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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Dibrugarh, Assam has designed a Covid-19 testing kit, which is capable of detecting new coronavirus variant Omicron in just two hours. A team led by scientist Biswajyoti Borkakoty, has developed this new Covid-19 testing kit. The scientists’ team claims to detect the Omicron variant in 2 hours, news agency ANI reported.
A Kolkata-based company GCC Biotech will produce the testing kit in bulk now under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
With the current testing kits available in the market it takes around three to four days to detect the Omicron Covid-19 variant. 
"The kit has been tested against specific synthetic gene fragments of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 within two different highly specific unique regions of the spike protein. Internal validation has shown that the tests are 100 per cent accurate." Dr. Borkakoty was quoted as saying. 
The new development comes amid rising cases of Omicron variant across states in India. The country has reported 33 cases of Omicron so far.  
Omicron is a new variant of Covid-19 that was first detected by scientists in South Africa. 
Also Watch: WHO's warning on Omicron: 'May change pandemic course without action'

Omicron: ICMR develops 2 hour test to detect new variant 

A team of scientists at ICMR has developed a test that will be able to detect the novel Omicron variant in 2 hours 

Scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research have designed a Covid-19 testing kit, which is capable of detecting new coronavirus variant Omicron in just two hours.
A team of scientists from the&nbsp;Regional Medical Research Centre in Assam's Dibrugarh have developed the Omicron testing kit, news agency&nbsp;ANI&nbsp;reported.
Currently, it takes around three to four days to detect the Omicron variant as genome sequencing is needed.&nbsp;
According to the ICMR&nbsp;scientists, internal validation has shown that the tests are 100 per cent accurate.&nbsp; A Kolkata-based company GCC Biotech will now produce the testing kit in bulk under a public-private partnership model.
The development comes amid India reporting&nbsp;over 30 cases of Omicron strain&nbsp;which&nbsp;was first detected by scientists in South Africa.

A team of scientists at ICMR&nbsp;has developed a test that will be able to detect the novel Omicron variant in 2 hours&nbsp;

The Indian Council of Medical Research in Dibrugarh, Assam&nbsp;has designed a Covid-19 testing kit, which is capable of detecting new coronavirus variant Omicron in just two hours. A team led by scientist Biswajyoti&nbsp;Borkakoty, has developed this new Covid-19 testing kit. The scientists&rsquo; team claims to detect the Omicron variant in 2 hours, news agency&nbsp;ANI&nbsp;reported.
A Kolkata-based company GCC Biotech will produce the testing kit in bulk now under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
With the current testing kits available in the market it takes around three to four days to detect the Omicron Covid-19 variant.&nbsp;
"The kit has been tested against specific synthetic gene fragments of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 within two different highly specific unique regions of the spike protein.&nbsp;Internal validation has shown that the tests are 100 per cent accurate." Dr. Borkakoty&nbsp;was quoted as saying.&nbsp;
The new development comes amid rising cases of Omicron variant across states in India. The country has reported 33 cases of Omicron so far.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Omicron is a new variant of Covid-19 that was first detected by scientists in South Africa.&nbsp;
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/who-s-warning-on-omicron-may-change-pandemic-course-without-action-1639025751148" target="_blank">WHO's warning on Omicron: 'May change pandemic course without action'</a>

There is no scientific evidence so far to support the need for a booster vaccine dose against Covid-19, ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday. 
He added that administering the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine to all adult population and ensuring that not only India but the entire world gets vaccinated is the priority of the government for now. 
Recently, Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya had said decision on booster dose would be taken based on ICMR and other expert recommendation once entire adult population of India is vaccinated. 
According to officials, around 82% of the eligible population in India have received the first dose of the vaccine while around 43 per cent have been fully inoculated.

No scientific evidence to back need for Covid booster doses: ICMR

There is no scientific evidence so far to support the need for a booster vaccine dose against Covid-19, ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday. 

According to officials, around&nbsp;82% of the eligible population in India have received the first dose of the vaccine while around 43 per cent have been fully inoculated.

There is no scientific evidence so far to support the need for a booster vaccine dose against Covid-19, ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday.&nbsp;
He added that administering the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine to all adult population and ensuring that not only India but the entire world gets vaccinated is the priority of the government for now.&nbsp;
Recently, Health Minister Mansukh&nbsp;Mandviya&nbsp;had said decision on booster dose would be taken based on ICMR&nbsp;and other expert recommendation once entire adult population of India is vaccinated.&nbsp;
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/coronavirus-how-do-covid-19-boosters-work-and-are-they-same-as-the-original-vaccines-1636079209378">Coronavirus: How do Covid-19 boosters work and are they same as the original vaccines?</a>
According to officials, around&nbsp;82% of the eligible population in India have received the first dose of the vaccine while around 43% have been fully inoculated.

The government has sounded an alarm over the coming festival season amid the fear of a possible third wave of Covid-19 and added that the coming months of festivities are crucial.
Briefing about the Covid-19 situation in India, the government said that although cases have reduced in Kerala, the state is still reporting almost 68 per cent of the country's daily cases
The health ministry said five other states - Mizoram, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra - have more than 10,000 active cases. The government further added that &lsquo;Mizoram is showing concerning trends&rsquo;
Director-general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Bhargava, said during the press briefing that &lsquo;festivals are approaching and sudden increase in population density creates a conducive environment for virus spread&rsquo;.
Niti Ayog member and head of national Covid task force Dr VK Paul said as per projections, October and November are the most crucial months and that vulnerability may increase during those months.

