COVID-19: Centre should rise to the occasion and take control of situation, not abandon states in dire straits
3 years, 7 months ago

COVID-19: Centre should rise to the occasion and take control of situation, not abandon states in dire straits

Firstpost  

India’s federal structure provides for power to the Central government for some major decisions and autonomy for states on many others. Again, typically last year, all citizens, and yes, including the First One, were exhorted to beat and bang metal plates, to beat the s…t out of COVID-19. This time around the man on the street, ambulances and hospitals, the states, the media, within and without, and experts from across the globe have risen as one to deliver a stinging statement that the Central government has completely goofed up. Some states may have the administrative and financial wherewithal, but what about a wretched land like Bihar or the far-flung states in the North East, where COVID-19 is rising?

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History of this topic

Centre issues advisory to states amid COVID-19 surge
1 year ago

Centre issues advisory to states amid COVID-19 surge

Firstpost  

The central government has asked states to maintain constant vigil over the Covid situation and report and monitor district-wise SARI and ILI cases on a regular basis The Centre on Monday issued advisory to states in view of a recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases and detection of first case of JN.1 variant in India. Centre issues advisory to States in …

Centre writes to States, advises them to maintain vigil amid uptick in COVID-19 cases
1 year ago

Centre writes to States, advises them to maintain vigil amid uptick in COVID-19 cases

The Hindu  

The Union Health Ministry has asked all States to maintain constant vigil over the COVID-19 situation in the country in view of the upcoming festive season and recent surge in cases in some parts of the country. The Health Ministry has in its letter noted that considering the upcoming festive season, States are advised to put in place requisite public …

Ready, or not: The Hindu Editorial on rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and India’s state of preparedness
1 year, 8 months ago

Ready, or not: The Hindu Editorial on rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and India’s state of preparedness

The Hindu  

The better part of management is preparedness. On April 12, a total of 7,830 new cases were reported in a 24-hour period, according to the Union Health Ministry’s data, possibly the highest in over 200 days. However, health systems can scarcely afford to be under prepared, especially considering the recent traumatic experience of a raging pandemic taking a huge toll. …

COVID-19: Next 40 days 'crucial' as India may see surge in new cases in January
2 years ago

COVID-19: Next 40 days 'crucial' as India may see surge in new cases in January

Firstpost  

“Previously, it has been noticed that a new wave of COVID-19 hits India around 30-35 days after it hits East Asia…. This has been a trend,” an official said New Delhi: The next 40 days are going to be crucial as India may see a surge in COVID-19 cases in January, official sources said on Wednesday citing the pattern of …

DC Edit | India\'s Covid curbs to go, but caution still advisable
2 years, 9 months ago

DC Edit | India\'s Covid curbs to go, but caution still advisable

Deccan Chronicle  

It’s official now: India is moving out of the grip of the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus that infected more than four crore people, officially killed more than five lakhs, and impacted the lives and livelihoods of every human being in the country in varying measures in the last two years. The low figures, the success of the vaccination project, the development …

Vigilance, vaccination and endemic COVID-19
3 years, 2 months ago

Vigilance, vaccination and endemic COVID-19

The Hindu  

On June 27, 2021, the daily reported COVID-19 cases had fallen below 50,000, and have remained so for 15 consecutive weeks. From August 1 to October 7 — 2,219,097 additional cases were reported, representing, by extrapolation, 70 million infections, taking the total to 1,020 million, the susceptible population therefore is 1,400 - 1,020 = 380 million. Endemic transmission will be …

Complete Weekend Lockdown in Kerala Amid 3rd Wave Fears, Centre Sends Team
3 years, 5 months ago

Complete Weekend Lockdown in Kerala Amid 3rd Wave Fears, Centre Sends Team

News 18  

Kerala will go under complete lockdown this weekend as the state reports a surge in coronavirus cases, leading to fear of an imminent third wave. “As a large number of Covid cases are still being reported in Kerala, the team will aid the state’s ongoing efforts in Covid management,” said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The BJP on Wednesday blamed …

