Coronavirus: The woman was the sixth case of coronavirus to be reported from the capital.
The government has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country a "notified disaster", in a move it called "a special one-time dispensation", in order to provide compensation and aid to infected people and the families of those who killed by the virus. Funds for this and other measures will be drawn from the Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) of each state.
A 68-year-old woman has died of coronavirus in Delhi, the government said on Friday, in the second death linked to the global pandemic in the country. The woman was the sixth case of coronavirus to be reported from the capital and had other conditions including high blood pressure and diabetes. A resident of West Delhi, she had come in contact with her son who had contracted the virus after travelling to Switzerland and Italy last month.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced a national state of emergency, freeing up $50 billion in federal funds for the battle against the coronavirus pandemic as he vowed to "vastly" ramp up testing capacity. "To unleash the full power of the federal government, I'm officially declaring a national emergency," Trump told a news conference on the White House lawn.
Around 4,000 people who had come in contact with the infected people have been identified and were being tracked while 42,000 people across the country are under community surveillance, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health Lav Aggarwal said at a news conference. The World Health Organization meanwhile said that Europe was now the "epicentre" for the global coronavirus pandemic that has now killed more than 5,000 people, with cases around the world topping 1.34 lakh, according to news agency AFP.
Here are highlights on Coronavirus Outbreak:
Masks Being Made In Mathura, Barabanki Jails To Save Inmates From CoronavirusIn order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, masks are being prepared by inmates themselves in Mathura and Barabanki jails on a daily basis.
DG, Prisons, Anand Kumar said, "500 masks are being made by the inmates in Mathura and Barabanki jails every day. Instructions have been given to prepare masks in other jails as well."
He said that several jails in the state including Ghaziabad, Firozabad, Noida, and Barabanki will start making preventive masks.
"Jails in Ghaziabad, Firozabad and Noida will start making masks in next 24 hours," he said.
Anand Kumar has given the instructions to prepare masks in all district jails. Masks being prepared in jails will be distributed to inmates, news agency ANI reported.
There shall not be any form of 'Morning Assembly' in the schools/colleges/higher educational institutions etc, no exhibitions etc shall be organised in the schools/colleges/higher educational institutions, said Commissioner & Secretary to Govt of Assam, Education Department, news agency ANI reported.
Cremation, by any method - using fire or electricity or gas, of people who died due to coronavirus has no side effect. In case of burial, the surface above the grave should be cemented, said Dr Sudhir Gupta, head of AIIMS' forensic medicine department, news agency ANI reported.
Quarantine Facilities For 1,400 People At Police Training SchoolsThe Delhi government will make quarantine facilities for around 1,400 people at police training schools in Jharoda Kala and Wazirabad in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
In the second phase, DDA Flats at Narela will be prepared with quarantine facilities and required infrastructure to accommodate around 4,000 persons, according to a statement issued by the Lt Governor's office.
LG Anil Baijal on Saturday held a high-level meeting with Delhi Health Minister Satyender Jain and top officials of the Delhi government to review measures.
According to a statement issued by the LG office, Delhi Police will provide security at these centres while the health department will ensure availability of medical teams at each quarantine centre.
The district magistrate concerned will be over-all in-charge of these centres and provide all facilities, it stated, news agency PTI reported.
US to extend travel ban to UK, Ireland: news agency AFP
US President Donald Trump says he has taken coronavirus test, no result yet: news agency AFP
The Bill provides for free #coronavirus testing for all Americans who should be tested. It Is a pretty complex test and it costs money and it Is being provided free. So people don't have to worry about that: US President Donald Trump on Coronavirus Relief Bill, news agency ANI reported.
Timely Action For Healthier Planet, Tweets PM Modi Who Will Lead India At SAARC Video Call On Coronavirus
AIIMS has 120-150 Beds Dedicated To Coronavirus Patients: Director Randeep GuleriaAs the number of positive coronavirus patients climbed to 84, Dr Randeep Guleria, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director, on Saturday said that the hospital has 120-150 bed facility, including AIIMS Jhajjar, dedicated to coronavirus patients.
"In AIIMS we are having meetings on a regular basis and also have a task force, including several departments, to deal with COVID-19 patients. The task force has also prepared a Standard Procedure Protocol (SOP)," Dr Guleria told ANI.
He also said, "We have a triage area in our under-construction burns and plastic building and a vacant area of the building have been converted into an ICU ward."
"In our facility in Jhajjar we have emptied a ward with 100 beds and, hence, we have 120-150 bed facility," he added, news agency ANI reported.