Covid vulnerability may increase in October-November, Centre warns

The government has sounded an alarm over the coming festival season amid the fear of a possible third wave of Covid-19 and added that the coming months of festivities are crucial.

//Centre's warning amid fears of Covid third wave ahead of festival season
//Govt: Kerala&nbsp;reports 68% of daily cases, concerning trend&nbsp;in Mizoram&nbsp;
//Govt says rise in population density during festivals conducive for&nbsp;virus spread
//October &amp; November crucial as Covid vulnerability may increase, govt warns
&nbsp;

Director-general of the ICMR, Dr Balram Bhargava, said &lsquo;festivals are approaching and sudden increase in population density creates a conducive environment for virus spread&rsquo;.

The government has sounded an alarm over the coming festival season amid the fear of a possible third wave of <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/covid-19-bengal-extends-restrictions-delhi-govt-orders-further-unlocking-1631703612825" target="_blank">Covid-19</a> and added that the coming months of festivities are crucial.
Briefing about the Covid-19 situation in India, the government said that although cases have reduced in Kerala, the state is still reporting almost 68 per cent of the country's daily cases
The health ministry said five other states - Mizoram, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra - have more than 10,000 active cases. The government further added that &lsquo;Mizoram is showing concerning trends&rsquo;
Director-general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Bhargava, said during the press briefing that &lsquo;festivals are approaching and sudden increase in population density creates a conducive environment for virus spread&rsquo;.
Also Read&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/covid-19-cases-on-the-rise-among-kids-experts-say-caution-key-1631710255305" target="_blank">Covid-19: Cases on the rise among kids, experts say caution key</a>
Niti Ayog member and head of national Covid task force Dr VK Paul said as per projections, October and November are the most crucial months and that vulnerability may increase during those months.

Is India getting fake sense of security from easing covid restriction and optically low numbers? The rising infection levels and a collective look of what's happening around the country raises alarms, here are the top 10 news you need to take note to stay masked and stay safe-:

India's daily fresh case load of covid&nbsp;sees spike, highest number of&nbsp;new cases in 3 weeks being reported
46 districts showing more than 10 per cent positivity rate
53 districts showing positivity&nbsp;rate between five and 10 per cent
Health Ministry: Districts with positivity&nbsp;rate &gt; 10 should consider strict restrictions to prevent/curtail the movement of people
ICMR: States must boost vaccination of 45-60 as fatalities in vulnerable group rising&nbsp;
ICMR: Advised states to avoid all non-essential travel and discourage large gatherings.
Kerala&nbsp;reports over 20,000 fresh cases; 40 per cent of the country's active cases. Raises testing levels to ensure no case goes undetected
Mahrashtra&nbsp;daily count on the rise closes in on 7000, total active cases at 80,871
Epidemiologist&nbsp; Analysis:&nbsp;For Every Single Covid Case in India, 30 Cases Went Missed or Undetected
AIIMS&nbsp;Director Warns:&nbsp;'R-value' is inching up, vaccinations are the only way to come out of pandemic.


India reported 41,831 new cases in 24 hrs: Top 10 headlines you need to pay attention to

Covid numbers down but not out! Top 10 headlines you need to pay attention to.&nbsp;

Covid cases cause concern

India reported 41,831 new cases, 541 deaths in 24 hours
Rising infection levels around the country raises alarms
Highest number of&nbsp;new cases in 3 weeks being reported
Kerala&nbsp;reports over 20,000 fresh cases for more than 5 days
46 districts show more than 10%&nbsp;&nbsp;positivity rate, Centre sends warning message
Centre warns states against crowding as positivity&nbsp;rate rises
'R-value' is inching up,&nbsp;AIIMS&nbsp;Director warns, stresses on vaccination
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Infection rate across states are starting to see an upswing.&nbsp;

India reported 41,831 new cases, 541 deaths and 39,258 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry data showed on Sunday morning.
Is India getting fake sense of security from easing covid restriction and optically low numbers?
The rising infection levels and a collective look of what's happening around the country raises alarms.
Fresh cases that were declining across Tamil Nadu, Kerala&nbsp;and Karnataka for more than two months have started to rise over the last few days.&nbsp;Complete lockdown&nbsp;has been imposed in Kerala&nbsp;this weekend to curb the spread.
Here are the top 10 news you need to take note to stay masked and stay safe-:
<ol>
<li>India's daily fresh case load of covid&nbsp;sees spike, highest number of&nbsp;new cases in 3 weeks being reported</li>
<li>Kerala&nbsp;reports over 20,000 fresh cases; 40 per cent of the country's active cases. Raises testing levels to ensure no case goes undetected</li>
<li>46 districts showing more than 10 per cent positivity rate</li>
<li>53 districts showing positivity&nbsp;rate between five and 10 per cent</li>
<li>Health Ministry: Districts with positivity&nbsp;rate &gt; 10 should consider strict restrictions to prevent/curtail the movement of people</li>
<li>ICMR: States must boost vaccination of 45-60 as fatalities in vulnerable group rising&nbsp;</li>
<li>ICMR: Advised states to avoid all non-essential travel and discourage large gatherings.</li>
<li>Mahrashtra&nbsp;daily count on the rise closes in on 7000, total active cases at 80,871</li>
<li>Epidemiologist&nbsp; Analysis:&nbsp;For Every Single Covid Case in India, 30 Cases Went Missed or Undetected</li>
<li>AIIMS&nbsp;Director Warns:&nbsp;'R-value' is inching up, vaccinations are the only way to come out of pandemic.</li>
</ol>

