Category: COVID19

10.10PM

Covid19 cases crossed 13000 in India,Active cases crossed 11000

As more than 370 districts in India have reported coronavirus cases, 170 districts have identified hotspots including major metros – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a set of guidelines which informs which services and practices are permitted. Cases of violence against doctors and medical staff are also increasing day-by-day.

10.00 PM | NEW DELHI

Security guard accused of infecting family for COVID-19 tests negative

A security guard, against whom an FIR was filed after he was accused by a family in Defence Colony of infecting them with COVID-19, has tested negative for the virus, according to Delhi government officials.

“The guard who was accused has tested negative, but I am yet to receive the report,” a Delhi government official told The Hindu on Thursday.

One person of the family, who had tested positive, died at a private hospital in the city on Wednesday.

9.30 PM | SRI LANKA

India-returned woman tests positive of coronavirus in Lanka

A woman who was recently in India for a pilgrimage became Sri Lanka’s first coronavirus case reported from outside quarantine centres, the health ministry said on Thursday.

Over 3,500 people, including foreigners, remain quarantined in more than 40 centres across Sri Lanka following the COVID-19 outbreak.

9.15 PM | PUNJAB

COVID-19 positive man dies in Punjab’s Gurdaspur, total cases rise to 197

A 60-year-old coronavirus patient from Gurdaspur died on Thursday while 11 more people contracted the infection taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in Punjab to 197, an official said.

A resident of Bhaini Paswal in Kahnuwan, the man had tested positive for coronavirus two days ago and was being treated at a government hospital in Amritsar. He also had hypertension and diabetes, a medical bulletin said.

Among the fresh cases, six were reported from Jalandhar, three from Patiala and two from Pathankot, the bulletin said, adding that the virus has so far claimed the lives of 14 people in the state.

9.00 PM | KARNATAKA

36 new cases reported in Karnataka

Karnataka reported its 13th COVID-19 death overall while 36 people tested positive, the highest single day tally so far, taking the total number of infections in the state to 315 on Thursday, the health department said.

With the spike in the number of cases and deaths, the government said, it “unfortunately” did not get 100% cooperation from the people with regard to the lockdown.

8.50 PM | NEW DELHI

First time in 167 years, railways didn’t ferry passengers on its birthday

The Indian Railways turned 167 on Thursday but for the first time ever in its over one-and-half-century-old life, it celebrated its birthday with its trains standing idle in yards and without carrying passengers amid the nationwide lockdown.

It was on this day 167 years ago in 1853 that the first passenger train in the country had run from from Bori Bunder in Mumbai to Thane.

Railway has suspended all passenger services since March 25 till May 3 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Around 15,523 trains run by the railways have been affected including 9,000 passenger trains and 3,000 mail express services which are run daily. It caters to over 20 million passengers every day.

8.40 PM | BIHAR

Six new COVID-19 cases in Bihar

Six more COVID-19 positive case reported in Bihar from Munger District. Two male and four female from a family detected positive for the virus. Total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Bihar goes up to 80.

8.25 PM | KARNATAKA

New testing lab to start functioning in Belagavi soon

The Indian Council of Medical Research has approved the use of the virology laboratory in the ICMR National Institute of Traditional medicine in Belagavi as a COVID-19 testing laboratory.

According to officials, testing of throat swab samples could begin in two to three days.

New testing lab to start functioning in Belagavi soon

8.10 PM | GUJARAT

58 new COVID-19 cases in Gujarat

Gujarat records 58 new Covid-19 infection cases, taking the total numbers to 929. So far 73 have recovered & 36 have died in the state. Today saw the steepest rise of 163 cases in the state. As on Thursday, 812 people are under treatment and stable while eight others are on ventilator support in Gujarat. So far 20903 samples have been tested. Coronavirus has spread to 24 of 33 districts in the state with highest 545 cases in Ahmedabad.

8.05 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

12 new COVID-19 cases in Noida

Twelve more coronavirus patients were detected across Noida and Greater Noida on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar district to 92, officials said.

The latest batch of positive cases includes a three-year-old child who got infected from his parents, who are already under treatment for COVID-19, and a 26-year-old nurse working at a quarantine facility, the officials said.

7.45 PM | NEW DELHI

68 medical personnel test positive

Sixty-eight staff of Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital (BMH), including doctors, nurses and paramedical staff, have been quarantined as a precautionary measure, after a pregnant woman admitted at the hospital allegedly did not disclose that she was under home quarantine, as part of COVID-19 measures of the government, said hospital officials on Thursday.

The woman died at the Delhi government-run hospital on Wednesday night.

7.25 PM | ASSAM

Two more test positive for COVID-19 in Assam; total climbs to 34

Two people tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam on Thursday, taking the total in the state to 34, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said here.

Both the cases are from Morigaon district of the state and are secondary contacts of attendees of the Tablighi Jamaat event at the Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi, the minister said in a tweet.

The cumulative number of patients in Assam now stands at 34. The figure includes one fatality and five patients who have been cured, he added.

Thirty-three of these are linked to the Jamaat event.

Three people were discharged on Thursday from the Goalpara Civil Hospital and two others on Wednesday from the Sonapur District Hospital as they have recovered from COVID-19.

7.15 PM | NEW DELHI

3,336 Indians infected by coronavirus in 53 countries, say govt. sources

A total of 3,336 Indians in 53 countries were infected by the coronavirus while 25 lost their lives due to the disease, government sources said on April 16.

They said Indians stranded abroad will have to be patient as the government is not evacuating them as part of a larger policy decision to check spread of the virus in the country.

3,336 Indians infected by coronavirus in 53 countries, say govt. sources

6.55 PM | WEST BENGAL

Three more die of COVID-19 in West Bengal, total fatalities rise to 10

The novel coronavirus claimed three more lives in West Bengal in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of fatalities to 10, Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha said on April 16.

Twenty-four new cases of COVID-19 were reported from the State during the period, he said.

The total number of cases in West Bengal now stands at 188, while the Union Health Ministry has put the figure at 231.

6.45 PM | PUDUCHERRY

One COVID-19 patient recovers, discharged in Puducherry

One of the six active COVID-19 patients in Puducherry was discharged from a hospital in Puducherry on April 16 following his recovery while no fresh cases were reported in the union territory, a Health department official said.

The man from neighbouring Ariyankuppam is the second patient to recover from coronavirus in the union territory after a 68-year old woman was cured in Mahe, an enclave in Kerala.

The official said no fresh COVID19 case was reported in the union territory on Thursday.

The union territory has reported its first coronavirus death of a man from Mahe at a hospital in neighbouring Kannur on April 11.

6.30 PM | MAHARASHTRA

Bombay High Court extends all interim reliefs till June 15

The Bombay High Court on Thursday extended all interim reliefs for all courts in Maharashtra and Goa, Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar and Haveli and Daman & Diu till June 15.

A circular issued by Chief Justice BP Dharmadhikari and three other senior most judges said, “In this situation,  interim orders arrangement continued by March 26 order till April 30 shall continue further till June 15, subject to same  liberty to aggrieved party to move for vacation thereof.”

It said, “Five judges will hear extremely urgent cases through video conferencing on April 20, 23, 27, 30 and May 5 between 12 noon to 2 pm. All the Litigants, Public and Advocates in the States and UT are hereby informed that they should avoid visiting the Court complexes unless necessary.”

6.20 PM | HARYANA

Gurugram Police seizes two ambulance

Two ambulances impounded by Gurugram Police for being allegedly used to ferry migrant workers to Bihar in disguise of patients and their attendants.

– Ashok Kumar

The ambulances impounded by the Gurugram Police for allegedly ferrying migrant workers to Bihar.   

6.00 PM | NEW DELHI

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba urges States to appoint nodal officers to help migrant labourers

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba asks States that District Collectors must appoint nodal officers who would be responsible for coordinating the arrangements for migrant labourers. Each camp should be put in charge of a senior officer.

5.40 PM | NEW DELHI

Request media to bring to our notice if anybody is hungry: Arvind Kejriwal

“In containment zones there is misinformation being spread that authorities will come and test all the people. This is incorrect. What happens in containment zones is that a survey is done to come ask people if they are showing  any symptoms. They will only test people if they are showing symptoms,” says Arvind Kejriwal.

Around 9 lakh people in the city ate lunch and dinner yesterday but there are still people who are in need of help. I request the media to bring to our notice if anybody is hungry and help us direct them to shelters and food. About 15 lakh people without ration cards have applied for ration, Mr. Kejriwal adds.

5.20 PM | HARYANA

Nine members of family test positive in Haryana’s Panchkula

With nine members of a family from Panchkula testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), the total number of cases in Haryana rose to 213 on Thursday, officials said.

5.10 PM | MAHARASHTRA

15 more cases in Dharavi

With the 15 new cases, Dharavi has reported a total of 26 new cases on Thursday, including a ninth death. The deceased is a 58 year-old man from Laxmi Chawl, the first reported case from the area.

Dharavi now has a total of 86 cases, including 9 deaths. Of Thursday’s new cases,11 are from Muslim Nagar alone. Of these 11, one is a 13 year-old boy.

5.00 PM | INDIA

Those who booked flight tickets during Mar 25-Apr 14 for travel till May 3 can get refunds: Govt.

The Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday said the passengers who had booked flight tickets during the first phase of lockdown for travel up to May 3 must get a full refund from the airlines without any cancellation charges if they ask for it.

4.20 PM | INDIA

Fatality rate at 3.3%, recovery at 12.02%: Health Ministry

In a daily press briefing, an MHA spokesperson said that action is being taken by State governments against violation of lockdown measures. There is adequate availability of food grain and other essentials.

“In the areas which are not hotspots or containment zones, some select activities will be allowed April 20 onwards, while implementing social distancing measures. The focus is on strengthening rural economy,” she said.

A video-conference meeting was held with WHO officials for better coordination at the ground level, a Health Ministry spokesperson said.

“Health Minster interacted with the industrialists at the Confederation of Indian Industries event, apprised them of the measures being taken by the government to revive the economy, encouraged them for the Make In India initiatives.

“State governments have been asked to rope in NGOs and private sector.

“1489 people have recovered so far, including 183 new ones, 941 new confirmed cases, taking the total to 12,380 so far, 414 deaths, including 37 new ones. 325 districts have reported no cases.

“The fatality rate is 3.3%, recovery is 12.02%,” the spokesperson said. In 27 districts of 17 States, no cases have been reported in the past 14 days, he added. “An additional team for monitoring of containment work has been sent to Maharashtra, two was already there.”

“Over 2.90 lakh tests have been conducted so far, 30043 tests were conducted yesterday,” said an ICMR representative.

“Lab capacity is currently 42,418 tests in one shift of nine hours.

“There are two types of kits for rapid tests, totalling 5 lakh, which have been made available so far. Both the types have more than 80% sensitivity and over 84% specificity.

“Rapid anti-body tests are not for early diagnosis, it is used for surveillance in hotspot zones, to ascertain whether the number of cases are increasing or declining,” he added.

A Civil Aviation Ministry core group was formed to ensure transportation of essential goods, with special focus on North-East States, Island territories and hilly terrains, an Infra Ministry spokesperson informed. “Arrangements were made for transportation of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment from China to India, since April 4.”

Railway: “Over 16 lakh free meals served till April 15, Over 8 lakh wagons carried supplies through the country

“5,000 beds prepared in 17 dedicated hospitals and 33 isolated hospital blocks in railway hospitals. Indentified 19 Covid patients. Over 10,500 quarantine beds made available. Over 5,000 train coaches to serve as quarantine or isolation facilities for up to 80,000 beds.”

Postal Service: “Over 1.5 lakh post offices and 4 lakh postal employees working on the ground for delivery of essential services. Rs.21,000 crore worth of transactions throgh post office saving banks. Rs.120 crore worth of Aadhar enabled payment systam transactions and delivery of 26 lakh accountable items done.”

Road Transport Ministry: “Timely release of payments to contractors, consultants and vendors using digital payment platforms, amounting to Rs.10,000 crore, has been done.”

ICMR spokesperson: “Rapid anti-body test kits have arrived from China, their sensitivity and specificity is less. We are using them only to keep a watch on the trend.

“There is no evidence so far about the impact of weather on the spread of Covid-19.”

