Coronavirus Cases India: India's recovery rate is at 52.79 per cent.
India's coronavirus tally surged to 4,10,461 infections this morning as it registered the steepest one-day jump of 15,413 new patients in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said this morning, hours after the country's COVID-19 count soared past the four lakh-mark. A total of 13,254 patients have died since the beginning of the pandemic. Of these, 306 people died in the last 24 hours.
The country now has the world's fourth highest number of COVID-19 cases, only behind the United States, Brazil and Russia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked states to make full use of the expanded COVID-19 testing capacity and saving lives a top priority. PM Modi also called for fighting the stigma associated with coronavirus and that people should be assured there is no need to panic if somebody has contracted the infection as the number of recovered patients has also been rising. The COVID-19 recovery rate for the country currently stood at around 53 per cent.
Meanwhile, Remdesivir, the anti-viral drug that can potentially treat COVID-19, will be available in the Indian market by end of this month, sources have told NDTV. The Drug Controller General of India had recently approved Remdesivir for "restricted emergency use" on severely ill hospitalised coronavirus patients.
Here are the Live Updates on Coronavirus Outbreak:
Coronavirus news: Penalty for not wearing masks increased to Rs 200, says Puducherry CM
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Sunday informed that the penalty for not wearing face-masks was increased from Rs 100 to Rs 200.
"In Puducherry, from June 23 to July 2, essential and non-essential commodities shops will be opened till 2:00 pm. Penalty for not wearing of mask is increased from Rs 100 to Rs 200. Agriculture and industries are exempt from all restrictions and will continue to function as before," Mr Narayanasamy tweeted.
He further said that the Goubert market Avenue will be shifted to new bus stand from Monday onwards, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: US adds 305 more virus deaths The United States recorded another 305 coronavirus-related deaths in 24 hours, a tally by Johns Hopkins University showed Sunday at 8:30pm (0030 GMT Saturday).
It marked the 11th consecutive day in which the daily death count from the virus has been fewer than 1,000, and the third time the toll has been under 400 since the pandemic seemed to peak in mid-April, AFP reported.
But the US remains the country hardest-hit by the pandemic, with 119,959 deaths out of 2,278,373 official cases.
Coronavirus update: Brazil passes 50,000 deaths from coronavirusBrazil on Sunday said it had registered more than 50,000 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak as well as about one million infections, as the second worst-affected country in the world struggles to control the disease.
The Ministry of Health reported 641 new deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the count to 50,617, with 1,085,038 recorded infections.
Brazil is the second most-affected country behind the United States, which accounts for nearly 120,000 deaths and more than 2.2 million cases, AFP reported.
Coronavirus news: Mumbai reports 1,242 more COVID-19 casesA total of 1,242 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Mumbai on Sunday, as per information provided by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
With this, the total number of COVID-19 cases reached 66,507, including 29,347 active cases. While 33,491 patients have been discharged so far, and 3,669 deaths have taken place, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: Machu Picchu July reopening ruled out over fears of virus spreadThe ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a jewel of Peruvian tourism, will not reopen in July as originally scheduled due to concerns over the coronavirus, local media reported Sunday.
The Machu Picchu management group, UGM, made the decision based on reports from authorities in the Cusco region, where the citadel is located, AFP reported.
Coronavirus news: 44 COVID-19 cases and 50 discharged cases reported in Indore on 21st June
Coronavirus news: Saudi ends virus lockdown despite spike in infectionsSaudi Arabia on Sunday ended a nationwide coronavirus curfew and lifted restrictions on businesses, including hair salons and cinemas, after three months of stringent curbs, despite a spike in infections, AFP reported.
Prayers were also allowed to resume in mosques in the holy city of Mecca, state media reported, just weeks before the annual hajj pilgrimage is due to start.
COVID-19: Ashok Gehlot To Launch Coronavirus Awareness Drive Tomorrow
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will launch a special drive with an aim to spread awareness about coronavirus among people in over 11,000 villages on Monday, an official statement said.
The campaign will cover 11,500 village panchayats from June 21 to 30 June, the official statement said, adding that its aim is to make people aware of the infection so that recovery rate gets better and the mortality rate comes down. During the launch of the campaign through a video conference, the chief minister will address villagers.
Rajasthan is the first state in the country, which has started a wide publicity campaign to make the common people aware about the prevention of coronavirus, the official statement said.
Coronavirus news: Delhi hospital seeks more time to convert Taj Mansingh hotel into COVID-19 facility
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital has sought more time to convert the five-star Taj Mansingh hotel into a coronavirus facility in order to increase the number of beds for patients in Delhi amid a spike in infections.
According to an order issued by the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Chanakyapuri on June 16, rooms in the luxury Taj Mansingh hotel in Lutyens' Delhi were placed at the disposal of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) for using it as an attached COVID-19 facility, reported news agency PTI.
Coronavirus news: Chhattisgarh's count now 2,273 as 139 test positive
The number of COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh increased to 2,273 with 139 more people testing positive for novel coronavirus on Sunday, a health official said.
Of the new cases, 39 were reported from Korba, 21 from Janjgir-Champa, 17 each from Raipur and Balodabazar, 16 from Jashpur, 14 from Rajnandgaon, four from Gariaband, three from Durg, two each from Raigarh, Bemetara and Kanker and one each from Surguja and Balrampur, he said.
A total of 53 patients were discharged after recovery in the day, he said.
COVID-19: Gujarat's count crosses 27,000-mark; deaths 1,664
With Gujarat reporting 580 new coronavirus positive cases on Sunday, the number of patients in the state crossed the 27,000-mark, the health department said.
