by SpiceJet was also cancelled on April 22. With fewer passengers due to restrictions, many other flights could be cancelled in the days to come, said sources in the Madurai airport.

Satheesh Kumar, president of Forum of Tour Organisers, said there was huge demand for the Dubai flight on Friday as the country has banned flights from India from Saturday midnight. A ticket, which would normally cost ₹15,000, was sold at ₹90,000 at the last minute.

Rush in vax centres as people rush to get jab before May 1

Rush in vax centres as people rush to get jab before May 1

Padmini.Sivarajah@timesgroup.com

Madurai:25.04.2021 

As many as 52.51lakh people have been vaccinated in the state till date. Though the state is receiving fresh supplies of vaccines, a supply-demand gap was reported at many places.

As per the data released on Saturday, as many as 45,09,694 people have been administered Covishield and 7,42,126 people Covaxin, through the government centres, camps and private clinics.

In Madurai, long queues of people waiting for vaccine were witnessed at many urban public health centres. K Sundaram, who came to a centre with his wife, said they were waiting for their first dose. “I did not want to wait longer, in case a total lockdown was announced,” he said.

A staff of the Government Rajaji Hospital vaccination centre at the Elango Corporation School said the crowds have become uncontrollable for the past few days, after the news that vaccines would be available for ₹600 per dose from May 1 at the private hospitals.

“None in our family have taken the vaccine. My three children are above 18 years of age, and then there is my wife, mother and sister. Paying for the vaccine doses would be a huge amount for me and I cannot afford it,” said K Pandi of Sellur, who said he was going to the UPHC on Saturday.

As many as 2,01,946 people have been vaccinated in Madurai district till date, including 5,867 on Saturday. Vaccine availability in the district as on date was 6,830. Just more than 33,000 people received their second dose of vaccination in the district as on Friday. Maditssia, the association for SME industries, conducted a special camp in association with the Madurai Corporation on Saturday. People, who had come for their second dose after completing one month since the first dose were asked to come after 42 days, said former president of the association, V S Manimaran. Those who had completed 40 days since the first dose were given preference over first doses.

In Coimbatore, as many as 3,42,247 have been vaccinated till date, while in Trichy the number is 1,89,586. As many as 3,082 people were vaccinated on Saturday.

(With inputs from Gokul Rajendran & Pratiksha Ramkumar)

My three children are above 18 years of age, and then there is my wife, mother and sister. Paying for the vaccine doses would be a huge amount for me

K PANDI Sellur

If you have mild Covid, here’s how you can recover at home

TOI COVID GUIDE

If you have mild Covid, here’s how you can recover at home

4 Out Of Every 5 Covid Patients Don’t Need Hospitalisation, But Preparing In Advance Can Make Recovery Less Stressful

With India recording more than 3 lakh new Covid cases daily, hospital beds and oxygen cylinders are scarce. The only good news is that 81% of Covid patients have mild or no symptoms, and can recover at home. Here’s a ready reckoner for Covid care at home.

First signs of disease

A dry cough, sore throat, fever and runny nose are common early symptoms of Covid-19. Many patients also report loss of smell and taste, headaches, fatigue and body aches. There are some other red flags also, such as breathlessness, falling oxygen saturation, persistent pain or pressure in chest, poor appetite, loose motions, fatigue, weakness or numbness in any limb or face, etc.

In severe cases, Covid progresses from the first symptoms to pneumonia in about five days, and to severe hypoxemia and ICU admission in 7-12 days. Therefore, careful health monitoring is important.

When symptoms arise

If you experience Covid symptoms, immediately isolate in a well-ventilated room with an attached bathroom, without waiting to get tested. The longer you take to self-isolate, the higher the risk of infecting others.

If you test positive and are advised home isolation, you will need to monitor your temperature and oxygen level, and keep the district surveillance officer (DSO) informed. The DSO will arrange a follow-up by a surveillance team. You will also need the Aarogya Setu app on your mobile phone. Try to keep at least six feet apart from other housemates. Do not share glasses, towels and mobile phones. If you need to share space, ensure that the room has good airflow.

Checking oxygen level

A pulse oximeter checks the oxygen level in blood. If you use it in bed or while resting, it won’t detect ‘silent’ or latent hypoxia (low oxygen). Doctors recommend the ‘six-minute walk test’: note down your oxygen level, walk for six minutes and check again. If the level drops by six points or more, seek medical help. You should check temperature and oxygen saturation every four hours.

