Coronavirus News LIVE Updates: Thane district's COVID-19 count rises by 295, death toll by 5

Coronavirus Vaccine LIVE Updates | South Korea's drug safety ministry said today that it granted final approval for a shipment of 1.57 million doses of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine that it expects to receive next week, reported news agency Reuters.

Coronavirus Vaccine LIVE Updates | Japan begins COVID-19 vaccination drive amid Olympic worries

Months after other major economies, Japan began giving the first coronavirus vaccines to front-line health workers Wednesday. Many are wondering if the campaign will reach enough people, and in time, to save a Summer Olympics already delayed a year by the worst pandemic in a century. Despite recent rising infections, Japan has largely dodged the kind of cataclysm that has battered other wealthy countries' economies, social networks and healthcare systems. But the fate of the Olympics, and the billions of dollars at stake should the Games fail, makes Japan's vaccine campaign crucial. Japanese officials are also well aware that China, which has had success eradicating the virus, will host next year's Winter Olympics, something that heightens the desire to make the Tokyo Games happen. (AP)

Coronavirus Vaccine LIVE Updates | UN  gets airlines to deliver COVID-19 vaccines as a priority

The United Nations children's agency has launched an initiative to get airlines to give priority to delivering coronavirus vaccines, medicine and other critical supplies to respond to the global pandemic. UNICEF said more than 15 airlines have signed agreements to support the priority delivery of pandemic-related materials. Delivery of these life-saving vaccines is a monumental and complex undertaking, considering the sheer volumes that need to be transported, the cold chain requirements, the number of expected deliveries and the diversity of routes, said Etleva Kadilli, director of UNICEFs supply division. (AP)

Coronavirus in India LIVE Updates | The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has climbed to 1,06,44,858, which translates to a national COVID-19 recovery rate of 97.33 percent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.43 percent. There are 1,36,549 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country currently, which accounts for only 1.25 percent of its total caseload, the union health ministry data stated.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates |  295 new COVID-19 cases in Thane, 5 more deaths

With the addition of 295 new cases of coronavirus, the infection count in Maharashtra's Thane district has reached 2,58,325, an official said today. Five more deaths due to COVID-19 were also reported yesterday, taking the toll in the district to 6,208, he said. The COVID-19 mortality rate in the district is 2.4 percent, he said. So far, 2,48,816 patients have recovered from the viral infection in the district, reflecting a recovery rate of 96.32 percent. As of now, there are 3,301 active COVID-19 cases in the district, the official said. (PTI)

Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | JUST IN: Total confirmed COVID-19 cases in India have risen to 1,09,37,320, according to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry. This number includes cases involving foreign nationals, patients who have recovered and the death toll.

Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | JUST IN: As many as 1,06,44,858 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far, the Union Health Ministry has said in its latest update.

Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | JUST IN: The reported active COVID-19 cases in India stand at 1,36,549, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | JUST IN: The death toll in India due to the novel coronavirus pandemic has risen to 1,55,913, the Union Health Ministry has said.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra LIVE Updates | Ranvir Shorey tests positive for COVID-19

Actor Ranvir Shorey has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently under quarantine. The 48-year-old actor took to Twitter today to inform fans and followers about the diagnosis. "I have tested positive for #COVID19. Symptoms are mild. Am quarantining," Shorey wrote.