As Covid cases show an alarming rise in Kerala, the findings of the 4th national serosurvey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) shows Kerala's seroprevalance is at the bottom with 44.4%, when compared to other states.
The ICMR serosurvey done between June 14 and July 6 showed that at least two-third of the population surveyed in 11 states were found to have developed coronavirus antibodies. Madhya Pradesh leads the chart with 79 per cent seroprevalence, while Kerala is at the bottom with 44.4 per cent.
Kerala on Wednesday recorded 22,056 fresh Covid-19 cases pushing the infection caseload to 33,27,301, with the total death toll in the state rising to 16,457 with 131 more deaths.
Also watch:&nbsp;Mumbai doctor tests Covid positive 3 times, twice after getting both vaccine doses
The Health Ministry has also flagged the rise of cases in Kerala. Seven districts from Kerala have reported an increasing trend in daily new coronavirus cases during the last four weeks which is a cause of concern.

As cases spike, ICMR serosurvey shows Kerala has least Covid antibodies

With daily Covid&nbsp;cases spiking in Kerala, ICMR's&nbsp;4th national sero-survey shows Kerala has least Covid antibodies

ICMR serosurvey throws up worrying trends on Kerala's Covid crisis ICMR survey shows Kerala has the least amount of Covid antibodies Kerala's seroprevalance at the bottom with 44.4%, says ICMR serosurvey ICMR says at least two-thirds surveyed in 11 states had Covid antibodies Kerala on Wednesday recorded 22,056 fresh Covid cases, and 131 deaths 7 districts from Kerala reported an increasing trend in daily new cases

The 4th national serosurvey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) shows Kerala's sero-prevalance is at the bottom with 44.4%, when compared to other states.

As Covid cases show an alarming rise in Kerala, the findings of the 4th national serosurvey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) shows Kerala's seroprevalance is at the bottom with 44.4%, when compared to other states.
The ICMR serosurvey done between June 14 and July 6 showed that at least two-third of the population surveyed in 11 states were found to have developed coronavirus antibodies. Madhya Pradesh leads the chart with 79 per cent seroprevalence, while Kerala is at the bottom with 44.4 per cent.
Kerala on Wednesday recorded 22,056 fresh Covid-19 cases pushing the infection caseload to 33,27,301, with the total death toll in the state rising to 16,457 with 131 more deaths.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/mumbai-doctor-tests-covid-positive-3-times-twice-after-getting-both-vaccine-doses-1627448596201" target="_blank">Mumbai doctor tests Covid positive 3 times, twice after getting both vaccine doses</a>
The Health Ministry has also flagged the rise of cases in Kerala. Seven districts from Kerala have reported an increasing trend in daily new coronavirus cases during the last four weeks which is a cause of concern.

The Indian Council of Medical Research on Tuesday said that it would be wise to consider reopening primary schools first as children can handle viral infection much better.
It said, &ldquo;Children can handle viral infection much better as they have a lower number of ace receptors and once the decision is taken and all the staff vaccinated, it would be wise to open primary schools first.&rdquo;
ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava said younger children have &ldquo;much better&rdquo; ability to handle the virus than adults&rdquo;.

Wise to open primary schools first as kids can handle Covid infection better: ICMR

Here's why ICMR&nbsp;thinks that primary schools should be reopened first in India.

The Indian Council of Medical Research on Tuesday said that it would be wise to consider reopening primary schools first as children can handle viral infection much better.
ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava&nbsp;said children can handle viral infection much better as they have a lower number of ace receptors and once the decision is taken and all the staff is vaccinated, it would be wise to open primary schools first.&rdquo;
ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava said younger children have &ldquo;much better&rdquo; ability to handle the virus than adults&rdquo;.

ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava&nbsp;said children can handle viral infection much better as they have a lower number of ace receptors

The Indian Council of Medical Research on Tuesday said that it would be wise to consider reopening primary schools first as children can handle viral infection much better.
It said, &ldquo;Children can handle viral infection much better as they have a lower number of ace receptors and once the decision is taken and all the staff vaccinated, it would be wise to open primary schools first.&rdquo;
ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava said younger children have &ldquo;much better&rdquo; ability to handle the virus than adults&rdquo;.

Despite being fully vaccinated, a lady doctor in Assam had contracted 2 different variants of Covid-19 simultaneously, Regional Medical Research center, Dibrugarh&nbsp;confirmed.&nbsp;The&nbsp;lady doctor&nbsp;who had mild symptoms and recovered without hospitalization was infected with the alpha and the delta variant of SARS&nbsp;Cov-2 said DR. BJ Borkakoty. He explained that this happens when one person is already infected with one variant and contracts another one within 2-3 days of the first infection before the antibodies could develop. The double infection case which might be the first one detected in India was found in early May.&nbsp;Earlier a 90-year-old woman in Belgium who wasn't vaccinated was reportedly infected by 2 variants, alpha, and beta in March 2021.&nbsp;

Assam doctor infected with Alpha and Delta variant of Covid-19

Assam doctor might be the first case of double infection in India.&nbsp;

Assam's doctor contracted 2 different Covid variants simultaneously Woman doctor infected with Alpha and Delta variants in May
Doctor may be India's first double-infection case
Doctor&nbsp;had mild symptoms and recovered without hospitalisation