The state tally now stands at 27,317, it said. Gujarat also reported death of 25 coronavirus patients, taking the fatality count to 1,664, it said.
As 655 patients were discharged on Sunday, the tally of recovered cases went up to 19,357, the department added, reported news agency PTI.
The number of active COVID-19 cases in the state is now 6,296, of which 59 patients are on ventilator, while the condition all others is stable.
COVID-19: J&K reports 122 new cases, tally rises to 5,956
122 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Jammu and Kashmir today, taking the UT's tally to 5,956.
"20 cases were from Jammu division and 102 from Kashmir division. The cases include 2,492 active cases, 3,382 recovered and 82 deaths," Jammu and Kashmir government said in a release.
The COVID-19 count in India has reached 4,10,461 on Sunday, according to the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry.
Coronavirus news: 500 FIRs registered against people without masks, 11,000 challans issued in Ludhiana
As many as 500 FIRs have been registered since May 18, against people seen without masks and flouting social distancing in Punjab's Ludhiana while 11,000 challans have been issued till date, said Rakesh Agrawal, Police Commissioner of Ludhiana, Punjab.
"Since May 18, we have registered around 500 FIRs against people who were seen not wearing masks and flouting social distancing, around 11,000 challans have been issued till date. I appeal to people to follow all the guidelines," said Mr Arawal.
"Inter-district travel is allowed by a pass during weekends. People should follow all the norms, authorities and police are working for their betterment only," he added.
While India is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases, residents here were seen roaming without masks on the roads.
COVID-19: Only 6,000 active cases in a state with around 24 crore population, says Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth on Sunday said that in a state of around 24 crore population, there are only 6,000 active cases of the COVID-19 disease.
Addressing ''UP Jansamvad'' virtual rally from Lucknow, Yogi Adityanath said, "When we look at the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, we find ourselves in a satisfactory situation. In a state of around 24 crore population, there are only 6,000 active cases of the disease."
"We have ensured the doorstep delivery of food packages. We have provided assistance and ensured that migrant workers safely reached their homes. We have also done the work of making people aware of safety measures by making continuous communication on how to contain the spread of coronavirus," he added.
COVID-19: Kerala reports 133 new cases, overall tally rises to 3,170
Kerala on Sunday reported a record single-day spike of 133 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the state to 3,170.
Of the fresh coronavirus cases detected today, 80 had reached Kerala from abroad and 43 came from other states.
The Health department informed that nine people in the state contracted the disease through their contacts while one health health worker was also infected.
In the bulletin issued on Sunday evening, Health Minister K K Shailaja said 93 people tested negative for the deadly virus, taking the total number of cured persons to 1,659.
COVID-19: Rs 190 crore sanctioned for improving healthcare facilities in Northeast , says Union Minister
Union minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said Rs 190 crore has been sanctioned for augmentation of healthcare facilities in the eight Northeastern states, especially for the management of infectious diseases like COVID-19.
This was disclosed by Singh while reviewing the coronavirus situation and healthcare facility in ''aspirational districts'' with a special focus on the Northeast, reported news agency PTI.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has decided to sanction Rs 190 crore for augmentation of healthcare facilities in the eight Northeastern states, particularly for developing infrastructure for management of infectious diseases, Mr Singh said in a statement.
COVID-19: Himachal Pradesh's count stands at 662
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh stands at 662, said the state health department in a bulletin on Sunday.
The total number of COVID-19 cases are inclusive of 237 active cases, 406 recovered and six deaths.
As per the bulletin, 33,748 persons have completed 28 days of surveillance and 19,535 are on active surveillance, reported news agency ANI.
COVID-19 growth rate declines to 1.02% in Mumbai's Dharavi from 12% in April: Centre
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Sunday informed that the rate of growth of coronavirus cases in Mumbai's Dharavi has reduced to 1.02 per cent in June from 12 per cent in April.
It said that proactive measures by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ensured an improved case doubling time to 43 days in May and 78 days in June.
"Being densely populated (2,27,136 persons/sq km), Dharavi had 491 cases in April with 12 per cent growth rate and case doubling period of 18 days. Proactive measures adopted by BMC reduced COVID19 growth rate to 4.3 per cent in May 2020 & further to 1.02 per cent in June. These measures also ensured an improved case doubling time to 43 days in May 2020 and 78 days in June 2020," the release by MoHFW read.
The ministry said the efforts of the Maharashtra government and BMC have shown encouraging results. As part of these efforts, they have actively ''chased the virus'' and aggressively conducted targeted tracing of COVID suspects, MoHFW said.
COVID-19: 133 new cases reported in Kerala
A total of 133 more COVID-19 cases reported in Kerala on Sunday, said Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
"There are 1,490 active cases and 1,659 recovered cases in the state," the CMO said.
According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 4,10,461 coronavirus cases in the country including 1,69,451 active cases, 2,27,756 cured/discharged/migrated and 13,254 deaths.
COVID-19: Chandigarh tally reaches 404
The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Chandigarh has reached 404.
"The cases include 82 active cases, 6 deaths and 316 cured cases," the Chandigarh Health Department said in a release.
The COVID-19 count in India has reached 4,10,461 on Sunday, according to the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry.
COVID-19: 10 new COVID-19 cases in Nagaland; tally rises to 211
Nagaland reported 10 more COVID-19 cases on Sunday, taking the tally in the state to 211, Health Minister S Pangnyu Phom said.
