Coronavirus: Curfew in Rajasthan from 6 pm on April 16 to 5 am on April 19

Double mutation has been detected in 61 per cent of the total 361 Covid-19 samples tested between January and March this year, a genome sequencing expert claimed on Wednesday even as he raised doubts over the methods of sample collection being adopted by authorities in Maharashtra, which is worst affected by the pandemic.

Maharashtra has approached neighbouring states for medical oxygen supply amid the Covid-19 surge, but they have expressed their inability due to its high demand there, health minister Rajesh Tope said. Tope said Maharashtra will have to reduce the wastage of medical oxygen as it is in high demand now. Medical-grade oxygen is used for the treatment of critical Covid-19 patients and in other cases of respiratory diseases.

President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday he got his second Covid-19 vaccine shot, three weeks after getting the first dose. The Russian leader announced getting the jab, which was kept out of the public eye, at a session of the Russian Geographical Society, in which he took part via video link.