A doctor in Assam had contracted 2 different variants of Covid-19 simultaneously

In what could be the&nbsp;first case of double infection in India,&nbsp;a lady doctor in Assam contracted 2 different variants of Covid-19 simultaneously, Regional Medical Research Centre,&nbsp;Dibrugarh&nbsp;confirmed.&nbsp;
The&nbsp;lady doctor&nbsp;who had mild symptoms and recovered without hospitalisation was infected with the Alpha and the Delta variant of SARS&nbsp;Cov-2, according to the doctors. The fully vaccinated doctor caught the double infection in May
Dr Biswajyoti Borkakoty, the nodal officer for ICMR's regional centre explained that this happens when one person is already infected with one variant and contracts another one within 2-3 days of the first infection before the antibodies could develop.&nbsp; A 90-year-old woman in Belgium who wasn't vaccinated was reportedly infected by 2 variants, Alpha and Beta in March 2021.&nbsp;

The Covid-19 virus may reach its endemic stage after a while, just like influenza, and vulnerable populations may have to take the vaccine shot annually. According to Samiran Panda, Head, Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Covid-19, is expected to gradually become an endemic from its current state of a pandemic. 
Panda said, that mutation is normal for all viruses when they proliferate, so vulnerable populations may have to take the vaccine shot annually, adding that minor changes will have to be made in the vaccine formulations simultaneously.
Panda explained that the vaccines are not infection preventing, but disease-modifying. Experiments at the ICMR have proved that the vaccines presently available in India are effective against the new Covid variants as well. However, the efficacy may differ for different strains.

Covid could become an endemic like flu, risk groups will need annual shots: ICMR

Covid-19 could become an endemic like influenza, and those at risk may need to be vaccinated annually, says ICMR&nbsp;expert

ICMR expert says Covid-19 may become an endemic like influenza Vulnerable populations may have to take the vaccine annually: ICMR ICMR: As the virus mutates, vaccine formulas will need to be modified ICMR: vaccines are not infection preventing, but disease-modifying Current vaccines are effective against the new Covid variants as well

Samiran Panda, Head, Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), says influenza, was a pandemic 100 years ago but today it is an endemic.

The Covid-19 virus may reach its endemic stage after a while, just like influenza, and vulnerable populations may have to take the vaccine shot annually. According to Samiran Panda, Head, Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Covid-19, is expected to gradually become an endemic from its current state of a pandemic.
Panda said, that mutation is normal for all viruses when they proliferate, so vulnerable populations may have to take the vaccine shot annually, adding that minor changes will have to be made in the vaccine formulations simultaneously.
Panda explained that the vaccines are not infection preventing, but disease-modifying. Experiments at the ICMR have proved that the vaccines presently available in India are effective against the new Covid variants as well. However, the efficacy may differ for different strains.

India has achieved the milestone of conducting 40 crore Covid-19 tests since the pandemic began, with an daily average of more than 18 lakh tests month of June, the ICMR said on Saturday. India has tested 40,18,11,892 samples across the country till Friday, it said.
The country tested 35 crore Covid-19 samples till June 1, 2021, the remaining over 5 crore&nbsp;tests were conducted in last 24 days, according to ICMR.&nbsp;
Prof Balram Bhargava,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Director General of&nbsp;ICMR, said exponential increase in testing has led to early identification, prompt isolation and effective treatment of COVID-19 cases and have eventually resulted in a sustained low fatality rate.

India crosses milestone of carrying out over 40 crore Covid-19 tests

India has achieved the milestone of conducting 40 crore Covid-19 tests since the pandemic began with over 5 crore&nbsp;tests being conducted in the last 24 days.&nbsp;

India has achieved the milestone of conducting 40 crore Covid-19 tests since the pandemic began, with an daily average of more than 18 lakh tests month of June, the ICMR said on Saturday. India has tested 40,18,11,892 samples across the country till Friday, it said.
The country tested 35 crore Covid-19 samples till June 1, 2021, the remaining over 5 crore&nbsp;tests were conducted in last 24 days, according to ICMR.&nbsp;
Prof Balram Bhargava,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Director General of&nbsp;ICMR, said exponential increase in testing has led to early identification, prompt isolation and effective treatment of COVID-19 cases and have eventually resulted in a sustained low fatality rate.

Over 5 crore&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;tests were conducted in the last 24 days itself

India has achieved the milestone of conducting 40 crore Covid-19 tests since the pandemic began, with an daily average of more than 18 lakh tests in the month of June, the ICMR said on Saturday. India has tested 40,18,11,892 samples across the country till Friday, it said.
The country tested 35 crore Covid-19 samples till June 1, 2021, the remaining over 5 crore&nbsp;tests were conducted in last 24 days, according to ICMR.&nbsp;
Prof Balram Bhargava,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Director General of&nbsp;ICMR, said exponential increase in testing has led to early identification, prompt isolation and effective treatment of COVID-19 cases and has eventually resulted in a sustained low fatality rate.