Seven of the fresh cases are reported from a quarantine centre at Kohima, two from Tuensang and one from Phek.
Phek district has reported its first COVID-19 case.
"Out of 308 samples tested, 10 new cases of COVID-19 +ve have been reported. 7 patients from Kohima QC, 2 from Tuensang QC & 1 from Phek QC," the minister tweeted.
Officials said 141 of the infected have been cured and the state now has 70 active COVID-19 cases.
Coronavirus news: Top medical body installs sophisticated COVID-19 testing machine to ramp up tests in Patna
A sophisticated COVID-19 testing machine has been installed by the ICMR at the Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS) in Patna for carrying out faster testing of samples.
The COBAS 6800 machine, capable of conducting up to 1,500 tests per day, would help ramp up testing facility in Patna, a top official of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a press release.
The machine, enabled with robotics, minimises the chance of contamination as well as the risk of infection to healthcare workers since it can be operated remotely with limited human intervention, reported news agency PTI.
COVID-19: 304 cases reported in Odisha
A total of 304 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported in Odisha, taking the State's tally of novel coronavirus cases to 5,160, the health department said.
According to the official data, the total number of cases includes 1,607 active cases.
"Odisha records 304 fresh cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of cases to 5,160 including 1,607 active cases," the state health department said.
COVID-19 news: Top court to hear plea on June 22 seeking modification of its stay order on Odisha's ''Rath Yatra''
The Supreme Court will hear tomorrow four petitions seeking modification of its earlier order of June 18, which had stayed the ''Rath Yatra'' in Puri and all other places in Odisha keeping in view the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The Supreme Court's single-judge bench comprising Justice S Ravindra Bhat will hear the matter in chamber hearing at 11 am tomorrow, reported news agency PTI.
Earlier on June 18, a three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde said that such gatherings cannot take place at the time of the pandemic.
COVID-19: Uttarakhand reports 23 new cases
Uttarakhand on Sunday detected 23 new COVID-19 positive cases, taking the total positive cases in the state to 2,324, said State Health Department in a bulletin.
As per the bulletin, 36 people have been cured today, taking the total number of cured patients to 1,486. The death count due to COVID-19 stands at 27.
There are 796 active cases in the state.
COVID-19 patients will be assessed for clinical conditions: Delhi government
Delhi government on Sunday said that individuals who are COVID-19 positive will be referred to coronavirus care centres for assessment of clinical conditions.
"Individuals who are positive will be referred to COVID care centres for assessment of clinical conditions, the severity of illness and co-morbidities. Physical assessment to be done for adequate facilities for home isolation so that cluster of cases doesn't develop in a locality," Principal Secretary (Health) Delhi government said in an order.
If the adequate facility for home isolation exists, and a person on clinical assessment is found to have no co-morbidities and doesn't require hospitalisation, he would be offered to either continue to stay in COVID centre or paid isolation facility or can opt for home isolation.
COVID-19: 477 fresh cases in Andhra Pradesh takes tally to 8,929
The alarming upward surge of the COVID-19 graph in Andhra Pradesh post-lockdown since June 1 continued as 477 fresh cases were added, taking the total to 8,929 on Sunday.
The count, too, increased by another five to 106 while 151 patients had recovered and been discharged from hospitals across the state, the latest COVID-19 bulletin said.
After a total of 4,307 recoveries, the number of active cases in the state now stood at 4,516, it said, reported news agency PTI.
In the three weeks since the ''unlock'' started on June 1, 5,253 coronavirus cases were added in Andhra Pradesh, with 1,540 of them being from other states and another 330 from other countries.
COVID-19: India's recovery rate reaches 55.49%
With 2,27,755 COVID-19 patients cured so far, the recovery rate has further improved to 55.49 per cent among patients, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Sunday.
"The number of patients recovering from COVID-19 continues to increase. So far, a total of 2,27,755 patients have been cured. During the last 24 hours, a total of 13,925 COVID-19 patients have been cured. The recovery rate has further improved to 55.49 per cent among COVID-19 patients," the Ministry said in a statement. Presently, there are 1,69,451 active cases and all are under active medical supervision.
"The number of recovered patients has crossed the number of active patients by 58,305 on Sunday," it said.
COVID-19 news: 304 cases reported in Odisha
A total of 304 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported in Odisha, taking the State's tally of novel coronavirus cases to 5,160, the health department said.
According to the official data, the total number of cases includes 1,607 active cases.
"Odisha records 304 fresh cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of cases to 5,160 including 1,607 active cases," the state health department said.
COVID-19 news: Chennai comes to a standstill on first ''Sunday shutdown''
The first "Sunday shutdown" with exception only for hospitals and allied health services broughtChennai and suburbsto a standstill while the city's civic body said its fever camps to help detect coronavirus cases have evoked tremendous response from the people.
It was a virtual curfew with deserted roads, bridges and intersections fully blocked by police using barricades and with theexception of police, sanitary workers and health personnel of theGreater Chennai Corporation (GCC) most of others stayed indoors, reported news agency PTI.
City police said as many as 4,799 cases have been filed for violation of curbs and 7,907 vehicles (7,395 two-wheelers, 168 autorickshaws, 344 light motor vehicles) have been seized.
Coronavirus news: Indore COVID-19 tally rises to 4,329
The number of COVID-19 cases in Madhya Pradesh''s Indore district rose to 4,329 on Sunday after 41 more people tested positive for the disease, news agency ANI reported quoting a health official.
