India reported over 2,000 coronavirus deaths for the first time after states updated the number of those who died due to the highly contagious disease. The country has so far reported 3,54,065 coronavirus cases; 1,86,935 have recovered. The number of dead is 11,903. The recovery rate is at 52.79 per cent. Maharashtra has the highest number of cases in the country. The number of fatalities across the state and its capital Mumbai went up sharply on Tuesday as the records were updated with 1,328 more cases. Mumbai now has 3,167 coronavirus-linked deaths, records show. The state's total is 5,537, including 81 deaths reported on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that timely decisions have helped in containing coronavirus in the country. His remarks came at his meeting with the Chief Ministers and heads of 21 States and Union Territories on the COVID-19 situation in the country, held via video conferencing.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain tested negative for coronavirus. He was admitted to hospital last night with high fever and complaints of breathing trouble, a day after he attended a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others. He was tested this morning for coronavirus at Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold further consultations with chief ministers tomorrow, as the government faces a worrying surge in coronavirus cases over the past fortnight.
The Prime Minister on Wednesday will hold a video conference with the heads of 21 states and union territories at 3 pm and meet with the 15 worst-affected - including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Delhi.
Here are the Live Updates on Coronavirus Outbreak:
As many as 43 people tested positive for coronavirus in Tripura, out of the total 1,250 samples tested, as per information provided by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, reported ANI.
The chief minister tweeted the information adding that majority of the COVID-19 patients have a travel history and the others were in contact with coronavirus-infected patients.
Among them, three were from 34 Battalion BSF, six from Maharani BSF Camp, four from 120 Battalion BSF, 26 from 74 Battalion BSF, and four civilians.
The count includes 30 cases in the West District, 10 cases in the Gomati District, two cases in the South District and one case in the Sepahijala District.
Telangana on Wednesday reported 269 new coronavirus cases with one death. 151 patients were discharged in the state on Wednesday, reported ANI. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 5,675, including 192 deaths, the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare said.
The chief medical superintendent of Mathura's district hospital tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the number of infections to 181, an official said, reported PTI. "The chief medical superintendent of the district hospital has been sent for treatment to KD Medical College" DM Sarvagya Ram Mishra said. He said, the contacts of the medical superintendent, including staff of the district hospital, are being traced. They would be sent into quarantine and their samples will be collected for testing, the district magistrate said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi categorically said in his video conference with Chief Ministers that no fresh lockdown will be imposed in the country, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said.
Mr Patel was speaking with reporters after attending the video conference alongwith Chief Minister Vijay Rupani earlier on Wednesday.
"The prime minister categorically said that rumours are being spread that fresh lockdown will be imposed with rising number of (coronavirus) cases. There is no such move planned and there won''t be any fresh lockdowns," Mr Patel said.
PM Modi encouraged Chief Ministers to give more momentum to economic activities that have resumed, he said. Read More
The next time you flush your toilet, close the lid. A recent study by researchers at Yangzhou University in China claims the novel coronavirus can survive in the human digestive tract and appear in faeces of the infected, news agency Press Trust of India reported on Wednesday.
The study, published in the journal Physics of Fluids, used computer models to simulate water and air flows in a flushing toilet and the resulting droplet cloud. This, scientists often refer to as "toilet plume aerosol".
Flushing creates a great deal of turbulence and tiny bits of fecal matter, which the naked eye can't see, can be thrown into the air and that can stick to aerosols and settle on the surroundings or anyone visiting the toilet next can breathe it. Read More
The price of a COVID-19 test in Delhi has been capped at Rs 2,400, the Home Ministry said in a tweet on Wednesday night, explaining that the move was aimed at "providing relief to the common man".
Delhi was earlier following the Rs 4,500 per test cap ordered by the ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research, the government's nodal body in this health crisis).
"As per the directives of Home Minister Amit Shah in providing relief to the common man... it has been decided to fix the test rate at Rs 2,400," a tweet by the Home Ministry spokesperson said. Read More
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain has tested positive for coronavirus. He took a second test today after his fever worsened. The minister's first test had come negative yesterday.
"Today my covid test found to be positive, (sic)" Satyendar Jain wrote on Twitter.
The doctors had decided to go for a second test after observing Coronavirus like symptoms, sources had said earlier. Read More
The Jodhpur Division of North-Western Railway zone in Rajasthan has converted 150 train coaches into isolation wards for COVID-19 patients due to shortage of beds amid rising number of coronavirus cases in the city."
Supreme Court pulls up Delhi government over cases filed against doctors: "You can't threaten them for bringing out truth"
Delhi's Health Minister Satyendar Jain tested again for COVID19 today. His test result came negative yesterday.
- ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2020
He was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital after he complained of high fever and difficulty in breathing yesterday. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/0DleIySXjp
Supreme Court starts hearing the Suo Motu Cognisance (SMC) matter related to the 'proper treatment of #COVID19 patients and dignified handling of bodies in government hospitals'. pic.twitter.com/rdjiA41WWS
- ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2020
A total of 821 samples from Siaha, Lawngtlai, Kolasib, Hnahthial, Lunglei and Aizawl District were tested y'day. 633 samples tested negative for #COVID19, while test for remaining 188 will continue today. No new cases detected. Total cases stand at 121: Mizoram Government pic.twitter.com/JgTwAI1bG6
- ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2020
The centre has communicated to the Delhi government that it can deploy rapid antigen COVID-19 detection kit in containment zones and hospitals in combination with the traditional RT-PCR test for faster diagnosis and effective prevention, reported PTI. The centre's communication came amid the recent spurt in coronavirus cases in the national capital. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has capped the procurement cost for rapid antigen test kit at Rs 450 following negotiation with the firm that produces it. It negotiated the price of the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag detection kit (rapid antigen test kits) with the South Korean company SD Biosensor, which developed it and has its manufacturing unit in Manesar, Gurgaon. On June 14, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had written to the Health Ministry, highlighting the need to augment COVID-19 testing in containment zones in the Delhi. The ICMR letter followed two high-level meetings Union Home Minister Amit Shah had with the Delhi government on Sunday.
Telangana continued to witness a surge in COVID-19 cases with 213 people testing positive for the virus on Tuesday, taking the state's count to 5,406. 191 people have died so far in the state from coronavirus, reported PTI. The state government, which recently announced that around 50,000 samples will be tested in Hyderabad and adjoining areas as part of measures to check the spread of virus, tested1,251 samples on Tuesday.
Borders of Puducherry with Cuddalore and Villupuram, both in Tamil Nadu, will be sealed from Wednesday, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said, reported ANI.
"People will be allowed inside Puducherry only for medical services. E-passes from Chennai will not be allowed here," Mr Narayanasamy said.
"If you come with a certificate stating that you are not infected with the virus when you come from abroad, then you are allowed in Puducherry," he added.
Puducherry has so far reported 202 COVID-19 cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The popular Gokul Chat eatery in Hyderabad was temporarily closed on Tuesday after its owner tested positive for coronavirus, reported by PTI. Police said the management took the decision after the owner, who was suffering from pneumonia for a long time, was admitted to a private hospital on June 13 and subsequently tested positive for coronavirus.
Uttar Pradesh reported 18 coronavirus deaths and 507 fresh cases on Tuesday, pushing the state's total to 14,598, officials said, reported PTI. The death count in the state stands at 435 now, they said. Among the 18 new deaths, three were reported from Agra, two each from Meerut and Bulandshahr, and one each from Moradabad, Jaunpur, Aligarh, Gonda, Amroha, Etawah, Kannauj, Shamli, Jhansi, Mau and Hamirpur, an official report said. In the state, 69 deaths have been reported from Agra, followed by 62 from Meerut, it said.
Jharkhand reported 34 fresh COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, taking the state's total to 1,839, the state health department said, reported PTI. There are 709 active cases in the state, according to a bulletin issued by the department. A total of 1,121 people have recovered, including 121 during the day, it said, adding that the state has recorded nine deaths so far.
With over 5.5 lakh people returning to Odisha so far, the state government on Tuesday launched a 45-day intensive surveillance to detect coronavirus symptoms among the population, reported PTI. ASHA and anganwadi workers have started visiting villages across the state and slums in urban pockets to find out and take note of people with COVID-19 symptoms. They will cover 53,845 villages and all slums in 103 urban pockets in the state between June 16 and July 31, National Health Mission's Odisha director Shalini Pandit said.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday requested the centre to work closely with states to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy while stressing that the lockdown to limit the spread of the infection can't continue indefinitely, reported PTI.
In a video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Punjab chief minister suggested to set up a group, including chief ministers, to discuss and formulate a coordinated centre-state response to the impact of coronavirus on the economy and governments across the country.
The prime minister is holding two-day deliberations with chief ministers to review the coronavirus situation and management strategies to deal with the crisis.
PM Modi appreciated Punjab's coronavirus micro-containment and house-to-house surveillance strategy, said a state government release here.