–Devesh PandeyA large number of citizens stand in queue close to each other in front of State Bank of India to withdraw money from Telangana Government giving Rs. 1,500 per family at Mallepally, while ignoring social distancing norms in Hyderabad on Thursday.A fisherman trying his luck near Thoothukudi new harbour beach as the mechanised boats abstain from fishing.Agriculture activity is going on in full swing in Nilgiris. Farmers are spraying fertilizer and pesticides at Mpalada village near Udhagamandalam.A young boy takes a dive into the clean Yamuna river with the backdrop of Signature Bridge in New Delhi.Conservancy workers spraying bleaching powder on a road in Erode.A flock of cattle out on a deserted road in front of district court in Khammam.A child having fun in a makeshift swing at the Maduravoyal Erikarai bus stop on Poonmallee High Road.Migrant workers in Ambattur industrial estate were distributed with provisions by inspectorate of factories in Chennai.Patients being discharged from the COVID-19 ward at the Tiruchi Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital in Tiruchi.A mother offering rice soup to her child on the National Highway. They were on their way to Anakapalle from Chennai on foot due to lockdown. Many labourers were seen carrying luggage on one shoulder and a child on the other shoulder, travelling along the highways.Deserted look at a fruit and vegetable market at Vijayanagar in Bengaluru.Municipal workers getting ready to spray disinfectants at Dumas street in Puducherry.Bulls fighting while business goes on as usual at Ghazipur mandi, in New Delhi.Family members look on, as police patrol at Saradhi Nagar in Khammam.Pune police detain citizens violating lockdown orders at Jedhe chowk, Swargate in Pune. Around 150 citizens were booked walking and travelling on bikes.Medical staff wearing protective gear, getting ready at a hospital in Srinagar.A large number of citizens stand in queue close to each other in front of State Bank of India to withdraw money from Telangana Government giving Rs. 1,500 per family at Mallepally, while ignoring social distancing norms in Hyderabad on Thursday.A large number of citizens stand in queue close to each other in front of State Bank of India to withdraw money from Telangana Government giving Rs. 1,500 per family at Mallepally, while ignoring social distancing norms in Hyderabad on Thursday.A fisherman trying his luck near Thoothukudi new harbour beach as the mechanised boats abstain from fishing.Agriculture activity is going on in full swing in Nilgiris. Farmers are spraying fertilizer and pesticides at Mpalada village near Udhagamandalam.A young boy takes a dive into the clean Yamuna river with the backdrop of Signature Bridge in New Delhi.Conservancy workers spraying bleaching powder on a road in Erode.A flock of cattle out on a deserted road in front of district court in Khammam.A child having fun in a makeshift swing at the Maduravoyal Erikarai bus stop on Poonmallee High Road.Migrant workers in Ambattur industrial estate were distributed with provisions by inspectorate of factories in Chennai.Patients being discharged from the COVID-19 ward at the Tiruchi Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital in Tiruchi.A mother offering rice soup to her child on the National Highway. They were on their way to Anakapalle from Chennai on foot due to lockdown. Many labourers were seen carrying luggage on one shoulder and a child on the other shoulder, travelling along the highways.Deserted look at a fruit and vegetable market at Vijayanagar in Bengaluru.Municipal workers getting ready to spray disinfectants at Dumas street in Puducherry.Bulls fighting while business goes on as usual at Ghazipur mandi, in New Delhi.Family members look on, as police patrol at Saradhi Nagar in Khammam.Pune police detain citizens violating lockdown orders at Jedhe chowk, Swargate in Pune. Around 150 citizens were booked walking and travelling on bikes.Medical staff wearing protective gear, getting ready at a hospital in Srinagar.A large number of citizens stand in queue close to each other in front of State Bank of India to withdraw money from Telangana Government giving Rs. 1,500 per family at Mallepally, while ignoring social distancing norms in Hyderabad on Thursday.A large number of citizens stand in queue close to each other in front of State Bank of India to withdraw money from Telangana Government giving Rs. 1,500 per family at Mallepally, while ignoring social distancing norms in Hyderabad on Thursday.4.05 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

The number of positive cases in UP stands at 773, and the death toll is at 13, as per U.P. Health Department Principal Secretary Amit Mohan Prasad.

4.00 PM | INDIA

Mobiles, TVs, refrigerators to be available on e-commerce platforms from April 20

Mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, laptops and stationery items will be allowed to be sold through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal from April 20 during the lockdown, officials said on Thursday.

The clarification from a senior home ministry official came a day after Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla issued revised guidelines for the extended lockdown period till May 3.

3.55 PM | MAHARASHTRA

Maharashtra to open up economic activities in 20 districts from April 20

Maharashtra will open up industrial activity in Special Economic Zone and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) zones in as many as 20 districts from April 20, State Industries Minister Subhash Desai said on Thursday.

These districts have been identified as posing “least danger” to economic activity because the number of COVID-19 cases are the lowest here, Mr. Desai said after finalising a review proposal for Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

 3.45 PM | UK

UK set to extend lockdown as COVID-19 deaths continue to rise

The UK government is preparing to formally extend the initial three-week strict social distancing measures imposed last month to try and curb the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic as the country’s death toll from COVID-19 crosses 12,868.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is standing in for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recuperates after testing positive for the virus, will chair a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (Cobra) on Thursday during which the Cabinet will finalise the plans for an extension.

Ministers have already indicated in their daily Downing Street briefings this week that an extension to the lockdown measures, likely to be for another three weeks, is inevitable.

3.30 PM | TAMIL NADU

With lockdown in force, political parties and govt offices take to video conferencing apps

With the COVID-19 lockdown forcing people indoors, political parties and State government offices are now getting used to holding virtual meetings, sometimes with hilarious initial consequences, as people figure out how these apps work. Political parties, especially, face such a challenge, as their cadre on the ground across the State are not familiar with such technology.Read more 3.10 PM | BIHAR

With two more cases of COVID-19 from Buxar district, the number of COVID-19 positive cases has gone up to 74 in Bihar. Both persons had come from Asansol in West Bengal.

3.05 PM | GUJARAT

Curfew in four areas of Surat till April 22

In the wake of surge in cases from certain pockets in Surat, the Gujarat government has decided to impose curfew in four police station jurisdiction areas of Surat city from tonight to April 22. Only women will be allowed to go out to buy essential items from 1-4 pm.

3.00 PM | INDIA

Army special trains to meet Operational Requirements on Northern and Eastern Borders during lockdown

To meet the operational requirements on the Northern and Eastern borders during the COVID-19 lockdown period, the Army has decided to run two military special trains on April 17 and 18, Army sources said on Thursday. Separately, the Army issued fresh instructions to personnel on work and movement in compliance with the extended lockdown.

“Only personnel due to rejoin units deployed on the Northern and Eastern borders and have undergone the mandatory quarantine period and found medically fit will be accommodated,” an Army source said.

2.50 PM | GOA

Goa may enter green zone by April 20

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday retweeted BJP national general secretary B L Santhosh’s post on Twitter, indicating that Goa might be the first state to enter the green zone of the COVID-19 pandemic by April 20.

Taking to Twitter, Mr. Santosh had earlier said that if all goes according to the government’s plan, Goa would be the first State to be declared a green zone by April 20.

The health ministry has categorised all districts in India into different COVID-19 zones. A district that has not reported positive coronavirus cases can be marked under the green zone and lockdown may be eased a little at such places.

2.40 PM | ASSAM

Three COVID-19 patients in Assam recover

Three COVID-19 patients in Assam recovered and were discharged from the Goalpara Civil Hospital on Thursday, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

They were released after two successive tests turned out to be negative, he said.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) protocol on COVID-19 they have been sent to 14-day home quarantine, Mr. Sarma said.

2.30 PM | TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has stated that 25 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the State today, taking the total tally to 1,267.

So far, a total of 15 persons have died due to COVID-19 in the State.

2.25 PM | ASSAM

Gauhati High Court gives Assam police seven-day deadline for releasing ‘declared foreigners’ on bail

The Gauhati High Court has given the border wing of the Assam police seven days to comply with its April 15 order to release on bail ‘declared foreigners’ (DFs) who have completed two years in detention camps.

The court, hearing a petition on Wednesday with reference to the Supreme Court’s April 13 order for releasing the DFs in view of the global coronavirus outbreak, also asked the Special Director-General of Police (Border) to submit the number of people released when the matter is taken up after 10 days.

1.40 PM | INDIA

Lockdown a ‘pause button’, not a ‘solution’: Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday, urged the government to ramp up the testing for coronavirus. In a virtual press conference, the former Congress president offered various suggestions to the government to tackle the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“India’s testing rate is very low at 199 per million so far,” Mr. Gandhi noted urging the government to scale up the testing. “Our average testing has been roughly 350 tests per district. We should be able to ramp up testing. Also, random testing to get a good idea where the virus is moving. I am proposing to scale up testing and do a mapping of how the virus is moving,” he said adding that testing is our main weapon against the virus.

1.30 PM | INDIA

Dharavi reports 11 new cases

Dharavi reported 11 new cases on Thursday, bringing the total to 71. Among the new cases are four from Mukund Nagar, totalling 18 so far. Social Nagar that had earlier seen cases also reported two new cases. Besides, new parts of Dharavi have reported cases including Sai Raj nagar, transit camp, Ramji chawl. This brings the total to 71 cases in Dharavi, including eight deaths.

1.00 PM | DELHI

89 quarantined in Delhi after pizza delivery man tests positive for COVID-19

After a 19-year-old pizza delivery man tested positive for COVID-19 in Delhi, a total of 89 people, including 72 people in houses of South Delhi where he made deliveries have been quarantined.

“A total of 17 people including the owner of the shop and other delivery boys have been put under institutional quarantine. The shop has been shut,” said BM Mishra, District Magistrate (South Delhi).  

“72 people in houses where he made the delivery have been put under home quarantine. All these houses are in 5 km radius of Malviya Nagar,” he added.

12.45 PM | DELHI

Three blocks of Delhi Police Colony sealed after ASI tests positive

Three blocks of Delhi Police Colony in Model Town area have been sealed after an ASI and his son tested positive for COVID-19.

The ASI’s wife who is a staff nurse at LNJP hospital tested positive for COVID-19 last week and her family was home quarantined, a Delhi police official has said.

12.30 PM | KARNATAKA

35 new cases in Karnataka

Karnataka has reported 35 new cases of COVID-19 today. With this the total number of cases stands at 313 in Karnataka.

This is the largest increase in a day so far in the State. A majority of these cases were reported from Belagavi with 17 cases, followed by Vijayapura which has seven cases. The bulletin by the Department of Health and Family Welfare states that five cases were reported from Bengaluru, one case each from Kalaburagi and Gadag districts, and two cases from Mysuru.

12.20 PM | MAHARSHTRA

Maharashtra reports 165 new cases; State tally at 3081

Maharashtra has reported 165 new cases, taking the State tally to 3081.

The bulk of the new cases -107- was reported from Mumbai, while Pune district reported 23 including four from Pimpri Chinchwad, 13 from Thane district ,11 from Nagpur district, four from Malegaon in Nashik, two each from Navi Mumbai and Vasai Virar, and one each from Panvel, and Ahmednagar and Chandrapur districts

12.10 PM | INDIA

Major consignment of testing kits arriving from China today

A large consignment of testing kits for the novel coronavirus pandemic is scheduled to reach India from China on Thursday, sources have confirmed. The kits are expected to boost India’s testing capacity in a major way as the country aims to ramp up its testing capacity.

12.00 PM | TAMIL NADU

32 COVID-19 patients discharged from Tiruchi GH

Thirty-two patients, who had tested positive for COVID-19, were discharged after treatment from the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital on Thursday.

 11.40 AM | TELANGANA

Cabinet to meet on April 19, decide on continuing or relaxing lockdown

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will chair a Cabinet meeting on April 19 to review the COVID-19 situation in the State.

The Cabinet, it is learnt, will take a call whether to continue the lockdown strictly till May 3 or give some relaxation to certain sectors.

11.30 AM | GUJARAT

105 new cases reported in Gujarat overnight; State death toll at 36

COVID-19 cases are surging in Gujarat. As many as 105 new cases were detected overnight, taking the total numbers to 871.  36 deaths have been reported till Thursday morning. So far, 64 patients have recovered.

11.05 AM | UTTAR PRADESH

Doctor tests positive in Ghaziabad

A doctor tested positive for novel coronavirus on Wednesday night in Gyan Khand I, Indirapuram in Ghaziabad following which the area was sealed and declared a hotspot.

 11.00 AM | ANDHRA PRADESH

500 active cases in AP

Nine new coronavirus positive cases were added overnight, taking the total in Andhra Pradesh to 534 on Thursday morning.

The number of active cases now stood at exactly 500 after 20 patients were discharged and another 14 have died, according to the latest government bulletin.

10.55 AM | RAJASTHAN

25 fresh cases in Rajasthan

Rajasthan reported 25 fresh cases of coronavirus, taking the State’s virus tally to 1,101.

Of the new cases, 11 are from Tonk, 10 from Jodhpur, 2 from Jhunjhunu and one each from Bikaner and Ajmer. As many as 157 patients have been recovered so far and 82 of them discharged.

10. 30 AM | BIHAR

Two more test positive in Bihar

Two more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bihar, raising the total number of cases in the state to 72, a top official said on Thursday. The fresh cases were reported from Patna and Vaishali districts, he said.

Reports of a 60-year-old man from Patna and 35-year-old man from Vaishali, which came in late Wednesday night, were positive, according to Principal Secretary, Health, Sanjay Kumar.

The Patna patient had come in contact with a Dubai-returnee who had tested positive last month and discharged after recovery more than a week ago, the official said.

Contact tracing was on for the patient from Vaishali, which has reported its first coronavirus case, Kumar added.

10.00 AM | KARNATAKA

66 year old man dies in Karnataka

A 66 year old male patient from Bengaluru, who was tested positive for COVID 19 died on Wednesday. With this, the number of COVID 19 related deaths in the State stands at 13.

According to the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the patient was admitted in the Victoria hospital and was ventilator support since 10 April. “He was referred from private hospital and was admitted in Victoria Hospital,” the health department stated.

10.00 AM | MADHYA PRADESH

Madhya Pradesh records 1,090 cases, 55 deaths

A 63-year-old man from Indore died of COVID-19 on Wednesday, taking the toll due to the illness to 39 in the city.

The man was admitted to a hospital April 8, and died on Wednesday without having any comorbidities, said a death summary issued by Pravin Jadia, Indore Chief Medical and Health Officer.

9.15 AM

WHO welcomes joint efforts with India to fight COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has welcomed the world health body’s cooperation with India to leverage strategies that helped the country win its war against polio into the response to COVID-19 outbreak, saying such joint efforts will help defeat the pandemic.