Ending home quarantine

The health ministry says you will be alright 10 days after the onset of symptoms if you have not had fever for the last three days. Even after that, you will be advised to isolate at home and self-monitor for seven more days. If you are asymptomatic, you can be with others 10 days after testing positive.

Recovering after Covid

Once you are free to step out, exercise regularly to improve breathing and build strength. Adequate rest and nutritious meals will also speed up recovery. But watch out for signs of ‘long Covid’, such as a cough that lasts months, hoarse voice, headache, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.

Text: Sushmita Choudhury

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Rajasthan family flies home first girl born in 35 years

Rajasthan family flies home first girl born in 35 years

Nagaur:24.04.2021 

A family in a village in Nagaur district went all out to welcome the first girl child born in their house in 35 years and hired a helicopter to bring the newborn home.

Hanuman Prajapat’s wife Chuki Devi gave birth to Riya on March 3 and had gone to her parent’s house in Harsolav village with the baby. On Wednesday, Hanuman decided to fly his daughter home. The family spent around Rs 5 lakh for the helicopter ride, which they managed to arrange by selling their crops. TNN

Bihar health dept secy among 54 dead, Covid cases hit another peak

Bihar health dept secy among 54 dead, Covid cases hit another peak

Sheezan.Nezami@timesgroup.com

Patna:24.04.2021

The state health department additional secretary, Ravi Shankar Choudhary, died of Covid-19 complications on Friday. He was among the 54 fatalities officially reported even as Bihar created yet anotherrecord with 12,672 people testing positive in a day out of 1,0,8147 samples tested.

Choudhary, who had also served as Arwal DM, breathed his last at AIIMS-Patna. CM Nitish Kumar and healthminister Mangal Pandey expressed deep condolence over his death. Nitish said Choudhary’s demise was a big loss to the administration and society and prayed for the departed soul and his family. Pandey also prayed for the departed soul and called his death a big loss for the department.

On the back of the spiking caseload and rising deaths, Bihar’s Covid positivity rate on Friday also reached 11.71%, which is the highest so far and above the danger mark. Patna also reported the highest number of new cases where 2,801 people tested positive.

வீட்டிற்குள்ளும் முக கவசம் அணிவது அவசியம்'

வீட்டிற்குள்ளும் முக கவசம் அணிவது அவசியம்'

Updated : ஏப் 24, 2021 06:20

சென்னை :''கொரோனா தொற்று அதிதீவிரம் அடைந்துள்ள நிலையில் இனி வீட்டிற்கு உள்ளேயும் முக கவசம் அணிந்தாக வேண்டிய கட்டாயம் எழுந்துள்ளது'' என தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டர் எம்.ஜி.ஆர். மருத்துவ பல்கலை துணைவேந்தர் சுதா சேஷய்யன் கூறினார்.

அவர் கூறியதாவது:கொரோனா தொற்று இதுவரை இல்லாத வகையில் உச்சத்துக்கு சென்றுள்ளது. சில மாதங்களுக்கு முன் ஒருவருக்கு பாதிப்பு உறுதிசெய்யப்பட்டால் அவருக்கு எங்கிருந்து தொற்று பரவியது என்பதை கண்டறிவது கடினமாக இருந்தது. மேலும் சம்பந்தப்பட்ட நபருடன் தொடர்பில் இருந்தவர்கள் எவரெவர் என்பதை தேட வேண்டிய நிலை இருந்தது.தற்போதோ குடும்பம் குடும்பமாக கொரோனா பாதிப்பு கண்டறியப் படுகிறது.

கணவருக்கு கொரோனா இருந்தால் அதற்கு அடுத்த சில நாட்களில்மனைவிக்கும் குழந்தைகளுக்கும் அறி குறிகள் தென் படுகின்றன.அவர்கள் அனைவருக்கும் தொற்று உறுதிசெய்யப்படுவதற்குள்ஏறத்தாழ 25 சதவீத நுரையீரல் பாதிப்பு ஏற்பட்டு விடுகிறது. அதன்பின் மருத்துவமனைகளில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டு சிகிச்சை பெற வேண்டிய அவசியம்எழுகிறது. இதற்கு முக்கிய காரணம் குடும்பஉறுப்பினர்கள் ஒரே அறைக்குள் பல மணி நேரம் அருகருகே இருப்பது தான்.