With the emergence of the Delta Plus variant, the threat of a 3rd wave is looking over the nation, barely recovering from the effects of the 2nd wave. However, a study by a team of scientists has said a&nbsp;third wave of Covid infections seems unlikely to be as severe as the second wave. The study was conducted by the Indian Council Of Medical Research and the Imperial College London. The emergence of a third wave in India could be substantially mitigated by the expansion of vaccination, says the study, adding the rollout of vaccine should be in such a way as to cover 40 per cent of the population.&nbsp;
As of June 24th, over 16% of India's population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to Our World in Data.&nbsp;

3rd wave to be less severe than 2nd wave, says ICMR study

Study conducted by the Indian Council Of Medical Research and the Imperial College London&nbsp;has noted that a&nbsp;third wave of Covid infections in India seems unlikely to be as severe as the devastating second wave.&nbsp;

With the emergence of the Delta Plus variant, the threat of a 3rd wave is looming large even as the nation is barely recovering from the effects of the 2nd wave.
However, a study conducted by the Indian Council Of Medical Research and the Imperial College London has said a&nbsp;third wave of Covid infections seems unlikely to be as severe as the second wave.
The emergence of a third wave in India could be substantially mitigated by the expansion of vaccination, says the study, adding the rollout of vaccine should be in such a way as to cover 40 per cent of the population.&nbsp;
As of June 24th, over 16% of India's population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to Our World in Data.&nbsp;

Study conducted by the Indian Council Of Medical Research and the Imperial College London&nbsp;has noted that a&nbsp;third wave of Covid infections in India seems unlikely to be as severe as the devastating second wave.&nbsp;

With the emergence of the Delta Plus variant, the threat of a 3rd wave is looming large even as the nation is barely recovering from the effects of the 2nd wave. However, a study conducted by the Indian Council Of Medical Research and the Imperial College London has said a&nbsp;third wave of <a href="https://www.editorji.com/covid-19" target="_blank">Covid </a>infections seems unlikely to be as severe as the second wave. The emergence of a <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/3rd-covid-19-wave-depends-on-three-things-hear-out-india-s-leading-virologist-dr-shahid-jameel-1624374768717" target="_blank">third wave in India</a> could be substantially mitigated by the expansion of vaccination, says the study, adding the rollout of vaccine should be in such a way as to cover 40 per cent of the population.&nbsp;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/will-delta-plus-trigger-3rd-covid-wave-top-genome-sequencer-says-no-evidence-1624501192572" target="_blank">Will Delta Plus trigger 3rd Covid wave? Top genome sequencer says no evidence</a>
As of June 24th, over 16% of India's population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to Our World in Data.&nbsp;

Meril has got ICMR approval for its self-use rapid antigen test for Covid-19, CoviFind. The test delivers results in 15 minutes, Meril said in a statement.
The test kit is equipped with testing materials including a test device, one sterile nasal swab and a pre-filled buffer tube with a cap and is priced at Rs 250 as an affordable single-pack.
The company has said the test kits will be available in two weeks at retail pharmacies, e-pharmacies and through e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart
Meril&rsquo;s indigenous home-use rapid antigen test kits will expand access to Covid-19 testing, while also helping the nation meet the demand for increased and frequent screening, the statement read.
&nbsp;

ICMR nod for Meril's indigenous Covid-19 self-test kit

*&nbsp;ICMR approves Meril&rsquo;s self-use rapid antigen test kit for Covid *&nbsp;Meril&nbsp;claims the&nbsp;test kit priced at Rs 250 delivers results in 15 minutes * Test kit consists&nbsp;test device, one sterile nasal swab &amp; pre-filled buffer tube * Kit&nbsp;to be available in two weeks at pharmacies, e-pharmacies&nbsp; *&nbsp;Meril:&nbsp;home-use rapid antigen test kits to expand access to Covid&nbsp;testing

Meril has got ICMR approval for its self-use rapid antigen test for Covid-19, CoviFind. The test delivers results in 15 minutes, Meril said in a statement.
The test kit is equipped with testing materials including a test device, one sterile nasal swab and a pre-filled buffer tube with a cap and is priced at Rs 250 as an affordable single-pack.
The company has said the test kits will be available in two weeks at retail pharmacies, e-pharmacies and through e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart
Meril&rsquo;s indigenous home-use rapid antigen test kits will expand access to Covid-19 testing, while also helping the nation meet the demand for increased and frequent screening, the statement read.
&nbsp;

Chief of India's top medical body ICMR, Dr Balram Bhargava, has said that one crore Covid vaccines will be available every day by mid-July, or early August. Doubling down on the govt's target of vaccinating all adults in the country by the end of the year, Dr Bhargava on Tuesday pointed to the large population and called for patience. Dr Bhargava said that as existing manufacturers scale up capacity, and the newer ones find their feet, he does not see any vaccine shortage in the future.
"There is no shortage of vaccines. This (shortage) is what you feel if you want to vaccinate the country within a month (but) our population is four times that of the United States. Need to have some patience... by mid-July, or early-August, we'll have enough doses for a crore a day," he said.
On Monday the Supreme Court flagged "various flaws" in the centre's vaccination policy, including availability and pricing, and gave it two weeks to respond to its queries.

