India reports 1.73 lakh new cases; recovery rate rises to 90.80%

[Rohan Tiwadi]

Coronavirus (Covid-19) India Lockdown and Cases News Live Updates: Today's Covid numbers: Delhi (1,141 cases), Mumbai (929 cases), Kolkata (1,857), Bengaluru (5,736 cases), Chennai (2,762 cases)

Covid-19 India Live Updates: The Kerala Health Department Friday tweaked vaccination norms for those travelling abroad, allowing them to take the second dose of Covishield vaccine after four to six weeks of the first one, as against the existing 12-16-week interval recommended now.

Last week, the state government had included those travelling abroad for jobs and studies among priority groups for vaccination, to be administered Covishield procured by the government.

In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation also announced Friday that those going abroad for studies would be given priority among the 18-44-year age group for Covid-19 vaccination. The municipal corporation has set aside three days in the week (Monday to Wednesday) for their vaccination without pre-registration, at specified centres in Mumbai.

Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope Friday said that the lockdown-like restrictions in Maharashtra are extended for the next two weeks, news agency PTI reported. A fresh set of guidelines will be issued on June 1, he told. No relaxation will be given in the areas where the number of patients and positivity rate are still high and hospital bed availability is an issue, he said. “But in the areas where the situation has improved, certain guidelines (easing the curbs) can be issued,” he added.