Govt tells SC it's continuously preparing states, UTs to deal with future Covid waves
3 years, 6 months ago

Govt tells SC it's continuously preparing states, UTs to deal with future Covid waves

India Today  

The Centre on Saturday told the Supreme Court that it is "continuously preparing" the states and Union Territories, and their infrastructure to deal with future resurgence of Covid-19 in the country. "State governments/union territories have been cautioned to maintain a continuous vigil and plan in advance for any exigencies that may arise due to resurgence of Covid-19 in their respective …

With third Covid wave fear looming, Centre cautions states as crowds return after easing of curbs
3 years, 6 months ago

With third Covid wave fear looming, Centre cautions states as crowds return after easing of curbs

India Today  

With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions leading to the resumption of crowding in markets, the Centre on Saturday directed the states and Union Territories to open up activities in a "carefully calibrated" manner. This comes after AIIMS director Randeep Guleria warned that India could see a third wave of coronavirus in six to eight weeks if Covid-appropriate behaviour is not …

COVID-19 updates: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu to ease restrictions from today; India logs 1.14 lakh cases
3 years, 7 months ago

COVID-19 updates: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu to ease restrictions from today; India logs 1.14 lakh cases

Firstpost  

Meanwhile, the Telangana cabinet will meet on 8 June to take a call on the extension of lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19, among other issues, an official release said on Sunday With India’s COVID-19 daily case count on a steady decline, a slew of states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are slated to ease lockdown restrictions …

Covid-19: Should India start opening up?
3 years, 7 months ago

Covid-19: Should India start opening up?

Hindustan Times  

The second wave of Covid-19 infections in India is slowing down. Higher mobility levels might have acted as a catalyst for the second wave The first wave of Covid-19 infections in India reached its trough on February 11. The second wave reached its peak in Delhi on April 23, 2021 with a seven-day average of 25,294 daily cases. For example, …

Top news of the day: Government says second COVID-19 wave is on the downswing; seven non-BJP-ruled States seek GST loss compensation, and more
3 years, 7 months ago

Top news of the day: Government says second COVID-19 wave is on the downswing; seven non-BJP-ruled States seek GST loss compensation, and more

The Hindu  

“A steady decline in new COVID-19 cases has been recorded in India for the last 20 days. Twenty four States have also reported decline in active COVID-19 cases since the last week,” the Health Ministry said. Dr. Paul, India’s top COVID-19 adviser, has said the States had coerced the Centre into expanding the availability of vaccines despite being aware of …

A broken polity, a ghost State
3 years, 7 months ago

A broken polity, a ghost State

Hindustan Times  

The devastating second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused an unfortunate and avoidable catastrophe. As desperate scenes started beaming on television, and social media platforms were flooded with cries for help, India was forced to face the reality of its broken polity and a ghost State. Most government employees in India work in the railways, postal department, home ministry, …

Covid-19: Pay attention to rural India
3 years, 7 months ago

Covid-19: Pay attention to rural India

Hindustan Times  

When Covid-19 first hit India, the biggest fear among both policymakers and public experts was that the pandemic would travel to India’s Hindi heartland — primarily across the rural belt of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Given the size of the two states, the density of population, the abysmal health care infrastructure, and the manner in which the virus could quickly …

Centre, states doing everything possible to tackle COVID crisis: Rajnath Singh
3 years, 7 months ago

Centre, states doing everything possible to tackle COVID crisis: Rajnath Singh

India TV News  

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the Centre and the state governments are doing everything possible to tackle the COVID-19 crisis, while asserting that only those who perform commit mistakes. A state government press note said, "The World Health Organization lauded the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government to contain the virus in rural areas with special reference to …

Sonia says Centre thinks it alone has answers to fight COVID-19
3 years, 8 months ago

