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Covid Third Wave: Cases reduce in India, dangerous new NeoCoV strain debuts in South Africa

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Varsha Vats
Varsha VatsJan 28, 2022 | 14:31

Covid Third Wave: Cases reduce in India, dangerous new NeoCoV strain debuts in South Africa

Covid

India reported a marginal drop in daily Covid cases over the past 24 hours. The country logged a total of 2,51,209 fresh Covid cases on January 28 morning. The country’s positivity rate has also dropped from 19.59% to 15.88%. The weekly positivity rate stands at 17.47%.

There is a slight relief in India's Covid burden but a new fear has emerged as per scientists from Wuhan, China. A few Chinese scientists have warned of a new Covid strain, which has a higher death and infection rate.

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Sounds familiar, right? A few Chinese scientists warned us about Coronavirus in 2019. At that time it was a virus in Wuhan, China, making people sick and killing a few. And now we are in the middle of a never-ending pandemic.

1. NEW STRAIN, NeoCoV

The new strain is called NeoCoV. According to a report by Russian news agency Sputnik, scientists have said that the strain has been discovered in South Africa and is not new.

“The NeoCoV virus, related to the Middle East respiratory syndrome MERS-CoV, linked with outbreaks in countries of the Middle East in 2012 and 2015, is not new. It is also similar in many ways to SARS-CoV-2,” the report mentioned.

Scientists have warned that this strain can result in a high mortality rate and has a high transmission rate as well. It was discovered in the bat population in South Africa.

covid-illustration-j_012822124617.jpg
Illustration: Seemon, DailyO

Coming back to India: Here are the latest updates on Covid-19

1. FEWER CASES THAN YESTERDAY

As per the Health Ministry data, 2,51,209 new Covid cases were reported in the past 24 hours. As many as 627 people have died because of the virus on January 27.

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15,82,307 Covid tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.

2. DELHI LIFTS WEEKEND CURFEW

The Delhi government has lifted a few Covid curbs in the national capital:

  • There will be no weekend curfews in Delhi
  • Markets will now operate normally without odd-even restrictions
  • Restaurants and cinemas can reopen at 50% capacity
  • Schools and colleges will remain shut
  • 200 people can now attend weddings (from earlier 15)
  • Night curfew will stay from 10 pm to 5 am
  • Government offices will operate at 50% capacity

A significant drop in Covid cases has been reported in Delhi. 4,291 fresh cases were reported yesterday which is 42% less than the previous day.

3. SCHOOLS, COLLEGES TO REOPEN IN TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu is all set to reopen schools and colleges from February 1. The state has also removed night curfew and complete lockdown on Sundays.

100 people can attend weddings while 50 can attend funerals.

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Restaurants and cinemas will function with 50% capacity.

No cultural events or exhibitions will take place.

Tamil Nadu has reported 28,515 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours.

4. CENTRE EXTENDS COVID RESTRICTIONS

The Union Home Ministry has extended existing Covid containment measures till February 28. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said active cases have increased in all states and Union Territories, and they must observe all precautions and not let their guard down.

5. 94% OF THE TOTAL CASES ARE OF OMICRON: KERALA

The Omicron variant, which is driving the third wave in the country, is responsible for almost 94% of the total Covid cases in Kerala. "It is now clear that the third wave in Kerala is the Omicron wave," state Health Minister Veena George said.

Kerala recorded 51,739 Covid cases on Thursday.

Last updated: January 28, 2022 | 14:31
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