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Coronavirus Live Updates: With 55, 079 new cases, India's COVID-19 tally has risen to over 27.02 lake cases, while the death count due to the highly contagious disease touched 51,797with 876 fresh fatalities, according to the Union health ministry figures this morning. Over 19.77 lakh coronavirus patients have recovered in the country so far; the recovery rate has climbed to 73.18 per cent. Maharashtra accounts for the maximum of cases (6,04,358), followed by Tamil Nadu (3,43,945), Andhra Pradesh (2,96,609), Karnataka (2,33,283), Uttar Pradesh (1,58,216) and Delhi (1,53,367).
Last week, India overtook Britain as the country that has recorded world's fourth-highest number of Covid-linked deaths, behind the United States, Brazil and Mexico. About 19.77 lakh coronavirus patients have recovered in the country so far; the recovery rate stood at 73.18 per cent this morning.
Here are the updates of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases:
Mandatory COVID tests for teachers as Assam looks to reopen schools, colleges on September 1
Teachers and employees of all educational institutions in Assam will be tested for COVID-19
and those found negative will have to be ready to join work as the state is looking to reopen schools and colleges on September 1, Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on
"The staff of educational institutions must remain in their place of duty by September 1. We will wait for the Union Home Ministry's order for reopening of schools and we will issue the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) within 24 hours," Mr Sarma said.
Teachers and employees of all educational institutions in Assam will be tested for COVID-19
and those found negative will have to be ready to join work as the state is looking to reopen schools and colleges on September 1, Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on
Tuesday.
The manadtory COVID testing will begin from August 21, he said.
Non-profit body linked to UN praises Bengal's handling of COVID-19
The Japan-based United Nation World Peace Association (UNWPA), a non-profit organisation,
In a letter to the Minister of State of Labour Nirmal Maji, UNWPA founder-president Fusao Kitagawa also lauded him for his contribution towards the society during this ongoing
the symbol of our gratitude and appreciations," Mr Kitagawa wrote to Mr Maji in the letter dated August 17.
The Japan-based United Nation World Peace Association (UNWPA), a non-profit organisation,
has praised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
pandemic.
"...from the end of our representative we learnt about you and your state government. We also learnt about your humanitarian chief minister... We are also aware enough about your graceful
contribution towards the society during this pandemic. Doctors are another form of omnipotent. The mankind is in your safe hands. We are feeling proud to provide you a certificate asthe symbol of our gratitude and appreciations," Mr Kitagawa wrote to Mr Maji in the letter dated August 17.
2,534 COVID cases in Assam, 6 deaths
The 2,534 new infections took the total to 82,201. A total of 44,416 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours with a positivity rate of 5.7 per cent, the minister said.
Six more coronavirus patients died and there were 2,534 new cases, taking the count to 203 and tally to over 80,000 in Assam on Tuesday, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
The new fatalities include two persons each from Kamrup Rural and Cachar, while one person each died in Kamrup Metropolitan and Karimganj districts, Mr Sarma said.
COVID-19 tally in Odisha rises to 64,533 with 2,239 new cases, 9 more deaths reported
Of the 2,239 fresh cases, 1,416 were reported from various quarantine centres, and the rest were detected during contact tracing, the official said.
At least 2,239 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha, pushing the tally in the state to 64,533, a senior health department official said on Tuesday.
The death count in the coastal state climbed to 362, with nine people succumbing to the infection, he said.
Jharkhand reports 1,266 new COVID-19 cases, 10 more deaths
Jharkhand on Tuesday reported 1,266 new cases of COVID-19, taking its tally to 25,333, as
The state tested record 27,260 samples for COVID-19 during the day, it added.
Jharkhand on Tuesday reported 1,266 new cases of COVID-19, taking its tally to 25,333, as
per an official bulletin.
Among the new cases were Health Minister Banna Gupta and AJSU Party president Sudesh Mahto.
Ten more people died in the state, following which the count rose to 265, the bulletin issued by the Health Department said.
MLA, Chief Minister's security personnel among 61 fresh coronavirus cases in Himachal
Earlier in the day, the Himachal Pradesh authorities reported that 12 security personnel and a driver of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur tested positive for the virus. They were in institutional quarantine after a security guard and a driver of Mr Thakur contracted the infection a few days ago.
Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday recorded 61 fresh coronavirus cases, including a BJP MLA, a driver and 12 security personnel attached with Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
With the fresh cases, the number of infection in the state reached 4,236. So far, 18 people have died from the infection in the state, an official said.
According to Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman, Solan MLA Paramjeet Singh Pammi tested positive for novel coronavirus on Tuesday.
