Health

16 May 2021; MEMO: Turkey will start easing its strict coronavirus lockdown on Monday by allowing movement during the day while keeping overnight and weekend curfews in place, the Interior Ministry said in a directive on Sunday, reports Reuters.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey would gradually ease out of a full lockdown imposed 2-1/2 weeks ago, and lift restrictions more significantly in June.

Lucknow, May 16 (PTI) Senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan's condition is "better and satisfactory" but he remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the hospital treating him said in a statement here on Sunday.

Khan and his son Abdullah were were shifted from the Sitapur jail to Medanta Hospital here on May 9 for coronavirus treatment.

"Member of Parliament Azam Khan is in the ICU following a severe COVID infection. As compared to yesterday, his oxygen requirement was less. Today, the condition of Azam Khan is better and satisfactory," the hospital said.

Islamabad, May 16 (PTI) Pakistan on Sunday started easing coronavirus restrictions on transportation and commercial activities, which were suspended for a week to curb the spread of the virus during Eid holidays.

The easing of restrictions came even as the country's coronavirus positivity rose to 7.83 per cent on Sunday, a day after falling to more than two months low to about 5 per cent.

All businesses and public transport were suspended from May 10-16 to stop mass movement during the Eid al-Fitr holidays to curb the spread of the virus.

Kolkata, May 16 (PTI) Streets were largely empty in the metropolis and elsewhere in West Bengal on Sunday as the 15-day COVID 19-induced lockdown came into effect in the state, with just a few vehicles seen ferrying essential items during the day.

Buses and other passenger vehicles stayed off the roads, and shops selling non-essential items had shutters down, in accordance with the curbs imposed by the government as part of the lockdown.

Jammu, May 15 (PTI) Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad discussed the coronavirus situation with Jammu and Kashmir unit president G A Mir on Saturday, expressing concern over the high number of fatalities.

Days after being nominated as the head of party's COVID Task Force, Azad also reviewed the efforts of the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration to tackle the pandemic, a party spokesperson said.

Lucknow, May 15 (PTI) Censuring the Yogi Adityanath government for its alleged failure in handling the grim Covid-situation in Uttar Pradesh, former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said the government has become a liability for the people.

The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has become a liability instead of an asset for the people, said Yadav, claiming that the infection is fast spreading to villages across the state.

Firozabad, May 15 (PTI) Two doctors posted at primary health centres in Firozabad succumbed to COVID-19, officials said on Saturday.

DM Chandra Vijay Singh said Dr Virendra Kumar, a resident of Mainpuri district, was posted at the Didamai primary health centre and tested positive for COVID-19 on April 21, after which he was admitted to a medical college here.

Later, he was shifted to Lucknow's King George's Medical University, where he died on Saturday.

Dr Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Agra, had contracted the infection almost 25 days ago.

Jammu, May 15 (PTI) The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir vice president Yudhvir Sethi performed a 'havan' on Saturday to "ward off" the coronavirus, a party spokesman said.

The fire ritual was performed following all COVID-19-related guidelines, the spokesman said, adding that Sethi was joined by party colleagues Anil Masoom, Ajit Yogi, Parveen Kerni, Pawan Sharma, Roshan Lal Sharma and Satish Kumar.

Pune/New Delhi, May 16 (PTI) Congress MP Rajeev Satav died at a private hospital in Pune on Sunday, days after recovering from the coronavirus infection, hospital sources said.

He was 46.

Satav was on ventilator support at the hospital after his health deteriorated. He had tested positive for COVID-19 on April 22.

He was later diagnosed with a new viral infection and was in a critical condition, they said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condoled his demise and said it is a big loss to him.

Chandigarh, May 16 (PTI) The Haryana government on Sunday extended the coronavirus lockdown in the state till May 24.

The lockdown which already stood imposed in the state till May 17 was extended by a week.

Making the announcement on Twitter, Home and Health Minister Anil Vij said, "Mahamari Alert / Surkshit Haryana extended from 17 May to 24 May. Stringent measures will be taken to implement the alert (lockdown).

Last Sunday, Minister Vij had extended the lockdown from May 10 till May 17.