'1 crore Covid vaccines per day by mid-July', claims ICMR chief

ICMR&nbsp;chief&nbsp;Dr BalramBhargava&nbsp;has said that one croreCovid vaccines will be available every day by mid-July, or early August

Chief of India's top medical body ICMR, Dr Balram Bhargava, has said that one crore Covid vaccines will be available every day by mid-July, or early August. Doubling down on the govt's target of vaccinating all adults in the country by the end of the year, Dr Bhargava on Tuesday pointed to the large population and called for patience. Dr Bhargava said that as existing manufacturers scale up capacity, and the newer ones find their feet, he does not see any vaccine shortage in the future.
On Monday the Supreme Court flagged "various flaws" in the centre's vaccination policy, including availability and pricing, and gave it two weeks to respond to its queries.
Byte: Dr Balram&nbsp;Bhargava:&nbsp;"There is no shortage of vaccines. This (shortage) is what you feel if you want to vaccinate the country within a month (but) our population is four times that of the United States. Need to have some patience...&nbsp;

Chief of India's top medical body ICMR, Dr Balram Bhargava, has said that one crore Covid vaccines will be available every day by mid-July, or early August. Doubling down on the govt's target of vaccinating all adults in the country by the end of the year, Dr Bhargava on Tuesday pointed to the large population and called for patience. Dr Bhargava said that as existing manufacturers scale up capacity, and the newer ones find their feet, he does not see any vaccine shortage in the future.
"There is no shortage of vaccines. This (shortage) is what you feel if you want to vaccinate the country within a month (but) our population is four times that of the United States. Need to have some patience... by mid-July, or early-August, we'll have enough doses for a crore a day," he said.
On Monday the Supreme Court flagged "various flaws" in the centre's vaccination policy, including availability and pricing, and gave it two weeks to respond to its queries.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has developed an antibody detection-based kit &lsquo;DIPCOVAN&rsquo;.
The kit will be useful for understanding Covid-19 epidemiology and assessing an individual&rsquo;s previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure. developed in association with Delhi-based Vanguard Diagnostics Pvt Ltd, the kit will help in&nbsp; qualitative detection &nbsp;antibodies in human serum or plasma.
According to a statement by the DRDO, DIPCOVAN offers a significantly faster turn-around time as it requires just 75 minutes to conduct the test.
Approved by the ICMR in April 2021, the kit will be sold across India from June first week for Rs 75 each. The kit has a shelf life of 18 months.

'DIPCOVAN': DRDO develops Covid-19 antibody detection kit 

DRDO develops&nbsp;antibody-based Covid&nbsp;detection kit
DIPCOVAN&nbsp;will assess individual's&nbsp;SARS-CoV-2 exposure
DIPCOVAN&nbsp;is a home kit, gives result in 75 minutes
Test kit to be available from June at&nbsp;₹75, shelf life 18 months
ICMR&nbsp;approve DRDO's&nbsp;DIPCOVAN&nbsp;in April 2021
&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;

Aiding India's fight against Covid-19, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has developed an antibody detection-based kit &lsquo;DIPCOVAN&rsquo;.
The kit will be useful for understanding Covid-19 epidemiology and assessing an individual&rsquo;s previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Developed in association with Delhi-based Vanguard Diagnostics Pvt Ltd, the kit will help in qualitative detection&nbsp; of antibodies in human serum or plasma.
According to a statement by the DRDO, DIPCOVAN offers a significantly faster turn-around time as it requires just 75 minutes to conduct the test.
Approved by the ICMR in April 2021, the kit will be sold across India from June first week for Rs 75 each. The kit has a shelf life of 18 months.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Wednesday approved a Rapid Antigen Kit to conduct Covid test at home.


Coronavirus: Covid-19 home test kit gets nod. Here's all you need to know

India's top medical body has approved a Rapid Antigen Kit to conduct Covid test at home. Here all you need to know

Covid home test kit gets nod. Here's all you need to know

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Wednesday approved a Rapid Antigen Kit to conduct Covid test at home.
The ICMR has advised that the kit should be used only on symptomatic individuals and on immediate contacts of laboratory confirmed positive cases. The top medical body has advised against indiscriminate use of the kit by people.
Thehome-based rapid antigen testing kit has been manufactured by Pune-based Mylab Discovery Solutions Ltd.
Only nasal swab will be required for this rapid antigen testing, the ICMR said, adding the process should be conducted as per the procedure described by the manufacturer in the user manual and an app which can be downloaded from the Google play store and Apple store.
All individuals who test positive may be considered as true positives and no repeat testing is required. All symptomatic individuals who test negative should get themselves immediately tested by RTPCR, the ICMR said.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Wednesday approved a Rapid Antigen Kit to conduct Covid test at home.
The <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/plasma-therapy-to-be-dropped-from-icmr-s-covid-protocols-1621132748556" target="_blank">ICMR</a> has advised that the kit should be used only on symptomatic individuals and on immediate contacts of laboratory confirmed positive cases. The top medical body has advised against indiscriminate use of the kit by people.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/covaxin-covishield-produce-fewer-antibodies-against-b-1-617-icmr-s-preliminary-report-1621136251281" target="_blank">Covaxin, Covishield produce fewer antibodies against B.1.617: ICMR's preliminary report</a>
Thehome-based rapid antigen testing kit has been manufactured by Pune-based Mylab Discovery Solutions Ltd.
Only nasal swab will be required for this rapid antigen testing, the ICMR said, adding the process should be conducted as per the procedure described by the manufacturer in the user manual and an app which can be downloaded from the Google play store and Apple store.
All individuals who test positive may be considered as true positives and no repeat testing is required. All symptomatic individuals who test negative should get themselves immediately tested by RTPCR, the ICMR said.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/icmr-drops-plasma-therapy-from-covid-19-treatment-guidelines-1621277435387" target="_blank">ICMR drops plasma therapy from Covid-19 treatment guidelines</a>

The Indian Council of Medical Research has dropped the use of convalescent plasma from the recommended treatment guidelines for Covid-19.The National Task Force of the ICMR, along with experts from the Health Ministry, periodically updates guidelines on recommended modes of treatment.&nbsp;
Though a trial by the ICMR on 400 patients last year&nbsp;had found no significant benefit from the use of plasma it continued to find a place in the recommended guidelines.Registered Doctors anywhere, however, aren&rsquo;t bound by the Task Force recommendations.
Several other international trials had also found no benefit from plasma therapy.