Holding a review meeting through VC from residence regarding #Corona situation in districts and Jagrukta Abhiyaan about #COVID19Pandemic with ministers, officers, collectors, CMHOs and other officials. #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/45sF55TJmv
- Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 16, 2020
Delhi: Around 300 COVID care isolation coaches will be placed today at Anand Vihar Terminal by central govt in view of rise in COVID cases. Northern Railways CPRO says "Only, people with mild symptoms will be kept here. Management of coach & patient will be done by the state." pic.twitter.com/Bi0YGS7gwV
- ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2020
Malaysian health authorities reported 11 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, raising the cumulative total to 8,505 infections.Total fatalities in the country remain at 121, with no new deaths reported, news agency Reuters reported.
Four more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram in the last 24 hours, taking the northeast states tally to 121, an official said today.
Of the total 121 cases, 120 are active while one has recovered, the official said.
He said that of 705 samples tested on Monday, four people from Aizawl district tested COVID-19 positive late on Monday night. Three of them have returned from Delhi and one from Maharashtra recently, he said.
The patients are in the age group of 2430 and are asymptomatic, he said.
The official also said that 5,370 samples have been tested so far at a hospital, of which 120 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, news agency PTI reported.
Indonesia confirmed 1,106 new coronavirus infections and 33 more deaths on Tuesday, taking the number of cases past the 40,000 mark, its health ministry said.
The Southeast Asian country's total number of infections was 40,400 and fatalities 2,231, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said, adding that 15,703 patients had recovered. news agency Reuters reported.
The United Kingdom's suspected COVID-19 death count has hit 53,077, according to a Reuters tally of official data sources that underline the country's status as one of the worst hit in the world.
The Reuters tally comprises fatalities where COVID-19 was mentioned on death certificates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland up to June 5, and up to June 7 in Scotland.
It also includes more recent hospital deaths. Unlike the lower death count published daily by the government, the death certificate figures include suspected cases, news agency Reuters reported.
US Ambassador to India Kenneth I. Juster today said that ventilators provided by the United States to India will prove to be a life savour for many patients.
"The patients whose lungs are not giving proper oxygen, this vital support will be life savour. These ventilators will complement India's ongoing work to get quality health work to all those who need it," said US Ambassador.
Mr Juster's remark came after the US handed the first tranche 100 ventilators to India here at the Indian Red Cross Headquarters.
"COVID-19 pandemic is a great threat to all of us. With partnership and cooperation, we will be able to give better health to our people. The US has been providing access to medical supplies and Ventilators to countries which need medical support," he added.
He further said, "I want to get close with the work done by the health professionals and front line workers in India and US who have been helping to fight the disease."
The first lot of ventilators, which arrived on Monday, is high technology are manufactured by Zoll US-based firm and are arriving from Chicago in the US, news agency ANI reported.
Singapore's health ministry on Tuesday reported 151 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday in the smallest daily increase in more than two months.The city state's tally of infections stands at 40,969, news agency Reuters reported.
108 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Odisha in the last 24 hours, said the State Health Department today.
With the new cases, the total number of coronavirus cases in the state has reached 4,163.
With an increase of 10,667 cases and 380 deaths in the past 24 hours, the COVID-19 count in India has reached 3,43,091 today, according to the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry.
The COVID-19 count includes 1,53,178 active cases, while 1,80,013 patients have been cured and discharged or migrated so far, news agency ANI reported.
The Air India flight carrying stranded Indians under the third phase of Vande Bharat Mission will depart today from Manila for Chennai and Visakhapatnam.
"Vande Bharat Mission Philippines Phase 3 begins as happy passengers of AI 1309 Manila to Chennai, Visakhapatnam begin their check-in procedures," High Commission in the Philippines said in a tweet.
The Vande Bharat Mission is a Government of India's initiative to bring back home Indian nationals stranded in various parts of the world due to restrictions over air travel to contain COVID-19 spread, news agency ANI reported.
A special flight with stranded Indians under the Vande Bharat Mission is slated to depart from Dhaka today, for Delhi and Ahmedabad.
"Phase 3 of Vande Bharat Mission is underway from Dhaka. Today''s @airindiain will carry Indian citizens to Delhi and Ahmedabad," High Commission in Bangladesh said in a tweet on Tuesday.
The Vande Bharat Mission is a Government of India's initiative to bring back home Indian nationals stranded in various parts of the world due to restrictions over air travel to contain COVID-19 spread.
A total of 1,65,375 people have returned, including 29,034 migrant workers under the Vande Bharat Mission, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on June 11, news agency ANI reported.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain tested negative for coronavirus. He was admitted to hospital last night with high fever and complaints of breathing trouble, a day after he attended a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others. He was tested this morning for coronavirus at Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital.
Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia visit The Surya hotel which has been attached to the Holy Family Hospital, a dedicated COVID-19 facility. pic.twitter.com/lq6SOhIyRH
- ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2020