24-Year-Old Man Tests Positive For Coronavirus In Jaipur Upon Return From SpainA 24-year-old man from Jaipur tested positive for coronavirus upon his return from Spain on Saturday, a senior government official said.
With this, the official said, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Rajasthan has risen to four, including an Italian couple.
"The 24-year-old male who returned from Spain on March 14 has tested positive today. He flew to Delhi from Madrid and then from Delhi to Jaipur in an Air India flight," said Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Rohit Kumar Singh.
"We are getting the manifest of both the flights and have started extensive local contact tracing," he said.
The number of coronavirus cases in Rajasthan now stands at four, Mr Singh said, news agency PTI reported.
Mysore Palace committee: Mysore Palace to remain closed for tourists from 15th March to 22nd March amid coronavirus scare.
White House to check temperature of all in close contact with US President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, news agency AFP reported.
Don't Conceal Coronavirus-Like Symptoms, Consult Doctor Immediately: Mamata BanerjeeWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged people on Saturday to not conceal coronavirus-like symptoms such as fever and cold, and immediately consult a doctor.
Appealing to people not to panic, she said there was no emergency-like situation in the state, but everyone should remain alert.
"Do not conceal if you are suffering from fever and cough or facing breathing problems. Go to the doctor straightaway. Remember, if you take rest for 14 days, chances of your recovery are there," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo told Bengali television news channel "ABP Ananda", news agency PTI reported.
Curbs On Visitors To Malls, Gyms, Beaches In Kerala's CapitalIn the wake of three positive cases of coronavirus being reported from the state capital, Kerala government on Saturday imposed restrictions on visitors entry at malls, gyms and beaches and warned people not to venture out of their homes unless necessary.
So far, 19 people have been found positive for the virus, including three from Thiruvananthapuram.
The government had earlier closed schools, colleges and cancelled all public functions in the state to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
"People are advised not to visit malls and beaches. Gyms and beauty parlours must also keep vigil. People must avoid being in a crowd," Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran said in a Facebook post, news agency PTI reported.
Dean, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital in Nagpur, Maharashtra: Five COVID-19 suspects who had escaped from the isolation ward of Mayo Hospital, have tested negative for coronavirus.
J&K Health Department Tells Officials To Put Best Efforts To Contain Coronavirus SpreadThe Jammu and Kashmir health department on Saturday directed its officials to put in their best efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus and identify people who might have come in contact with any suspected case.
So far, two persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir. Out of 89 samples collected, 78 tested negative for the infection while reports of nine cases are awaited.
A total of 1,878 people who came in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance, while 1,567 are under home quarantine.
Twenty-four people have been placed under hospital quarantine and 123 under home surveillance, news agency PTI reported.
General Public Not To Be Allowed In Parliament Complex Amid Coronavirus ScareIn the wake of coronavirus scare, Lok Sabha Secretariat on Saturday suspended public gallery passes and showaround of parliament complex as a precautionary measure.
Following this order of the secretariat, now general public can''t visit parliament complex.
"Continuing the precautionary measures at Parliament House Estate in view of rising concerns over the spread of novel Coronavirus, it has been decided that the issue of Public Gallery Passes and Showaround(s) in Parliament House be suspended till further notice," Lok Sabha Secretariat said in an order.
It said members of the house are requested not to recommend issuance of public gallery passes and for showaround of parliament house complex, news agency PTI reported.
A 24-year-old man, who returned from Spain, has tested positive for coronavirus in Jaipur today. With this, total number of positive cases of COVID-19 stands at four, news agency ANI reported quoting Rajasthan Health Department.
Total positive coronavirus cases in the state rise to 26: Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope
Odisha Hoteliers Asked Not To ''Harass'' Foreigners In The Name Of Precautionary Measure For CoronavirusOdisha's Tourism Department has asked the hospitality sector to ensure that foreign tourists are not "unnecessarily harassed" in the name of precautionary measures in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
In a letter to various hotel associations, the state tourism director said it has come to the department's notice that foreign tourists are being denied entry into hotels in some places.
"These (denial of entry) include foreign tourists who have had no exposure to the virus.... This is causing unnecessary panic and harassment to tourists. It is advised not to stop entry of such tourists and to allow them to check in to hotels," SR Jadhav, director and additional secretary in the tourism department, said in the letter.
If required, medical testing of the tourists may be undertaken as per the prescribed procedure, SR Jadhav said, news agency PTI reported.