As many as 1,788 swab samples were tested in the district in the last 24 hours and out of these, 41 came out positive for coronavirus, Indore's Chief Medical and Health Officer M P Sharma said.
Coronavirus news: 133 more test positive for COVID-19 in Assam, total 5,388
A total of 133 more people tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, taking the tally in the state to 5,388, Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Of the 133 fresh cases, 73 are from Kamrup (Metro), 31 from Nagaon, 18 from Jorhat, five from Udalguri, two each from Golaghat and Majuli and one each from Dhemaji and Tinsukia, the minister said.
Assam currently has 2,174 active cases. Nine people have died due to the disease so far, and three have migrated out of the state.
The recovery rate improved to nearly 60 per cent, with 136 more patients discharged on Saturday from various civil, district and model hospitals.
This is the fourth consecutive day that India registered a record jump in the number of coronavirus cases. On Saturday, 14,516 new infections were reported, 13,586 fresh cases were registered on Friday. On Thursday, 12,881 new infections were recorded in 24 hours, according to the government data.
Coronavirus news: 4 more deaths, 154 fresh COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan
Four people have died due to COVID-19 in Rajasthan, taking the number of dead due to the infection in the state to 341. The number of cases in the state have climbed to 14,691 after 154 people tested positive, officials said.
Of the fresh cases, 59 were from Dholpur, followed by 31 from Jaipur, 22 from Jhunjhunu, 12 from Alwar, nine from Sikar, five each from Dungarpur and Bhilwara, three from Rajsamand, two each Nagaur and Udaipur, one from Churu besides a patient from other state, according to an official report
Coronavirus news: 304 COVID-19 cases in OdishaOdisha registered the highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases with 304 more people testing positive for the disease, taking the total in the state to 5,160, a health department official said on Sunday.
Two more people succumbed to the virus - a septuagenarian in Bargarh and a 49-year-old man in Puri -- raising the death toll to 14.
Coronavirus news: 306 people have died in the last 24 hours
A total of 13,254 patients have died since the beginning of the pandemic. Of these, 306 people died in the last 24 hours. The fourth worst-hit country by the pandemic, India has been reporting a record surge in numbers for the last four days.
Coronavirus news: 15,413 new cases in India in 24 hours
India reported its biggest jump in the number of Coronavirus with 15,413 new cases in 24 hours. A total of 13,254 patients have died since the beginning of the pandemic. Of these, 306 people died in the last 24 hours. (Read full story
here)
Coronavirus news: 15,413 new cases in India in 24 hours
India reported its biggest jump in the number of Coronavirus with 15,413 new cases in 24 hours. A total of 13,254 patients have died since the beginning of the pandemic. Of these, 306 people died in the last 24 hours. (Read full story
here)
JUST IN: 15,413 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours in steepest one-day jump; over 4 lakh total cases so far, 13,254 deaths.
Glenmark Launches COVID-19 Drug Favipiravir At Rs 103 Per TabletAs Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launched antiviral drug Favipiravir for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 cases, medical experts on Saturday cautioned against seeing it as a "magic bullet" to treat the deadly virus but said it will be helpful as it can be orally administered and reduce viral load.
Coronavirus News: 249 COVID-19 Cases Reported In Assam, Total Count Climbs To 5,255The total number of COVID-19 cases in Assam has risen to 5,255 on Saturday with 249 new cases of the viral infection, while the death toll in the state remained at nine, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, reported PTI. With 136 more coronavirus patients discharged from hospitals on Saturday, the number of recoveries climbed to 3,202, he said.
Assam now has 2,041 active cases, while three persons have migrated out of the state. Nine people have so far died of the viral disease, the minister said. 2,73,047 swab samples have been tested for coronavirus in 12 laboratories of the state till date.
Coronavirus News: Manipur Reports 96 New COVID-19 Cases, Total Count Rises To 777Manipur on Saturday reported 96 new COVID-19 cases, taking the number of total cases in the state to 777, officials said, reported PTI. Of the 96 new patients, 64 are men, they said.
There are 545 active cases in the state at present while 232 patients have recovered from the disease so far and have been discharged, they added.
Most of the new cases of infection were reported from Tamenglong district where 31 people tested positive, followed by Kangpokpi (22), Bishnupur (13), Senapati (12), Kamjong (six) and Kakching (five). Four new cases were detected in Ukhrul, two in Imphal East and one in Tengnoupal district, an official of the COVID-19 Common Control Room said.
Coronavirus: Delhi Reports Record Surge Of 3,630 COVID Cases, Tally Over 56,000
With the highest single-day spike of 3,630 COVID-19 cases, the total tally in Delhi rose to over 56,000 on Saturday, while the death count mounted to 2,112, authorities said.
This is the second time in Delhi that over 3,000 cases have been reported in a day. The previous highest spike of 3,137 cases were recorded on June 19, reported news agency PTI.
Seventy-seven fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, the Delhi health department said in a bulletin.
It said the death count due to the coronavirus infection has risen to 2,112, and the total number of cases now stood at 56,746.
Coronavirus news: Punjab set to cap COVID-19 charges in private hospitals
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday said that the state government will cap the COVID-19 hospitalisation and treatment rates of private hospitals and those not adhering to the same will be shut down.
Mr Singh termed such actions as ''anti-people'' and ''anti-national'' and warned that the private institutions would not be allowed to indulge in such shameless profiteering at the cost of the lives of people, according to an official release.
"If these hospitals do not agree to the government rates, we will close them down," he said.
With regard to the spike in COVID-19 cases in Punjab, Singh urged the Centre to make COVID-19 test certificates mandatory for people crossing the border.