ICMR drops plasma therapy from Covid-19 treatment guidelines

The Indian Council of Medical Research has dropped the use of convalescent plasma from the recommended treatment guidelines for Covid-19. The National Task Force of the ICMR, along with experts from the Health Ministry, periodically updates guidelines on recommended modes of treatment.&nbsp;
Though a trial by the ICMR on 400 patients last year&nbsp;had found no significant benefit from the use of plasma it continued to find a place in the recommended guidelines. Registered Doctors anywhere, however, aren&rsquo;t bound by the Task Force recommendations.
Several other international trials had also found no benefit from plasma therapy.

ICMR drops plasma therapy&nbsp;from&nbsp;Covid-19 cure guidelines
ICMR&nbsp;updates guidelines on modes of treatment&nbsp;
ICMR&nbsp;trial on 400 patients last year found no benefit of plasma&nbsp; Doctors however aren&rsquo;t bound by guidelines&nbsp;
Several international trial&nbsp;also&nbsp;found no benefit from plasma&nbsp;

The Indian Council of Medical Research has dropped the use of convalescent plasma from the recommended treatment guidelines for Covid-19. The National Task Force of the ICMR, along with experts from the Health Ministry, periodically updates guidelines on recommended modes of treatment.&nbsp;
Though a trial by the ICMR on 400 patients last year&nbsp;had found no significant benefit from the use of plasma it continued to find a place in the recommended guidelines. Registered Doctors anywhere, however, aren&rsquo;t bound by the Task Force recommendations.
Several other international trials had also found no benefit from plasma therapy.

Plasma therapy could be dropped from clinical management protocol of Covid-19 as ICMR&rsquo;s expert panel found that the therapy wasn&rsquo;t beneficial in reducing the progression to severe disease or death of patients, a CNN-News18 report said quoting sources.
The Indian Council of Medical Research is expected to issue an advisory on the same in the next few days. India&rsquo;s national task force on Covid-19 management met on Friday, to review the convalescent plasma therapy for infected patients. The present guidelines allow &ldquo;off label" use of plasma therapy at the stage of early moderate disease, that is, within seven days of the onset of Covid-19 symptoms and if there is availability of donor plasma.
A group of 18 clinicians, scientists and public health professionals had recently written to the government, saying the &ldquo;irrational use&rdquo; of plasma therapy &ldquo;raises the possibility of more virulent strains&rdquo; of Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. In their letter, the experts cited three studies &mdash; the ICMR-PLACID Trial, the Recovery Trial conducted by the University of Oxford, and Argentina&rsquo;s PlasmAr Trial &mdash; to argue that the country&rsquo;s existing guidelines on plasma therapy were not based on evidence.

Plasma therapy to be dropped from ICMR's Covid protocols?

Plasma therapy may be dropped from ICMR's Covid&nbsp;management&nbsp;protocols, say reports; experts argue it may not be effective

Plasma therapy could be dropped from clinical management protocol of Covid-19 as ICMR&rsquo;s expert panel found that the therapy wasn&rsquo;t beneficial in reducing the progression to severe disease or death of patients, a CNN-News18 report said quoting sources.
The Indian Council of Medical Research is expected to issue an advisory on the same in the next few days. India&rsquo;s national task force on Covid-19 management met on Friday, to review the convalescent plasma therapy for infected patients. The present guidelines allow &ldquo;off label" use of plasma therapy at the stage of early moderate disease, that is, within seven days of the onset of Covid-19 symptoms and if there is availability of donor plasma.
A group of 18 clinicians, scientists and public health professionals had recently written to the government, saying the &ldquo;irrational use&rdquo; of plasma therapy &ldquo;raises the possibility of more virulent strains&rdquo; of Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. In their letter, the experts cited three studies &mdash; the ICMR-PLACID Trial, the Recovery Trial conducted by the University of Oxford, and Argentina&rsquo;s PlasmAr Trial &mdash; to argue that the country&rsquo;s existing guidelines on plasma therapy were not based on evidence.

Dr. Balram Bhargava, head of the Indian Council of Medical Research, has told the Reuters that districts reporting a high number of infections should remain locked down 

ICMR chief pitches for Covid lockdown for 6-8 weeks: report

Dr. Balram Bhargava, head of the Indian Council of Medical Research, has told the Reuters that&nbsp;districts reporting a&nbsp;high number of infections&nbsp;should remain locked down for another six to eight weeks to control the spread of the rampaging disease.&nbsp; He told the news agency that lockdown&nbsp;should remain in place in all districts where the rate of infection is above 10% of those tested.
718 districts have a test-positivity rate above 10%, including major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Bhargava's comments are the first time a senior government official has outlined how long lockdowns, which already encompass large parts of country, need to continue to rein in the crisis in India.