Raj Nivas In Puducherry To Conduct Open House TelephonicallyIn the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic, Raj Nivas will conduct its Open House telephonically.
The Open House will be conducted from Monday to Wednesday between 5 pm to 7 pm.
The Raj Nivas has given the telephone numbers for the same, news agency ANI reported.
Don't Use Biometric Attendance System, Madhya Pradesh Government Tells OfficesThe Madhya Pradesh government has directed all its offices to suspend the biometric attendance system in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
According to doctors, the virus can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Biometric attendance systems typically require the person to put finger on the machine.
Hence, the government directed all the offices to suspend the biometric attendance system till further orders, an official of the Public Relations Department said on Saturday.
The government has already announced closure of schools till further order. Cinema halls too have been closed till March 31 or as per the further order.
So far, no confirmed case of the coronavirus has been found in Madhya Pradesh, news agency PTI reported.
Maharashtra: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi writes a letter to Mumbai Police Commissioner Parambir Singh, requesting him to take penal action against persons indulged in spreading misinformation regarding coronavirus on social media platform.
56-Year-Old Haryana Native Flees From Isolation Ward, TracedA 56-year-old Harayana native, who was admitted to the coronavirus isolation ward of the medical college hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, gave the slip to hospital authorities shortly after admission, but was later traced, police said.
The man, who arrived here from Germany, was admitted to the hospital around 12.40 PM on Saturday, police said.
After some time, he was found missing.
A search was launched to trace him and he was found at a hotel in the city, they said, news agency PTI reported.
Ghaziabad Faces Shortage Of Masks, Sanitisers Amid Coronavirus ScareThere is a huge shortage of branded sanitisers and masks in the market as suppliers and companies are not able to meet the demand in view of coronavirus scare.
The sanitiser priced at Rs 75 but is being sold for Rs 150 in the local market. The N95 masks are being sold for Rs 500 instead of Rs 200. Some pharmacists have stopped selling N95 masks due to an increase in prices.
"We've stopped selling N95 masks as the whole sellers are selling these to us at higher prices. If we ask customers for more money, they fight with us," said Ranjan Saraf, a pharmacist.
"Since the demand for N95 masks is high, there aren''t enough masks available in the market. Even sanitisers of common brands aren't available right now," said Viren Ahuja, a pharmacist, news agency ANI reported.
6 Supreme Court Benches To Hear Only 12 Urgent Cases On March 16 Amid Coronavirus ScareSix benches of the Supreme Court will on March 16 take up only 12 urgent matters each to avoid overcrowding of court rooms following the decision to restrict the apex court functioning in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Among the important matters which have been listed for hearing on Monday are anticipatory bail pleas of civil rights activists Gautam Navlakha and Anand Teltumbde, accused in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon case, and a petition by a Nirbhaya case convict.
The apex court, which had on March 13 announced that only six of the 15 benches will be sitting to hear only urgent matters, on Saturday issued instructions for the staff, including thermal screening of all employees and closure of cafeterias, as part of precautionary measures, news agency PTI reported.
Doctor couple, Who Returned From Saudi Arabia, Quarantined In AssamA doctor couple, who returned from Saudi Arabia recently, has been quarantined for fourteen days in their home in Assam''s Barpeta district,
officials said on Saturday.
The couple, who work at the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, will be under observation of the state health department for the next fourteen days, they said.
All the necessary tests regarding coronavirus have been done and if any symptoms are found, necessary steps will be taken immediately, officials said.
The couple stays at a rented house in the Metuakuchi area of the Barpeta town.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has asked people to take precautions in the wake of the pandemic and not pay heed to any rumours.
"In case of any doubt or query, please call the Helpline number for #Assam - 6913347770," he said in a tweet, news agency PTI reported.
Kerala Put On Alert As 6,000 People Observation For CoronavirusThough no fresh cases of COVID-19 have been reported since Friday evening, the Kerala government on Saturday issued an all-around alert in Kerala, as the total positive cases continue to be pegged at 19, as authorities expect a few more might turn positive in the coming days.
As on Saturday afternoon, the following districts have coronavirus positive patients.
As many as seven cases in Pathanamthitta, 4 in Kottayam, 3 each in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, one each in Thrissur and Kannur.
According to the health authorities, there are 6,000 people under observation in the state, of which 300 are in various hospitals, news agency IANS reported.
Aligarh Muslim University Suspends All classes, Tests In View Of Coronavirus OutbreakAs a part of precautionary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Aligarh Muslim University has suspended all classes including sessional tests at the university and its maintained institutions here till March 22.