He is being shifted to Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, after suffering from high-grade fever, the hospital's Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Janak Raj said. The MLA had recently visited Punjab's Amritsar.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, he had stated that he got a chance of paying obeisance at the Golden Temple after several months.
Chief Electoral Officers of states going to polls to prepare COVID-19 safety measures: ECI
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday said that Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of election-going states shall prepare a comprehensive plan for COVID-19-related measures.
"Chief Electoral Officers of the election going states shall prepare a comprehensive plan for State/district concerned for COVID-19 related measures, taking into account the local conditions, during the conduct of elections," the ECI said.
In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Election Commission of India (ECI) earlier last month decided to conduct impending Bihar Assembly polls with certain protocols such as using PPE kits, conducting thermal scanning, maintaining social distancing, limiting the number of electors in each booth and also increasing the number of polling stations.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday said that Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of election-going states shall prepare a comprehensive plan for COVID-19-related measures.
"Chief Electoral Officers of the election going states shall prepare a comprehensive plan for State/district concerned for COVID-19 related measures, taking into account the local conditions, during the conduct of elections," the ECI said.
In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Election Commission of India (ECI) earlier last month decided to conduct impending Bihar Assembly polls with certain protocols such as using PPE kits, conducting thermal scanning, maintaining social distancing, limiting the number of electors in each booth and also increasing the number of polling stations.
Daily new COVID-19 cases, deaths showing declining trend: Government
The daily new cases of COVID-19 and deaths due to the disease have shown a declining trend since August 13, the Health Ministry said Tuesday but warned against any laxity, underlining that a five-day span was very short in the context of a pandemic.
Addressing a press briefing, Secretary in the Union Health Ministry Rajesh Bhushan said in spite of a sustained level of 7-8 lakh coronavirus tests a day, the positivity rate has come down from 10.03 per cent in the first week of July to 7.72 per cent over the last seven days.
Asked to comment over media reports about a deadlier strain of coronavirus found in Malaysia and whether there was an India link with this mutation, Member NITI Aayog, Dr VK Paul said, "We have also seen the reports. At this moment, we have nothing to convey but we have made a note of it."
Positivity rate of COVID-19 has come down from 10.03% to 7.72%: Health Ministry
The Health Ministry on Tuesday said the positivity rate of COVID-19 has come down from 10.03 per cent to 7.72 per cent despite sustained level of testing.
Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan gave five major highlights of the past week. "An important part is recovered patients are nearly 20 lakh which is 2.93 times of active cases," Mr Bhushan said.
The total number of active cases is 6,73,166, while the total number of recovered cases is 19,77,779, he said.
Dehradun Municipal Corporation closes for two days after official tests COVID-19 positive
After a senior officer of the Dehradun Municipal Corporation tested positive for coronavirus, the corporation has been closed for two days as a precautionary measure for the general public from Tuesday onwards.
"Every day a large number of people come to the Municipal Corporation to get their work done, that is why the entry of the common public has been banned in the corporation office," said Chief Municipal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey.
COVID-19 cases in Americas reach 11.5 million, deaths 400,000: WHO director
Coronavirus cases in the Americas have reached almost 11.5 million and over 400,000 people have died as a result of the pandemic, the World Health Organization regional director Carissa Etienne said on Tuesday.
Speaking in a virtual briefing from Washington with other Pan American Health Organization directors, Etienne said the region continues to carry the highest burden of the disease, with 64% of officially reported global deaths despite having 13% of the world's population.
The biggest drivers of the case counts are the United States and Brazil, she said.
990 new COVID-19 cases take tally to 47,375 in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday reported 990 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total infection count in the state to 47,375, health officials said. Deaths rose to 1,141 after 13 more patients died to the viral infection in the last 24-hours, they said.
Of the 13 fatalities, five died in Bhopal, two in Vidisha while one patient each succumbed in Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Neemuch, Ratlam and Chhatarpur, officials said.
At 142, the highest number of cases in the state were reported from Indore, followed by 110 cases in Bhopal, 88 cases in Jabalpur and 83 cases in Gwalior.
Second chartered flight for stranded passengers from Dubai to reach city on Wednesday
A second chartered flight will bring back passengers stranded in Dubai due to the pandemic to the metropolis on Wednesday.
The Indigo flight will leave Dubai airport Wednesday morning and reach the city in the afternoon, the sponsors said on Tuesday. The flight is being partially sponsored by the Dubai chapter of St Xavier's College Calcutta Alumni Association which has chartered the Indigo flight.
Saptarshi Dutta, the Association secretary said the flight is almost full and on reaching the city 80 passengers will leave for their onward journey to north Bengal and Sikkim.