Sonia says Centre thinks it alone has answers to fight COVID-19

The Hindu  

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday urged the Union government to listen to suggestions offered by the States to bring the COVID-19 situation under control At a meeting of all MPs of the party to discuss the second wave of COVID-19 across the country, she sought their views and pointed out that tackling the crisis required an able, calm and …

COVID Second Wave In India A Tragedy, Says Dr Vivek Murthy
3 years, 8 months ago

COVID Second Wave In India A Tragedy, Says Dr Vivek Murthy

News 18  

Jha Washington: The second wave of COVID-19 in India is a tragedy, US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy has said, underlining the need for countries to help each other during the crisis. As a world, we need each other in terms of countries to step up to help make sure that the world has an adequate supply of vaccine, to …

Third wave of COVID-19 'inevitable', says top govt adviser; virus kills record 3,780 in 24 hrs
3 years, 8 months ago

Third wave of COVID-19 'inevitable', says top govt adviser; virus kills record 3,780 in 24 hrs

Firstpost  

The ministry also said that a rise in the number of daily COVID-19 cases and mortality has been observed in Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand, indicating the pandemic is moving eastwards As India grapples with the deadly second wave of COVID-19, the Centre on Wednesday warned a third wave rise in cases was “inevitable”, given the higher levels …

COVID-19: New governments have no time to celebrate poll win, they must jump into pandemic war immediately
3 years, 8 months ago

COVID-19: New governments have no time to celebrate poll win, they must jump into pandemic war immediately

Firstpost  

It is time for the new governments to live up to the hopes of the electorate and take effective steps to curb the second wave of coronavirus. As the Trinamool Congress emerged as the clear winner in the West Bengal Assembly election, Mamata Banerjee said that combating the COVID-19 situation will be the topmost priority of her government and dedicated …

Statehood Day: PM Modi wishes good health and success fighting covid 19 to Maha, Gujarat
3 years, 8 months ago

Statehood Day: PM Modi wishes good health and success fighting covid 19 to Maha, Gujarat

India TV News  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished happy Statehood Days to Maharashtra and Gujarat. He took to Twitter to wish the states good health and success in fighting the ongoing COVID 19 surge in their respective states. Maharashtra on Friday reported 62,919 fresh COVID-19 cases and 828 deaths, said the state health department. Gujarat's Covid tally reached 5,67,777 with 14,605 …

Declare COVID-19 as national calamity: Maharashtra CM to Centre
3 years, 8 months ago

Declare COVID-19 as national calamity: Maharashtra CM to Centre

The Hindu  

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has asked the Centre to declare the COVID-19 pandemic as a "national calamity", Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said on Thursday. Talking to reporters here, Mr. Raut also said the "Maharashtra model" of COVID-19 management should be implemented in other parts of the country. Mr. Raut said Mr. Thackeray, during meetings of chief ministers with …

Viral load: The Hindu Editorial on COVID-19-induces lockdowns and saving lives and livelihoods
3 years, 8 months ago

Viral load: The Hindu Editorial on COVID-19-induces lockdowns and saving lives and livelihoods

The Hindu  

Hovering around 3.5 lakh daily infections, India’s current wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is still some distance from the peak. After months, Chennai came under a complete Sunday lockdown with increased restrictions during the week; Kerala had the whole weekend in shutdown. The learning from the first lockdown should not be that it is a political hot potato that is …

Current wave of Covid-19 worrying: UP CM Yogi Adityanath
3 years, 8 months ago

Current wave of Covid-19 worrying: UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Live Mint  

Lucknow: The current COVID-19 wave is worrying and people need to take all precautions and follow protocols, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday at an all-party meeting. Chief Minister Adityanath said the current wave of COVID-19 is worrying. "The state government is committed to save lives and livelihood of people," Adityanath said, PTI reported. As Uttar Pradesh …

Covid-19: Maharashtra govt to take final decision on lockdown today, says NCP leader Nawab Malik
3 years, 8 months ago