COVID-19: Union Minister inspects rapid antigen test centers in northeast Delhi
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy inspected rapid antigen test centers in northeast Delhi on Saturday and said the Centre has provided Rs 277 crore to the Delhi government for fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
Reddy was accompanied by Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta, northeast Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari and other party leaders during inspection of antigen test centers in Ashok Nagar and Sundar Nagari.
The central government has purchased six lakh testing kits from South Korea for rapid testing, out of which 50,000 testing kits have been made available to Delhi and a target of 15,000 tests per day is being worked on, he said.
"Apart from providing 7,32,439 N-95 masks, 4,41,390 PPE kits, 2,50, 000 hydroxychloroquine tablets for Delhi's corona warriors, 18 government and 25 private testing labs have also been approved. The Health and Family Welfare Ministry provided Rs 277 crore for coronavirus assistance to the Delhi government," Mr Reddy said.
Glenmark Launches COVID-19 Drug Favipiravir At Rs 103 Per TabletAs Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launched antiviral drug Favipiravir for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 cases, medical experts on Saturday cautioned against seeing it as a "magic bullet" to treat the deadly virus but said it will be helpful as it can be orally administered and reduce viral load." itemprop="description
COVID-19 management in Delhi has been streamlined: Harsh Vardhan
COVID-19 management in Delhi has been streamlined, from health surveys to testing and caps on in-patient private hospital costs, Union health minister Harsh Vardhan said on Saturday.
His remarks came after the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) approved recommendations of a high-level expert committee for fixing rates of hospital beds for treatment of coronavirus patients.
Rates for isolation beds, ICUs without and with ventilator in all hospitals have been capped at Rs 8,000-10,000; 13,000-15,000 and 15,000-18,000 respectively.
Testing has also been ramped up in the national capital after the Centre purchased six lakh testing kits from South Korea for rapid testing, out of which 50,000 have been made available to Delhi and a target of 15,000 tests per day is being worked on, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said.
COVID-19 news: Gujarat High Court stays Ahmedabad's rath yatra on coronavirus concerns
The Gujarat High Court on Saturday ordered stay on holding of annual Rath Yatra procession here in the name of Lord Jagannath on coronavirus concerns.
A division bench of Chief Justice Vikram Nath and Justice JB Pardiwala stayed all secular and religious activities related to the Rath Yatra, after taking into consideration submissions made by a petitioner and respondents as well as the recent Supreme Court's order staying the Puri's Rath Yatra, reported news agency PTI.
Coronavirus news: UP government has sent over 87,000 migrant labourers back home, says official
The Uttar Pradesh government has so far sent over 87,000 labourers including brick kiln workers to their native states in 56 trains, a senior official said on Saturday.
"State government has so far sent 87,272 brick kiln workers and labourers to their native states by trains," Additional chief secretary (home) Awanish Awasthi said.
As many as 17 trains have taken 30,403 workers to Chhattisgarh, 26 trains have taken 44,560 workers to Bihar, four trains have taken 6,756 labourers to Odisha and three trains have taken 5,553 workers to Jharkhand, he said.
On Saturday, six trains departed from Uttar Pradesh -- four to Bihar and one each to Chhattisgarh and Odisha, he said.
Coronavirus: India Crosses 4 Lakh Coronavirus Cases After Record Jump In InfectionsIndia crossed 4 lakh novel coronavirus cases today on a day the country reported over 14,000 cases, in its steepest one-day jump. The total number of cases is now 4,00,412 and the number of deaths linked to the contagion is close to 13,000. India has the world's fourth highest number behind the United States, Brazil and Russia." itemprop="description
Coronavirus news: Rajasthan government caps COVID-19 screening test at Rs 2,200 per
The Rajasthan government has set a price cap on coronavirus screening tests in private hospitals and laboratories in the state at Rs 2,200, an order issued on Saturday stated.
Additional Chief Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said the state government has set the maximum rate of RT-PCR screening of infections at Rs 2,200 (inclusive of GST and all other taxes) in NABL recognised and ICMR approved coronavirus infection testing centres in private screening laboratories, reported news agency PTI.
Instructions have been given to ensure that all the necessary protocols are checked by accredited and approved private laboratories from ICMR for coronavirus testing.
COVID-19 news: Nagaland's tally crosses 200-mark
Three more persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Nagaland on Saturday, following which the total number of cases in the Northeastern state crossed the 200-mark, Health Minister S Pangnyu Phom said.
The state has detected 201 cases so far and of them, 63 patients are undergoing treatment at present, he said.
Two of the new cases were detected among those at the Kohima Quarantine Centre, while the other one was found in Dimapur Quarantine Centre, Mr Phom said.
COVID-19 : Dharavi reports lowest new cases
In a significant development, Dharavi slum in Mumbai, which was once a COVID-19 hotspot, on Saturday recorded only seven new cases, which is the lowest such rise in a single day, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said.
Dharavi's case count now stands at 2,158. The number of fatalities stands at 80 after one more person succumbing to the infection in the last 24 hours.
Of the total 2,158 COVID-19 cases, 1,057 patients have already recovered and discharged from hospitals.
There has been a steady decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in Dharavi since the last four weeks, officials said, adding that the lowest tally of 10 was recorded on June 6.
Coronavirus: 142 new cases in Madhya Pradesh, total 11,724; six new deaths
The number of coronavirus cases in Madhya Pradesh rose to 11,724 on Saturday with 142 new patients, including 42 in Indore, coming to light since previous evening.