West Bengal reports record 3,175 new COVID-19 cases, 55 more deaths
West Bengal on Tuesday recorded the highest single-day spike of 3,175 new COVID-19 cases, taking its tally to 1,22,753, as per an official bulletin. The state reported 55 more deaths, following which the deaths rose to 2,528, it said.
Total 2,987 people recovered from the disease over the last 24 hours, improving the discharge rate to 75.51 per cent.
There are 27,535 active cases in the state at present, the bulletin issued by the Health Department said.
Tamil Nadu COVID-19 deaths reach 6,000, recoveries eclipse new cases
Tamil Nadu on Tuesday recorded 5,709 fresh coronavirus cases taking the tally to 3,49,654 while 121 more deaths pushed the number to 6,007.
With 5,850 patients getting discharged from various hospitals, the recoveries outnumbered the new infections and in total 2,89,787 people have got cured, a Health department bulletin said.
Those dead include 108 with co-morbidities and 13 had no chronic diseases. Of the 6,007 deaths as on date, 2,501 were from Chennai.
Delhi Police Inspector dies of COVID-19
A 51-year-old Delhi Police Inspector died due to coronavirus at a city hospital on Tuesday morning, officials said.
Sanjay Sharma, a 1997 batch officer, was posted at the Police Control Room (PCR) department in south zone, they said. He was was suffering from pneumonia and was admitted in the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in Vasant Kunj on Saturday. Later, he was found COVID-19 positive, a senior police officer said.
The inspector lost the battle and died on Tuesday morning at the hospital, the officer said.
Coronavirus: 36 more test positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya, tally rises to 1,454
At least 36 more people, including 20 security personnel, have tested positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya, taking the state's tally to 1,454, an official said on Tuesday.
Of the fresh cases, 24 were reported from East Khasi Hills, seven from West Garo, three from Ri Bhoi and one each from East Jaintia and South West Garo hills districts, Health Services director Aman War said.
"Thirteen BSF personnel and seven employees of other armed forces are among the new patients," he said.
Meghalaya currently has 765 active COVID-19 cases, he said.
France to make masks compulsory in most workplaces from September 1
The French government plans to make wearing a mask compulsory in the vast majority of workplaces from September 1 to try to stop a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The labour ministry said on Tuesday the new arrangement would apply to all shared spaces in offices and factories, but would not extend to individual offices where only one employee is present
It also said that working from home would remain its recommended option for employees. A government official said masks at work would become mandatory from September 1.
434 new COVID cases in Jammu and Kashmir, 13 deaths
The novel coronavirus cases in Jammu and Kashmir rose to 29,326 on Tuesday with 434 new infections, while 13 more deaths took the toll to 561, officials said.
There are 6,879 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVD-19), while 21,886 patients have recovered so far, the officials said.
All the 13 more deaths were from Kashmir, taking the toll to 561, includng 520 from the Valley and 41 from the Jammu region, according to the officials.
Only four new coronavirus cases found in Dharavi
The coronavirus case tally in the slum-dominated Dharavi area of Mumbai rose to 2,676 on Tuesday with four new patients coming to light, said a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official.
The area, considered to be Asia''s largest slum, recorded a single-digit rise on the 15th day in a row. It had registered a spike of only four cases on Monday too.
On August 3, Dharavi recorded 12 new COVID-19 cases but thereafter the daily rise was in single digit.
Well-prepared to conduct UP Assembly Session amid COVID-19: Speaker Hriday Narayan Dikshit
Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Hriday Narayan Dikshit on Tuesday said that the state government was well-prepared to conduct the Assembly Session and have taken several measures keeping the COVID-19 pandemic in mind.
"We are well prepared to conduct the Legislative Assembly Session. We have also made arrangements for coronavirus tests at the Uttar Pradesh Assembly," Mr Dikshit told news agency ANI.
"There were certain proposals that were made during a meeting regarding sanitation and social distancing measures. In order to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines, we will make use of lobbies in the Assembly to create more seats for the representatives," he added.
UP minister tests positive for COVID-19
Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Atul Garg, said on Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Mr Garg requested all those who came in contact with him recently to get tested for the disease.
"On August 15, RTPCR test was done and I had tested negative. Yesterday, in the rapid test conducted at around 9 pm, I tested positive. People who came in contact with me from August 16 to August 18 should get themselves tested," he said in a tweet in Hindi.
Bihar reports 3,257 new COVID-19 cases
As many as 3,257 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Bihar on Monday, said the State health department on Tuesday.