அதேபோல கோடை காலத்தில் மூடப்பட்ட அறைக்குள் ஏ.சி. சாதனங்களை நீண்ட நேரம் இயக்குவதும் தொற்றுபரவுதலுக்கு வழிவகுக்கிறது.நாள்தோறும் வெளியே பணிக்கு சென்று வரும் குடும்ப உறுப்பினர்பிற உறுப்பினர்கள், குழந்தைகளிடம் இருந்து சற்று விலகி இருப்பதன் வாயிலாக நோய் தொற்று பரவலை தடுக்கலாம்.

அதேபோல அவர் தனியே தூங்குவதும், தூங்கும் நேரம் தவிர பிற நேரங்களில் வீட்டிற்கு உள்ளேயும் முக கவசம் அணிய வேண்டிய அவசியம் எழுந்துள்ளது. சில காலத்துக்கு இத்தகைய கஷ்டங்களை சகித்து கொண்டால் கொரோனாவை வெல்ல முடியும். நம் குடும்பத்தின் நலனையும் காக்கமுடியும்.இவ்வாறு சுதா சேஷய்யன் கூறினார்.

Chennai may reach over 19,000 daily COVID cases by mid-May, shows epidemiologist's model

Chennai may reach over 19,000 daily COVID cases by mid-May, shows epidemiologist's model

On Friday, Chennai reported 3,842 cases and 37 deaths. There were 31,170 active cases in the city and beds in all COVID-19 treatment hospitals are fast filling.

Published: 23rd April 2021 08:30 PM |

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Chennai may reach over 19,000 daily COVID-19 cases by mid-May at the current Rt value of 1.3, a model by an epidemiologist at the National Institute of Epidemiology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, showed.

The Rt value indicates the average number of people that one person with COVID-19 is expected to infect. The current Rt in Chennai is 1.3 -- that is one person is expected to infect 1.3 others.

The projections made by S Manikanda Nesan, Epidemiologist, National Institute of Epidemiology, ICMR based on an Rt of 1.3 suggested that by May 15, Chennai may report 19,141 COVID-19 cases daily.

"On 5 May the daily cases may be 9,652 and by 25 April 4,860 cases. Is it a scary tale ahead for Chennai?" asked Manikanda Nesan, sharing his projections on Twitter on Friday. He also said the health system cannot cope with the burden.

"This projection is based on current Rt. More vaccination will definitely bring down Rt and that's exactly what we all really wish for," Manikanda Nesan said.

Docs stressed, say there’s no empathy for their work

Docs stressed, say there’s no empathy for their work

Sunitha.Rao@timesgroup

Bengaluru:

With the number of Covid patients in their care swelling by the day, doctors in Bengaluru say they are swamped by a mountain of stress. From treating patients to communicating with families and completing paperwork – all the while wearing PPE – the load has increased manifold. In the bargain, they say, there is no empathy for their work.

Dr Kamal Bhalla, internal medicine specialist, Sagar Hospitals, Kumaraswamy Layout, said she, like her colleagues, goes through needless stress. “Working long hours and the fear of carrying the virus back home is always at the back of our mind,” Dr Bhalla said. “Patients don’t realise that Covid wards are not the same as general wards. They don’t realise that the most important thing is their health and that is being addressed. They keep raising demands about food and lack of hot water. Their relatives too keep calling us for these reasons.”

She says many patients and their families think doctors are not doing enough and this is lowering morale in the community.

Dr Satyanarayana Mysore, HOD, pulmonology, Manipal Hospitals, said expectations from patients’ families border on the unrealistic. Dr Mysore is currently overseeing 130 Covid patients and has taken only one day off since January.

“It’s our duty to communicate with the patient’s family, but many people from the same family keep calling us for updates. Our goal is to make a difference to someone’s life, but there are disappointing instances too, despite working hard,” Dr Mysore said.

Having to turn away patients due to lack of beds affects doctors too, says Dr Bhalla. “No doctor wants to lose a patient,” she said. “But deaths are happening daily. That patients are not getting better despite all our efforts stresses us. Some families don’t understand this.”

Front office staff say patients’ relatives do not understand that there is an acute shortage of beds and vent their fury on staff.

