India’s actual case load of COVID-19 stands at 4,26,167 active patients with a fatality rate of 2.41% and recovery rate at 63.18 %, according to figures released by the Union Health Ministry here on Thursday.
The Ministry said that for the second day in a row recoveries in a single day continue to post a significant rise. “The last 24 hours saw the highest-ever single-day number of patients cured and discharged — 29,557. While the number of recovered cases has jumped to 7,82,606, there has been growth in the recovery rate, which stands at 63.18%. Higher number of patients getting cured and discharged has contributed to the increasing gap between recovered and the active cases. It is pegged at 3,56,439,’’ said the Ministry.
Also read: Govt. ramps up testing, 11 more labs inducted
It has reiterated that wearing a mask while stepping out is essential to check the spread.
“Take all the necessary precautionary measures to stay safe. Don’t let the infection catch you. Home-made reusable face-cover/mask is effective for maintaining personal hygiene. Physical distancing is the key to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission. Keep a safe distance from others at all times.’’
Selected as the central lab
Dr. Dangs Lab, a privately run diagnostic chain, has been selected as the central lab for processing samples, screening and safety, of the human clinical trial of Covaxin, the indigenous COVID-19 vaccine being developed and manufactured by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Efficacy studies will be performed at the National Institute of Virology, Pune. The trial sites are conducting a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled multi-centric clinical trial to test Covaxin.
Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr. Dangs, told The Hindu that they have started receiving samples and that the facility was chosen by Bharat Biotech because of the location and quick turnaround time.
“We are assisting in finding out how safe this vaccine is and our mandate is to be the central lab to conduct screening and safety studies of all the participants. This will be done for all phases of the clinical trials,’’ said Mr. Dang.