Out of the total COVID-19 cases reported in the state, 368 cases were reported from Patna.
With 3,257 new coronavirus cases, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state has increased to 32,626.
WHO calls for widespread flu vaccinations this year
The world must administer widespread anti-flu vaccinations this year to help to ward off the risk of complicating coronavirus infections, World Health Organization senior adviser Bruce Aylward said on Tuesday.
More than 21.9 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 7,72,647 have died, according to a Reuters tally.
WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove told a briefing in Geneva that studies to date showed that less than 10% of the population has evidence of antibodies against the virus
WHO Warns People Under 50 Driving Virus Spread In Asia-Pacific
Coronavirus cases in Asia-Pacific countries are now being driven by people under the age of 50 who may not know they are infected, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, warning of a "new phase" in the pandemic.
Many have mild or no COVID-19 symptoms and risk infecting the elderly and other vulnerable populations, the WHO's Western Pacific regional director Takeshi Kasai told a virtual briefing.
"The epidemic is changing. People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are increasingly driving the threat," Mr Kasai said. "Many are unaware they're infected with very mild symptoms or none at all.
Tripura's COVID-19 tally rises to 7,427
Tripura's COVID-19 caseload rose to 7,427, with 205 people testing positive for coronavirus, while the death toll mounted to 62 as three more patients died to the disease, a health department official said on Tuesday.
The state now has 1,943 active cases while 5,404 people have recovered from the disease.
3,257 new COVID-19 cases reported in Bihar on August 17, taking the total count of active cases in the state to 32,626: State Health Department, Bihar
3,257 new #COVID19 cases reported in Bihar on 17th August, taking the total count of active cases in the state to 32,626: State Health Department, Bihar pic.twitter.com/D83YnX0QJd
- ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2020
Over 600 People In Bhubaneswar Recovered From Covid At Home In 1 Month: Civic Body Official
A month after the Odisha government allowed home isolation for asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients, more than 600 people in Bhubaneswar have recovered from the disease without having to undergo treatment at a hospital, a senior official said, reports PTI.
India has set another record in COVID-19 tests conducted per day. Nearly 9 lakh (8,99,864) tests conducted in a single day, the highest tests/day so far. With this, the cumulative tests have reached 3,09,41,264: Government of India
Bengaluru: Idol makers facing hardships amid #COVID19 outbreak.
- ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2020
An idol maker from Malleswaram says, "Last year, we sold around 4000 idols. But this year, the pandemic has affected our business. We have got just 50-100 orders for Ganesh idols ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi." pic.twitter.com/KonPS1IF0F
694 fresh COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan today, taking the total number of cases in the state to 63,324: State Health Department.
112 new COVID-19 positive cases and two deaths recorded in Maharashtra Police force, in the last 24 hours. Total positive cases stand at 12,495 including 10,111 recoveries, 2,256 active cases & 128 deaths: Maharashtra Police
Streets wear a deserted look and shops remain closed as Puducherry observes complete lockdown today.
Puducherry: Streets wear a deserted look and shops remain closed as Puducherry observes complete lockdown today.
- ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2020
CM had announced yesterday to observe curfew in the Union Territory on a trial basis today, in order to contain the spread of #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/QwDrg2UjQj
112 people dead and 56,91,694 affected due to floods across 30 districts of Assam: State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)
112 people dead and 56,91,694 affected due to floods across 30 districts of Assam: State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) pic.twitter.com/reaHQ2akHe
- ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2020
Alappuzha: Kerala Water Transport Dept has converted rescue boats into ambulances during COVID-19 pandemic.
Alappuzha: Kerala Water Transport Dept has converted rescue boats into ambulances during #COVID19 pandemic. Santhosh Kumar, Vigilance Wing Inspector says, "This service has helped many #COVID19 patients who live in locations cut-off from the mainland reach hospitals." pic.twitter.com/mrsoMAtbOi
- ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2020
COVID-19 Fallout: Punjab Imposes Additional Restrictions In All Cities During Unlock3
In the wake of rising COVID-19 cases, Punjab government has imposed additional restrictions in Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala from Tuesday (August 18) till further orders. The Punjab government said that on account of a sudden rise in coronavirus cases in urban areas, it was felt necessary to impose additional restrictions on certain activities in all the cities of the State, reports ANI.
Coronavirus News: 9 Deaths, 370 More COVID-19 Cases In Puducherry
A total of nine deaths and 370 new COVID-19 cases were reported from Puducherry on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases to 8,396, the Health Department of the Union Territory informed, reports ANI.