One of the hardest protocols, Covid warriors say, is to treat patients while wearing PPE. “A couple of hours after wearing PPE, we feel dehydrated to the core. I don’t drink much water to avoid visits to the washroom. It’s tough especially during menstrual periods,” said a PG medico working in Bowring and Lady Curzon hospital.

Calls made 24/7

A senior doctor at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute says his phone rings non-stop. “The calls are either from patients’ families, influential persons known to them or some VVIPs who are seeking a bed for a friend or relative. For us, all patients are the same. It’s hard to say there is no bed available,” said the doctor.

Victoria Hospital also gets patients with acute breathlessness who have not been tested for Covid. “Every day we get 8-10 patients who might not get a bed anywhere else if they are sent away because they don’t have a Covid test report. We admit them and treat them for Covid-like syndrome,” the doctor said.

Canada stops India flights, Singapore tightens curbs

Canada stops India flights, Singapore tightens curbs

Saurabh.Sinha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:24.04.201 

Canada on Thursday suspended all commercial and private passenger flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days, starting from 9 am on Friday (India time). Passengers who depart India or Pakistan for Canada after this time via an indirect route will need to obtain a negative Covid-19 pre-departure test from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada.

Canada has accordingly issued a notice to airmen (Notam). This “is a temporary measure for 30 days while the government assesses the evolving situation and determines appropriate measures going forward. Flights from India or Pakistan that are already in transit (in the air) will be allowed to proceed to Canada. Cargo only operations, medical transfers or military flights will not be included,” the statement said.

Singapore has also further tightened entry norms for visitors from India. Air India said in a tweet on Friday that “as per Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, all inbound travellers, (except Singapore citizens or Singapore permanent residents) with recent travel history (including transit) to India within the last 14 days before departure for Singapore, will not be allowed entry into or transfer/transit through Singapore from 11.59 pm on Friday until further notice.This will also apply to those who had obtained prior approval for entry.”

Indonesia has decided it will not issue visas to foreigners who have been in India in the past 14 days. Germany on Friday classified India, Qatar, Oman, Tunisia and Cape Verde as Covid “high incidence areas”, according to the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases. People going from these countries to Germany will need to first register with German authorities before departure and then quarantine once there.

Rush to reach UAE before 10-day ban, fares cross ₹1L

Rush to reach UAE before 10-day ban, fares cross ₹1L

Saurabh.Sinha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:24.04.2021

The scramble to reach the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before the Saturday-Sunday midnight deadline saw most flights from India headed there going near full on Friday and fares have skyrocketed. The tickets for the Delhi-Dubai one-way flights for Saturday were between Rs 46,000 and Rs 1,08,000 against the usual Rs 8,000-10,000.

Both UAE and Indian carriers fly between several cities here and four there — Dubai (the biggest international destination for Indians), Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

“People eligible to go — with a RT-PCR test done from recognised labs within last 48 hours and a negative report — are booking flights to beat the deadline. The fear is that the 10-day ban on entry of travellers from India from April 25 to May 4 may be extended,” said an airline official. The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has already said this period “may be extended”.

Charter flights and private jets are allowed during this period. Charter firm JetSetGo chief executive and founder Kanika Tekriwal said, “There are over applications with the UAE authorities from various operators to bring people from India.” While hiring an Airbus A320/Boeing 737 type aircraft costs around Rs 40 lakh for a Delhi-UAE-Delhi trip, smaller business jets cost Rs 8-10 lakh less, said industry honchos.

UAE nationals, diplomatic and official passport holders and those holding an official delegation letter are exempted from the restriction, subject to acceptance and quarantine conditions.

United halts flights to and from Delhi

United halts flights to and from Delhi

Seeks Clarity Over RT-PCR Testing Norms

Saurabh.Sinha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:24.04.2021 

United has temporarily suspended all its flights between the US and Delhi following confusion over RT-PCR testing requirement of crew members. Its New York (Newark)-Delhi flight UA 801 landed here on Thursday night. A disagreement on testing for crew of this flight, who were not alighting from the Boeing 777 and were to fly back to Newark, saw the airline deciding to take off from here without boarding passengers waiting to do so at IGI Airport.

“A government (not aviation) official insisted RT-PCR test be conducted on the crew of UA 801 that was to fly back as UA 802. This despite clear orders from the aviation ministry not to do so for asymptomatic crew of quick turn around (QTA) international flights who do not alight from aircraft and fly out of India. This disagreement saw the United flight leaving for Newark without boarding passengers,” said sources.

