Tag: covid 19

  • Cricket legend Sourav Ganguly hospitalised after Covid-19

    Cricket legend Sourav Ganguly hospitalised after Covid-19

    President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Sourav Ganguly has tested positive for Covid-19. The former cricketer has been admitted to Kolkata’s Woodlands Hospital. He had a mild fever on Sunday, and was tested for the virus soon after. Following the emergence of a positive report, on Monday evening, he checked into the hospital at night.

    As per ESPN cricinfo, his condition is stable. The 49-year-old veteran cricketer was advised by medical experts to avoid isolating at home and, instead, get admitted to the hospital, possibly because of some pre-existing health conditions. According to a PTI report, he has been administered both doses of the vaccine against Covid-19.

    In January this year, the former India captain had to be hospitalised twice in quick succession after complaining of “chest discomfort”. He was initially admitted to Woodlands Hospital for what was described as a heart attack by doctors. He underwent angioplasty at the time, and was believed to have recovered.

    But, later that month, he had to undergo another angioplasty, this time at the Kolkata’s Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, and doctors confirmed afterwards that two stents had been placed.

  • BTS leader RM and member Jin get Covid-19 after fellow member Suga

    A K-pop group, BTS leader RM and member Jin who is famous for his visuals also diagnosed with Coronavirus. Their fellow member Suga also tested positive for covid on Friday.

    The group took off from their activities and were spending the vacation in the United States (US). RM returned back home, South Korea on December 17 and initially got negative result before entering self-quarantine as per the official procedure. However, at the time of release from quarantine, the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result came out as positive. Currently, he is not having any symptoms.

    On the other side, Jin returned back on December 6 and tested negative both times but he has shown some symptoms of flu and took PCR which turned to be a positive this time. He has mild symptoms and currently taking treatment at home.

    The management of BTS, BigHit released an official statement regarding their health.

    “BTS members RM and Jin were diagnosed with COVID-19 on the evening of Saturday, December 25.“

    “After returning on Friday the 17th from the United States following his personal schedule as part of his official vacation period, RM immediately underwent PCR testing, was found negative and entered into self-quarantine in his home as mandated by COVID-19 control procedures. However, he underwent PCR testing today before his scheduled release from quarantine and was found to be positive for COVID-19; he is currently exhibiting no particular symptoms.“

    “Jin returned to Korea on Monday, December 6 and underwent PCR testing immediately after his return and again before his release from self-quarantine, and was found negative on both occasions. However, feeling flu-like symptoms this afternoon he underwent PCR testing and was found positive for COVID-19 late this evening. He is exhibiting mild symptoms including light fever, and is undergoing self-treatment at home.“

    “Our company will continue to provide support for the rapid recovery of RM and Jin, placing our highest priority on the health and safety of our artists. We will continue to cooperate fully with the requests and guidelines of healthcare authorities.

    Thank you.“

  • ‘Nightmare, Saif locked himself in a hotel room’: Kareena Kapoor tests negative for Covid-19, excited to meet sons

    ‘Nightmare, Saif locked himself in a hotel room’: Kareena Kapoor tests negative for Covid-19, excited to meet sons

    Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor has tested negative for Covid-19 and has reunited with her children Taimur & Jeh  and husband Saif Ali Khan.

    The Bodygaurd diva was spotted today with family while heading for a Kapoor family’s Christmas lunch.

    Kareena on Friday announced that she has been tested negative for the deadly virus.

    “I have tested negative for Covid–19. Thank you to my darling sister for being our anchor through this nightmare… My BFF Amrita we did this… my darling friends and family, my Poonie, Naina, and everyone for praying… My fans for your DMs… The BMC for being so amazing and prompt… SRL Dr. Avinash Phadke Labs for being the best… And lastly my dear husband for being so patient to be locked in a hotel room… away from his family. Merry Christmas everybody stay safe! Ok bye have to kiss my babies like never before – Kareena Kapoor Khan.”

    Kareena was tested positive in earlier this month.

  • US eases in-person visa interviews to cut wait time

    United States (US) has decided to take a lenient view for certain non-immigrant visas and curtail visa waiting time.

    “The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in profound reductions in the department’s visa processing capacity,” the US embassy said in a statement. “As global travel rebounds, we are taking these temporary steps to further our commitment to safely and efficiently reduce visa wait times while maintaining national security as our priority.”

    The consular officers have been empowered to relax and exempt in-person interviews for H-1B, students, temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers, student exchange visitors, as well as athletes, artists, and entertainers.

    After the impact of the coronavirus, there was a long delay in visa interviews which have been now compensated in relaxing the rules, making quick and prompt disposal of the above visas.

  • Balochistan detects 32 cases of Omicron, all from one district

    Balochistan detects 32 cases of Omicron, all from one district

    During a vaccination and diagnostic process, 32 suspected cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 have been reported in Balochistan’s Kalat district, reports Geo News.

    The suspect cases have been confirmed by Kalat District Health Officer (DHO) Nasrullah Lango. He said that the samples taken from the suspected patients have been sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad.