Six coronavirus patients died during this period, taking the COVID-19 death count in the state to 501, health officials said.
Indore reported the highest 42 cases, followed by Bhopal which reported 20.
Four patients died in Indore and one each in Bhopal and Harda.
On the other hand, no new coronavirus case was reported from 25 of 52 districts since Friday evening, reported news agency PTI.
Coronavirus cases have been reported from all 52 districts, but five of them did not have any active case on Saturday, officials said.
Coronavirus news: Yogi Adityanath emphasises on technology use in COVID-19 situation
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday praised the online yoga camp and educational workshop organised jointly by Guru Gorakhnath Yoga Institute and Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad on the eve of International Yoga Day and emphasised on the use of technology in the present COVID-19 situation.
Addressing the workshop through video conferencing, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Earlier this program used to happen amid the large gathering, but this time mass Gathering has to be stopped in wake of coronavirus. Digital communication has started today. I am glad this year, even after the coronavirus, this program is going on."
"We have to understand the importance of technology. Those who did not understand the importance of technology, they lagged behind. We have implemented poor welfare schemes through this technology. This is the same country whose Prime Minister used to express his helplessness saying that 10 reaches 100 rupees, now the money goes to the account through DBT," he added.
COVID-19: J&K records 154 new cases, tally rises to 5,834
Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday recorded 154 fresh COVID-19 cases, including a policeman and 14 CRPF personnel, taking the total number of infected people in the union territory to 5,834, officials said.
They said while 40 of the cases were from Jammu, 114 were from the valley.
The cases detected on Saturday included 34 people who had returned to the union territory recently, reported news agency PTI.
"The cases also include a Jammu and Kashmir policeman and 14 CRPF personnel posted in Srinagar," they added.
Srinagar district in central Kashmir had the highest number of cases - 28, followed by Baramulla at 21 cases, the officials said.
COVID-19 news: Andhra Pradesh reports 491 new cases, five deaths
Coronavirus cases went past the 8,000-mark in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday as 491 new cases were added, taking the total to 8,452, even as the death count rose to 101 with five fresh casualties.
The latest COVID-19 bulletin said 4,111 patients were discharged in the state so far, leaving 4,240 active cases, according to news agency PTI.
In the last 24 hours, 390 Andhra Pradesh locals tested positive in the 22,371 tests conducted in the state, the bulletin said.
COVID-19: 149 fresh cases in Ladakh in past two days; tally reaches 836
The Union Territory of Ladakh recorded 149 fresh COVID-19 cases in the past two days, taking the tally in the region to 836, health department officials said on Saturday.
While 92 people tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, 57 more surfaced on Friday, the officials said.
With the fresh count of 149, including 101 from Kargil, the total number of cases in the union territory has risen to 836, of which 623 are from Kargil district and 213 from Leh district, reported news agency PTI.
One person had died of the infection in the region and 117, including 66, in Leh have been cured and subsequently discharged from hospitals, the officials said.
COVID-19 tally in Kerala breaches 3000 mark with 127 cases
Kerala's COVID-19 tally breached the 3,000 mark on Saturday with 127 people testing positive for the virus, the highest single day surge.
The infection count in the state has touched 3,039, while 1,450 people are presently under treatment and 1.39 lakh people under observation, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters.
Fifty seven people have recovered today and were discharged from hospitals, he said.
This is the second consecutive day the state is reporting more than a 100 cases.
COVID-19: 22 fresh cases in Himachal Pradesh, tally crosses 650-mark
Twenty-two people tested positive for COVID-19 in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, taking the total number of cases to 651 in the state.
Of the fresh cases, 11 were reported from Hamirpur district, four from Kangra, three from Shimla, two from Sirmaur and one each from Solan and Kullu, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said.
The state has reported seven deaths due to the coronavirus, they said.
Eighteen patients -- 14 in Kangra, two in Una, and one each in Shimla and Solan districts -- recovered from the disease on Saturday, he added.
With this, 402 people have so far recovered from the infection, while 11 have migrated out of the state, the officials said.
COVID-19: Count in Maharashtra's Amravati now 417, recovery rate 63.94%
The number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra's Amravati touched 417 as 11 people tested positive for novel coronavirus on Saturday, but the silver lining, officials said, was the number of people being discharged was also rising, giving the district a healthy recovery rate of 63.94 per cent.
So far, 266 people have been discharged from hospitals after recovery, an official said.
"Among the 11 new cases here is a renowned heart specialist from Rajapeth. It also includes a 75-year-old man as well as a 7-year-old boy and 11-year-old girl from the family of a person who was detected with the infection on June 13," he added.
Coronavirus news: Indian crew stranded on cruise ships in UK appeal for repatriation
Hundreds of Indian crew aboard cruise ships docked on the UK coast have appealed for repatriation to India amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.
UK port authorities boarded the Astoria cruise ship at Tilbury port in Essex near London along with five others earlier this week amid concerns for the welfare of crew members.
The All India Seafarer and General Workers Union claims that around 1,500 crew members from India have been stranded at UK ports across these ships, reported news agency PTI.
"This is regarding 164 crew members stranded Indian citizens on the vessel MV Astoria, which is (in) Tilbury Port in United Kingdom," notes a letter from the union addressed to the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in reference to one of the vessels.
"In this pandemic coronavirus outbreak, our Indian citizens stuck in foreign waters from past 90 days, and need help. The schedule flight was cancelled due to lack of documentation. Many of them start hunger strike on-board vessel," notes the letter dated June 16.
