India adds 50,407 Covid cases, 804 deaths in 24 hrs; tally surges to 4.25 crore

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Assam government had tightened Covid curbs to contain the transmission of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. The state prohibited the entry of non-vaccinated people to public places, except hospitals. It said that all people are required to carry proof of being fully vaccinated while visiting public places/spaces. The state had allowed classes 9-12 on alternate days and had suspended offline classes up to Class 8.

Omicron variant that triggered the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic in late December and which has now ebbed in the metropolis, the city civic body said on Monday. 

As hospitalizations linked to the Omicron variant decline, Ontario has unveiled its fast-tracked plans to remove pandemic restrictions on most businesses. Caryn Lieberman breaks down what rules are being lifted, which public spaces are affected, and the questions over what’s really motivating Premier Doug Ford.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the never-before-used Emergencies Act on Monday, amid ongoing protests against COVID-19 restrictions.

Saskatchewan government’s proof of vaccination health order, designed to stop the spread of COVID-19, is no longer in effect.That means Saskatchewan residents can attend events, go to restaurants and bar and work out with no limits.Business owners who spoke to Global News said they’re relieved — not because they think it’s the right or wrong thing to do, but because it’s one less thing they’re responsible for. Saskatchewan dropping proof of vaccination requirement  “We’ve been operating throughout the entire pandemic and we’ve gotten pretty used to pivoting our business and changing on the fly,” Cierra Sieban-Shuback said.“So for us, it’s honestly moreso ‘normal’ than anything else.”Sieban-Shuback owns Living Skies Cannabis in Saskatoon.

Corbevax will be the second vaccine after Covaxin which has received EUA for those below 18 years of age. The Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company will be submitting data soon for clinical trials done on children aged below 12 years, the news agency added.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Monday that the province would drop the proof of vaccination requirement starting March 1, though masking would remain in place. Capacity limits will also be removed on restaurants, bars and other indoor venues on Feb.

Alberta students are no longer required to wear masks in school, and kids 12 and under don’t have to be masked in any setting.Carolyn Kury de Castillo reports on how students and parents reacted on Monday.

The Big Boost Week continues to see tens of thousands of people going out to get their booster dose each day. Yesterday, 47,573 booster doses were administered across the motu – that’s twice as many as Sunday – and brings the total so far to almost two million doses.

COVID-19 pandemic to be undone.Premier Doug Ford unveiled on Monday that Ontario would be fast-tracking previously announced steps to lift restrictions, including moving the next step of its reopening plan up to Thursday instead of next Monday.Social gathering limits will increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors on Thursday, while capacity limits will be removed in places such as restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theatres. Capacity at businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and retail stores will be set at the number of people who can maintain a distance of two metres.Less than two weeks later, on March 1, capacity limits will be lifted in all remaining indoor public settings, and proof-of-vaccination requirements will end for all settings.

COVID-19 fatalities in Alberta since the pandemic began has risen by 35 deaths, the province announced Monday.Alberta Health’s website said 3,776 deaths have now been linked to the novel coronavirus since the pandemic began, up from 3,741 on Friday.However, the total number of hospital patients with COVID-19 in Alberta dropped to 1,528 on Monday, down from 1,566 on Friday. The number of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units also decreased slightly to 124 on Monday, down from 127 on Friday.According to Alberta Health, the province had 20,865 lab-confirmed active cases of the disease on Monday afternoon, down from 24,154 on Friday.Over the weekend, 2,647 new COVID-19 cases (1,146 on Feb.

A look at where Manitoba’s COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU numbers stand to begin the week.

Ontario is ending its vaccine certificate system on March 1, when capacity limits in public settings and restrictions on social gathering sizes will fully lift as well, though masking requirements will remain for now.Premier Doug Ford insisted the steps are not a result of pressure from anti-vaccine mandate protesters.“Today’s announcement is not because of what’s happening in Ottawa or Windsor, but despite it,” he said Monday. Ontario to end COVID proof of vaccination March 1, mask mandate to remain in place “The extraordinary measures that we introduced during this pandemic were always intended as a last resort.

Isabelle Huppert has tested positive for COVID-19.

Ontario to end COVID proof of vaccination March 1, mask mandate to remain in place Legault said he still needs approval from public health officials before loosening the requirement to show proof of vaccination.“We want to remove most of the measures, but we have to be careful because of the hospital situation,” he said.

COVID-19 measures and vaccination mandates have mostly been peaceful.“I think we don’t need it,” he said. “So far with the Sûreté du Québec, we were able to keep control.“I think at this moment it would not help the social climate.

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths will remain above pre-Omicron levels into March, despite the city passing the peak of the latest wave.New Scarsin forecasting, revealed during a board of health (BOH) meeting on Monday, projected a scenario where the city will have to deal with about 20,000 new COVID-19 cases and another 300 hospitalizations between Feb. 14 and Mar.

Daily COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong, which is grappling with a quickly growing Omicron wave, topped 2,000 for the first time today as the public health system struggled to cope.

