3 Strains Of SARS-COV-2 Found in India
After completing whole genome sequencing, India has found three different quasi- subspecies of strains of SARS-COV-2. However, Dr. Ganagakhedkar from the ICMR states that the mutation rate of the virus is not very rapid.
The strains are similar to the strains that have emerged from China, Iran, and Italy.
Austria To Reopen Museums By Mid-May
In order to follow its ease of lockdown restrictions, Austria is set to reopen its museums from mid-May along with other cultural spaces
US Gives USD 5.9 Million To India
The United States have given India 5.9 million US dollars to India as health assistance for tackling COVID-19 and help in containment strategies of the virus.
Four New Services Exempt From Lockdown
After adding E-commerce and post as services exempt from the lockdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs has added another four services.
These include the harvesting collection and processing of Minor Forest Products, harvesting and processing of plantations of bamboo, coconut, arecanut, cocoa and spices, non-banking financial services like housing finance companies and microfinance institutions, along with cooperative credit savings, and construction activities involving water, sanitation, laying power lines among other activities.
COVID-19 Could Add To Children Deaths: UN
The United Nations in its assessment of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on children could add to children deaths reversing the gains and improvement achieved in reducing infant mortality. This could also push more children into extreme poverty.
Uber Teams With Medlife To Provide Medicines In 5 Cities
Cab aggregator Uber has merged with Medlife, an e-health platform for distributing medicines in five cities across the country. Reisdents across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and Pune can order prescription and other over-the-counter medicines through the two apps.
Gujarat Crosses 1000 Cases
The Gujarat Health Ministry has reported 92 new cases taking the total number of cases to 1024 with 38 deaths across the state.
Gujarat joins Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu
China Changes Number Of Cases And Deaths In Wuhan
Wuhan the epicentre of the Coronavirus outbreak revised its death toll up from1,290 to 3,869- an increase of 50% from its previous count. The death toll has now increased to 4,632 and the cases now stand at 86,629 confirmed cases.
Chinese authorities stated that the revision was due to some hospitals being overwhelmed due to the magnanimity of the outbreak leading to incorrect reporting, delay in reports or omission of reports. They further stated that the revision was being done in accordance with the law.
India Crosses 13,000 Cases
India reported 628 new cases and 17 new deaths taking the total to 13,387 cases and 437 deaths.
Over 1749 cases have also recovered.
Deaths have been steadily increasing across many states. Maharashtra became the first state to cross 3000 cases.
Gujarat Laboratory Decodes Whole Genome Of Coronavirus
Scientists at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre have decoded the whole genomic sequence of SARS-COV-2 making it the country's first state government laboratory to decode the genome.