In a statement, United said: “As we seek clarity regarding Covid-19 travel requirements to India, we have temporarily suspended service to Delhi for April 22 and cancelled the corresponding return flights. We are working to provide alternative options to our customers and plan to resume our scheduled service as soon as possible.”

United, the only US carrier that flies to India currently, has nonstop flights between Delhi and Newark, San Francisco and Chicago. Suspension of these flights is a big blow to India-US connectivity during the pandemic as soon-to-beprivatised Air India is the only other airline that has direct flights to US destinations. Apart from the Delhi flights, United only has a Mumbai-Newark connection.

The aviation ministry says it has been getting requests from airlines to exempt pilots operating international flights from RT-PCR tests, which is not allowed as per current norms here. However, it made an exception for crew of QTA international flights who do not alight from aircraft. “Considering that cockpit crew remain within aircraft in a sterile environment of the flight deck and the cabin crew are protected by PPE, these crew operating international QTA flights are exempted from RT-PCR test on arrival at Indian airports,” says an order issued by aviation ministry joint secretary Usha Padhee this Tuesday.

Despite this, sources said the United crew members—all of whom were to remain inside the aircraft and fly back to New York— were asked to undergo the test. So they decided to fly back without boarding passengers. Sources said stranded passengers were being sent on other flights to Europe on Friday night so that they could fly further to the US.

Meanwhile, some foreign airlines operating medium and long haul nonstops to India are leant to be planning to add a stopover on their flights to India closer to the country. The idea is to have a crew change from there to operate the flight to India and then out of India to avoid their crew being exposed to the new virus strain by staying over here.

Some international airlines have sought separate fast lanes and exit areas at IGIA for crew to avoid them getting exposure risk in the common arrival hall.

Govt: Remdesivir only for those on oxygen support

Govt: Remdesivir only for those on oxygen support

24.04.2021

The Union health ministry has issued an updated “clinical guidance for management of adult Covid-19 patients”, recommending emergency use authorisation of Remdesivir for patients with moderate to severe disease, requiring supplemental oxygen, within 10 days of onset of symptoms.

“Not to be used in patients who are not on oxygen support or in home settings,” the ministry underlined.

The guidelines issued by AIIMS and ICMR stated that tocilizumab may be considered in patients with significantly raised inflammatory markers and not improving despite use of steroids with there being no active bacterial/fungal/tubercular infection. They also recommended off-label use of convalescent plasma only in the early moderate disease. PTI

•Hepatitis drug gets DCGI nod for Covid use,

HC: Mask worn under nose is same as none

HC: Mask worn under nose is same as none

24.04.2021

The Punjab and Haryana high court has made it clear that the not putting on a mask properly is equivalent to not wearing one and it will invite the same punitive action. The HC has also asked the states of Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh to depute officials of the municipal bodies/ health authorities to ensure that mask etiquettes are followed by the general public. Division bench, comprising Justice Rajan Gupta and Justice Karamjit Singh of the HC, has passed these orders while disposing of a petition on the issue pertaining to state government’s arrangements regarding Covid-19 situation.

DA, relief will not include Jan ’20-June ’21 arrears: Govt

DA, relief will not include Jan ’20-June ’21 arrears: Govt

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:24.04.2021

The Centre on Friday clarified that the dearness allowance for government employees and dearness relief for pensioners will not include arrears from January 2020 to June 2021. As and when the government decides to release the DA and dearness relief for the period starting July 2021, the payment will be made prospectively.

Last year the government had decided to freeze the DA and dearness relief for central government employees and pensioners due to the Covid-19 outbreak, although the allowances, paid to cover inflation, for previous period is being paid.

Nursing staff held for black marketing Remdesivir in Kolar

Nursing staff held for black marketing Remdesivir in Kolar

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bhopal:24.04.2021 

A nursing staff was caught trying to black market a Remdesivir injection outside a hospital in Kolar on Thursday.

This comes less than a week after the crime branch arrested four youths, including a doctor, on Saturday for allegedly black marketing of Remdesivir.

Kolar police said, when cops approached the accused he tried to flee but he was arrested. He was identifed as Jhalkan Singh, 24, a resident of Kolar and native of Guna district.

He said, he works as a nursing staff in a hospital in Kolar.

