Latest news with #non-Covid
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
With Covid-19 cases rising again in India, what precautions are states taking?
In light of the recent rise in Covid-19 cases across India, with 3,395 active cases currently, several states have begun implementing precautionary measures and issuing guidelines to help prevent the spread of new Omicron subvariants. These variants were identified through genome sequencing conducted primarily in the western and southern parts of the country. Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told PTI that the increase in infections is being driven by subvariants of Omicron that are less severe. Behl said, 'Four subvariants of Omicron — LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1 — have been found. The first three have been found in more cases.' He further added, 'We have been closely monitoring the situation. At this moment, overall, we should monitor, be vigilant but there is no cause to worry.' Meanwhile, on Friday, Union minister of state for health and AYUSH (Independent Charge) Prataprao Jadhav assured the public that the central government is fully prepared to manage any potential situation. He told ANI, 'Both our Central Health Department and the AYUSH Ministry are fully alert and closely monitoring the situation across all states. We have spoken with the respective Health and AYUSH Secretaries, as well as other concerned ministers.' Jadhav also highlighted that the infrastructure developed during the previous Covid-19 waves has been reassessed, and preparations are already in motion. 'We've reviewed the infrastructure built during the earlier Covid waves, such as oxygen plants and ICU beds, and have already begun preparations. Our health systems are well-equipped and ready to handle any situation that may arise in response to Covid,' he said. In response to the growing number of Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, the department of health and family welfare services on Saturday appealed to the public to remain calm, alert, and cooperate with health authorities to curb the spread and maintain safety. An advisory was sent to Health Care Workers (HCWs) in both Covid and non-Covid healthcare areas across the state. The health department emphasised that Karnataka is actively tracking and managing the situation by focusing on prevention, early detection, and patient care. As Covid trends can shift, continued vigilance and adherence to guidelines remain essential. The advisory listed key instructions for healthcare staff: regularly screen and report cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), and cases with co-morbidities through the P-Form on the IDSP-IHIP platform. It also instructed that all SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases be referred for RT-PCR testing at designated facilities, with same-day sample shipping. Testing is mandatory for high-risk groups — children, the elderly, and pregnant women — if symptoms are present. The department stressed the importance of timely uploading of test data on the IHIP portal and monitoring positivity rates and CT values. Covid-positive SARI samples should be sent to designated regional VRDLs for Whole Genome Sequencing in line with INSACOG guidelines. It also highlighted the importance of coordinating with authorities for sewage surveillance and maintaining everyday life while adhering to health advisories. "Call toll-free helpline number 1800 425 8330 for health advice, and 108 for emergency patient transport. Together, we can quickly identify and control potential illnesses, keeping ourselves and our people safe," the advisory said. On May 23, the Delhi government issued an advisory asking hospitals to ensure they are ready with sufficient beds, oxygen, medications, and vaccines to deal with rising Covid cases. Chief minister Rekha Gupta reassured the public on Thursday, saying, "19 Covid patients are hospitalised in Delhi, but there is no need to worry. The Delhi government is alert and hospitals are prepared to deal with any eventuality," she said. The advisory instructed that all medical equipment — including ventilators, Bi-PAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA units — must be in working condition. "All equipment such as ventilators, Bi-PAP, oxygen concentrators and PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) must be in functional condition," it added. In Odisha, Health Secretary Aswathy S addressed the public on Saturday, asking them not to panic and confirming that all Covid patients in the state are stable. "The latest ICMR report says that the present variant does not exhibit severe symptoms, and most cases are mild. Also, the Centre has not issued any guidelines, but advised all to remain vigilant in the wake of the changing weather," she said. She also assured that the state government is taking all necessary steps to handle the situation. Public health director Nilakantha Mishra said authorities are closely watching the case trends to stop further transmission. He encouraged people to get tested if they have symptoms and isolate as needed. In Arunachal Pradesh, state surveillance officer Lobsang Jampa urged residents to remain calm, saying the detected strain appears milder than past variants. "The health department is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. We are also tracing all possible contacts the two women may have had," he added. He mentioned that a comprehensive health advisory will be released soon in coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi. "A comprehensive public health advisory will be issued soon after consultation with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi," he said. (With ANI, PTI inputs)
