Coronavirus LIVE Update: India's Cases Rise To 59,92,532; 94,503 Dead

Amitabh Bachchan Tests Negative, Abhishek Still In Hospital

Actor Amitabh Bachchan who was in Nanavati Hospital receiving treatment for COVID-19 has tested negative and has now been discharged from the hospital, tweeted son Abhishek. Abhishek, however, due to some co-morbidities continues to be at the hospital receiving treatment. 

Amit Shah Tests Positive For COVID-19

Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah has tested positive for COVID-19. In a tweet, Shah mentioned that even though he is stable, he is getting himself admitted to a hospital on the advice of doctors. He got tested as he was exhibiting preliminary symptoms of COVID-19. He has requested people that came in contact with him in the last few days to isolate and test themselves. 

Malls, Gyms, Restaurants To Open In Assam

Malls, gymnasiums and restaurants will be allowed to reopen in Assam till August 15 according to an order by Assam chief secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna. Movement, however, is restricted between 6 AM-6 PM on weekdays and the state will see a complete lockdown on weekends. 

WHO Expects Pandemic To Be Lengthy

In its fourth emergency committee meeting, the WHO is anticipating a "lengthy duration" of COVID-19 along with noting the importance of sustained community, national, regional, and global response efforts of each country. COVID-19 continues to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. 

ICMR To Set Up National Clinical Registry

The Indian Council of Medical Research is setting up a registry for all hospitalised COVID-19 patients in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and All India Institute of Medical Sciences. This registry will help researchers understand the effectiveness of the various investigational therapies that are being used to treat COVID-19 patients. 

India Crosses 17 Lakh Cases

In the last 24 hours, India has reported over 54,735 new cases which raises the country's total confirmed cases to 17,50,723. The death toll stands at 37364 after the country reported 853 new deaths. 

Over 11,45,629 people have recovered after the country reported its highest recovery with over 51,255 people having recovered in the last 24 hours. The active number of cases stands at 5,67,730

Russia Plans Mass COVID-19 Vaccination From October

Russia is planning a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign from October, reports Reuters. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said doctors and teachers would be the first to get vaccinated but did not reveal details of the vaccine to be used.

Pune Mayor Alleges 400 COVID-19 Deaths Unaccounted For

Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol has alleged that at least 400 suspected COVID-19 deaths have not been accounted for, reports PTI. "There are at least 12 deaths of suspected coronavirus patients that are going unaccounted for in Sassoon hospital daily. Similar cases are taking place in private hospitals also," he alleged. Mayor Mohol raised these concerns during his meeting with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Collector Naval Kishore Ram has said that an inquiry will be conducted into the allegations and a report will be sought from Sassoon hospital.

India's Total Case Count Nears 17 Lakhs After Record One-day Rise In New Cases

India reported a record one-day rise in new COVID-19 cases after 57,118 patients tested positive for the disease. The total case count stands at 16,95,988. The number of active cases is 5,65,103 while 10,94,374 patients have been cured or discharged so far. The death toll rose to 36,511 after 764 patients died over the past 24 hours.

Government Extends International Flight Suspension Till August 31

The government has extended the suspension of regular international flights to and from India till August 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced. However, cargo flights and flights approved by the DGCA like the ones being operated under the Vande Bharat Mission, will not be affected by the suspension.