"All classes including sessional tests in the university and its maintained institutions at Aligarh including schools will remain suspended till March 22. All examinations of the university and schools will be held as per the schedule. Students may consult their respective teachers via email for teaching help wherever required," said Abdul Hamid, AMU Registrar, in a circular, news agency ANI reported.
Nandankanan Zoo, Botanical Garden In Bhubaneswar To Remain Closed Till March 31 Amid Coronavirus ThreatThe Nandankanan Zoo and the state botanical garden in Bhubaneswar will be closed for the public from March 15 to March 31 as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus outbreak, the government said on Saturday.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier announced that all educational institutions shall remain closed till March 31, except for holding examinations. Non-essential official gatherings such as seminars, workshops, conferences have been cancelled.
Social gatherings and assemblies like religious functions, marriage receptions, parties, etc. will be regulated by local authorities. Cinemas, swimming pools and gyms will also remain closed till March 31. An amount of Rs 200 crore has been earmarked to deal with the outbreak, news agency ANI reported.
India Declares Coronavirus A "Notified Disaster", Lists CompensationThe government has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country a "notified disaster", in a move it called "a special one-time dispensation", in order to provide compensation and aid to infected people and the families of those who killed by the virus. Funds for this and other measures will be drawn from the Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) of each state.
The notification comes a day after central ministry officials briefed the media on steps being taken and cautioned against panicking, saying the outbreak was "not a health emergency". Read
here.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) calls off its Gudi Padwa celebration rally for this year, amid coronavirus spread, news agency ANI reported.
Two persons have been tested positive for coronavirus in Yavatmal, both have travel history to Dubai: MD Singh, Collector Yavatmal, Maharashtra
68-Year-Old Coronavirus Victim Cremated Under Medical SupervisionThe last rites of a 68-year-old woman, who died in the national capital after being infected with coronavirus, were performed on Saturday at the CNG crematorium at Nigambodh ghat in New Delhi under supervision of medical authorities.
Doctors from the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital in New Delhi and from MCD oversaw the funeral after the crematorium staff reached out to the authorities seeking directives on ensuring that the infection didn't spread from the body, news agency PTI reported.
Only one case of coronavirus has been reported in the state. The person's health is stable now. No suspected case of COVID 19 is absconding or missing in Punjab: Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu
Padma Award ceremony, scheduled to be held on April 3 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, has been postponed. Next date and time to be announced in due course, news agency ANI reported.
Indian Tests Positive For Coronavirus In Rwanda, Its First CaseAn Indian in Rwanda has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, becoming the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the east African country, health officials said on Saturday.
The country's health ministry, in a statement, said that the Indian citizen arrived in Rawanda from Mumbai on March 8.
"The patient had no symptoms upon arrival in Rwanda and reported himself to a health facility on March 13, where he was immediately tested," the ministry said on Twitter.
He is currently under treatment in stable condition, isolated from other patients, the statement said, adding that the tracing of all contacts has been conducted for further management.
This is the second case in east Africa, after Kenya recorded the first case of COVID-19 on Friday, news agency PTI reported. Read
here.
Karnataka's One Week Lockdown Comes Into Force Amid Coronavirus ScareKarnataka's partial lockdown in the wake of rising coronavirus infections has come into force on Saturday.
Following Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's order on Friday, malls, theatres and pubs have been closed for a week, starting Saturday.
Karnataka will not allow summer camps, sporting events, seminars and other such activities.
Swimming pools, sports clubs and gyms will also be shut.
Similarly, all universities will also be shut for a week while government-run hostels have been suggested to take great care.
The Chief Minister also cancelled official trips to the state on March 16 and 17. However, all the examinations will continue to be conducted as per schedule in the state, news agency IANS reported.
Haryana Bans Public Gatherings Amid Coronavirus ScareIn view of the coronavirus outbreak, Haryana government on Saturday imposed a ban on public rallies to prevent the spreading of the lethal infection.
Speaking to media, Health Minister Anil Vij said, "We have imposed a ban on all political, religious or social rallies in the state. Failure to comply with the order will be considered as a punishable offence under Section 188 of IPC."
Anil Vij further said that although a discussion to the closure of malls across the state has not yet happened, they should keep hand sanitisers and thermal testing techniques for visitors.
About the preparations to deal with coronavirus, Anil Vij said, "We have set up isolation wards in all hospitals. We have instructed hospitals to set up build flu corners as well. We have also specified certain buildings where people can be quarantined if needed."