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
With cases rising elsewhere, 3 Kol hospitals revive Covid safety steps
Kolkata: At least three private hospitals in Kolkata have revived Covid precautions in the wake of an outbreak in Southeast Asia and the detection of cases in Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Although almost no Covid case has been detected in Kolkata hospitals since last Dec, some have started collecting the travel history of those with symptoms and have recommended use of masks and sanitisers. Two hospitals have set aside isolation wards. BP Poddar Hospital has reintroduced several precautionary measures to ensure safety of patients, visitors, and healthcare staff. "We have reinstated our isolation ward, where we are planning to keep patients with a history of domestic or international travel, who have fever. They are being kept under observation where further treatment is carried out according to protocol," said Supriyo Chakrabarty, group advisor, BP Poddar Hospital. At the hospital's fever clinic, strict hygiene protocols have been revived, including the use of masks, hand sanitisers, and regular sanitisation of the premises. At Peerless Hospital, a two-bed isolation ward has been set aside for patients with Covid symptoms. "So far, we have not received any suspect. In case there is a surge, we will convert an entire ward overnight," said CEO Sudipta Mitra. Although Peerless is yet to begin screening patients with symptoms, it plans to identify those with a travel history to Southeast Asia. "We have not had a single Covid-positive patient since last Sept. Over the last week, we tested two non-Covid coronavirus positives. These are old strains, like 229E and OC 43. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We are ready to revive Covid-19 tests, though," said Peerless Hospital chief microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhuri. He added that the Jn1 strain currently in circulation was unlikely to trigger a severe disease since most have received two-three vaccinations and have developed immunity. Woodlands Hospital has revived use of sanitisers and started a campaign on hand hygiene. "We are keeping an eye on the situation," said CEO Rupak Barua. Charnock Hospital has received a few Covid-19 cases over the last month, though they have been mild and affected those with lower immunity, said Charnock pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta. "The new strain should not be more potent than the one that struck in the third wave. But we need to be careful since any viral infection could spread fast," Sengupta said. "At RN Tagore Hospital, we have isolation beds in the emergency, in the critical care areas, and in the wards. All infectious disease patients are isolated. We are following stringent protocols in all procedural areas to minimise the risk of cross infection during invasive procedures," said R Venkatesh, COO, Narayana Hospitals.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Is Jayson Tatum playing tonight against the New York Knicks? Latest update on the Boston Celtics star's injury report for Game 2 (May 7, 2025)
Jayson Tatum in Game 1 (Image via Imagn) Jayson Tatum's injury report for Game 2 against the New York Knicks (May 7, 2025) Boston Celtics injury report for tonight's game against the New York Knicks (May 7, 2025) New York Knicks injury report for Game 2 against the Boston Celtics (May 7, 2025) When and where to watch the Boston Celtics play tonight against the New York Knicks (Game 2, My 7, 2025)? The Boston Celtics face a critical Game 2 against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, but all eyes remain on Jayson Tatum's condition following a grueling overtime loss in the series opener. Despite a strong individual performance, Tatum's health will be pivotal as the Celtics look to even the Game 1, Jayson Tatum logged heavy minutes, finishing with 23 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists in 46 minutes of action. While he isn't listed on the injury report, his workload and physical play raise questions about his stamina moving forward. The Celtics' medical staff has not indicated any restrictions, but fatigue could be a factor as the series Celtics do have other injury concerns. Sam Hauser is doubtful with a right ankle sprain suffered in Game 1, while Kristaps Porzingis is probable despite battling a non-Covid illness that limited him to just 13 minutes in the opener. "He played through it, but we'll monitor his energy levels," a team source said regarding the Knicks enter Game 2 with a clean bill of health. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, who combined for 58 points in Game 1, will be at full strength as New York aims to take a commanding 2-0 is set for 7:00 PM ET at TD Garden, with coverage on TNT, truTV, and MAX. If the Celtics hope to reclaim home-court advantage, they'll need Jayson Tatum at his best—both physically and mentally—against a relentless Knicks 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch as the Celtics look to bounce back against a surging Knicks squad. Will Jayson Tatum's heavy minutes catch up to him, or will he deliver a signature playoff performance? Can Porzingis shake off his illness and make a bigger impact? And will the Knicks' clean injury report give them the edge again? The stakes couldn't be read: Kristaps Porzingis injury update for Game 2: Boston Celtics star's availability for game 2 against the New York Knicks (May 7, 2025) What's your prediction for tonight's game? Do you think the Celtics will even the series, or will the Knicks steal another win in Boston? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let's debate before tip-off!
