This Article is From May 05, 2020

Coronavirus Updates: Assam Allows Inter-District Travel Till May 2

Covid-19 India Updates: Five of nine Chief Ministers at the meeting said the lockdown should end, while the rest were in favour of extending it for the sake of controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Coronavirus Updates: Assam Allows Inter-District Travel Till May 2

COVID-19 Cases Updates: India recorded its biggest single-day spike on Sunday.

New Delhi:

The Assam government on Monday extended inter-district movement of the stranded people till May 2 in personal and public transport with prior approval from the concerned authorities. The decision of travel within the state was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet, Assam Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary told reporters. "The Cabinet decided to allow this inter-dictrict movement till May 2," he said.

The number of coronavirus cases in India reached to 28,380 after 1,463 fresh cases were reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of deaths from the infection became 886 after 60 new deaths were reported today. The number of deaths were the highest so far. The total number of people cured from the infection is 6,362.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video meeting with state Chief Ministers, said today that the nationwide coronavirus lockdown may continue in the parts of the country worst affected by the infection. Five of nine Chief Ministers at the meeting said the lockdown should end, while the rest were in favour of extending it for the sake of controlling the spread of COVID-19.

India recorded 1,396 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 27,982 including 872 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said this morning. Forty-eight deaths linked to the highly contagious illness were reported from different parts of the country in the last 24 hours. The Supreme Court will today hear a petition asking it to direct the centre and states to allow migrant workers left stranded - many without jobs, money, food or shelter -  amid a nationwide lockdown to return home if they test negative for the COVID-19 virus.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases in India Updates:

Apr 28, 2020 05:28 (IST)
21 districts of Telangana will not have a single COVID-19 case by today: KCR
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has said that 21 districts in the state would turn to be COVID-19 free by Tuesday.

"Rao said that the decrease in the spread of coronavirus in the state is an auspicious sign and opined that there were clear indications that Telangana would become corona free State in a few days to come. The Chief Minister declared that by April 28, 21 districts in the State would turn into the districts without even one corona positive case," said a statement from the Telangana CMO.

According to the statement, Mr Rao said it was a good development that 97 per cent of the corona patients are getting discharged after recovery. The Chief Minister also declared that since there is a decrease in coronavirus spread and its impact, there would be a gradual reduction of the containment centres in the State.

He also said that the link between those who went to Markaz and those came in contact with them was established and testes are being conducted on them. There is no need for people to worry about anything. For the past few days, if the trend in the state is observed, the virus spread has been on the decline.
Apr 28, 2020 05:05 (IST)
Coronavirus: Eight new cases of COVID-19 reported in Punjab
Eight new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Punjab today; taking the total number of positive cases to 330. Total active cases in the state are 213, said a media bulletin from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab.

The bulletin said, The total deaths reported in the state till now is 19. The number of patients cured in the state till date is 98.
Apr 28, 2020 04:50 (IST)
12 new COVID-19 cases in Ranchi; Jharkhand total now at 103
12 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported in Ranchi on Monday evening, as per information provided by Health Secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni.

According to Kulkarni, a total of 20 cases were reported on Monday, which has been the highest in a day so far. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Jharkhand now stands at 103.

"Five more persons have tested positive for #COVID19 in Ranchi today. 20 cases have been reported today, highest in a day. Total positive cases in Jharkhand touches 103," said Health Secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni on Monday.
Apr 28, 2020 04:34 (IST)
Coronavirus: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tells PM Narendra Modi, Frame Standard Operating Procedure For Smooth Return Of People Stranded Across Country
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday sought framing of a national standard operating procedure (SOP) for smooth movement of lakhs of people stranded across the country due to the lockdown imposed to combat COVID-19."
Apr 28, 2020 04:19 (IST)
113 new COVID-19 cases in UP, state count reaches 1,986
As many as 113 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state, taking the total number of positive cases to 1,986, the state government said on Monday.

As per a media bulletin of the Directorate of Health Services, Uttar Pradesh, 399 patients have been discharged till now.

So far, 31 deaths have been reported and there are 1,556 active COVID-19 cases in the state.

Apr 28, 2020 04:08 (IST)
Coronavirus: 227 COVID-19 Containment Zones In Kolkata, Total 348 In 4 Bengal Hotspots
West Bengal's four hotspot districts - Kolkata, North 24 parganas, Howrah and East Midnapore have a total of 348 hotspots, the state government informed today. Kolkata has 227 containment zones, North 24 parganas 57, 56 in Howrah and 8 in East Midnapore."
Apr 28, 2020 03:57 (IST)
Availability of essential items improve consistently amid lockdown, says Centre
The Centre on Monday said that the availability of essential items has improved consistently amid the lockdown imposed to combat COVID-19.