Police said, cops recovered an injection (lyophilized) 100 mg Remwin for use in hospital / institutional set up for India, written on it with a price of Rs 3950 from him.

He could not produce any document or convincing reason for the injection being in his possession.

During interrogation, the accused told police that his girlfriend who also works as a nursing staff in the hospital stole the injection from a patient and he was trying to sell it.

He said, his girlfriend would administer saline to patients and steal the Remdesivir meant for them.

He admitted that he had sold an injection to a doctor. He had been blackmarketing injections for Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per injection.

Further investigation is underway.

Police said, cops recovered an injection (lyophilized) 100 mg Remwin for use in hospital / institutional set up for India, written on it with a price of Rs 3950 from him

சி.ஏ., படிப்புக்கு முதுநிலை பட்டம் அந்தஸ்து

சி.ஏ., படிப்புக்கு முதுநிலை பட்டம் அந்தஸ்து

Added : ஏப் 22, 2021 22:01

சென்னை:சி.ஏ., போன்ற கணக்கு தணிக்கை படிப்பு முடித்தவர்கள், இனி நேரடியாக, பிஎச்.டி., ஆராய்ச்சி படிப்பில் சேர வாய்ப்பு வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

பிளஸ் 2 முடிக்கும் மாணவர்கள், கல்லுாரிகளில் இளநிலை படிப்பும், பின், முதுநிலை படிப்பும் முடித்தால் மட்டுமே, பிஎச்.டி., ஆராய்ச்சி படிப்புகளில் சேர முடியும்.இந்நிலையில், பிளஸ் 2 முடித்த மாணவர்கள், சி.ஏ., உள்ளிட்ட கணக்கு தணிக்கை படிப்பை முடித்தவர்களும், முதுநிலை படிப்பை முடித்தவர்கள் போல், ஆராய்ச்சி படிப்புக்கும், போட்டி தேர்வுகளும் எழுதும் வாய்ப்பு ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது.

இதற்கு வழிவகுக்கும் வகையில், பல்கலை மானியக் குழுவான யு.ஜி.சி., சார்பில், அனைத்து பல்கலைகளுக்கும் அனுப்பப்பட்டு உள்ள சுற்றறிக்கை:ஐ.சி.ஏ.இ.,யான கணக்கு தணிக்கையாளர் அமைப்பு; ஐ.சி.எஸ்.ஐ., என்ற நிறுவன செயலர்கள் அமைப்பு; ஐ.சி.ஏ.ஐ., என்ற விலை கணக்கீட்டாளர் அமைப்பு ஆகியவற்றில் இருந்து, கோரிக்கை மனுக்கள் வந்துள்ளன.

அதன்படி, மேற்கண்ட அமைப்புகளின் அங்கீகாரம் பெற்று, சி.ஏ., - சி.எஸ்., - ஐ.சி.டபிள்யூ.ஏ., ஆகிய படிப்புகள், இனி முதுநிலை பட்டப் படிப்புக்கு நிகராக கருதப்படும்.இதற்கான ஒப்புதல், யு.ஜி.சி.,யின் கூட்டத்தில் வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.இவ்வாறு, அதில் கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது.

On Tuesday, seven persons were caught without mask every four minutes in the city

7 caught every 4 minutes

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad:22.04.2021 

On Tuesday, seven persons were caught without mask every four minutes in the city with 2,539 fined on the day.Police said that on Tuesday a total of Rs 25.39 lakh was collected as fine from those caught for not wearing the masks. The number keeps increasing.

On election day, only four people were caught by city police for not wearing mask, which has now increased to 2,539 in a day.

On Monday, 2,625 persons were fined for not wearing masks and cumulatively Rs 26.25 lakh collected from them. The officials said that over 2,500 cases in a single day was the highest figure registered in the city since January1 .

During election time, seemingly fewer people were fined over mask rule violations. The numbers show that in February, mask rule violations were less than 1,000 a day, while by February 12, the number dropped to just 122. There were 407 cases for curfew violations and flouting disaster management act registered on Tuesday. Police said 415 people had been arrested in these 407 cases. Until Wednesday morning, cumulatively, 38,185 persons had been arrested in 36,968 such cases.

Majority of these cases pertained to movement during curfew without valid reason, said police. AMC officials said their teams were also involved in imposing mask fines for but did not give number of persons fined.

MASK FINES