Delhi and Mumbai record drop in daily cases
On January 21, Delhi and Mumbai recorded 10,756 and 5,008 one-day cases respectively, with a reduced positivity rate of 18.04% in Delhi. Mumbai recorded a drop in cases for the third consecutive day. Delhi recorded 38 deaths in the past 24 hours and Mumbai recorded 12.
In light of the dwindling number of cases, the Delhi government announced the lifting of the weekend curfew. However, the lieutenant governor vetoed the decision.
The Union Health Ministry has announced that institutional isolation will not be mandatory for international travelers from at-risk countries from January 22. However, a seven-day home quarantine is still required.
Source: The Indian Express
Blanket travel bans not an appropriate approach to curb COVID-19, says WHO
Banning the movement of people is a counterproductive approach to containing the spread of COVID-19 in India, according to Roderico H Ofrin, the Indian representative of the World Health Organization (WHO). Rather, he asserted that a risk-based approach was needed.
“WHO does not recommend a blanket travel ban, or a complete restriction on the movement of people,” Ofrin told PTI. “In many ways, such blanket approaches can be counterproductive. In India, with its diversity in population distribution and geographic distribution, the risk-based approach remains the wisest public health practice to counter a pandemic.”
In the current scenario, a nuanced and focused public health system would suffice, Orfin added. Extending vaccination coverage, masking, maintaining hand hygiene, physical distancing, ventilating indoor spaces and avoiding crowds are all important and lockdowns would not be necessary if protocol is followed. .
Source: The Economic Times
India Ratings predicts 7.6% growth for the country’s economy in FY23
According to India Ratings and Research, the country’s economy is expected to grow by 7.6% in 2022-23. On Jan. 20, the agency said that after a two-year gap, India’s economy will show expansion.
“However, the size of India’s economy in FY23 will be 10.2% below the FY23 GDP trend value. Continued weakness in private consumption and demand is estimated to be of investment contributes 43.4% and 21% respectively to this deficit”, indicates the report of the agency.
Source: The Times of India
Read more: Inflation + recession = poverty + high prices. The corollary: hunger
Booster dose should be delayed for three months after recovery
On January 21, the Center said that vaccination against COVID-19, including precautionary doses, will now be delayed for three months for those who have tested positive.
“Please note that in case of individuals with SARS-2 COVID-19 disease proven by laboratory tests, any COVID vaccination, including the precautionary dose, should be postponed for three months after recovery” , Union Health Department Additional Secretary Vikas Sheel said in a letter to all. states and union territories. The decision is based on scientific evidence and the recommendation of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group.
Source: Hindustan Times
Prohibition of electoral rallies, road shows continue
On January 15, the electoral commission had imposed a ban on physical gatherings and road shows until January 22 due to the upsurge in COVID-19 cases. Given the current situation, sources have claimed that the ban is expected to continue until next week.
Strict guidelines limiting the number of people allowed for door-to-door campaigns to five were also announced. Indoor meetings were, however, authorized with a maximum capacity of 300 people, i.e. a capacity of 50% of the place.
Incidentally, union Home Minister Amit Shah is currently conducting a door-to-door campaign in a UP constituency on January 22.
Source: India Today
(Compiled by Saachi D’Souza)