(Image source from: twitter.com/@rashtrapatibhvn)

The second phase of coronavirus vaccination in the country commenced on March 1st. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of the vaccine on the morning of March 1st. All the people aged above 65 years and those with health complications and are aged above 45 years can roll out for the vaccination and take their first shot as per the scheduled time. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind who is aged 75 took the first dose of vaccine in Army's Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi today and he is accompanied by his daughter. The Army Hospital released the pictures and informed the news to the press this afternoon.

Several politicians, ministers and businessmen took their vaccination from the past two days in the country. Narendra Modi is the ninth leader to get the vaccination among the G20 countries. The Indian Parliament resumes on March 8th and more than half of them eligible for vaccination would receive their first dose before the Parliament sessions commence. Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh announced that a fine of Rs 1000 will be imposed on all those who travel in public places without wearing a face mask. The spread of coronavirus is high in Maharashtra and Mumbai from the past couple of weeks.

To increase the speed of the vaccination, the Centre removed any time constraint and people can get vaccinated all round the clock, informed Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan takes the first shot of coronavirus vaccine today in Thiruvananthapuram.

By Siva Kumar