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Health

Counting Covid-19 enters new era as threats shift away from cases

Scientists say comparing the prevalence of Covid to the flu, which kills about 650,000 people globally each year, will become an important yardstick come next fall and winter. Covid has killed more than 3.8 million people since the start of 2020, but vaccinated countries should eventually be able to treat its periodic resurgences in the same way as they do the flu — and make policy decisions accordingly.

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Traces of coronavirus found in Sabarmati river, two lakes: IIT Study

While the study, funded by the UNICEF, did not reveal if the genes of coronavirus found in the water samples were dead or alive, Professor Manish Kumar, who led the research, has emphasised the need for further probe on the subject to avert any future tragedy. Following the revelation, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to send samples from these water bodies to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).

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Third wave in 6-8 weeks if Covid-appropriate behaviour not followed: AIIMS chief

There needs to be aggressive surveillance strategy in Covid hotspots and lockdowns in case of any significant surge. The moment a significant surge in cases in noted in a particular area and the positivity rate goes beyond 5 per cent, area-specific lockdown and containment measures should be implemented,AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria said.

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IDFC FIRST Bank offers four times annual CTC, salary continuation for two years to corona affected employees’ families: MD

“The bank’s employees are usually young people. Their families will be taken by shock. So we put together a composite programme covering all angles. We are giving four times the annual CTC as compensation plus continuing the salary for two more years so that the family can get the time to economically recover,” V Vaidyanathan, Managing Director and CEO, IDFC FIRST Bank, told PTI.

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Britain turns into test case for Covid-19 endgame

After inoculating a larger proportion of people than any other major economy, Britain is emerging as a test case in Europe as it attempts to draw a line under Covid-19. Levels of infections are now back to their highest since February and the pound is taking a hit on concern a recovery may be slipping further into the future.

United Kingdom has recorded 11,007 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours, with the emergence of the Delta variant pushing the figure above 10,000 for the first time since late February.

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Working towards preparing 1 lakh frontline Corona Warriors to support healthcare system: PM Modi

Under the special training program of frontline workers, candidates will get free training, a Skill India certificate, food and accommodation facility, stipend along with on-the-job training and accident insurance of Rs 2 lakh for certified candidates.
The programme has been designed as a special programme under the Central Component of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0, with total financial outlay of Rs. 276 crore, the PMO said. The programme will create skilled non-medical healthcare workers to fill the present and future needs of manpower in the health sector. 

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Govt explores crowd funding for treatment of rare diseases

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan appealed to the corporate associations and PSUs to contribute generously to the cause of treatment of patients with rare diseases under CSR initiatives.

Rare disease committees have been constituted, nodal officers appointed and Rare Disease Fund Accounts have also been created at notified eight Centres of Excellence (COEs). Nidan Kendras in UMMID programme have been opened for genetic screening, he said.
Globally, eight percent of the population suffers from rare diseases. Seventy five percent of the survivors are children which makes parents run from pillar to post for their treatment, exhausting their resources and emotionally draining themselves in the process,” the minister was quoted as saying in the statement.

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