40 New COVID-19 Cases In Arunachal Pradesh
Forty more people, including 13 security personnel, have tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, raising the state''s total caseload to 2,741, a senior Health department official said on Tuesday.
Coronavirus News: Over 55,000 Cases In India In 24 Hours
India has logged over 51,000 deaths linked to coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic, the Union Health Ministry said this morning. The country's Covid tally crossed the 27 lakh-mark today with about 55,079 fresh infections and 876 deaths registered in the last 24 hours.
Coronavirus News: Jharkhand Reports 843 New COVID-19 Cases
Jharkhand on Monday reported 843 new cases of COVID-19, taking the tally to 24,067, officials said. Eleven more patients died in the state, reports PTI.
"Have Added To Covid Count...": Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Tests Positive
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw has tested positive for coronavirus, the chief of biopharmaceutical firm Biocon has tweeted. "I have added to the Covid count by testing positive. Mild symptoms n I hope it stays that way," Kiran Mazumdar Shaw tweeted on Monday night. Read Here
The Ministry of Health said today that focused implementation of Centre-led strategies has ensured prompt identification, timely isolation and effective clinical treatment, leading to reduced Case Fatality Rate. Thirty states and Union Territories performed better than the national average.
Focused implementation of Centre-led strategies has ensured prompt identification, timely isolation & effective clinical treatment, leading to reduced Case Fatality Rate. 30 States/UTs performed better than the national average: Ministry of Health pic.twitter.com/Kr4JJBTP2T
- ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2020
1,043 inmates, 302 jail staff test positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra prisons
As many as 1,043 prisoners and 302 jail staff tested positive for COVID-19 in prisons across Maharashtra so far, according to the State Prison Department.
Six inmates have died of the virus while 818 inmates and 271 jail staff have recovered.
A total of 10,480 inmates have been released from jails across Maharashtra to reduce crowding inside jails in order to prevent spread. Till date 2,444 have been released on parole while rest are released on bail following recommendations of High Power Committee.
As many as 1,043 prisoners and 302 jail staff tested positive for COVID-19 in prisons across Maharashtra so far, according to the State Prison Department.
Six inmates have died of the virus while 818 inmates and 271 jail staff have recovered.
A total of 10,480 inmates have been released from jails across Maharashtra to reduce crowding inside jails in order to prevent spread. Till date 2,444 have been released on parole while rest are released on bail following recommendations of High Power Committee.
West Bengal's COVID-19 discharge rate improves to 75.02 per cent
West Bengal's COVID-19 discharge rate crossed the 75-per cent mark on Monday with the state reporting more recoveries, even as record 3,080 new cases were detected, as per an official bulletin.
The state's COVID-19 tally rose to 1,19,578 with reporting of the fresh cases. The count increased to 2,473 as 45 more people died, the bulletin issued by the Health Department said.
Total 2,932 people recovered from the disease during the last 24 hours, improving the discharge rate to 75.02, it added.
The national discharge rate was at 72.51 per cent, as per the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.
West Bengal's COVID-19 discharge rate crossed the 75-per cent mark on Monday with the state reporting more recoveries, even as record 3,080 new cases were detected, as per an official bulletin.
The state's COVID-19 tally rose to 1,19,578 with reporting of the fresh cases. The count increased to 2,473 as 45 more people died, the bulletin issued by the Health Department said.
Total 2,932 people recovered from the disease during the last 24 hours, improving the discharge rate to 75.02, it added.
The national discharge rate was at 72.51 per cent, as per the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.
Odisha minister among 2,244 new COVID-19 cases
Odisha on Monday reported 2,244 fresh COVID-19 cases taking the state's tally to 62,294, while 10 more people died due to the disease pushing the death count to 353, a health department official said.
Rural Development and Labour Minister Susanta Singh tested positive to the COVID-19 and became the first member of Naveen Patnaik's cabinet to become a COVID-19 patient. Five
other MLAs and an MP of the state had earlier infected with coronavirus.
"Concerned to know that my cabinet colleague Susanta Singh has tested positive for #COVID19. Spoke with him to know about his well being and wished him speedy recovery," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted.
Odisha on Monday reported 2,244 fresh COVID-19 cases taking the state's tally to 62,294, while 10 more people died due to the disease pushing the death count to 353, a health department official said.
Rural Development and Labour Minister Susanta Singh tested positive to the COVID-19 and became the first member of Naveen Patnaik's cabinet to become a COVID-19 patient. Five
other MLAs and an MP of the state had earlier infected with coronavirus.
"Concerned to know that my cabinet colleague Susanta Singh has tested positive for #COVID19. Spoke with him to know about his well being and wished him speedy recovery," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted.