WHO has said it will work with India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to leverage the strategies that helped the country eradicate polio to fight the pandemic.

 8.00 AM

The world will need more than one COVID-19 vaccine, says GSK CEO

The world will need more than one COVID-19 vaccine so drug companies must partner in the race to develop the weapons to fight the novel coronavirus, GlaxoSmithKline Chief Executive Officer Emma Walmsley said on Wednesday.

GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Sanofi SA said on Tuesday they would develop a vaccine to fight the fast-spreading coronavirus. The drugmakers said they expect to start clinical trials for the vaccine in the second half of this year. If successful, the vaccine would be available in the second half of 2021.

Walmsley said GSK’s partnership with Sanofi brings scale to the attempt to get a covid-19 vaccine but that there was still an enormous amount of work to do. “The world’s going to definitely need more than one vaccine when you think about demand in this hugely challenged global health crisis,” she told BBC Radio.

(Reuters)7.00 AM | U.S.

Nearly 2,600 U.S. coronavirus deaths in 24 hours: Johns Hopkins tally

The United States on April 15 posted nearly 2,600 additional deaths from COVID-19 in 24 hours, a new record and the heaviest daily toll of any country, Johns Hopkins University said.

A running tally from Johns Hopkins showed 2,569 victims at 8:30 pm Eastern Time (0030 GMT Thursday), compared with the same time the previous evening, bringing the total number of U.S. deaths to 28,326 — higher than any other nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the lockdown period till May 3, in order to further control the spread of coronavirus. He said that after April 20, there will be relaxation in lockdown in areas with no hotspots. All domestic and international commercial passenger flights will remain suspended.

Earlier, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi thanked the govt officials including doctors, scavengers, police for their services during the COVID-19 crisis, in her video message. The total number of cases in India surges over 10,500 and the death toll is more than 350. Meanwhile, globally, as many 1334 died in the US because of coronavirus and 24,895 new cases were reported, on Tuesday. 

8:10 PM | MUMBAI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, in his latest address, thanked the Prime Minister for extending the duration of the lockdown.

“I had already informed you about extending it till April 30. PM Modi has done it till May 3. Maharashtra has conducted the highest number of tests, around 20,000 to 22,000 in Mumbai alone. Over 2,200 have tested positive, of which 10% have gone back home after recovering while 32 are serious,” he said.

Stating that a special team of experts had been constituted for framing guidelines, Mr. Thackeray said special precaution was being taken in Mumbai and Pune, like door-to-door tests and setting up of special containment zones. He also added that all essential commodities were being supplied to these zones.

8:00 PM | LUCKNOW

Total cases in Uttar Pradesh has now risen to 660, with 102 fresh cases in 24 hours, as per the Uttar Pradesh Directorate of Health Services. They have been 8 deaths so far and 50 recoveries, leaving 602 active cases. Deaths have so far taken place in Basti, Meerut, Varanasi, Agra (3),  Bulandshahr and Moradabad.

The number of samples tested in the State, which has reported cases from 44 out of 75 districts, have also increased to 15,914.

8:00 PM | AHMEDABAD

67 new cases have been recorded in Gujarat, with two persons dying and 11 being discharged after recovery. So far, a total of 650 cases and 28 deaths have occurred in the State, according to a release from the Health Department.

7:55 PM | KOZHIKODE

Three more test positive in Kozhikode

Three more persons, all contacts of people earlier tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, were reported to have the infection in Kozhikode district on Tuesday. 

According to a release from the Health Department, one of them is a man from Azhiyoor. He had interacted with a person who died of COVID-19 at Mahe recently. The 42-year-old is undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital and his condition is said to be stable. Body fluid samples of his family members and contacts have been sent for lab tests. They are under observation at care centres. 

The other two are the family members of a senior citizen who had tested positive for the virus on April 11. One of them is his 35-year-old son who had come from Dubai on March 18. The other is a 19-year-old girl.

7:50 PM | INDIA

IMF projects 1.9% growth for India in 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a “severe” effect on the world economy and is expected to cause a -3% change (i.e., a contraction) in global output in 2020, “much worse” than the 2008-09 financial crises, as per the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook (WEO). India’s growth is expected to dip to 1.9% in 2020 and rebound to 7.4% in 2021, as per the WEO, which was released by the Fund on Tuesday.Read more7:45 PM | NEW DELHI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and expressed concern over the Bandra gathering. He said such events weakened India’s fight against COVID-19 and the administration needs to stay vigilant to avoid such incidents. He also offered his full support to the Maharashtra government.

7:45 PM | SURAT

More than 500 migrant workers gathered in Surat’s Varachha area demanding that they be allowed to return to their homes. They are migrants employed in textiles embroidery units in Surat.

7:15 PM | MYSURU

Two more patients recover in Mysuru

Two more patients who tested positive for the coronavirus, both linked to the pharmaceutical company in Nanjangud, were discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.

Patient Number 87 and Patient Number 105 would continue to be in quarantine in their homes for two weeks as per the doctors’ advice. With this, the number of active cases in the district has dropped to 36, according to Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G. Sankar.

-Shankar Bennur7:10 PM | NEW DELHI

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an order under Disaster Management Act directing Chairman, National Executive Committee that existing lockdown measures be continued to be implemented in all parts of the country till May 3. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla is the chairman of the committee.

7:05 PM | NEW DELHI

India Inc. stands by lockdown extension; seeks stimulus package to rebuild economy

India Inc. on April 14 said the nationwide lockdown extension was necessary to avert a humanitarian crisis, but insisted on the need for a stimulus package to rebuild the economy hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the current lockdown will be extended till May 3, saying it is necessary to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

6:50 PM | MANGALURU

Another patient recovers in Karnataka

Another COVID-19 patient, a 49-year-old resident of Puttur, was discharged from the Government Wenlock Hospital following treatment on Tuesday. With this, a total nine of the 12 persons have recovered.

The 49-year-old man landed at Bengaluru International Airport from Dubai and came to Puttur on March 21. After being tested postive on April 1, he was moved to the Government Wenlock Hospital. His throat swabs were tested negative on April 12 and 13, according to the health bulletin by Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Sindhu Rupesh.

6:30 PM | AHMEDABAD

The Gujarat government has decided to impose curfews in walled city areas of Ahmedabad, since majority of COVID-19 infections are from these hotspots. Only women would be allowed to go out for a few hours to procure essential supplies like grocery, milk etc.

6:25 PM | CHENNAI

31 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday in Taml Nadu. So far, 81 persons had been discharged and 12 deaths had been recorded, the State’s Health Secretary Beela Rajesh announced in the daily update. According to her statement, the total tally in the State was 1,204.

.5.40 PM | NEW DELHI

People try to create rift between Hindus and Muslims, says Arvind Kejriwal

In a daily briefing to press, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said “It is very saddening that some people are trying to create a rift between Hindus and Muslims at this time when we are all going through a pandemic. Nature will never forgive such people who are trying to spread hatred.”

Mr. Kejriwal said “Coronavirus cases in Delhi have increased every day over the last few days. This is worrying not just for me but for all of us.”

The Chief Minister said “Delhi also had to bear the brunt of another burden; being the Capital, a lot of people travelled from other places to the city.”

Mr. Kejriwal finally said “Today the PM has increased the lockdown period to May 3; this was necessary; if this hadn’t been done, coronavirus cases would have increased.”

5.35 PM | KARNATAKA

Second COVID-19 patient discharged in Udupi

The second COVID-19 patient of Udupi district was discharged from the Dr. T.M.A. Pai Hospital, the designated hospital, here on Tuesday and has been advised strict home quarantine for 14 days.

Sudhir Chandra Sooda, District Health and Family Welfare Officer (DHO), said here on Tuesday that the patient was discharged at around 5 p.m. on Tuesday and had been advised that he should be in strict home quarantine for the next two weeks.

This patient, a 35-year-old man, had come from Dubai to Udupi on March 17, 2020. He was admitted with the symptoms of COVID-19 to the District Government Hospital on March 27. He tested positive for COVID-19 and was since been under treatment.

5.30 PM | MUMBAI

We will begin flight operations for domestic first, says IndiGo CEO

“Complimenting the government’s efforts against Covid-19, we will restart flight operations on vital corridors of air traffic from May 4, 2020. We will begin operations for domestic only and then gradually ramp it up further, to commence operations on some international routes as well. Our singular focus will be on ensuring the health of our customers and our employees. We are working closely with the government and the airports to take our aircraft and our airports to a significantly higher level of cleanliness while ensuring social distancing. The airline industry has always done a tremendous job in ensuring the safety of its customers and I am confident we will rise to this latest challenge as well,” IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta.

5.25 PM | PATNA

Do we have alternate plan or the will to course correct, asks Prashant Kishor

Poll strategist and former JD(U) leader Prashant Kishor on Tuesday questioned the central government’s decision of extension of lockdown for another 19-days asking, “if we don’t get the desired result even by staying the course on our chosen path till 3rd May? Do we have an alternate plan or the will to course correct?”

Mr Kishor is currently working to associate youths of Bihar to help them elected as mukhias (village heads).

“It’s pointless to endlessly debate the rationale & modalities of the #lockdown2.

The REAL question however is what happens if we don’t get the desired result even by staying the course on our chosen path till 3rd May? Do we have an alternate plan or the will to course correct?” tweeted Mr Kishor on Tuesday hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to extend the lockdown for another 19 days, till May 3.

Earlier on April 8, he also had tweeted, “It is simply incomprehensible to see a police-led generalized lockdown pushed as PANACEA to get over a public health and economic crisis like #CoronaPandemic”.

Meanwhile, the government officials in the State said that the extension of the lockdown till May 3 has put a big question mark on the completion of dozens of projects related to annual flood control measures ahead of the monsoon in Bihar.

“Since projects for embankment repair and maintenance are “labour-intensive” we’ve to run against time to complete our projects once the lockdown will be over”, said an official of state Water Resources department.

5.15 PM | NEW DELHI

Employers get extension for filing ECI contribution 

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has extended the deadline for employers to file ESI contributions for February and March to May 15, the Union Labour and Employment Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The country is dealing with a very challenging situation due to COVID-19 pandemic. Many establishments are temporarily closed and workers are unable to work,” the Ministry said.

As a relief measure for employers, ESIC would give the extension and not charge any penalty or interest for the period, it said. Earlier, an extension till April 15 and May 15 for February and March contributions respectively had been given. Now, the deadline for both months’ contributions had been shifted to May 15.

This move would benefit the 3.49 crore workers insured under ESI and 12,11,174 employers, the Ministry said.

Meanwhile, for the welfare of workers hit by the lockdown imposed to curb COVID-19, the Ministry said in another statement that it had set up 20 control rooms that workers could call for help with “wage-related grievances”.

5.10 PM | MAHARASHTRA

68-year-old man second COVID-19 victim from Aurangabad

A 68-year-old man on Tuesday became the second COVID-19 fatality from Aurangabad in Marathwada region of Maharashtra, officials said.

The swab sample of the deceased was initially tested negative for novel coronavirus when he was admitted in the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on April 8, he said.

“His another swab sample was sent for testing on April 11 while he was under treatment, which tested positive. The patient was on a ventilator support. He breathed his last at 1:30 pm,” said GMCH Dean Dr. Kanan Yelikar.

The man was apparently infected by his son, who was found positive for COVID-19 after returning from Pune, Dr Yelikar said.

Earlier, a 58-year-old man died of COVID-19 in the first week of April.

— PTI

5.05 PM | UNITED KINGDOM

Coronavirus could see UK GDP fall 13% in 2020: watchdog

Britain’s economy could shrink by 13 per cent in 2020 in the case of a three-month coronavirus lockdown, according to a scenario published Tuesday by fiscal watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility.

“The resulting 13 per cent fall in annual GDP in 2020 would comfortably exceed any of the annual falls around the end of each world war or in the financial crisis,” the OBR said.

5.05 PM | SHILLONG

Fall kills man in Shillong hospital where doctor tested positive

A 26-year-old man undergoing rehabilitation from drug addiction fell to his death from a Meghalaya hospital that was sealed on Monday night after a doctor there tested positive for COVID-19.

Police in Meghalaya capital Shillong said the man died on the spot after falling from a considerable height from the window of Bethany Hospital early Tuesday morning. He was from Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills district.

“We are yet to find out how or why he died. He might have tried to escape the detoxification regimen or panicked after the hospital was sealed,” an officer of the local Laitumkhrah police station said.

On Tuesday night, the State’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Alexander L. Hek said officials have been instructed not to let any patient undergoing treatment exit the hospital premises. The entire hospital was turned into a quarantine camp with the senior doctor who tested positive being isolated.

Soon after the doctor tested positive, a 48-hour curfew was clamped across East Khasi Hills district and the adjoining Ri-Bhoi district. Shillong is in East Khasi Hills district. 

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the State government has so far tested 90 samples of people who came into contact with the said doctor. “About 200 people had come into direct contact with him while another 1,800 secondary contacts have been identified so far,” he said. 

5.05 PM | GLOBAL TALLY

Global death toll tally crosses 120,000

The novel coronavirus has killed more than 120,000 people worldwide, nearly 70 percent of them in Europe, according to a tally compiled by AFP on Tuesday from official sources.

A total of 120,013 deaths have now been recorded since the epidemic first emerged in China in December, 81,474 of them in Europe.