Anil Vij requested the people to switch to vegetarian food to prevent breeding coronavirus-type infections. "This is the need of the hour. People should become vegetarians, and avoid breeding infections like coronavirus by animal consumption," he added, news agency ANI reported.
Iran Reports 97 New Coronavirus Deaths, Taking Total To 611Iran said on Saturday that the novel coronavirus has claimed 97 more lives, raising the country's total to 611, as the number of confirmed cases jumped again.
Health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said that "1,365 fresh cases have been added to the number of confirmed infections in the past 24 hours", bringing the total to 12,729.
Jahanpour told a televised news conference that more than 4,300 of those with confirmed infections had recovered so far.
Tehran province had the highest number of new cases with 347, followed by Isfahan with 155 and the northern region of Alborz with 134.
"Naturally, the number of confirmed cases will increase" even more as Iran steps up its laboratory sampling and tests, he said.
The outbreak in Iran is one of the deadliest outside of China, where the disease originated, news agency AFP reported.
Number of coronavirus positive cases in India have risen to 84, news agency PTI reported quoting Health Ministry
One more person tests positive for coronavirus in Nagpur, Maharashtra count rises to 20, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.
Apple Shuts All Stores Outside China Till March 27 "To Minimize Risk" Of CoronavirusApple is closing all of its stores outside China until March 27 in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, CEO Tim Cook said.
Cook said the firm had learned from steps taken in China, where the tech giant has just reopened its retail stores.
"One of those lessons is that the most effective way to minimize risk of the virus's transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance," he said in a statement late Friday.
"As rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we're taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers."
Apple's online store would remain open but office staff outside China would be working remotely if possible, Cook added, news agency AFP reported. Read
here.
5 Laboratories For Coronavirus Testing In Uttar Pradesh: Yogi AdityanathFive laboratories have been set up in the state with the help of Central government for the testing of coronavirus, said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Varanasi on Saturday.
"With assistance from the central government, we have set up five laboratories to provide the facility of sample checking of coronavirus cases in the state. King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College, Gorakhpur, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi and one in Aligarh," said Adityanath.
"A total of 11 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the State. Out of these, seven are from Agra, two from Ghaziabad and one from Noida and Lucknow.10 patients are admitted in Delhi's Safdarjung hospital and one is admitted in Lucknow's KGMU," he added, news agency ANI repoorted.
Russia Shuts Poland, Norway Borders To Foreigners: PM Mikhail MishustinRussia will close its land borders with Poland and Norway to foreigners in a bid to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Saturday.
The ban will come into force at midnight on Saturday and apply to all foreigners travelling "for professional, private, study or tourist reasons", he said.
He added that Belarusians, members of official delegations and residents of Russia would be excepted.
Russia has a short land border with Poland in the enclave of Kaliningrad and one with far north of Norway, which runs for about 200 kilometres (120 miles).
Moscow has counted around 45 cases of contamination with COVID-19, but no deaths so far, according to the latest official figures, news agency AFP reported.
PM Modi Shares Health Ministry's Guidelines On Home Quarantine
Coronavirus positive cases in Maharashtra rise to 19With two more persons testing positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra, the number of infected individuals in the state has gone up to 19, a health department official said on Saturday.
One of the two new patients is from Ahmednagar city, the official said. However, he did not specify the location of the other patient.
"Till Friday evening, the number of persons who tested positive for coronavirus was 17. The test reports of two more persons came late at night. As they were found positive, the count of infected persons in the state now stands at 19," the official said.
The government has decided to treat #COVID19 as a notified disaster for the purpose of providing assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): Ministry of Home Affairs
The government has decided to treat #COVID19 as a notified disaster for the purpose of providing assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): Ministry of Home Affairs
Aligarh Muslim University suspends all classes till March 22The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Saturday suspended all classes, including sessional tests, till March 22 as a precautionary measure in view of novel coronavirus threat.
"During a special meeting of top university officials presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor, it was decided today that all conferences, workshops, educational tours and sports programmes have been postponed till March 31," AMU spokesperson Omar Peerzada.
All educational institutions, cinema halls in HP to be closed till March 31: Chief Minister Jai Ram ThakurAll educational institutions and cinema halls have been closed in Himachal Pradesh till March 31 as a precautionary measure to check community transmission of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said.
In a statement in the House during the Budget session, the chief minister said all cinema halls and educational institutions including schools, colleges, universities, anganwadi centres and creches will remain closed till March 31.
However, examinations will continue as per schedule, he added.
No confirmed case of COVID-19 has been found so far in Himachal Pradesh.