"The key indicators related to supply chain show that the availability of essential items has improved consistently. Under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY), daily cooked meals to 1.5 crore people are being served," said Parameswaran Iyer, convener and chairman of Empowered Group 5, which has been mandated with the supply chain of logistics and essential items to combat COVID-19.

Mr Iyer highlighted the specific areas such as the movement of vehicles, labour and truck drivers, where the Group intervened to streamline smooth functioning of the supply chain of essential items during the lockdown.

"The movement of trucks moving food and pharma has increased consistently. It was about 46 per cent on March 30. It has gone up to 76 per cent on April 25. It is increasing rapidly. It is an important indicator of mobility," he added.
Apr 28, 2020 03:25 (IST)
Harsh Vardhan reviews preparedness of top 10 medical institutes to fight COVID-19
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday held a video conference with the directors of top ten medical institutes and reviewed the preparedness to combat COVID-19.

The minister held discussion with medical directors of All India Institutes Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry and Post Graduate Institute (PGI) Chandigarh, through video conferencing over their additional requirement to combat COVID-19.

"I reviewed the preparedness of the top ten medical institutes to fight COVID-19. I have talked to their directors and asked them if these institutes need any more equipment that the central government can provide," Dr Vardhan said.

"I have talked to the directors of AIIMS, Raipur, Nagpur, Delhi, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Rishikesh, Bhubaneswar, Patna and JIPMER Puducherry and PGI Chandigarh," he added.

The minister said that the government has instructed the AIIMS to act proactively and remove the stigma around COVID-19 patients.
Apr 28, 2020 03:11 (IST)
COVID-19: 240 more test coronavirus positive in Madhya Pradesh; 10 patients die
With 240 more people testing positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours - most of them
in Indore - the number of such cases in Madhya Pradesh climbed to 2,330 on Monday, while the death count increased to 113, health officials said.

Ten more deaths were reported since Sunday evening, taking the toll in the state to 113, they said.

Of these, six deaths were reported from Indore, three from Bhopal and one from Mandsaur, officials said.

Indore, the worst coronavirus-affected district in Madhya Pradesh, alone accounts for 63 deaths.

Since Sunday night, Indore recorded 165 new infections, followed by Bhopal and Ujjain at 13 each, Jabalpur 10, Raisen five and one each at Hoshangabad and Dewas.

Besides, the novel coronavirus entered one more district Harda - where the first case was reported on Monday, the officials said.

Overall, COVID-19 cases have been reported from 27 districts so far.
Apr 28, 2020 02:38 (IST)
Coronavirus Lockdown: Odisha Fishermen, Stuck In Chennai, Travel 1,100 Km On Boat To Reach Home
25 fishermen reached their native place in Odisha's Ganjam district on Monday after taking a sea voyage from Chennai where they were stuck due to the lockdown, officials said."
Apr 28, 2020 02:33 (IST)
Mizoram will follow Centre's directives on COVID-19 situation: Zoramthanga to PM
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Monday told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that
the state government will follow whatever decisions the Centre takes regarding the situation emerging in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to officials.

He spoke to the prime minister at a meeting that PM Modi chaired with the chief ministers of different states regarding the COVID-19 situation.

Zoramthanga informed PM Modi that the state government, churches, NGOs and the general public are making collective efforts to contain the spread of the deadly virus in the state.

He said that villagers are volunteering themselves to guard their villages and borders to check the movement of people.

Many landlords have waived off rent for their tenants in this time of crisis setting examples for others, he said.

The people are supportive and they strictly adhere to the governments guidelines, Zoramthanga said.

Mizoram has reported only one COVID-19 case so far and although the patient's condition is improving, the state would not relax the restrictions, Zoramthanga said.
Apr 28, 2020 02:21 (IST)
Coronavirus India: Bengal Clarifies COVID-19 Patients Must Be Hospitalised, Primary Contacts May Be Home Quarantined
The West Bengal government on Monday issued a clarification regarding the COVID-19 patients to be allowed to home quarantine themselves in the state."
Apr 28, 2020 02:05 (IST)
Coronavirus: Delhi Breaches 3,000-Mark, Coronavirus Recovery Rate Falls
Delhi's coronavirus total on Monday crossed the 3,000-mark with the addition of 190 cases in the last 24 hours. With no fresh deaths, the number of those who have died of the virus in the national capital remains 54."
Apr 28, 2020 02:05 (IST)
One more doctor, 5 other staffers of Delhi government hospital test positive for COVID-19
One more doctor and five other staffers of the Delhi government's Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital in Jahangirpuri tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases at the facility to 65, officials said.

Till Sunday, the number of staffers infected with the virus stood at 59.