    All the suspected patients don’t have any travel history. As of now, the condition of the patients is stable and they have been quarantined in their homes. Moreover, doctors have also been told to be careful.

    The DHO said that the suspected patients include a woman who recently delivered a baby.

    However, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has not confirmed the news but Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has sought a report from the health department.

    Last week, NCOC confirmed the first-ever case of the Omicron variant in Karachi, Sindh.

    The Covid-19 positivity rate stands at 0.65 per cent in Pakistan today.

  • NCOC lowers age limit for Covid-19 booster shot to 30

    NCOC lowers age limit for Covid-19 booster shot to 30

    The National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) announced its decision to lower the age limit for the administration of Covid-19 booster shot for people who got both their shots six months back. Pakistanis aged 30 or above can now get a booster shot of their own choice across Pakistan from January 1, 2022.

    Only Sinopharm, Sinovac, and Pfizer will be given as booster shots. The booster shot will be administered free of cost.

    Health workers, immunocompromised people and anyone above or of the age of 30 years is eligible for a booster shot.

    Earlier this month, NCOC had approved a booster shot of Covid-19 vaccines for healthcare workers, those aged over 50 years, and immunocompromised people.

  • Miss World 2021 finale delayed as contestants test Covid positive

    Miss World 2021 contest due in Puerto Rico has been delayed because many contestants tested positive for Covid-19.

    In an official statement extended on Thursday the organisers announced, “Keeping in mind the rising Covid cases amongst the contestants, the Miss World Organisation has taken the decision to postpone the Miss World finale.”

    “The finale will be rescheduled at Puerto Rico Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot within the next 90 days,” the press release added.

    All the contestants and staff members have been sent back to quarantine themselves and they can return after medical clearance.

    Contestants including Malaysia’s Lavanya Sivaji, Miss World Indonesia Pricilia Carla Yules, Miss World India Manasa Varabasi and others have been tested positive for Covid-19.

  • Remaining Windies players test negative for Covid, series still alive

    Remaining Windies players test negative for Covid, series still alive

    The third T20I between Pakistan and West indies will be on time after the Covid-19 tests of all the visiting players were negative on Thursday.

    The Covid tests of five more members of the West Indies squad came positive, after which the ongoing series between the two teams was facing the dangers of cancellation.

    The third T20I between the two teams depended on the Covid tests of the Windies players and now there are reports that the coronavirus test of all the players of the visiting team has turned negative.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given a green single to the production team to go to the stadium for the match.

    The decision to play ODI series between Pakistan and West Indies will be taken after the meeting of both the boards. The three-match ODI series between the two teams will start on Saturday.

    The Men In Green are leading the series with 2-0 and the third match will be starting at 6pm at the National Stadium Karachi.

  • PAK vs WI: Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein along with three others test positive for Covid, series in doubt

    PAK vs WI: Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein along with three others test positive for Covid, series in doubt

    Following PCR tests administered on Wednesday in Karachi, Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that five more members of the West Indies touring party have tested positive for Covid-19 and will now undergo a period of self-isolation.

    Three players, wicket keeper-batter Shai Hope, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, all-rounder Justin Greaves; along with Assistant Coach Roddy Estwick, and Team Physician Dr Akshai Mansingh returned positive results in the latest round of testing carried out by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    All three players will therefore miss the upcoming matches and all five individuals will remain isolated from the rest of the West Indies squad and are now under the care and supervision provided by the medical officials. They will remain in isolation for ten (10) days or until they return negative PCR test results.

    With a total of six players now ruled out of the tour due to Covid-19 and a finger injury to Devon Thomas (sustained in the 1st T20I), CWI and PCB Officials will be meeting on Thursday morning, once all members of the touring party have been tested again, to determine whether the tour can continue.

    As per the latest updates, today’s T20I match and the One Day Internationals (ODIs) can also get cancelled if any other team member gets a positive result of Covid-19.

    The Windies team has come to Pakistan to play three T20Is matches and as many ODIs. Team Pakistan has already won two of the three-match T20I series and were set to play the third and final T20I today (Thursday) at the National Stadium Karachi.

  • Pakistan fully vaccinates 33% of its eligible population against covid-19

    Pakistan fully vaccinates 33% of its eligible population against covid-19

    Pakistan has vaccinated 33 per cent of the eligible population against Covid-19, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) stated in a tweet.

    “33% of Pakistan’s eligible population has been fully vaccinated!! If you are still unvaccinated, please get your dose now! Stay safe!,” the tweet by the center read.

    As of today, the total number of vaccines administered across the country is 124,054,300.

    The NCOC has also approved a booster shot of Covid-19 vaccines for healthcare workers, those aged over 50 years, and immunocompromised people.

    Read more- NCOC approves booster shot for healthcare workers, those over 50 and immunocompromised people

    A new variant of the coronavirus was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa on November 24. It was declared a new variant “of concern” and named it Omicron. The new variant has raised alarm in the entire world, including Pakistan.

    Read more- Deadly Omicron-new variant of Covid, raises alarm