Covid-19: Maharashtra govt to take final decision on lockdown today, says NCP leader Nawab Malik

India Today  

The Nationalist Congress Party leader and Maharashtra cabinet minister Nawab Malik on Monday said that the state government is likely to take the final call on full lockdown in the state after a detailed meeting on Monday. The minister also slammed BJP leader and former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnvais for demanding a Rs 50,000 crore package before the announcement of …

As Covid situation becomes grave, PM Modi, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan to chair meetings with state governments
3 years, 9 months ago

As Covid situation becomes grave, PM Modi, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan to chair meetings with state governments

India Today  

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan will chair a high-level meeting with health ministers of 11 states and Union territories on Tuesday at 6.30 pm, sources within the ministry told India Today TV. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting on April 8 at 6.30 pm with chief ministers of all states and UTs to take stock of the …

Covid-19: SC asks 4 states to submit status report on steps to tackle worsening situation
4 years, 1 month ago

Covid-19: SC asks 4 states to submit status report on steps to tackle worsening situation

India Today  

The Supreme Court on Monday sought an affidavit from the governments of four states -- Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Assam -- on the steps taken by them to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. The apex court has asked all the states to file status reports on steps they have taken, steps intended to be taken and help needed from Centre …

COVID-19 pandemic showing declining trend, says Centre; Unlock 5 guidelines extended till 30 Nov
4 years, 2 months ago

COVID-19 pandemic showing declining trend, says Centre; Unlock 5 guidelines extended till 30 Nov

Firstpost  

The health ministry said that India reported 10 lakh recoveries in a span of 13 days, taking the country’s recovery rate to 90.62 percent The number of coronavirus cases reported in India in a span of 24 hours dropped below 40,000 after over three months, while the new fatalities registered during the same period remained under 500 for the second …

Covid-19 possible second wave as India unlocks: How ready is healthcare system?
4 years, 4 months ago

Covid-19 possible second wave as India unlocks: How ready is healthcare system?

India Today  

India is witnessing a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Randeep Guleria, the director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, ended speculation over the existence of a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in an interview to India Today. The fresh spike in cases across worst-affected states has pushed the country's daily Covid-19 caseload to over 90,000 …

The Indian state that got its Covid-19 response right (opinion)
4 years, 6 months ago

The Indian state that got its Covid-19 response right (opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Dr. Saju Mathew is a CNN medical analyst, primary care physician, and a public health specialist. Despite the fact that Kerala confirmed its first case of the coronavirus on January 30, the state, with a population of around 35 million, has 3,726 active cases as of Friday, with 22 deaths — about one death per 1.5 million people …

Coronavirus | ‘Confusion’ within central government in fight against COVID-19, says Congress
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus | ‘Confusion’ within central government in fight against COVID-19, says Congress

The Hindu  

The Congress on Saturday said there was “confusion” within the central government in its fight against the novel coronavirus and wondered how would India tackle the pandemic if officials continued to speak in different voices. Referring to “differing” comments made by some officials on the COVID-19 situation in the country, Congress senior spokesperson Ajay Maken said the government should tell …

Coronavirus | Why States don’t have enough money for the COVID-19 battle (and what the Centre can do) | The Hindu In Focus Podcast
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus | Why States don’t have enough money for the COVID-19 battle (and what the Centre can do) | The Hindu In Focus Podcast

The Hindu  

A running theme during this lockdown period and of the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in general so far is that decision-making has been largely centralised while the fact is that it is the States that bear responsibility for the real frontline battles against the pandemic. At different phases in our history there are ebbs and flow toward greater decentralisation …

Coronavirus India Roundup April 20: Over 500 deaths, Goa declared COVID-19 free, states ease out of lockdown
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus India Roundup April 20: Over 500 deaths, Goa declared COVID-19 free, states ease out of lockdown