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Playoff Game Preview: Knicks at Celtics, Game Two, May 7, 2025
In case you live under a rock, the Knicks put together one of the most inspiring wins of the last fifty years for the franchise at TD Garden on Monday. Facing a twenty point hole halfway through the third quarter, New York battled and bruised their way to a hard fought overtime victory. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the way on the offensive side of things, but it was Mikal Bridges who stole the spotlight in overtime, making some key defensive plays including a game-clinching steal from Jaylen Brown as time expired. Advertisement The Celtics shot 15-for-60 from long range, setting the NBA playoff record for most three point misses by a wide margin. Poetic, considering what game one of the regular season looked like. New York is now up 1-0 in the best-of-seven, and has flipped homecourt advantage in their favor in a series in which no one expected them to win. Their reward? They get to do it all again tonight. Game 2. Boston. 7:00 PM tip. It's hard to stay grounded after a remarkable Game 1 win. On one hand, the Knicks finally proved after some poor regular season play that they can hang with these guys. It's possible. There's a blueprint for victory. On the other hand, Boston is… well, still Boston. They're the reigning champions. They're still heavy favorites to win the series. There's still a long series ahead. Advertisement We'll see tonight if the Knicks can give the Celtics another run for their money. The Knicks are on the more favorable end of the injury report. From the starting unit to the end of the bench, all fifteen guys are good to go. The Celtics can't say the same, however. Kristaps Porzingis, who left Game 1 with a non-Covid illness, is probable to go tonight. Sam Hauser, the C's flamethrowing wing, is listed as doubtful. He plays a big role off of the bench, and it'll be interesting to see how Boston replaces his minutes if he indeed misses tonight's game. The Knicks could really flip the NBA world upside down with a win tonight. I didn't have much faith heading into Monday. Now, they've given us a reason to believe. Game Details Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Advertisement Time: 7:00 PM ET Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA TV Broadcast: TNT Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky More from
Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
New York Knicks look to press advantage as the Boston Celtics search for shooting stroke
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum shot four of 15 from three-point range during their 108-105 NBA Eastern Conference semi-finals Game 1 loss against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on May 5. PHOTO: REUTERS New York Knicks look to press advantage as the Boston Celtics search for shooting stroke BOSTON – The Boston Celtics have their backs against the wall when they host the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference semi-finals on May 7 (May 8, Singapore time). After the Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit in the third quarter to win Game 1 108-105 in overtime on May 5, the Celtics will try to avoid an 0-2 series hole before the scene shifts to New York for Game 3. 'This team is special,' New York's Karl-Anthony Towns said. 'Obviously (the Celtics are) the defending champions and they're gonna come back hungrier and we need to play the next game at a higher level.' Celtics starting centre Kristaps Porzingis, who averaged 19.5 points per game during the regular season, did not play in the second half of Game 1. He returned to the locker room shortly after coming out for the second half with what the team called a non-Covid illness. Porzingis missed eight straight games in March because of a viral illness. They may not have to miss Porzingis for long, as the injury report on May 6 listed him as probable for Game 2. Sam Hauser (right ankle sprain) is doubtful. 'KP is big for us,' Boston's Jrue Holiday said. 'Obviously so versatile, (a) person who can either play in the paint or stretch the floor. Protects the rim, protects the paint, blocks shots and we definitely miss him, but we've always had this next-man-up mentality.' The Celtics were 15 of 60 from three-point range in Game 1. The 45 missed three-pointers were the most in an NBA play-off game. Jayson Tatum was four of 15 from deep, Jaylen Brown was one of 10 and Derrick White finished five of 16. Boston missed 13 of their 15 three-point attempts in the fourth quarter. 'In those moments when the other team's got momentum, we can't just fire up threes,' Brown said. 'To break that momentum, you've got to get to the free-throw line, get to the paint, get to the basket, maybe get an easy two. And then, maybe, the next three-pointer feels a little bit better. I feel like we just settled in the second half a lot.' This is the first time Boston has trailed in an NBA series since the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. 'It stings,' Brown said. 'We let our home crowd down. We're looking forward to Game 2. In reality, you have to have a short memory. We have to throw it away and get ready for Game 2. We don't have time to let stuff carry over. We'll make adjustments and come ready to play.' The Knicks left plenty of room for improvement as well. New York was 17 of 31 from the foul line. In addition, Towns and Jalen Brunson each played with foul trouble. Both players were called for three fouls in the first half. Towns picked up his fourth personal with 7:07 left in the third. 'It was a great team win,' Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. 'We got into a hole, fought our way out and made big plays down the stretch. That's huge for us. 'The important thing for us is to understand what it is. It's one win and then (we have to) understand that we have to reset and get ready for Game 2.' Also hoping to bounce back from a Game 1 upset loss are the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder dropped back-to-back games just twice in the regular season, and the top seed in the West never lost more than two contests consecutively. And yet Oklahoma City face the visiting Denver Nuggets on May 7 in Game 2 of their Western Conference semi-final series needing to rebound after the May 5 121-119 home loss to open the second round. The Nuggets trailed by nine with less than three minutes remaining before Nikola Jokic helped mount a comeback, and before Denver won on Aaron Gordon's three with less than four seconds remaining. 'We know it's about how we respond,' Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'There's nothing we can do about what just happened, so there's no point to have our head down or be sad about it or sulk about it. All we can do is be better for the next game.' Off the court, Thunder executive vice-president and general manager Sam Presti was named the 2024-25 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year on May 6. It is the first honour for Presti, 47, who previously finished second in 2009-10, 2019-20 and 2023-24. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