The figures were collated using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

5.00 PM | ODISHA

Coronavirus statistics going down in Odisha: Patnaik

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed happiness on Tuesday over coronavirus statistics going down in the state.

Reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the state at a high level meeting through video-conferencing, Mr. Patnaik asked police to ensure that movement of agriculture products do not stop and those indulging in domestic violence during lockdown are punished.

“I am pleased to see coronavirus statistics are leveling in the state and going down. It is a good sign,” Mr. Patnaik said.

According to the latest count, Odisha has 56 confirmed cases of COVID-19, out of whom 18 have recovered. One person has died in the state due to the deadly virus.

4.45 PM | NEW DELHI

All pending MGNREGA payments cleared: Tomar

All pending payments of beneficiaries under MGNREGA have been cleared, Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar tells PTI.

Besides pensions additional cash is being transferred in accounts of more than 2 crore widows, senior citizens and specially-abled.

Plans for MGNREGA approved to kick-start work after lockdown, he adds.

4.40 PM | NEW DELHI

Increasing sampling zone

Testing is being done on the basis of our sampling criteria, otherwise we cannot ensure proper use of the testing kits, says Health Ministry spokesperson.

We are increasing our sampling zone and are also introducing rapid tests, he adds.

4.30 PM | NEW DELHI

Why 40 day lockdown?

Indian Postal Service is delivering medical supplies to individuals, hospitals and care centres, says a government spokesperson.

Health Ministry says 602 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals having 1,06,719 isolation beds and 12,024 ICU beds have been readied in country.

218 lifeline UDAN flights with 377.50 tonne essential medical cargo were sent to different parts of the country, particularly in north-east region, hilly States and Island territories.

If no cases are reported for 28 days at a stretch, it is believed that there will be no more cases in that particular area: Health Ministry spokesperson, to a query on the rationale behind 40-day lockdown.

4.10 PM | NEW DELHI

Sufficient kits available for testing

ICMR spokesperson says over 2.31 lakh tests done so far and yesterday alone 21,635 tests were held.

Sufficient RTPCR kits are available and orders have been placed for 33 lakh kits and 37 lakh rapid test kits, he adds.

1036 people have been cured so far,  79 people were cured yesterday, says Health Ministry spokesperson.

4.00 PM | NEW DELHI

Labour Ministry has set up 20 helplines for addressing grievances of workers, says Home Ministry spokesperson in the daily briefing.

About 32 crore poor people received financial assistance to the tune of Rs.29,352 crore so far as part of the Rs. 1.70-lakh crore PM Grib Kalyan package, says the Finance Ministry spokesperson.4.00 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

COVID-19 Death toll in UP is now eight, said Amit Mohan Prasad, UP health department principal secretary. Total positive cases are now 657.

3.30 PM | GUJARAT

Ahmedabad readies country’s largest COVID-19 care facility

With Ahmedabad alone accounting for 346 of the total 617 coronavirus positive cases in Gujarat, the city civic body has readied the country’s largest COVID-19 Care Centre with a capacity to accommodate 2000 patients who are not suffering from any underlying health issues.

The facility, created in a hostel complex near the Gujarat University Complex, will ease the load of COVID-19 patients on government hospitals.

The care centre is also equipped with a library, and a Yoga and indoor game facility for patients.

“We can accommodate 2,000 patients in this facility, which is the first and the largest COVID Care Centre in the country,” said Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra. – PTI

3.00 PM | MAHARASHTRA

Seven new COVID-19 cases detected in Nagpur

Seven new patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nagpur in Maharashtra, an official release said on Tuesday.

With detection of the new cases since Monday, the tally of the people infected by coronavirus has gone up to 54. All the seven patients were admitted in a government hospital in Nagpur.

2.40 PM

WHO lauds India’s “tough and timely” anti-corona actions

The World Health Organization on Tuesday lauded “India’s tough and timely actions” against the coronavirus spread as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of current lockdown till May 3.

“It may be early to talk about results in numbers, but a six-week nationwide lockdown to facilitate effective physical distancing, coupled with the expansion of core public health measures such as detection, isolation and tracing contact of coronavirus positive people, would go a long way in arresting the virus spread,” said WHO’s South-East Asia Regional Director, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh.

1.40 PM | KARNATAKA

Another death in Karnataka

The latest to succumb to the disease in the State is a 69-year-old male from Vijayapura.

Eleven more positive cases have been reported taking the total number to 258, according to the department”s midday bulletin.

The new cases include  three each from Kalaburgi and Bagalkote, one each from Chikkaballapur, Belagavi and two from Bengaluru Urban.

A 26-year-old person from Hindupur, who travelled by a two-wheeler from Hindupur to Bengaluru on April 7 has now tested positive.

1.00 PM | MAHARASHTRA

Maharashtra forms task force for patient management protocol at dedicated hospitals

The Maharashtra government has set up a task force of specialist doctors to recommend a patient management protocol for serious and critically ill COVID-19 patients in dedicated critical care hospitals.

The nine-member task force will be under the chairmanship of Dr. Sanjay Oak.

 12.50 PM | ANDHRA PRADESH

2 deaths, 34 fresh cases in AP

Two deaths due to coronavirus and 34 new positive cases of the disease were confirmed in Andhra Pradesh, a state government bulletin said on Tuesday.

With this, the overall toll has now increased to nine and the number of affected in the state to 473.

12.40 PM | TAMIL NADU

Oldest patient to die

A 95-year-old man from Begumbur in Dindigul district, who had tested positive for COVID-19, died at the Government Karur Medical College Hospital on Tuesday. He is the oldest COVID-19 positive patient to die in Tamil Nadu.

12.20 PM | MAHARASHTRA

121 new COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra; State tally surges to 2,455

The number of coronavirus cases in Maharashtra rose to 2,455 after 121 more people tested positive for the disease on Tuesday, a health official said.

Among the new cases, 92 were reported from Mumbai, 13 from Navi Mumbaai, 10 from Thane city, five from Vasai-Virar (in Palghar district) and one from Raigad, he said.

Maharashtra has so far reported 160 deaths due to coronavirus. – PTI12.10 PM | NEW DELHI

All domestic and international scheduled Airlines operations shall remain suspended till 11.59 pm of 3rd May 2020, says the Union Civil Aviation Ministry

12.05 PM | NEW DELHI

Help the poor, appeals Amit Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah has requested the privileged to come forward and help the poor living in their vicinity. He tweeted that as Home Minister of the country he wanted to assure there is no shortage of essential supplies in the country.

He said the way State governments were working in close coordination with the Centre was praiseworthy. “The coordination has to be deepened so that all citizens follow the lockdown and no suffers from any shortage of essential supply, ” Mr. Shah tweeted. 

He said the contribution of doctors, health workers, sanitation workers and security personnel was touching and their contribution in these difficult times inspires every Indian. Every one should follow the guidelines and cooperate, he said.

11.45 AM | DELHI

Delhi will fully implement PM’s lockdown measures, tweeted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal soon after the Prime Minister ended his speech.

11.45 AM

Passenger trains not to ply till May 3

All passenger train services on Indian Railways including Premium trains, Mail/Express trains, Passenger trains, Suburban Trains, Kolkata Metro Rail, and Konkan Railway will continue to remain cancel till the 2400hrs of May 3, 2020.

To ensure the essential supplies in various parts of the country, movement of goods and Parcel trains will remain continue, Indian Railways has said.

 11.40 AM | PUDUCHERRY

Ruling party MLA booked again for lockdown violation

After the lockdown was imposed in the country with an attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19, the territorial police have registered a case against ruling Congress legislator A. John Kumar for the second time for violating prohibitory orders, on Monday evening.

Police acted against the legislator for distributing rice to a large gathering of people near his house.

11.30 AM | JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Coronavirus cases surpass 200 mark in J&K

The corona-led lockdown in Kashmir entered 27th day on Tuesday with the infected cases crossing the 200-mark.

The total number of positive cases in the union territory has risen to 270 — out of which 222 were in Kashmir and 48 in Jammu. Four patients have died in Jammu and Kashmir and 16 have recovered.11.25 AM | MADHYA PRADESH

Indore recorded 56 new COVID-19 cases on Monday night, taking the city count to 362. With this, 647 cases have been detected in Madhya Pradesh so far: Pravin Jadia, Indore Chief Medical and Health Officer.

As many as 49 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Indore, taking the city count to 411. While 35 patients have died of the disease, 37 have recovered from it in the city: Pravin Jadia, Indore Chief Medical and Health Officer.

11.20 AM | MAHARASHTRA

6 new COVID-19 cases, including 2 deaths in Dharavi

Six new coronavirus cases, including two deaths, were reported from Dharavi on Tuesday, taking the total number of people affected by the disease in Mumbai’s slum area to 55.

New cases were found in Muslim Nagar, Kalyanwadi, Janata Society andRajiv Nagar localities of Dharavi. – PTI

11.15 AM | GUJARAT

45 new COVID-19 cases in Gujarat

The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 617 as 45 more people tested positive for the disease.

Among the new cases, 31 were reported from Ahmedabad, nine from Surat, two from Mehsana, and one each from Bhavnagar, Dahod and Gandhinagar, according to the State Health Department bullettin. – PTI

11.10 AM | NEW DELHI

SAI extends suspension of camps till May 3

All training camps at Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres across the country will remain suspended till May 3 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an extension of the ongoing national lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The athletes who are there in SAI Bengaluru and Patiala will continue to remain there,” PTI has reported.10.50 AM | NEW DELHI

CIC, ICs take pay cut

Chief Information Commissioner R.K. Mathur. File  

Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners at the Central Information Commission have decided to voluntarily take a pay cut of 30% for one year in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

The Press Information Bureau has tweeted the resolution of CIC in this regard.

10.30 AM | UTTAR PRADESH

Coronavirus infection cases rise to 657 in Uttar Pradesh

As many as 657 people have tested positive so far for coronavirus, which has claimed five lives in Uttar Pradesh till now.

Joint Director-cum-State Surveillance Officer Vikasendu Agrawal of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) on Tuesday said, “A total of 657 corona-positive cases have been reported from the state. Till now, the state has reported five deaths — one each in Basti, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Varnasi and Agra.”

10.30 AM | ASSAM

One more tests positive for COVID-19 in Assam, count 31

One more person, who had come in contact with those who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, tested positive for novel coronavirus in Assam on Tuesday, taking the state’s tally to 31, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The 31 cases include one person who had died due to the virus.

10.00 AM

Lockdown extended till May 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended the lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases in the country surpassed 10,000. Mr. Modi said the lockdown will be implemented even more stricter and some relaxations may be considered after April 20.

Mr. Modi also urged the people to follow the saptapadi (seven sacred vows):

1. Take care of the elderly

2. Strictly follow guidelines of lockdown

3. Increase immunity, follow Ayush ministry guidelines

4. Download Arogya Setu App

5. Help poor families

6. Don’t take away jobs of your employees

7. Respect Corona warriors

9.00 AM | CHINA

China’s imported coronavirus cases climb to 1,464

China continued to grapple with imported cases of coronavirus after stamping out the disease from its epicentre Wuhan as it reported 89 infections on Monday and the rise in asymptomatic patients posed serious concern for authorities, health officials said on Tuesday.

8.00 AM

India will emerge victorious in the fight, says Sonia Gandhi in video message

Hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation on the completion of the three week lockdown, the Congress party released a video in which party president Sonia Gandhi lauded the citizens for showing patience and restraint in staying inside their houses.

6.30 AM

IMF approves debt relief for 25 countries

The International Monetary Fund on Monday announced immediate debt relief for 25 poor countries to help them free up funds to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Airlines prepare for take-off in post-coronavirus world

Airlines have started conducting mock drills to educate and prepare staff for the new social distancing normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will promote a safe flying experience as and when commercial flights take to the skies again.

09.15PM

Covid19 casess in India crossed 9500

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation tomorrow, April 14, at 10 am. Puducherry, Arunachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the latest to extend the lockdown till April 30. Meanwhile, India’s March retail inflation has eased 5.91% year-on-year. The MHA also extended visas for foreign travellers stranded in the country till April 30. India’s tally of positive cases is above 9500, and the death toll is at 325, as the country gears for an extension of the 21-day lockdown. Nagaland reports its first coronavirus case. Globally, the death toll from the novel coronavirus pandemic rose to 114,539 and over 1,853,300 declared cases have been registered in 193 countries and territories.

8:50 PM | LUCKNOW

Positive cases in Uttar Pradesh jumped to 558 with 75 fresh cases, including 35 from Agra and 11 from Saharanpur, as per the State Directorate of Health Services. The State has now reported cases from 43 districts.

8:45 PM | NEW DELHI

Visa of foreigners extended till April 30: Home Ministry

The government on April 13 extended on gratis basis the regular visa and e-visa of foreign nationals who are stranded in India due to COVID-19 till April 30, the Home Ministry said.

In a statement, the Ministry said all those foreigners whose regular visa, e-visa or stay stipulation expired or would be expiring during February 1 (midnight) to April 30 (midnight), would be “extended till April 30 (midnight) on gratis basis, after making an online application by the foreigners”.

The decision to extend the visa exemption till April 30 was apparently taken in view of the near certain extension of the onging lockdown till April 30.

It is also an indication that international flights, cancelled since March 25, will not resume before April 30.

-PTI

8:40 PM | MUMBAI

Thane Municipal Corporation officials said that a total of 14 people from Thane, who came into close contact with Maharashtra Minister for Housing Jitendra Awhad have tested positive on Monday. Officials said these include members of his personal staff, a local journalist and five police personnel with the Thane Police Commissionerate who were assigned to him as bodyguards.