COVID-19: District court premises in UP's Shahjahanpur sealed after lawyer tests positive
The district court premises in Shahjahanpur have been closed for 24 hours after a lawyer tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday.
President of the Central Bar Association (Shahjahanpur) Jaswinder Singh Bajaj, while citing the letter of the district judge Rambabu Sharma said, after a lawyer tested positive for COVID-19, the court premises have been sealed and will be opened after 24 hours. The entire premises will be sanitised, he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer S P Gautam said there are 91 cases of COVID-19 in the district. Of them, 49 are undergoing treatment, while 42 have recovered from the disease and have been discharged.
5-Day Mandatory Institutional Quarantine Order In Delhi WithdrawnAn order mandating a five-day institutional quarantine for anyone testing positive for coronavirus in Delhi, issued by Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, was withdrawn on Saturday, a day after it triggered a huge controversy and strong protests from the Aam Aadmi Party government." itemprop="description
Coronavirus: Maharashtra's Nashik traders to keep markets closed from June 21-28
Traders in Nashik in Maharashtra on Saturday decided to keep markets and shops closed from June 21 to June 28 to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
In a meeting held on Saturday, it was agreed upon that markets in Main Road area, CBS, Shalimar, Ravivar Karanja, Kapad Bazaar, Old Nashik, Dahipul, Kanade Maruti Lane, Saraf Bazaar, Ashok Stambh and MG Road will remain closed till next Sunday, news agency PTI quoted a functionary of a traders' association as saying.
As on Friday night, Nashik city accounted for 1,051 of the district''s 2,516 COVID-19 cases
COVID-19: Puducherry reports 30 cases every day, says Kiran Bedi
Puducherry Governor Kiran Bedi on Saturday said that though the Union Territory has a small population it is reporting 30 COVID-19 positive cases everyday, hence, people need to be very careful and protect their lives and livelihood.
"We are getting 30 active COVID cases everyday in a small population like Puducherry. If our law enforcement, medical staff and sanitation workers will also get affected then who will protect us? We have to be very careful and protect our lives and livelihood," said Ms Bedi.
"This is not the time for small functions and not the time to invite people at home from neighbouring states as some of these states are still under lockdown. We have to protect our rural areas and urban areas. It''s a question of life and livelihood. We must wear a mask, keep sanitation and social distance anywhere we are," she added.
COVID-19 news: UP's tally reaches 17,135
Twenty-two people have succumbed to COVID-19 and 541 more people tested positive in Uttar Pradesh in the last 24 hours, officials said on Saturday.
The death count in the state now is 529 with the coronavirus tally reaching 17,135.
Principal Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said 10,369 of the total infected have recovered. The state has 6,237 active COVID-19 patients now.
On Friday, 14,048 samples were tested, he said, adding that ASHA workers have tracked over 17 thousand people. Samples of 1,567 of them have been sent for testing, he said.
Mr Prasad said that random testing was being carried out in old age homes, orphanages and juvenile homes on the directions of the chief minister.
Coronavirus news: 1,000-bed COVID-19 hospital to come up in Mumbai's Byculla
In light of the rise in COVID-19 cases, a 1,000-bed temporary hospital is being set up at Byculla in Mumbai, a civic official said on Saturday.
The facility in the premises of Richardson and Cruddas Ltd will be ready by the end of the month, a release from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation stated.
The hospital will be equipped with 300 ICU beds with oxygen supply and other facilities, it was stated.
Over 300 staffers, including 50 doctors, 100 nurses and 150 ward boys and other personnel, will work at the facility, while ambulances will also be provided depending on the requirement, the official said.
COVID-19: Amritsar Police distribute masks to spread awareness
Police personnel in Amritsar on Saturday distributed face masks, specifically to those flouting government regulations put in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Women, children and youth were seen roaming on the Taran Taran road here without masks on, despite the weekend lockdown enforced by the state government.
According to the DSP Harkrishan, the police are attempting to make people more aware about COVID-19 and how to protect themselves and others from the infectious virus, reported news agency ANI.
"I'm glad that the local police are handing out masks and explaining to the public that we should wear masks not only for ourselves but also for the people around us" said Manu, a local resident.
Coronavirus news: Special flight with 168 Indians departs from Kazakhstan
A special Air India flight under Vande Bharat Mission took off from Nur-Sultan with 168 stranded Indians for New Delhi on Saturday.
"Air India special flight AI1918 carrying 168 Indian nationals took off from Nur-Sultan at 1443 hours (LT) for Delhi under Vande Bharat Mission," Indian Embassy in Kazakhstan said.
As many as 2,50,087 Indian nationals stranded abroad have been repatriated since the beginning of Vande Bharat Mission last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
The Vande Bharat Mission, which started from May 7 to evacuate Indians stranded abroad due to coronavirus pandemic, is in its third phase. The recent phase commenced on June 11.
COVID-19 news: Air India flight carrying 246 Indians departs from Melbourne
An Air India flight under Vande Bharat Mission took off from Melbourne on Saturday with 246 passengers for Delhi and Mumbai.
"This morning, another flight AI0309 Melbourne-Delhi-Mumbai departed Australian shores carrying 246 passengers to their motherland in India. We wish you all a happy journey and safe stay back home. Thanks to all the supporting organisations," Consulate General of India in Melbourne said in a tweet.
As many as 2,50,087 Indian nationals stranded abroad have been repatriated since the beginning of Vande Bharat Mission last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
The Vande Bharat Mission, which started from May 7 to evacuate Indians stranded abroad due to coronavirus pandemic, is in its third phase. The recent phase commenced on June 11.
