Coronavirus live updates: Centre reviews preparedness of 5 states in Eastern India

Jennifer Aniston is the latest Hollywood celebrity to raise awareness about the COVID crisis in India. Taking to her Instagram account, the actress posted a series of stories, urging fans to spread a word about the relief aid. "A severe second wave of coronavirus infections has swept over India, setting global records for new infections each day over the past five days,” wrote the actress while adding that funds are being raised for ‘immediate relief aid for India’. She also shared details of the same and urged her followers to spread a word, “You don't have to donate to help - spread the word with whatever platform you have to help build awareness."

With Covid cases still on the rise despite one week of curfew, the state government is actively considering the option of imposing a complete lockdown at least for two weeks after May 12, official sources said. The two-week curfew from April 27 is seen to have yielded partial results, with the government allowing many sectors, including manufacturing, construction and garments factories, to operate with 50% staff and vehicle movement virtually remaining unchecked. The Covid surge is also continuing probably because of people’s recent exodus from Bengaluru to the hinterlands due to the curfew.

Reporting of adverse events after vaccination against Covid-19 has dropped significantly to almost 25% or one-fourth of what was being reported in early March, even as vaccinations peaked during mid-March to mid-April after government extended coverage to population above 45 years. While the government is yet to issue an advisory on identification, management and treatment of serious and severe adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs), experts have expressed concerns over the significant drop in AEFIs.