27-03-2020 at 07.20PM
India’s tally crosses 800; death toll rises to 19
ndia enters its third day of the 21-day lockdown. State governments are enforcing a strict lockdown with some ending up in jail in Bihar. Migrant workers in some parts of India are walking back to their homes as public transport is not available.The number of positive cases is pouring in and the total has crossed 800. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Srinagar, and Karnataka reported coronavirus deaths, taking India’s toll to 19.
07.20PM
Fresh COVID-19 cases reported in Kerala, J&K, Telangana
Fresh cases of the novel coronavirus were reported in Kerala, Telangana, and Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. Telangana chief minister KC Rao said that ten new patients were reported, taking the total cases to 59 in the state.
Meanwhile, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “39 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Kerala. 34 from Kasargod, two from Kannur and one each from Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kollam. This takes the total positive cases in the state to 176, including 12 discharged patients.”
The Jammu and Kashmir government also said that the total number of COVID-19 cases in the union territory have risen to 18, with one casualty.
07.15PM
Nine more COVID-19 cases reported in Mumbai
The BMC on Friday said that nine more cases of coronavirus have been reported in Mumbai. Five have travel history and four are close contacts. Six of them are from Mumbai and three are from other places. The total number of positive cases in the city now stands at 86.
The Indian Express reported that a Mumbai doctor who tested positive for COVID-19, passed away on Thursday night at the city’s Hinduja Hospital.
“His grandson had returned from England on March 12 and was under self-quarantine, the family told civic officials. The 82-year-old developed cough four days ago and on Thursday underwent a CT scan at Saifee hospital. Upon testing, the respult was positive and the doctor was shifted to Hinduja. He passed way Friday night at 12.30 am,” the report said.
07.00PM
You’re a fighter, Modi tells Boris Johnson after UK PM tests COVID-19 positive
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to his counterpart in the UK Boris Johnson’s announcement of testing positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday. He said, “Prayers for your good health and best wishes in ensuring a healthy United Kingdom.”
06.55PM
Kejriwal says prepared to handle rise of 1,000 cases in one day
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government is equipped to handle an increase of even a 1,000 coronavirus cases in a day.
He said, “Even if there is an increase of 100, 500, or 1000 cases in a single day, we are ready for it. Testing kits, ambulances, and ICU beds have been arranged. We are not saying cases will increase, we are just preparing ourselves for any eventuality.”
He also addressed concerns of migrants from other states who are in the National Capital currently.
06.50PM
14 COVID-19 patients discharged in UP
Uttar Pradesh principal health secretary Amit Mohan said that out of 49 coornavirus cases in state, 14 people have been discharged. “35 patients admitted in the hospitals are in stable condition. There are eight testing labs while a new lab in Jhansi will start functioning soon,” he added.
06.45PM
Five new COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab
Five new cases of novel coronavirus were on Friday reported in Punjab, the state health department said. Three cases are from SBS Nagar district, one from Jalandhar and one from SAS Nagar.
The statement also said that all the five patients are contacts of earlier positive cases.
Another case who was admitted in Amritsar found was negative and is cured. The total number of patients tested positive till date are 38.
06.40PM
Kanika Kapoor tests positive for COVID-19 in 3rd test
Singer Kanika Kapoor has tested positive in her third the novel coronavirus test, the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences hospital was quoted as saying by ANI.
06.30PM
Punjab govt making arrangements for wheat havesting
Punjab chief minister Amariner Singh said, “Proper arrangements are being put in place for wheat harvesting and the storage of potato crop in Punjab. The government will also ensure smooth procurement and release of timely payment to wheat farmers.”
Meanwhile, ANI quoted wheat farmers in Amritsar as saying, “If the crop is not harvested and wheat does not reach the grain market on time, we’ll will have to bear huge losses. Government should help us.”
06.20PM
Army says 6 hospitals to begin COVID-19 testing for defence forces soon
Officials of the Indian Army were quoted by ANI as saying that in addition to the five hospitals across the army, navy, and air force that are carrying out coronavirus tests, six additional hospitals are also being equipped with the resources to begin testing.
The officials also said, “Apart from Maldives, we are ready to dispatch Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to Nepal for assisting them with the current COVID-19 situation. Other assistance as sought by MEA/MoD for other countries will be provided as and when required.”
06.00PM
Telangana govt enlists municipal bodies, DCs to provide facilities to daily wage workers
Telangana chief minister KC Rao said, “All the urban local bodies, municipal bodies and district collectors have been advised to provide all the necessary facilities to the needy, daily wage and contract workers.”
While the country went into a 21-day complete lockdown two days ago, reports about daily wage workers and migrants stranded without work and sustenance have flooded the media. The Centre and state governments are making efforts to minimise the effect of the lockdown on such marginalised sections.
05.45PM
I’m shaking hands continuously, said Boris Johnson days before testive positive
On 3 March, at the unveiling of the UK’s action plan against the coronavirus pandemic, reports quoted UK prime minister Boris Johnson as saying that he is constantly shaking hands with people, even with coronavirus patients. On Friday, he became the first prime minister in the world to test positive for the infection.
Earlier, he had said, “I’m shaking hands continuously. I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were actually a few coronavirus patients and I shook hands with everybody, you’ll be pleased to know. I continue to shake hands. We already have a fantastic NHS, fantastic testing systems and fantastic surveillance of the spread of the disease … I want to stress that for the vast majority of the people of this country, we should be going about our business as usual.”
05.20PM
1.4 lakh companies have asked employees to work from home, says Centre
Lav Aggarwal, joint secretary of the health ministry, said that around 1.4 lakh companies have asked their employees to work from home on the government’s appeal, adding, “President Ramnath Kovind also has interacted with all state Governoers to combat with Covid19 situation through video conference.”
05.00PM
Delhi govt distributes food to 2 lakh people