ICMR chief pitches for Covid lockdown in 718 districts for 6-8 weeks: report

ICMR&nbsp;chief bats for&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;for 6-8 weeks 'Districts with infection rate above 10% should be shut' Positivity&nbsp;rate above 10% in 3/4th of all 718 districts Dr Bhargava, first official to talk on lockdown&nbsp;duration
&nbsp;

Dr. Balram Bhargava, head of the Indian Council of Medical Research, has told the Reuters that&nbsp;districts reporting a&nbsp;high number of infections&nbsp;should remain locked down for another six to eight weeks to control the spread of the rampaging disease.&nbsp; He told the news agency that lockdown&nbsp;should remain in place in all districts where the rate of infection is above 10% of those tested.
Of 718 districts, three-fourth have a test-positivity rate above 10%, including major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Bhargava's comments are the first time a senior government official has outlined how long lockdowns, which already encompass large parts of country, need to continue to rein in the crisis in India.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/over-100-vaccination-centres-shut-as-covaxin-shots-over-delhi-govt-1620805746041">Bharat Biotech refused to give us vaccine, Centre calling shots : Delhi govt</a>

The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has hit younger people harder. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) chief, Dr Balram Bhargava, on Tuesday said that young people might have begun going out and also because of some variants of SARS-COV-2 prevalent in the country.
In response to a question on whether the younger population were getting more affected, Dr Bhargava said the comparison of data during the first and the second wave of Covid-19 has shown that there is not much age difference. People above the age of 40 are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes.
"We have found that younger people are getting slightly more involved because suddenly they have gone out and there are variants also prevalent in the nation which may be affecting them as well," he said.

'They are going out': ICMR chief on why Covid 2nd wave has hit young people harder

"They are going out": ICMR chief on why Covid-19 second wave has hit younger people harder

Younger people hit harder by Covid as they are going out: ICMR

The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has hit younger people harder. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) chief, Dr Balram Bhargava, on Tuesday said that young people might have begun going out and also because of some variants of SARS-COV-2 prevalent in the country.
In response to a question on whether the younger population were getting more affected, Dr Bhargava said the comparison of data during the first and the second wave of Covid-19 has shown that there is not much age difference. People above the age of 40 are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes.
"We have found that younger people are getting slightly more involved because suddenly they have gone out and there are variants also prevalent in the nation which may be affecting them as well," he said.

In a bid to relieve the burden on testing labs, an&nbsp;ICMR advisory has recommended the removal of&nbsp;RT-PCR test for healthy individuals who plan to take&nbsp;domestic travel.&nbsp;
The advisory stated that RT-PCR test must not be repeated in any individual who has tested positive once either by RAT or RT-PCR and that testing is not required for Covid-19 recovered individuals at the time of hospital discharge.
The apex health research body also recommended upscaling testing using RATs and stated that RAT may be allowed at all available government and private healthcare facilities.&nbsp;

ICMR issues advisory to reduce burden on Covid-19 testing labs

ICMR&nbsp;advisory as testing lab face huge rush 'Remove RT-PCR&nbsp;test for inter-state travel' 'Don't repeat RT-PCR&nbsp;test on recovered patients' Increase number of rapid tests, says ICMR

In a bid to relieve the burden on testing labs, an&nbsp;ICMR advisory has recommended the removal of&nbsp;RT-PCR test for healthy individuals who plan to take&nbsp;domestic travel.&nbsp;
The advisory stated that RT-PCR test must not be repeated in any individual who has tested positive once either by RAT or RT-PCR and that testing is not required for Covid-19 recovered individuals at the time of hospital discharge.
The apex health research body also recommended upscaling testing using RATs and stated that RAT may be allowed at all available government and private healthcare facilities.&nbsp;

Indian Covid vaccine, Covaxin, has been found to effectively neutralise the double mutant strain and other variants of Covid-19, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said. Covaxin is made by Bharat Biotech. The top medical body said that it is a good news which will reduce anxiety among people in the second wave. ICMR scientists have said that their research has demonstrated the neutralization potential of Covaxin against the UK variant and Brazil variant. The data for the South African variant is being generated. Double mutant strain B.1.617 is currently prevalent in certain regions of India.

Covaxin neutralises double mutant strain of Covid-19: ICMR

Indian Covid vaccine, Covaxin, has been found to effectively neutralise the double mutant strain and other variants of Covid-19, says ICMR

Covaxin neutralises Covid double mutant strain: ICMR

Indian Covid vaccine, Covaxin, has been found to effectively neutralise the double mutant strain and other variants of Covid-19, Indian Council of Medical Research&nbsp;has said. Covaxin is made by Bharat Biotech. The top medical body said that it is a good news which will reduce anxiety among people in the second wave. ICMR scientists have said that their research has demonstrated the neutralization potential of Covaxin against the UK variant and Brazil variant. The data for the South African variant is being generated. Double mutant strain B.1.617 is currently prevalent in certain regions of India.&nbsp;Meanwhile,&nbsp;Bharat Biotech&nbsp;has said&nbsp;Covaxin has shown 78 pc efficacy against mild to severe COVID-19.

Indian Covid vaccine, Covaxin, has been found to effectively neutralise the double mutant strain and other variants of Covid-19, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said. Covaxin is made by Bharat Biotech. The top medical body said that it is a good news which will reduce anxiety among people in the second wave. ICMR scientists have said that their research has demonstrated the neutralization potential of Covaxin against the UK variant and Brazil variant. The data for the South African variant is being generated. Double mutant strain B.1.617 is currently prevalent in certain regions of India. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Bharat Biotech&nbsp;has said&nbsp;Covaxin has shown 78 pc efficacy against mild to severe COVID-19.

icmr

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