8:20 PM | SHIMLA

Screening on in 10 containment zones: Himachal Pradesh government

The Himachal Pradesh government has started screening people for coronavirus in 10 containment zones created in four of the total 12 districts in the State, heath officials said.

Every individual in these zones is being screened, they said, adding that even if someone is showing mild symptoms, they are being tested to check the spread of the virus.

The areas which have been sealed include Missarwala in Sirmaur district, Jharmari in Solan district, Sahon and Glad panchayats in Chamba district, and Nakroh mosque in Gagret block, Kuthera Kherla in Amb block and Chowki Manyar in Bangana block of Una district.

-PTI

8:15 PM | NEW DELHI

One more nurse working at LNJP (Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan) Hospital in Delhi tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, according to hospital officials. 

This is the second nurse at hospital who has tested positive for the virus. LNJP Hospital, which is run by the Delhi government, is treating the highest number of COVID-19 patients in the city.

8:00 PM | INDIA

Delivery of Medicines through Speed Post must be given highest priority: Minister of Communications

Minister of Communications, Law & IT Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad, has instructed Secretary-Posts to ensure that delivery of medicines through Speed Post is given the highest priority during lockdown.

He further directed that all employees of Department of Posts be sensitised so that none should face difficulty in receiving or sending medicines during lockdown. The entire postal network across the country has been galvanised for the purpose.

Intra-State and interstate mail arrangements have been made for the purpose.7:50 PM | MUMBAI

Dharavi reported two new cases on Monday evening, bringing the total to 49. One is a 51-year-old resident of Murugan chawl while another is a 21-year-old man residing in Kalyanwadi, who is a wardboy at Breach Candy hospital.

7:20 PM | MANGALURU

One more patient discharged in Mangaluru

One more COVID-19 patient was discharged from the hospital in Mangaluru on Monday.

The 34-year-old male, discharged from the Government Wenlock Hospital in the city, had arrived at Mangaluru International Airport on March 18 and had proceeded to to his native Ajjavara, near Sullia. He was admitted to the hospital on March 28 and tested positive on March 31.

After treatment he was found negative during tests conducted on April 11 and 12, Sindhu B. Rupesh, Deputy Commissioner, said in a release on Monday.

7:20 PM | NEW DELHI

A nurse working at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the city tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, taking the total number of hospital staff infected by the virus to three, according to the hospital.

On April 4, 108 staff of the hospital were quarantined after they came in contact with two people admitted in the hospital, who later tested positive for COVID-19.

7:15 PM | NEW DELHI

Information commissioners to take 30% cut in basic salary for one year: CIC resolution

All Information Commissioners will take a voluntary 30% cut in their basic salary for one year to contribute to the government move to pool all resources to face the unprecedented damage to the economy because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a CIC resolution said on April 13.

7:10 PM | ITANAGAR

Arunachal Pradesh extends lockdown from till April 30

The Arunachal Pradesh government on Monday extended the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus from April 14 to 30, a senior official said.

The lockdown has been extended till April 30, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar said.

Only State-run buses will be allowed to ply on the roads. Construction work will be allowed to resume after contractors seek permission from authorities concerned, but migrant labourers cannot be employed, he told reporters here.

Intensive care units will be set up in hospitals at Tawang, Tezu, Aalo, Pasighat, Ziro and Khonsa this month, the official added.

-PTI

6:55 PM | NEW DELHI

Government starts call centre to coordinate inter-State transportation of agri commodities

The Centre on April 13 said it has started an all-India level call centre for addressing the transportation problems being faced in inter-state movement of both perishable and non-perishable agricultural commodities.

The All India Agri Transport Call Centre is accessible from numbers: 18001804200 and 14488. These numbers can be called from any mobile or landline phones, the Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.

“Truck drivers, traders, retailers, transporters or any other stakeholders who are facing problems in inter-state movement of above commodities, may seek help by calling at the Call Centre,” it said.

The Ministry said call centre executives will forward the vehicle and consignment details along-with the help needed to concerned State government officials for resolution of the issues, it added.

6:50 PM |  NEW DELHI

Army issues movement instructions for personnel held up due to lockdown

In view of the 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain COVID-19 ending on April 14 midnight and the possibility of it being lifted partially, the Army has issued instructions on the movement of personnel who were on leave or sick leave and retirees held back at regimental centres due to the lockdown.

“Personnel whose sanctioned leave expired during the lockdown period will report to the nearest station headquarters, ad hoc station headquarters or Units on April 15. They will be housed in quarantine hubs created under arrangements of Command headquarters and retained for 14 days. Thereafter, they would be despatched under arrangements to OL directorate to their respective formations or units,” the Army said in a letter dated April 7.

6:45 PM | NEW DELHI

Extend free rations to those without cards: Sonia Gandhi

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the government to offer increased rations to people who are identified as beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) as well as vulnerable sections who may not enlisted under the NFSA.

The Congress president said that in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, “we must ensure that no one faces hunger”.

“I welcome your decision to provide free of cost 5 kg grain/person in addition to the entitlements under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) from April-June, 2020,” Ms Gandhi said in her letter. “However, given the adverse impact of the lockdown and its prolonged impact of people’s livelihoods, I write to you to consider a few suggestions. Firstly, the provision of 10 kg grains/person to NFSA beneficiaries must be extended for an additional period of 3 months i.e. till September, 2020. Given the chronic economic distress faced by these beneficiaries, the food entitlements may be provided free of cost,” she added.

6:35 PM | CHENNAI

98 more persons have tested positive for COVID-19, according to Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Beela Rajesh. According to this tally, the total number of cases in the State now stands at 1,173 with 11 deaths and 58 recoveries.

M.6:10 PM | INDIA

Total cases in India has risen to 9,352 with 324 reported deaths as on  Monday evening. This includes 905 new cases and 51 deaths in past the 24 hours.

5:50 PM | PARIS

Global toll crosses 110,000

The worldwide death toll from the novel coronavirus pandemic rose to 114,539 on Monday, according to a tally compiled at 1100 GMT from official sources.

More than 1,853,300 declared cases have been registered in 193 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China in December. Of these cases, at least 395,000 are now considered recovered.Read more5:45 PM | SRINAGAR

25 more people including 12 non-locals tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the Kashmir on Monday. The total stands at 270 — 49 in Jammu and 222 in Kashmir, according to a release from the Jammu and Kashmir government.

5:15 PM | BHUBANESWAR

One more COVID-19 positive case detected in Bhubaneswar on Monday, taking Odisha’s total to 55. Active cases now stand at 41 as 13 have recovered and one has died.

4:45 PM | NEW DELHI

Doctor, nurse, staffer at Max Hospital test positive

A doctor, a nurse and a non-medical staff at a leading private hospital here have tested positive for COVID-19, hospital authorities said on April 13.

“So far, three hospital staffers have tested positive — a doctor, a nurse and one non-medical staff. All of them are recovering,” the hospital said in a statement.

“Thirty-nine healthcare workers, who were contact traced, have been quarantined within a separate and isolated wing at Max Hospital, Saket,” it said.

“There are 154 employees deployed in shifts in the COVID ward of Max Hospital, Saket. None of these employees has had any exposure to the virus. They are working in shifts and are staying on the hospital premises to reduce any risk of infection to their families and neighbours. None of them has been quarantined,” the statement said.

-PTI

4.40 PM | NEW DELHI

On remdesivir anti-viral drug

ICMR spokesperson on remdesivir anti-viral drug: “It was used during the Ebola outbreak. The study in different parts of the world is observational, indicating that two out of three patients, who would have required ventillator support or oxygen support, did not require them after its use.”

This drug is not available with us, he says and adds the World Health Organisation is doing trials. “When the result comes, we will make further plans accordingly, he adds.4.25 PM | NEW DELHI

About Rs.28,256 crore spent so far on welfare activities, including cash transfers to women JanDhan account holders, widows, senior citizens and the differently-abled, a government spokesperson says.

About 30 crore people have benefited under the PM Garib Kalyan Yojna till April 10, he says.

NCC cadets, Civil Defence  and over 50,000 volunteers have come forward to help the administration.

A health ministry official says core group has been formed in ICMR to focus on digital/molecular surveillance, rapid and economical dignostics, new drugs and repurposing of drugs, apart from associated production facilities, in close co-ordination with the public and private sector and relevant ministries.4.20 PM | NEW DELHI

The ICMR spokesperson says over two lakh tests done so far.

 The stock is available for testing in the coming six more weeks, he adds.

15 districts have not reported any deaths in the past 15 days. Testing kits from China to arrive on April 15, he adds.

4.10 PM | TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu extends lockdown till April 30

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday evening announced extension of the COVID-19 lockdown till April 30. The ongoing lockdown was scheduled to end at 6 am on April 15.

The CM also announced that the ration entitlements for the month of May would be issued free of cost to ‘rice card holders’. This include 1 kg of sugar, 1 kg of tur dhal, 1 kg of cooking oil, besides the usual allotment of rice. – Dennis S. Jesudasan

4.00 PM | NEW DELHI

Inter- and intra-State goods movements allowed

Home Ministry spokesperson says inter- or intra-State movement of carriers of essential and non-essential goods are allowed with a driver and an additional person.

Local authorities have to facilitate the mobility of the drivers and the helpers, and others involved in the entire chain of supplies, the spokesperson says in the daily press briefing.

Warehouses and coldstorages should be allowed, irrespective of the category of goods,except those in the hotspots and containment areas, he adds.3.15 PM | NEW DELHI

Foreigners whose visas have expired as they are stuck here due to COVID-19 lockdown extended till April 30 on Gratis (free) basis.

Foreigners asked to apply online to avail the visa extension facility, says MHA.

3.00 PM | HARYANA

Haryana COVID positive cases rise to 182

Coronavirus cases in Haryana rose to 182 on Monday, with a fresh case reported from Sirsa district.

Out of the total positive cases, the number of active cases in the state is 146, the state health department’s daily bulletin said, adding 34 patients have been discharged.

The state has recorded two COVID-19 related deaths.

– PTI

2.25 PM | NEW DELHI

PM Modi to address the nation on April 14 at 10 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Tuesday at 10 am, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

The 21-day nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus ends on Tuesday and the prime minister is likely to talk about its possible extension.

2.00 PM | BIHAR

With one more COVID-19 positive case detected in Begusarai district

the total number of COVID-19 pandemic positive cases in Bihar has gone up to 65, said state health minister Mangal Pandey.

Mr Pandey also said that the government has decided to start door to door screening in hotspots of three kms radius in each of four districts of Siwan, Begusarai, Nawada and Nalanda from where number of  pandemic disease have regularly been coming.

1.45 PM | DELHI

Max Hospital Saket doctor among three to test positive

Three staff members, including one doctor, of Max Hospital Saket have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two days, a spokesperson for the hospital said.

On Thursday, two people admitted at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital Saket had tested positive for the virus.

1.15 PM | MAHARASHTRA

 Maharashtra extends lockdown till April 30

Maharashtra has joined Punjab and Odisha in extending the lockdown. “The State Government hereby directs the lock-down orders issued vide notification dated 25th March 2020 shall now be extended upto and inclusive of 30th April 2020,” the CMO handle has tweeted.

1.10 PM | KARNATAKA

15 new cases in Karnataka

Fifteen new positive cases have been detected since Sunday evening in Karnataka taking the total cases to 247.

The new cases include three each from Mandya and Belagavi, four from Hubballi- Dharwad, two from Bidar and one each from Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural and Bangalore.

Except for one case of a 62-year-old male from Bengaluru Urban, all other cases have contact history.

12.40 PM | ODISHA

13 COVID-19 patients recover so far in Odisha

One more person, who was afflicted with COVID-19 in Odisha, has recovered on Monday, taking the total number of patients cured of the disease to 13 in the state, health department officials said.

Odisha has so far reported 54 coronavirus cases while a 72-year-old patient from the state capital died of the disease.

– PTI

12.10 PM | MAHARASHTRA

Fifth death from Dharavi

Dharavi reported four new cases, including a death on Monday.

A 60 year-old man living in Nehru chawl was declared dead at Sion Hospital, making him the fifth fatality from Asia’s biggest slum.

Besides, three other new cases were reported, one each from Indira Nagar, Janata society and Gulmohur chawl.

The patient from Gulmohur chawl is a 34 year-old nurse from Sushrusha Hospital that has been sealed after eight of their staff tested positive.

Janata society has seen five cases so far. This brings the total cases from Dharavi to 47 including five deaths.

The State has reported 2064 cases so far, including 82 fresh ones.

12.00 NOON | TAMIL NADU

19 items for Rs. 500 in Tamil Nadu

Provisions for the ration card holders getting packed at a TUCS outlet in Chennai.  

Tamil Nadu government is selling grocery kits for Rs. 500 through its ration shops. The kit comprises of 19 items including tur dal, urad dal (half kg each), 250 each grams of bengal gram and garlic, 100 grams of pepper, cumin, mustard, fenugreek, turmeric powder, and chilli powder. State-owned branded tea powder is also being provided along with one kg salt. In addition to this, 200 grams of sunflower oil, 50 grams fennel seeds and 10 grams of cinnamon is also provided.

11.50 AM | ANDHRA PRADESH

12 new coronavirus cases reported in AP

The COVID-19 cases continued their upward trend in Andhra Pradesh, adding 12 since Sunday night and taking the overall tally to 432.