Coronavirus: After shutting down educational institutions, Punjab to close cinema halls, restaurantsAfter ordering closure of all educational institutions in the state till March 31, the Punjab government is likely to shut down cinema halls, restaurants and clubs till the end of this month amid coronavirus scare.
Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said the government is contemplating to take this step keeping public health in view. "Keeping public health in view, we are contemplating closure of cinemas, restaurants, gyms, clubs till March 31. Besides, we are also thinking to impose ban till the end of this month on all such public functions which attract big crowds," Mr Sidhu told PTI over phone.
21 stranded passengers from Italy arrive in KeralaTwenty one passengers, who were stranded in coronavirus-hit Italy, were brought here on Saturday following which they were shifted to Aluva hospital for investigation, airport sources said.
Several Indian passengers have been stuck in the European nation, despite having confirmed tickets.
This was after Italian authorities and Emirates airlines refused to take them following a ciruclar issued by the DGCA stipulating that people travelling from Italy or South Korea and desirous of entering India should obtain certificates of having tested negative for COVID-19 from those countries.
"Where are we supposed to go?," a woman, stranded at an airport in Italy, after having booked tickets to Kerala was heard asking in a video that has gone viral.
Bengaluru malls and night clubs remain closed for a week
Saudi Arabia To Suspend International Flights Over Coronavirus ScareSaudi Arabia said Saturday it would suspend international flights for two weeks in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
"The Kingdom's government decided to suspend international flights for two weeks (Starting from Sunday March 15th) as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of #CoronaVirus," the foreign ministry tweeted.
Some pharmacies have stopped selling N95 masks in Delhi
China Reports 11 New Coronavirus Cases, Majority "Imported"
China reported 11 new infections of the coronavirus on Saturday, and for the first time since the start of the epidemic the majority of them were imported cases from overseas.
Amid coronavirus scare, Rajasthan shuts educational institutions, gyms and cinema hallsThe Rajasthan government on Saturday ordered educational institutions, coaching centers, gyms and cinema halls to remain closed till 30th March. And the Board examinations that are already underway in the state will be held as per schedule informed the chief minister's office on Saturday.
Several states, including Delhi, Chhatisgarh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, have already shut down schools amid the COVID-19 threat.
RSS Suspends Highest Decision-Making Body Meeting In Bengaluru"In view of the seriousness of the pandemic COVID-19 and in the light of instructions and advisories thereof issues by the Union and the state govts, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting scheduled in Bangaluru has been suspended.
"All RSS workers should cooperate with administration to create awareness among public and to face this challenge successfully," Sangh's executive head Joshi said in a statement.
Embassy asks Indian students in the US to avoid travelling
Soon after President Donald Trump on Friday declared a national emergency to combat the novel coronavirus, the Indian Embassy in the US asked the large Indian students'' community to avoid all non-essential domestic and international travel. There are over 200,000 Indian students studying in various educational institutions and universities in the US. "Please avoid all non-essential domestic or international travel," the embassy here said in an advisory to Indian students. For official advisories on domestic and international travel, the students have been asked to check the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Woman dies of coronavirus in Delhi
A 68-year-old woman has died of coronavirus in Delhi, the government said on Friday, in the second death linked to the global pandemic in the country. The woman was the sixth case of coronavirus to be reported from the capital and had other conditions including high blood pressure and diabetes. A resident of West Delhi, she had come in contact with her son who had contracted the virus after travelling to Switzerland and Italy last month.
Infosys vacates building in Bengaluru over coronavirus scare
Global software major Infosys vacated one of its buildings in Bengaluru after a team member was suspected for coronavirus (COVID-19), an official said on Friday. "To ensure preparedness, we are evacuating only the IIPM building as a precautionary measure on receiving information that a team member from the building may have been in proximity to COVID-19 suspect," said IT major's Bengaluru development centre head Gururaj Deshpande in an e-mail.
India cancel all visa appointments from March 16
The US Embassy and Consulates in India have cancelled all visa appointments from March 16 in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. US President Donald Trump on Friday officially declared a national emergency that he said would give states and territories access to up to USD 50 billion in federal funds to combat coronavirus. A statement issued by the US Embassy here said, "US Mission India posts, in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, are cancelling immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments from March 16, 2020, onward." "Your visa appointment stands as cancelled. Once Mission India resumes regular consular operations, appointments will be made available and you will be able to reschedule," it said. The deadly virus, which has killed over 5,000 people globally, has spread to 46 of the 50 US states, with nearly 2,000 cases being reported from across the country.