Firstpost  

A total of 1,553 cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours, along with 36 deaths. A pizza delivery man tested positive for COVID-19 on April 14, triggering a scare for those he delivered to as well as his close contacts. Yogi Adityanath’s father passes away; he won’t perform last rites The UP CM’s father, Anand Singh Bisht, passed away …

Covid-19 in India: No major lockdown relaxation as cases top 17,000; over 500 dead | 10 points
4 years, 8 months ago

Covid-19 in India: No major lockdown relaxation as cases top 17,000; over 500 dead | 10 points

India Today  

As India completed 26 days of the nationwide lockdown on Sunday, the coronavirus tally in the country stood at 17,615, while the Covid-19 death toll climbed to 519. The union health ministry on Sunday said that selective relaxations will be given to non-containment zones in India after April 20 midnight, however, strict restrictions will continue in districts declared Covid-19 hotspots. …

As some states extend curbs, India awaits Centre’s Covid-19 lockdown decision
4 years, 8 months ago

As some states extend curbs, India awaits Centre’s Covid-19 lockdown decision

Hindustan Times  

A section of government functionaries believes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may make public his decision on whether to extend the nationwide lockdown after a key meeting on April 14, while others expect an announcement as early as Sunday. India imposed sweeping restrictions banning commercial rail and air travel, interstate movement and social and religious gatherings on March 25 to …

COVID19: SC Defers Petition Seeking Imposition Of Financial Emergency, Says Current Situation Not Conducive To Hear Plea
4 years, 9 months ago

COVID19: SC Defers Petition Seeking Imposition Of Financial Emergency, Says Current Situation Not Conducive To Hear Plea

Live Law  

The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred a plea seeking imposition of financial emergency vis-à-vis Article 360 of the Constitution. "It is a global epidemic which should not be handled by district level geographical barriers and it must be fought by public and govt both in unified manner as per emergency provisions of Constitution of India", the plea averred. Apropos this, …

Covid-19: Centre and states must work together | Opinion
4 years, 9 months ago

Covid-19: Centre and states must work together | Opinion

Hindustan Times  

As the crisis faced by India’s migrant workers has shown, the Union government’s centralised, command-and-control approach of managing the coronavirus pandemic will not work. Migrant workers head home on Day 5 of the 21-day nationwide lockdown imposed by the government to curb the spread of coronavirus, New Delhi, March 29, 2020 Once it became evident that migrants were leaving inhospitable …

COVID19: PIL Seeks SC's Intervention On Account Of Government's Inexperience & Inefficiency To Tackle Calamity [Read Petition]
4 years, 9 months ago

COVID19: PIL Seeks SC's Intervention On Account Of Government's Inexperience & Inefficiency To Tackle Calamity [Read Petition]

Live Law  

Taking stock of inefficient measures of the Government for containing the COVID19 pandemic, a plea has been filed in the Supreme Court for its immediate intervention in the ongoing crisis. "Because the Respondents have remained ignorant of the situation which has in its eventuality led to the nation standstill in all respects and have made the general public lose faith …

Comprehensive and robust: UN backs India's 21-day lockdown to contain COVID-19 spread
4 years, 9 months ago

Comprehensive and robust: UN backs India's 21-day lockdown to contain COVID-19 spread

India TV News  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement to lockdown the country for a period of 21 days amid the coronavirus pandemic has earned praises from the United Nations. "United Nations stands in solidarity with India in its fight against COVID-19,” said a video message tweeted by United Nations News on Tuesday, the UN's multimedia news service. WHO Representative to India Henk Bekedam …

Battle against COVID-19
4 years, 10 months ago

Battle against COVID-19

The Hindu  

The international financial order, governments across the world and societies in affected countries are all grappling with the panic over the global spread of COVID-19. It requires years of investment in building up a comprehensive health care system, institutes for vaccine research, infrastructure for manufacturing of vaccines, on-ground supply chain measures, a coordinated effort of the private sector, the armed …

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