Guntur district has now taken the top spot in the state with 90 cases, with the addition of eight since Sunday night, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Health Department on Monday. – PTI11.40 AM | NAGALAND

First case reported from Nagaland

The first case of COVID-19 in Nagaland came to light around midnight on April 12.

Assam Health Minister Himanta Bishwa Sarma confirmed that one person from Nagaland was found with symptoms of COVID-19. He was referred to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital. He has been tested “positive and is undergoing treatment”.

 11.30 AM | USA

New York City now has more COVID19 cases than China, UK

New York City, the epicenter of the COVID19 pandemic in the U.S., now alone has over 1,00,000 novel coronavirus cases, more than the confirmed cases in China and the UK, according to the official data.

According to the data from the New York City government, an increase of at least 5,695 cases on Sunday put New York City’s total number of coronavirus infections at over 1,04,410 as of April 12 and 27,676 hospitalisations. The city’s death toll is 6,898.

According to estimates by Johns Hopkins University, there are 85,208 coronavirus cases in the UK, 83,135 in China and 71,686 in Iran.11 AM | GUJARAT

Gujarat records 26 new cases

One person died in Gujarat due to COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 26. The State recorded 26 new cases of coronavirus infection.

This brings the total number of cases in the State to 538, according ti the State Health department. So far, 47 patients have recovered from the infection, it added.10.40 AM | INDIA

According to the latest Health Ministry update, the number of COVID-19 cases in India have gone up to to 9,152. As many as 308 people have died due to the infection, the Ministry said.

The number of people have who have recovered is 856. India currently has 7987 active cases, the Ministry update added.

However, data from the State authorities puts the total number of cases at 9,205 and the number of active cases at 7,880. The death toll is 332, according to State data.10.20 AM | INDIA

Pharma units in limbo amid confusion over hydroxychloroquine exports

A week after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that it would “license” the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and supply it to various countries on a “government to government basis”, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) maintains that the drug is still prohibited for export, causing some confusion in industry circles.

On Sunday, the government said it had cleared the release of HCQ for 13 countries.

  9.50 AM | ITALY

Italy reports lowest COVID-19 death toll in over three weeks

Italy on Sunday reported its lowest coronavirus death toll in more than three weeks, confirming trends showing that the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe’s worst-hit nation had peaked.

The 431 new deaths reported by the civil protection service were the lowest since March 19. Italy’s death total now stands at 19,899, officially second behind the United States.

9.30 AM | SINGAPORE

59 Indians among 233 new cases in Singapore

Fifty-nine Indians working in Singapore are among the 233 new coronavirus cases reported on Sunday, taking the total number of COVID-19 patients in the city-state to 2,532.

Of the new cases, 51 are linked to known clusters while 15 to earlier cases. The remaining 167 have no links to earlier cases, pending contact tracing, the Health Ministry said in its daily update.

9 AM | DELHI

In a single day, Delhi records 5 deaths, 85 new COVID-19 cases

The Capital on Sunday recorded five deaths and 85 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of deaths to 24 and the cumulative cases to 1,154, the government said.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the rise in the number of cases here over the past few days was a worrying trend and the government would be launching a “massive” sanitation drive from April 13 across the city’s red and orange zones. The government has declared containment zones as red zones and the high-risk zones as orange zones.

8.30 AM | CHINA

China’s new cases rise to near 6-week high

China reported the highest number of new daily coronavirus cases in nearly six weeks, driven by a rise in infected travellers arriving from overseas and underscoring challenges Beijing faces in preventing a second wave of COVID-19.

A total of 108 new coronavirus cases were reported on Sunday, up from 99 a day earlier and marking the highest number of cases since 143 cases were reported in March 6.

The total number of confirmed cases in mainland China now stands at 82,160, while the death toll rose by two to 3,341.

Covid19 cases in India crossed 8800

The death toll due to the novel coronavirus rose to over 250 and the number of cases crossed 8,800 in the country on Sunday. With the rise in number of positive cases and death toll, many states have already announced lockdown extension till April 30. The lockdown has been extended in states like Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana. However, many people in certain parts of the country flout the lockdown norms by gathering to buy food items. Meanwhile, PM may soon announce extension of the lockdown across the country with some relaxations in certain parts. In India, Maharashtra has been the worst-affected state with over 1,800 cases and more than 100 deaths.

8.00 PM | NEW DELHI

COVID-19 containment zones in Delhi rises to 43

The number of coronavirus containment zones in the national capital rose to 43 on Sunday, with southeast Delhi having the most such zones at 12.

There were 33 COVID-19 hotspots in the city on Monday. With the announcement of 10 more containment zones, the respective district authorities have started to seal those areas to stop the spread of the virus

7.40 PM | UNITED KINGDOM

U.K. death toll tops 10,000 from coronavirus

Health officials say 657 more people in England have died from the new coronavirus, raising the total U.K. deaths over 10,000.

The 657 deaths come on top of the 9,875 deaths of people with COVID-19 in British hospitals announced Saturday.

7.30 PM | TAMIL NADU

COVID-19 woman gives birth to ‘healthy’ baby boy in TN

A coronavirus positive woman has given birth to a ‘healthy’ baby boy at a government medical college hospital near here, where she has been undergoing treatment, officials said on Sunday.

A team of doctors carried out the cesarean delivery at the Perundurai IRT Government Medical College Hospital, designated facility for COVID-19 cases, on Saturday night, they said.

She is among 14 women undergoing treatment at the hospital for coronavirus.

The new born was ‘healthy’, officials said.

7.20 PM | ASSAM

Assam to support Centres decision on extension of lockdown

The Assam government on Sunday decided to go with any decision to be taken by the Centre on extension of the 21-day lockdown, imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Following meeting of the Council of Ministers during which the decision was taken, Assam Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said there was no shortage of food items and enough stock was available in the state.

7.00 PM | NEW DELHI

MHA asks states/UTs to take welfare measures for migrant workers

The Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to take welfare measures, including food, shelter, medicine, mobile and video call facilities, for migrant labourers living in various relief camps across the country.

In a communication to the state governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) highlighted the Supreme Court directions regarding welfare of migrant labourers housed at relief shelters and camps in different parts of the country.

6.40 PM | TAMIL NADU

106 fresh COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu reported 106 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of those infected to 1,075 on Sunday, the state government said.

Health Secretary Beela Rajesh said of the 106, as many as 16 had “inter-state travel” history and the remaining were their contacts.

So far 16 government labs and 9 private labs have been identified for COVID-19 testing in the State.

The governemnt labs are Kings Institute Guindy, MMC, Theni, Tirunelveli, Tiruvarur, Salem, Coimbatore, Villupuram, Madurai, Tiruchi, Perundurai, Stanley, Dharmapuri and esic coimbatore.

The private labs are CMC vellore, Apollo, Erlich, SRIMC, YRG care, Hi tech, Miot, MMM clinical lab services.

JIPMER pondicherry laboratory is the mentor lab.

Also, the government will pay for the test of samples if done in priavate laboratories, as per the Chief Minister’s announcement, adds Mr. Rajesh.

6.25 PM | KARNATAKA

17 new cases reported in Karnatka

The total number of positive cases reported in Karnataka on Sunday is 17, taking the tally to 232. This the highest number of cases reported in a day.

6.15 PM | UNITED KINGDOM

Boris Johnson ‘discharged from hospital’: Downing Street

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was discharged from hospital on Sunday, a Downing Street spokesman said, a week after being admitted for treatment for coronavirus and spending three days in intensive care.

“The PM has been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery, at Chequers,” the spokesman said, referring to the prime minister’s country estate outside London.

“On the advice of his medical team, the PM will not be immediately returning to work.”

6.00 PM | JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Jammu and Kashmir sees 21 new cases

Jammu and Kashmir government spokesman Rohit Kansal confirmed 21 new cases of Covid-19 in Jammu and Kashmir. “17 from Kashmir and 4 from Jammu. Total number of positive cases now stand at 245,” he said.

5.55 PM | MADHYA PRADESH

Madhya Pradesh reports 16 new cases

Madhya Pradesh recorded 16 new cases of COVID-19 until Sunday evening, taking the tally to 562. The count in Indore has crossed the 300 mark, with 311 persons testing positive in the city so far. There have been 41 deaths owing to the illness, and as many recoveries.

5.45 PM | DELHI

Operation SHIELD to be implemented in Delhi containment zones: Kejriwal

Operation SHIELD was very successful in Dilshad Garden containment zone and the same strategy will be followed in other containment zones, said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

People in these containment areas called red zones are facing problems because of the lack of movement, but they must realise that we are doing this for their own health and safety, he added.

“We will start a huge sanitation drive in these areas as well which will be done by high tech machines from Japan.

“Experts will identify high risk areas and classify them as orange zones and the sanitation drive will be conducted there as well,” Mr. Kejriwal said.

Cases have been rising in Delhi over the past few days and we are all worried we are hopeful that Operation SHIELD will be a success and bring down the numbers.

 Autodrivers who have a valid driving license and a valid badge will be eligible for ₹5,000 relief. They will have to visit the Delhi transport website and update their bank account number to be eligible for the money

5.40 PM | HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal Pradesh to be divided into 6 zones for lockdown exit plan: CM

Himachal Pradesh will be divided into six zones as part of the strategy to end COVID-19 lockdown measures, chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Sunday.

At a meeting with senior officers, the Chief Minister said: “As per the threat of COVID-19 and cases found in Himachal Pradesh, the state will be divided into six zones including a red zone, four orange zones and a green zone for drafting exit plan from COVID-19 lockdown.”

Mr. Thakur said the exit plan would be initiated only when there is initial flattening of coronavirus curve followed by tapering of the curve with the tendency to reach a ‘stage zero’ infection.

5.20 PM | DELHI

Delhi govt identifies one more COVID-19 hotspot; total now 34

The Delhi government on Sunday identified Mahavir Enclave area in southwest Delhi as COVID-19 hotspot and ordered its sealing, taking the total number of such zones in the city to 34, an official said.

He said an order has been issued and the Delhi government’s ‘Operation SHIELD’ will come into force.

“An order has been issued to seal street number 5 and 5A, H-2 Block, Bengali Colony in Mahavir Enclave,” the official said.

5.00 PM | ANDHRA PRADESH

AP govt. to distribute over 16 crore masks to citizens

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Andhra Pradesh government will soon distribute over 16 crore facial masks to all citizens in the State for protecting themselves from coronavirus.

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, who chaired a high-level review meeting at his residence on Sunday directed officials to complete the mask distribution quickly.

4.45 PM | SPAIN

Spain’s overnight coronavirus death toll rises, total at 16,972

Spain’s overnight death toll from the coronavirus rose to 619 on Sunday from a nearly three-week low of 510 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said, breaking a three-day streak of daily declines.

The country’s total death toll from the virus climbed to 16,972 from 16,353, the ministry said in a statement. Overall cases rose to 166,019 from 161,852.

4.30 PM | INDIA

Daily COVID-19 press briefing

State governments are trying to provide door-to-door essential goods in the hotspots in coordination with the civil society, an MHA spokesperson said.

“The Centre has again clarified to the State governments that there is no bar on inter-State or intra-State transportation of goods, godowns also can store the goods, as they are also exempted. Staff of manufacturing units of essential goods have to be given passes for smooth work,” she added.

The Home Ministry has been providing information on potential cybercrimes to people through twiitter handle, CyberDost, she said.

She asked people to use the cybercrime portal for getting information and reporting cases.

An ICMR spokesperson said that currently there are 219 testing facilities, including 151 government labs in government sector. A total of 1,86,906 samples have been tested till 2.30 pm.

“Government and private medical colleges are being roped in for testing, 14 such institutes have been identified.

“All Covid-19 cases have been analysed; about 80% mild and asymptomatic cases have been treated in care centres.

“Moderate cases are being treated at health centres and severe ones are being treated at dedicated hospitals. 20% of the cases would require moderate or critical care treatment,” a Health Ministry spokesperson said.

The Health Ministry shared data to show that more than adequate arrangements were and have been in place for treating the patients. In 601 hospitals, over 1 lakh beds are available

“We have been increasing the hospitals and number of available isolation beds,” the spokesperson said.

The Central Bureau of Investigation, in addition to their work, has joined hands with other government agencies to provide food to the needy and poor including migrant labourers/workers, said a CBI spokesperson.

CBI officials of certain branches including at Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, in addition to their work have also extended support voluntarily and distributed food/ration to these homeless migrant labourers/workers staying in temporary shelters, the spokesperson added.

“Ordnance factories are also being roped in to provide isolation beds and other medical facilities to reach out to people even in the remote areas,” the Health Ministry said.

The Finance Ministry has extended the deadline by three months, till June, on minimum mandatory deposits in PPF and Sukanya accounts.

On March 25, the government decided to give three LPGs free to 9 crore people under Ujjwala scheme for three months, so far 85 lakh people have been covered, the Petroleum Ministry said.

The GoM had cleared the first batch of HCQ export to 13 countries, after taking into account domestic requirements and buffer stock, the MEA said.

“In China, Japan and South Korea there has been a resurgence of the virus, so we are taking more precautions,” the Health Ministry said.

3.50 PM | INDIA

SC to hear PIL against setting up of PM CARES Fund on Monday

The Supreme Court would hear a PIL seeking quashing of the Centre’s decision to set up the PM CARES Fund to deal with the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, where citizens can donate money, on Monday.