The COVID-19 surge caused by the Omicron variant continues to recede in the United States, with the nation reporting a 7-day average of 175,492 new daily cases, with 2,458 daily deaths, according to the Washington Post tracker.

The Polaris Dawn crew is pictured in a provided image. (Photo credit: Polaris Program / John Kraus) LOS ANGELES - Plans for three more crewed SpaceX private missions were announced this week, the first of which is targeted for launch later this year and will again be commanded by Jared Isaacman — a billionaire tech entrepreneur who previously experienced his own SpaceX flight. If all goes well, the last of the three missions could be the first crewed flight aboard SpaceX’s Starship, the tallest and most powerful rocket ever built.Isaacman, who founded the credit card processing company Shift4Payments, on Monday unveiled the Polaris Program— which aims to launch up to three human spaceflight missions in the future.

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has decided to invoke emergency powers across all of Canada to quell the protests by demonstrators who have paralyzed Ottawa and blocked border crossings in anger over the country's COVID-19 restrictions, a senior government official said Monday.READ: Ambassador Bridge officially reopened after weekThe prime minister met virtually with the leaders of Canada's provinces and planned to address the nation late in the afternoon.In recent days, Trudeau rejected calls to use the military but otherwise said "all options are on the table" to end the protests, including invoking the Emergencies Act, which gives the government broad powers to restore order.The government official who confirmed Trudeau's plans gave no immediate details on precisely how Trudeau intends to use his emergency authority.

Two studies to be presented at upcoming professional society meetings suggest that some long COVID-19 symptoms may be related to the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the vagus nerve and that the use of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP)—which increases blood flow—can improve some of those symptoms, respectively.

People who received a different brand of COVID-19 vaccine booster than they did in the primary series had lower rates of infection than those who received the same brand, according to a study in Singapore published late last week in JAMA.The study also found that participants who received a booster of

COVID-19 mask mandate in classrooms.The Alberta Federation of Labour said in a news release that a request for an injunction to keep masks in place was filed Sunday on behalf of several parents who have children living with disabilities.Students in schools were no longer required to wear face coverings starting Monday following an announcement by Premier Jason Kenney last week that the province plans to lift all pandemic restrictions in the coming weeks if COVID-19 indicators remain stable or trend downward. Nor were children 12 and under having to wear masks in any setting.The union said it is also challenging Education Minister Adrianna LaGrange’s announcement that it’s now illegal for schools boards to bring in their own rules to override the province.

COVID-19 update, both new hospitalizations and intensive care unit cases had a decrease of roughly 10 per cent.

The Prime Minister's announcement that the legal rule to self-isolate could end this month has been branded as 'concerning' by Greater Manchester' public health leader.

Premier League players have been banned by FIFA after breaking Covid regulations last year.Giovani Lo Celso, Christian Romero, Emiliano Martinez, and Emiliano Buendia have all been punished for their roles in Brazil and Argentina's World Cup qualification clash.The group had all dodged Brazil's Covid rules, which stated all arrivals must spend 14 days in quarantine after entering the country.However, the Premier League players all travelled from the hotel to the stadium with their national teammates.The resulting situation caused chaotic scenes when health officials stormed the pitch after six minutes to haul the players off for breaking the rules.FIFA released a statement: "After a thorough investigation of the various factual elements and in light of the applicable regulations."The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided that the match should be replayed on a date and at a location to be decided by FIFA."In addition, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has concluded that the abandonment of the match stemmed from several deficiencies of the parties involved towards their respective responsibilities and/or obligations in connection with the former."As such, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has also decided to suspend the Argentinian players Emiliano Buendía, Emiliano Martínez, Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero for two matches each for not complying with the FIFA Return to Football International Match Protocol." What do you think of the punishment? Let us know in the comments section Both countries FA's have also been fined due to their failure to maintain order and security.Argentina have been hit with a £160,000 fine, while Brazil were ordered to fork over £300,000.The two nations will also pay an additional £40,000 fine

Middlesex-London Health Unit reported a total of four deaths and 257 COVID-19 cases from Saturday to Monday.The deaths involved three individuals in their 80s and 90s and one in their 50s.LHSC, meanwhile, is caring for 89 inpatients with COVID-19, 17 of whom are in adult critical care.As noted, LHSC is caring for 89 COVID-19 inpatients, with 17 inpatients in adult critical care. Last Monday, LHSC was caring for 119 COVID-19 inpatients, with 25 in adult critical care.Of the 89, there were 10 in Children’s Hospital with five or fewer in pediatric critical care.

Why did USFDA postpone its decision?

When Muzaffer Kayasan first caught Covid-19, he thought he was destined to die, as he was already suffering from leukemia.

Guelph General Hospital is reporting Monday that it is treating 14 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, while 22 staff members are off work due to the virus.The number of patients has increased by three over the weekend from what was reported on Friday, while the number of staff off work has increased by five. Ontario to end COVID proof of vaccination March 1, mask mandate to remain in place Across Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, public health reports 25 people are in the hospital with COVID-19, including seven in an intensive care unit.Guelph’s coronavirus death toll remains at 52 during the pandemic with the latest fatal case being reported on Feb.