COVID-19: Yogi Adityanath for increased number of monitoring panels to tighten surveillance
To strengthen the COVID-19 surveillance mechanism, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath on Saturday directed officials to increase the number of monitoring committees in the state.
Chairing a meeting with senior officials over the COVID-19 situation in the state, he said random sampling should be increased and a coronavirus helpdesk should be established in every hospital, reported news agency PTI.
"In order to make the surveillance system more effective, the monitoring committees should be increased. The number of monitoring committees should be increased to one lakh. This will help in strengthening the surveillance mechanism, and will be an important effort in breaking the chain of COVID-19 infection," Mr Adityanath said.
Coronavirus news: Kerala High Court advocates' body wants physical sittings to be stopped till June 30
The Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) on Saturday requested Chief Justice S Manikumar to discontinue the physical sittings and filings till June 30 following the court visit of a policeman who tested positive for COVID-19 three days ago.
The association said the court's reopening may be considered based on results of tests of primary contacts of the person who is now tested positive.
"The consideration of admission matters on video conferencing can be continued...," it said.
The police officer of Kalamassery police station had visited the High Court on Wednesday.
COVID-19 news: 54% patients recovered in Tamil Nadu, says Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday said that 54 per cent of the COVID-19 patients have recovered in the state so far.
After reviewing the Guru Nanak College quarantine centre in Chennai's Velachery, Edappadi said, "As many as 54 per cent of COVID patients have recovered till date. There are 83 testing centres in the state and Chennai has a facility for 17,500 beds."
He said that the disease is new and no one has a vaccine for it but the government is putting all efforts to spread awareness about COVID-19.
COVID-19 news: 54% patients recovered in Tamil Nadu , says Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday said that 54 per cent of the COVID-19 patients have recovered in the state so far.
After reviewing the Guru Nanak College quarantine centre in Chennai's Velachery, Edappadi said, "As many as 54 per cent of COVID patients have recovered till date. There are 83 testing centres in the state and Chennai has a facility for 17,500 beds."
He said that the disease is new and no one has a vaccine for it but the government is putting all efforts to spread awareness about COVID-19.
Coronavirus news: Nagaland reports 3 new COVID-19 cases, tally at 201
Nagaland on Saturday confirmed three new COVID-19 cases, taking the state tally of positive cases to 201.
Out of the three new cases, two are from Kohima and one is from Dimapur, reported news agency ANI.
"The state's total number of cases stands at 201, including 76 active cases and 125 cured and discharged patients," tweeted State Health Minister S Pangnyu Phom.
No deaths have been reported in the state so far.
Coronavirus news: UK to conclude 2-metre COVID-19 rule review, says British Minister
Britain's government will announce in the coming days whether it will reduce its two-metre social distancing rule for England, a minister said.
Many employers, especially in the hospitality and leisure sectors, have said the rule that people must remain two metres apart will stop them from getting back to speed as the coronavirus lockdown is lifted, reported news agency Reuters.
"We have committed to reviewing the two-metre to one-metre rule and we will be concluding on that shortly," culture minister Oliver Dowden told BBC radio late on Friday. "Within the coming days we will get the outcome."
Coronavirus news: Exact time on international flight resumption depends on other countries, says Civil Aviation Minister
Coronavirus news: Close to 2,75,000 Indians stranded abroad, have been brought back, says Union Civil Aviation Minister
Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA tests positive for coronavirus
A BJP MLA in Madhya Pradesh has tested positive for coronavirus. He was present at the state Assembly to cast his vote for Rajya Sabha elections on Friday.
A few other BJP MLAs who came in contact with him will also be tested for COVID-19 soon.
Grappling with shortage of medical staff: Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal opposed Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's order at a meeting, according to sources, which said that no coronavirus patient in the national capital must be allowed to undergo home isolation before a mandatory five-day institutional quarantine.
"Raiways has offered coaches... but how will someone stay there amid soaring temperatures. Should our priority be poor patients or those without symptoms? We are already grappling with a shortage of medical staff. Those who are asymptomatic may choose not to get tested over the fear of institutional quarantine. This may create a chaos in the city," Mr Kejriwal was quoted as saying by sources as he attended a Delhi Disaster Management Authority meeting this afternoon.
Anti-body tests for Maharashtra healthcare workers: Minister
The Maharashtra Government will conduct anti-body tests for all healthcare workers and frontline staff in the battle against the Covid19 pandemic.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said: "Anti-body tests and Antigen tests have also been allowed. Anti-body tests will be done primarily for frontline workers. We will be able see if anti-bodies have developed or not and they will be able to work very well. We are taking a policy decision for anti-body tests for healthcare workers and frontline staff in all the districts."
Delhi Chief Minister questions new quarantine rules
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at a meeting said there is a shortage of healthcare staff so how will it be possible to arrange doctors and nurses for thousands of patients at quarantine centres, according to sources.
Mr Kejriwal said when the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is allowing home-isolation for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases across the country why different rules are being implemented in Delhi.
Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had ordered that if any coronavirus is positive in Delhi, it will be mandatory to go to the quarantine centre for at least 5 days.
Indore records 42 coronavirus cases, count reaches 4,288: Report
With 42 people testing positive for coronavirus, the case count in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district has reached 4,288, a health official said.
At least 1,768 swab samples were tested in the district, of which reports of 42 patients have come out positive in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 4,288, the official said. The district also recorded four deaths that have taken the count to 193, he said.