3.40 PM | MEGHALAYA

Wine shops to open in Meghalaya for five days from tomorrow

Almost a fortnight after withdrawing its order allowing home delivery of alcoholic beverages on health grounds, the Meghalaya government has allowed wine shops and bonded warehouses in the State to sell liquor for seven hours a day from April 13 to 17.

3.30 PM | TAMIL NADU

Death toll in Tamil Nadu climbs to 11

A 45-year-old woman with COVID-19 infection died at the Omandurar Government Multi Superspeciality Hospital yesterday.

The woman, hailing from Chennai was admitted to the hospital at 11 a.m. on April 5.

According to a health department bulletin she had developed breathlessness on Saturday and died at 7.30 p.m., despite medical attention.

3.00 PM | KARNATAKA

11 new cases; State tally at 226

A total of 11 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Karnataka on Sunday. With this, the total number of cases stands at 226.

A mid day bulletin by the Department of Health and Family Welfare states that of the 11 cases, four are from Belagavi, three from Bengaluru, two from Kalaburagi, one each from Vijayapura and Mysuru. Three of these patients have a history of Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses, one has a travel history to Indonesia, while all the remaining cases are contacts of patients tested positive.

Among the 226 cases, 47 of the patients have been discharged and six other patients have passed away.

2.50 PM | TAMIL NADU

SC to hear on Monday T.N. woman’s plea for evacuation of her husband, other fishermen stranded in Iran

A Supreme Court Bench led by Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde is scheduled to urgently hear on Monday a plea by Nagapattinam resident Santha Muthulingam, whose husband is stranded along with 860 other Indian fishermen and labourers in Iran on account of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Ms. Muthulingam’s plea, which is listed on the top of the list of cases before the Chief Justice, highlights the distress of men living in their fishing boats and tin sheds, uncertain of what the future holds for them.

2.20 PM | INDIA

HCQ consignment from India reaches US

A consignment of hydroxychloroquine from India has reached the US, the global COVID-19 hotspot, days after New Delhi lifted a ban on the export of the anti-malarial drug to America and some other countries.

1.40 PM | MADHYA PRADESH

IAS officer from Madhya Pradesh Health Department tests positive

An IAS officer on special duty with the Madhya Pradesh unit of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) tested positive for COVID-19 in Bhopal on April 11. He is the third bureaucrat, all from the Health Department, to have contracted the disease in the State.

 1.20 PM | GUJARAT

Wearing masks made mandatory in Ahmedabad

Wearing a mask has been made mandatory in Ahmedabad city by the civic body. Not wearing it will attract a fine of Rs 1000 for first-time violation and Rs 5000 for subsequent violations and failing to pay the penalty will attract jail term of upto 3 years.

1.10 PM | MADHYA PRADESH

MP death toll rises to 41

An 80-year-old man who had died earlier tested positive for COVID-19 in Bhopal on Sunday, taking the toll owing to the illness to two in the city, said Prabhakar Tiwari, Bhopal Chief Medical and Health Officer. The toll in the State climbs to 41.

1.00 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

Doctors in Aligarh buy PPE after raising funds

Junior doctors at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital in Aligarh city of Uttar Pradesh has purchased protective gear worth Rs 1 lakh after an acute shortage of vital protective gear for healthcare workers.

“The Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital is one of the frontline medical centres for testing and treating COVID-19 patients in Uttar Pradesh,” Shah Nawaz Iqbali, vice president of the resident doctors’ association, told reporters. “The concern of the medical fraternity here should not be ignored.”

“Keeping in view this looming threat, the resident doctors’ association has raised its own fund through donations for purchasing critical protective gear like surgical masks and sanitisers,” Mr. Iqbali said.

12.30 PM | MAHARASHTRA

134 new positive cases recorded in Maharashtra as tally rises to 1895

Maharashtra recorded 134 new Covid-19 positive cases, with 113 of these being from Mumbai city alone, as the cumulative tally in the State soared to 1895 positive cases on Sunday, said health officials.

14 other cases were reported from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (excluding Mumbai city) including seven from Mira-Bhayander, two each from Thane, Navi Mumbai and Vasai-Virar, and one from Bhiwandi.

Pune district recorded five new cases taking the tally to 262.

12 PM | JHARKHAND

60-year-old man dies due to COVID-19 in Jharkhand

A 60-year-old man died due to COVID-19 in Ranchi on April 12, the second death due to the virus in the State, a senior official said in Ranchi.

The man from Hindpiri had come in contact with another COVID-19 patient in the area.

“He was admitted to a hospital two days ago after he exhibited symptoms of the disease. The 60-year-old’s condition deteriorated, following which he was put on ventilator. He died this morning,” Principal Secretary (Health) Nitin Madan Kulkarni said.11.45 AM | MADHYA PRADESH

As many as 49 residents of Indore tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday night, taking the city count to 298. Madhya Pradesh has so far recorded 546 cases, according to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore.

11.20 AM | RAJASTHAN

Fifty-one new cases

Fifty-one new cases of COVID-19 infection detected in Rajasthan today, taking the total number of positive cases in the State to 751.

Among the new cases, 15 each are from Jaipur and Banswara, 8 each from Jodhpur and Bikaner, 2 from Hanumangarh and 1 each from Churu, Jaisalmer and Sikar.

Medical & Health Department said 116 patients have been cured, having tested COVID-19 negative, and 58 of them have been discharged from isolation facilities.11.00 AM | GUJARAT

According to the State health department update on Sunday, 25 new cases of COVID-19 were detected in Gujarat while one patient succumbed to the infection.

So far, 493 cases and 23 deaths have been reported in the State while 44 have recovered and discharged.10.30 AM | BIHAR

With three more positive cases from Begusarai and Nawada districts, the number of COVID-19 positive cases in Bihar rose to 64, the state principal health secretary Sanjay Kumar said on Sunday morning.

10.20 AM | ODISHA

Four more test positive for COVID-19 in Odisha, total count 54

Four more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha, taking the total number of such cases in the State to 54, a health department official said.

The department, however, was yet to share more information about the new patients, who were found to have contracted the disease late on Saturday.

Of the 54 cases in the State, one has succumbed to the disease and 12 have recovered.

Shalini Pandit, the director of state National Health Mission, had said on Saturday that about 80% of the total number of patients in the state were asymptomatic.

10.00 AM | CHINA

China reports nearly 100 new cases in one day, highest in recent weeks

China has reported 99 new coronavirus cases, the highest in a single day in recent weeks, and 63 fresh asymptomatic infections, taking the total number of patients in the country to 82,052, health officials said here on Saturday, amid concerns about a second wave of the pandemic.

08.20PM

India Covid19 cases crossed 7000

As India hopes for the coronavirus outbreak graph to flatten, Centre says that a decision on lockdown extension will be made depending on the exit day scenario. Over 230 people have died and over 7,000 have tested positive for COVID-19 in India. .Assam reports its first death, and this is the first death recorded due to coronavirus in the Northeast. Practices such as social distancing and curfew may still be very much part of everyday social life, even after April 14, the government said.

8.10 PM | NEW DELHI

Centre should talk to U.S. to prevent job losses of Indians holding H-1B visa: Congress

The Congress on Friday urged the Modi government to talk to the Trump administration to prevent job losses of Indians holding H-1B visa in the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said after compromising the “India First” policy in the hydroxychloroquine drug climb-down, the government is again failing to secure the safety and livelihood of Indians in the U.S.

– PTI

8.00 PM | GUJARAT

Gujarat reports 70 new cases, State tally rises to 378

At least 70 new COVID-19 positive cases were recorded in Gujarat on Friday, taking the number of total cases to 378.

So far, 33 patients have recovered and have been discharged, while 19 have died.

7.45 PM | NEW DELHI

Indications of Punjab moving towards Stage 3, says CM

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Friday there were indications that Punjab was moving towards the community transmission stage of COVID-19 outbreak, but asserted that his government was gearing up for every challenge, and announced mass testing in COVID-19 hotspots from next week.

Speaking to the media through video conference, Mr. Singh quoted a PGIMER study to say that the virus infection is likely to touch its peak by mid-September and may likely affect 58% of the country’s population.

– PTI

7.30 PM | BHOPAL

Police books 64 foreigners who attended Nizamuddin event

Police have registered an offence against 64 foreigners, including some COVID-19 patients, and 10 others from different States, all of whom were found hiding in Bhopal after attending Delhi’s Tablighi Jamaat event held last month, an official said on Friday.

The police have also registered a case against 13 local residents, who provided shelter to them in different mosques, Additional Superintendent of Police (Zone-1) Rajat Saklecha told PTI on Friday.

7.20 PM | MAHARASHTRA

Total number of cases in Maharashtra touches 1,625

The total number of confirmed cases in Maharashtra rose to 1,625 on Friday. Of these, 1392 are active cases.

108 deaths have been reported so far in the State.

7.15 PM | MUMBAI

Retailers body urges people not to indulge in panic buying

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has urged people not to indulge in panic buying of essential items. “There is enough stock of grains, pulses and other daily essentials for the lockdown period and beyond. There is no need for citizens to believe otherwise and engage in panic buying,” RAI said in a statement.

“RAI, along with its members, is working closely with various State Governments and with the Centre to resolve supply concerns with regards to essentials as they arise at the earliest,” it said.

7.05 PM | ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Salaries of Arunachal ministers, MLAs to be slashed by 30%

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Friday approved an ordinance to reduce salaries of all ministers and MLAs, including the chief minister, by 30% for a year with effect from April 1, 2020.

– PTI

7.00 PM | NEW DELHI

180 flights for transporting cargo operated so far, says Civil Aviation Ministry

A total of 180 flights have operated since the beginning of the 21-day lockdown under the ‘Lifeline Udan’ scheme, carrying 258.24 tonnes of cargo as on Thursday, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Friday.

The ‘Lifeline Udan’ scheme has been started by the ministry for transport of essential goods through aerial routes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

– PTI

6.55 PM | MUMBAI

As many as 218 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai on Friday, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

– PTI

6.45 PM | TAMIL NADU

Total cases in Tamil Nadu touch 911

As many as 77 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu on Friday, said Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam. While the total number of cases in the State has now touched 911, 44 people have recovered.

One more person died today, taking the State toll to nine.

.6.40 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

10-month-old girl dies at quarantine centre in U.P.

A 10-month-old girl died on Friday at a quarantine centre set up in a primary school in Uska Bazar area of neighbouring Siddharthnagar district, a senior official said. The toddler was rushed to the district hospital in an ambulance but doctors declared her brought dead, he said.

The baby’s parents had come from Mumbai and were at the quarantine centre since March 29.

– PTI

6.20 PM | GUWAHATI

Northeast Frontier Railway turns 315 coaches into isolation wards

The Northeast Frontier Railway has modified 315 coaches as isolation wards with 2,520 beds for various locations in Assam, Tripura and West Bengal in case of any contingency amid the COVID-19 pandemic, an official said on Friday.

Equipped with all basic facilities needed for isolation as per guidelines issued by the Railway Board, these coaches are also fitted with mosquito nets, charging points and space for paramedics, CPRO Subhanan Chanda said.

– PTI

6.20 PM | TELANGANA

Wearing masks in public now compulsory in Telangana

The Telangana government has made wearing a mask covering nose and mouth compulsory when going out and while interacting with others, a Government Memo said while stating that some people do not show COVID-19 symptoms despite being positive of the virus.

“The earlier advisory on “Masks only for the sick” is being updated with “Mask on while stepping outdoors, in enclosed spaces and while interacting with others.”

– PTI

6.15 PM | NEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD

India set to ship hydroxychloroquine sought by Trump for coronavirus

India is set to begin shipping the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to the United States where President Donald Trump has touted it as a potential weapon against the coronavirus.

“The first shipments should start next week,” said Sudarshan Jain, secretary general of Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).

– PTI

6.10 PM | NEW DELHI

Centre tells States to not allow religious gatherings

In view of the festival season in April, the Central government on Friday asked the States and Union Territories to strictly adhere to the ongoing 21-day lockdown and not allow any social or religious gathering and procession.

In a communication, the Union Home Ministry also said that appropriate vigil on social media should be maintained against circulation of any objectionable content.

– PTI

5.55 PM | NEW DELHI

FCI announces insurance cover of up to Rs. 35 lakh for workers

Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Friday announced a life insurance cover of up to Rs. 35 lakh per person to over 1 lakh FCI officials and workers in case they succumb to COVID-19 after six months of performing duty from the day of lockdown on March 24.

Currently, there is a provision to provide compensation to family members of FCI officials in case of death due to terrorist attack, bomb blast, mob violence and natural disasters. However, regular and contractual labourers are not included.

– PTI

5.50 PM | PUNJAB

Village in Punjab’s Mohali sees 10 fresh cases, total now 32

Ten people tested positive for coronavirus in Jawaharpur village in Punjab’s Mohali district on Friday, taking the number of confirmed cases in the area to 32, officials said here.

The village located in Dera Bassi of Mohali has become a coronavirus hotspot in the State. The number of cases stood at 22 on Thursday.

–PTI

5.40 PM | INDIA

Rural areas to see relief from lockdown, cities to remain strictly shut

Stoppered supply lines with trucks waiting on highways, the ongoing harvest season and procurement of food grains in various parts of the country are some of the issues that will inform the kind of lockdown the country will continue to have post April 14.

5.30 PM | INDIA

The Delhi Police have registered a total of 137 cases against individuals for not wearing masks under section 188 IPC (disobeying an order issued by a public servant).