Justin Trudeau is expected to announce Monday he will invoke emergency powers to support provinces in ending the blockades and public disorder that have gripped Ottawa for 18 days, Global News has confirmed.One national security source and one source that participated in a Monday morning Liberal national caucus meeting said the government is poised to invoke the act and that senior officials are preparing for an imminent announcement.Multiple sources have also told Global News federal officials are weighing options for the military to help law enforcement with logistics. But there is no plan at this time, according to the sources, to have the military help police in dealing with civilians or deploying into the streets.What exactly are the powers coming into play? Let’s take a look.First, a quick history recap: the Emergencies Act is not the War Measures Act.The War Measures Act was the controversial piece of legislation that Trudeau’s father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, used back in 1970 during the October Crisis, which saw a series of terrorist attacks by a Quebec separatist group.The law allowed the federal government to suspend civil liberties, and it was in response to questions over how far Trudeau senior would go in suspending these liberties that he offered the infamous phrase: “Just watch me.”That law, however, was repealed and replaced in 1988.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has tested positive for COVID-19. On Monday, Clarence House released an official statement sharing the royal’s diagnosis. “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-isolating.

Thailand are being warned to avoid certain sex positions on Valentine’s Day as health officials release guidance to stop the spread of Covid.Authorities have suggested couples seeking some action take precautions such as having a test prior to intercourse and even wear a face mask during sex.The guidance has come after a rise in daily Covid cases, prompting fears that Valentine’s Day couplings may add to the spread.Speaking to AFP, Thailand’s Bureau of Reproductive Health director Bunyarit Sukrat said: "Covid isn't a sexually transmitted disease, but catching Covid is possible through close-contact breathing and exchanging saliva.”He brought forward recommendations for couples to take antigen tests before their go on their date night in order to try and prevent the spread.Other advice to stop the spread of Covid was to "avoid face-to-face sex positions and deep kissing", as well as some contraceptive advice being issued to stop unwanted pregnancies.Mr Bunyarit added: “If possible, wearing face masks while having sex can help reduce Covid risks.”Other advisory measures given include using the Covid-19 tracking app to see if the restaurant or other establishment is safe, according to the Bangkok Post.Officials also advised couples to wear masks and maintain social distancing while out on their date and when they return home if they live with others who could be at risk such as elderly and or vulnerable people.

Ontario is expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to youth aged 12 to 17.The government said beginning Friday at 8 a.m., appointments can be booked through the provincial booking system, as well as at pharmacies that are administering the Pfizer shot.Appointments can be booked 168 days after having received a second dose. Ontario to end COVID proof of vaccination March 1, mask mandate to remain in place Government figures show that so far, 6,760,917 people in Ontario have received a booster dose.The expansion in eligibility came as the government also announced Monday that it was speeding up the province’s reopening plans, with more restrictions now set to be eased on Thursday as opposed to Feb.

‘Living with the virus’ in Quebec, experts recommend continued use of masks, vaccines and better ventilation Quebec issued 17,286 tests on Saturday, the latest day for which that information is available.Meanwhile, the results of 80,807 rapid tests have been declared by Quebecers to date. Of those results, more than 62,000 were positive.When it comes to immunization, 12,174 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given in the last 24 hours.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

NEW DELHI :

COVID-19 vaccine passport system starting on March 1. However, the mask mandate will remain in place.“Ontario will also lift proof of vaccination requirements for all settings at this time. Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination,” the government said.A firm date for lifting the use of masks or face coverings was not set.“Masking requirements will remain in place at this time, with a specific timeline to lift this measure to be communicated at a later date,” the government said.Capacity limits in all indoor public settings will also be eliminated.Ford made the announcement on Monday morning alongside health minister Christine Elliott and Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr.

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Kate Garraway has confessed that she and husband Derek Draper are "in many ways strangers" as he continues to battle on after Covid-19 left him hospitalised for 374 days. The 54-year-old former Labour party advisor was placed into a medically-induced coma and was left with holes in many of his vital organs.Derek survived one of the worst bouts of Covid that any expert had ever seen and was kept in hospital for over a year before he was reunited with his family - Kate and her children, Darcey, 15, and William (also known as Billy), 12.The upcoming documentary is a follow on from the award-winning Finding Derek which now explores life at home and the everyday struggles he faces.Derek's body was ravaged by Covid, with his major organs severely affected which means he now needs 24-hour care.

MUMBAI :

With inputs from PTI

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Eating a diet rich in Vitamin D can help improve Covid vaccine efficiency, according to experts.

Camilla, the wife of British heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, has tested positive for coronavirus.“Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-isolating,” Clarence House said in a statement. “We continue to follow government guidelines.” Ivan Reitman, producer, ‘Ghostbusters’ director, dies at age 75 The 73-year-old Charles tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time last week.