5.15 PM | INDIA

Punjab extends lockdown till May 1

The Punjab government on Friday announced to extend the curfew in the State till May 1, 2020.

The cabinet also approved the Punjab Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Ordinance 2020, to bring the state’s private hospitals under the umbrella of the COVID-19 battle.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, to check community spread of the pandemic and to prevent overcrowding at the ”Mandis” in the light of the ensuing wheat harvesting – procurement season.

Mr. Singh will convey the decision about curfew to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Saturday’s conference with the chief ministers, according to an official statement.

5.00 PM | INDIA

NHRC tells govt to address concerns of mentally ill during lockdown

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday asked the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to address the concerns of mentally ill people on the streets of the country during the coronavirus lockdown.

The NHRC took cognisance of a complaint about the alleged human rights violation and asked the MHA to inform it of the arrangements made for the mentally ill within two weeks.

“In the meantime necessary directions may be issued by them [MHA] to all the States and Union Territories to ensure that persons suffering from any kind of mental ailment under their jurisdiction are provided with proper counselling towards necessary precautions for their personal care and protection from the virus and not deprived of basic amenities like food, shelter and medical care etc.,” an NHRC statement said.

4.45 PM | INDIA

Over 200 Gujarat farmers give Rs. 2,000 each to PM-CARES fund

Over 200 farmers from Amreli and Bhavnagar districts in Gujarat have donated their Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi amount of Rs 2,000 to the PM CARES fund set up to fight the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

As part of the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, farmers get Rs 6,000 as minimum income support in three equal installments, the last of which was disbursed recently, they said.

— PTI

4.40 PM | INDIA

The National Commission for Women launches Whatsapp number 07217735372 for survivors of domestic violence and women in distress due to the lockdown.

4.15 PM | INDIA

More than three times the requisite HCQ tablets available: Health Ministry

MHA

So far, 20,473 foreign nationals have been successfully evacuated on request of several countries, an MHA spokesperson said.

The government will decide on how to manage the return of Indian nationals, the spokesperson said, adding that “our ambassadors and High Commissioners are in regular touch with them, giving all support to them. MEA has also set up a COVID-19 control room, where helplines are active and a full team is taking calls and guiding them. The situation is under control.”

The issue of export of HCQ was reviewed over a period of time, keeping in view domestic priorities, and the restrictions were gradually relaxed. HCQ is in high demand globally; a lot of requests are already there from several countries. Taking into view domestic stock and requirement, keeping a sufficient buffer for our own requirement, decision was taken by a group of Ministers to release some in a staggered manner, the MHA said.

“The first batch of HCQ export has been released, the next batches are to follow,” the spokesperson said.

Urban local bodies have intensified measures in the hotspots. In view of the coming festivals, State governments have again been told to enforce lockdown. The Home Minister had a meeting with BSF through video-conferencing, giving instructions to intensify monitoring along the Indo-Pak border. Those living in the border areas are also being sensitised, it was added.

“As per details available on April 9, a total of 37,978 relief camps, catering to 14.30 lakh stranded migrant workers and the other needy, are being run across the country. Of them, over 34,000 are by State governments, and 3,900 by NGOs.

“Also, 26,225 food camps are feeding over 1 crore people. Of them, 14,999 are being run by State governments and 11,426 by NGOs. About 16.50 lakh people are being given shelter and good by their employers or the industry,” the spokesperson said.

PTI adds:

Amit Shah directs BSF to enhance vigil along Pakistan, Bangladesh borders

“Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the BSF to enhance vigil along the Indian borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, especially in the non-fenced areas.

“The Minister reviewed the security of the two borders on Thursday and also directed the BSF to ensure that no cross-border movement takes place at these two fronts,” Joint secretary in the Ministry, Punya Salila Srivastava told reporters.

Health Ministry

The Health Ministry said that about 1 crore tablets of HCQ will be required. 3.28 crore tablets are available with us. Therefore, compared to projected requirements, more than three times the tablets are with us already.

Arrangements for an additional 2-3 crore tablets have also been made. Through private sectors, two crore tablets have been sent in the fields, the Ministry added.

“We have today 146 labs in public sectors, and 68 private labs with 16,500 collection centres.

“Yesterday, we conducted over 16,000 tests, in which 0.2% were found to be positive.

“Rapid diagnostic kits have been sanctioned, orders have also been given. They will be available at the earliest.

“Earlier 9 lakh N95 masks were available; 20 lakh N95 masks have now been made available to the States,” the Ministry added.

The Ministry spokesperson expressed concern over the attacks on healthcare workers and appealed to the public to encourage the frontline workers.

“If there is any community transmission, we will ourselves inform you about it,” he added.

ICMR

The ICMR representative said that till 9 p.m. yesterday, 1.44 lakh samples tested, adding that “yesterday we expanded our testing strategy by including all symptomatic cases in hotspot areas”.

When asked about an ICMR study showing that about 40% instances of the surveyed patients did not have travel history, the spokesperson said that VRDL lab test results are from the areas where the cases were prevalent. “The findings about patients with no travel history have to be further inquired into”.

4.00 PM | INDIA

PMO reviews efforts to check coronavirus spread

The production of personal protective equipment (PPE) is being ramped up, a meeting held by the Prime Minister’s Office to review the efforts to tackle the spread of coronavirus was informed on Friday.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P K Mishra chaired the meeting of the empowered groups of officers set up to tackle the challenges arising out of COVID-19.

The meeting reviewed and expressed satisfaction on the detailed testing protocol and procedure, under which 1,45,916 samples have been tested across the country till date.

–PTI

3.40 PM | DELHI

‘Operation SHIELD’ has stalled COVID-19 from spreading at Dilshad Garden, claims Delhi govt.

‘Operation SHIELD’, aimed at countering the community spread of the Novel Coronavirus, announced by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, has stalled COVID-19 from spreading at Dilshad Garden, the Delhi government claimed.

In the last 10 days, the government claimed in a statement, there had been no reported cases from the Dilshad Garden area, terming it the first instance of the “successful implementation” of the initiative.

3.35 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

The number of cases in U.P. now stands at 431, said Amit Mohan Prasad, State Principal Secretary, Health department.

3.25 PM | INDIA

ICMR approves use of diagnostic machine used for drug-resistant TB for COVID-19

As part of its efforts to ramp up the testing capacity, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved the use of diagnostic machines used for testing drug-resistant tuberculosis for conducting coronavirus tests.

The ICMR has validated ‘TruenatTM beta CoV test on TruelabTM workstation’ and has recommended it as a screening test, the apex health research body said on Friday.

Issuing a guidance on the use of Truenat beta CoV, the ICMR said throat/nasal swabs will be collected in the viral transport medium (VTM) with virus lysis buffer provided along with the kit.

–PTI

3.20 PM | SPAIN

Spain’s daily death toll eases again

The number of people dying of coronavirus in Spain each day fell again on Friday as the country registered 605 fatalities over the past 24 hours, the health ministry said.

The overall death toll rose to 15,843 on Friday from 15,238 the previous day, it said in a statement. The total number of coronavirus cases rose to 157,022 on Friday from 152,446 on Thursday.

 3.15 PM | INDIA

SpiceJet operates 1st freighter service to Ho Chi Minh City, carries medical supplies

Budget carrier SpiceJet operated its first freighter service on Friday to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam from Hyderabad, carrying around 16 tonnes of medical supplies as part of the transportation of medical essentials, including medicines and other medical supplies, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the airline said.

Besides, one of its freighters flew with critical medical equipment from Singapore to Bangaluru, while a passenger aircraft transported medical supplies as in-cabin cargo to Guwahati from Kolkata, it said.

–PTI

3.00 PM | TRIPURA

Tripura invokes Essential Services Management Act

The Tripura government has invoked the Essential Services Management Act (ESMA) after a few nurses at a state-run hospital complained about shortage of masks and other protective equipment in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Tripura is the second State after Madhya Pradesh to have enforced the Act of 1986, which gives the police the right to arrest without a warrant anybody violating the ESMA’s provisions.

Under it, employees in a long list of “essential services” like post and telegraph, railway, airport and port operations are prohibited from going on strike.

–PTI

2.45 PM | KERALA

22 discharged in Kasaragod

In a huge relief for Kasaragod district, which has witnessed the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the State, 22 patients have been discharged from various hospitals.

In the second stage of coronavirus infection, a total of 138 patients from Kasaragod are receiving treatment in various hospitals.

 2.40 PM | TAMIL NADU

TN COVID-19 expert panel recommends extension of lockdown by two weeks

The Expert Committee of medical experts constituted to track the spread of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu on Friday recommended to Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to extend the ongoing lockdown by two weeks beyond April 14.

“Despite all the efforts taken by the government, cases [of COVID-19] have been increasing so far…All the doctors [on the 19-member panel] feel that it would be good if the lockdown is extended for 14 more days. This is among the recommendations of the Committee,” a panel spokesperson told journalists at the Secretariat in Chennai in the afternoon.

2.30 PM | PUNJAB

Punjab in second stage of COVID-19: Amarinder Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday said the State is in second stage of COVID-19. Ahead of State cabinet meeting, slated for today, Mr. Singh said he personally feels the lockdown should be extended.

He, however, added that the Cabinet would take a decision on the State’s lockdown extension.

Addressing a press conference through video conference, Mr. Singh said Punjab will allow district-wise relief from lockdown only to farmers to allow them for harvesting of Rabi crop.

He said the state was expecting a bumper crop of 185 lakh tonnes of wheat and is making arrangements for harvest of the crop.

He said predictions by health experts about the spread of the pandemic are “horrendous and frightening“.

“Prediction by experts about spread of the virus are horrendous and frightening,” he said, adding that the government is preparing itself and gearing up for such a situation.

2.20 PM | RAJASTHAN

Bhilwara model breaks virus transmission chain in district

The “ruthless containment” model adopted in Bhilwara, which emerged last month as the worst-affected district in Rajasthan, has succeeded in breaking the chain of novel coronavirus transmission. Among the 27 COVID-19 positive cases found earlier, 25 patients have been cured of the infection and 15 of them discharged from hospital.

Bhilwara Collector Rajendra Bhatt said on Friday that the remaining 10 persons, who were under observation, would be discharged in a couple of days. The two elderly patients who died after testing COVID-19 positive reportedly had co-morbidity and other medical complications, while one of them was also in a state of coma when he was tested.

2.15 PM | TAMIL NADU

Doctor in Nagapattinam tests positive for COVID-19, clinic sealed

The district administration has sealed a private hospital run by a doctor after he tested positive for COVID-19.

The doctor who had returned from USA about 20 days ago, is the 12th COVID-19 positive patient in the district. The doctor’s residence and clinic have been made containment zones.

2.00 PM | PUDUCHERRY

Two more test COVID-19 positive in Puducherry

Two more persons, who returned from the Tablighi Jamaat conference in New Delhi, tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, taking the total tally of active patients in the Union Territory to seven.

1.45 PM | KERALA

It doesn’t matter what’s the cost involved in flattening the curve: Kerala Finance Minister

Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac reveals in an interview with The Hindu, the State’s plans to use the COVID-19 fight as a window of opportunity to set up agriculture processing industries and pharma consortiums.

1.30 PM | MAHARASHTRA

Two nurses from Dadar hospital test positive

Sushrusha hospital in Dadar, where two nurses have tested positive, has been sealed off, April 10, 2020.  

Two nurses from Dadar’s Sushrusha Hospital have tested positive. About 28 other nurses have been put in quarantine in the same hospital. Besides, the management has been ordered to stop new admissions and shift patients out in 48 hours.

Another senior citizen has tested positive from Dadar, bringing the total to six from the area.

1.20 PM | KARNATAKA

Ten new cases in Karnataka

Ten new cases have been detected in the State on Friday, taking the total number to 207.

The new cases include five from Mysuru and two from Bengaluru. All the patients from Bengaluru and Mysuru are contacts of patients who tested positive earlier.

A 55-year-old male from Kalaburagi, who is suffering from severe acute respiratory illness, is also a contact of another positive patient. Two from Bengaluru Rural have also tested positive.

With Friday’s additions, a total of 42 cases have been reported from Mysuru. This includes 31 from the Pharma company, three who returned from Dubai and the remaining who returned from Delhi.

1.10 PM | DELHI

Dwarka councillor violates quarantine, tests positive

A councillor in the Dwarka area, her husband and son have tested positive for Covid-19.

The Delhi Police has registered a case against them for violating home quarantine guidelines.

1.00 PM | MAHARASHTRA

Detailed inquiry to be undertaken into DHFL promoters’ lockdown violation: NCP

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has spoken to CM Uddhav Thackeray regarding DHFL chairman Kapil Wadhawan and his family violating the lockdown by travelling, and a detailed inquiry will be done regarding the same, NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik said in a press note.

Pending inquiry, Amitabh Gupta, Principal Secretary (Special), Home Department, has been sent on a long leave, the note said.

“IPS and IAS officers come under the ambit of the PMO. If the Central Government wishes to take action against Amitabh Gupta, they are free to do so. We will welcome the same,” Mr. Malik added.

12.50 PM | BIHAR

The number of COVID-19 patients in Siwan district has gone up to 29. The total number of infected persons in Bihar goes up to 60.

12.40 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

Priyanka Gandhi writes to Adityanath, seeks increased testing for COVID-19 in U.P.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urged the State government to considerably increase testing for COVID-19 and cited the example of Congress-ruled Rajasthan.

The letter, dated April 9, was released by the Congress on Friday.