According to a senior official, "Sixty-eight more samples were tested, whose reports came out on Monday. Five out of those came out positive, and some samples were sent to another lab, out of which one tested positive. So, a total of 65 people from the hospital are affected with coronavirus now".

He said the facility is practically closed due to this severe crisis.

"The critically ill patients will remain in the hospital. The hospital management will take care of them," North Delhi District Magistrate Deepak Shinde had said on Sunday.

The hospital is located in Jahangirpuri, which is one of the containment zones in the national capital.

The first positive case at the hospital was reported on April 22.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Monday crossed the 3,000-mark, with 190 fresh cases being reported in a day, according to Delhi government authorities.
Apr 28, 2020 01:56 (IST)
Coronavirus: 9 new COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, state count reaches 512
Nine new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Karnataka in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases in the state to 512 as per Karnataka government.

There are 299 active COVID-19 cases in Karnataka presently, while 193 patients have been discharged, 19 deaths have been reported, state government informed.
Apr 28, 2020 01:35 (IST)
Coronavirus: One more COVID-19 case reported in Bihar, tate's count at 346
One more case of COVID-19 reported in the state, taking the total number of cases to 346, said Sanjay Kumar, Bihar Principal Secretary (Health) on Monday.

The new case was reported from Nalanda district.

"We are ascertaining their infection trail," he said.
Apr 28, 2020 01:24 (IST)
COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir stand at 546
Jammu and Kashmir has reported a total of 546 positive cases of COVID-19, including 375 active cases, Department of Information and Public Relation, Jammu and Kashmir, informed in a media bulletin on Monday.

The bulletin informed that of the total cases, 58 were reported from Jammu and 488 from Kashmir.

27 people have recovered today. With this 164 people have recovered so far in the Union Territory.

The death count due to COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir stands at 7.

A total of 50,625 people have completed their surveillance period and 9,984 people are under home surveillance.
Apr 28, 2020 00:44 (IST)
COVID-19 cases in Gujarat reach 3,548
With 247 new COVID-19 cases and 7 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of positive coronavirus cases have risen to 3,548 in the state, said Gujarat Health Department on Monday.

In a media bulletin, the health department informed that a total of 162 people have succumbed to COVID-19 and 394 people have been cured/discharged.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country stands at 28,380 (including 21,132 active cases, 6362 cured/discharged/migrated and 886 deaths), said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday.

Apr 28, 2020 00:10 (IST)
Aurangabad: 29 more people test coronavirus positive
Maharashtra's Aurangabad on Monday reported 29 fresh COVID-19 cases and one death, a
senior official said.

With the detection of new cases, the number of the infected people in the biggest city of the Marathwada region reached to 82.

"While 28 of them were admitted in the city municipal corporation's quarantine facility another one was admitted in the Government Medical College and Hospital," said AMC Health
Officer Dr Nita Padalkar.

Civic chief Astik Kumar Pandey said that more number of coronavirus suspects are being screened.
Apr 28, 2020 00:08 (IST)
Coronavirus: Jharkhand sees highest single-day jump in COVID-19 cases as 20 people test positive
Twenty people, including a police officer, tested positive for coronavirus in Jharkhand on Monday, the highest single-day jump in the number of cases so far, health officials said.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in the state has now gone up to 103, they said.

Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences director Dr D K Singh said 20, out of the total 370 samples tested during the day, were found positive.

Seventeen people have been cured of the disease so far while two patients have died. One person died after testing negative due to comorbidity or other reasons, but before being discharged, according to the state health department bulletin.

With the fresh ones, the number of active cases now stands at 83, it said, adding that the infection was detected in 11 districts, out of 24, in the state.
Apr 28, 2020 00:03 (IST)
Coronavirus News: Karnataka Reports 9 New COVID-19 Cases, Deaths Reach To 20
Karnataka reported its 20th COVID-19 related death today, as nine new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the state, taking the total number of infections to 512.

A 50-year old COVID-19 patient allegedly committed suicide at a hospital in Bengaluru, which the health department has categorised as "death due to non-COVID cause".

Confirming the 20th COVID-19 death in the state, Medical Education Minister Sudhakar said the 57-year-old person was a resident of Aland and had tested positive on April 21, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 23:40 (IST)
Coronavirus News: With 190 Fresh Cases In Delhi, Total Crosses 3,000-Mark
The total number of coronavirus cases in Delhi today crossed the 3,000-mark, with 190 fresh cases being reported in a day, according to Delhi government authorities.

No fresh death was reported for second successive day today. The total number of cases have risen to 3,108, officials said.

Of the total number of 54 fatalities reported till date, 29 of the dead were aged 60 and above, making over 54 per cent of the total death cases, they said, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 23:28 (IST)
Coronavirus News: COVID-19 Fatality Rate Lower Than National Average In Bengal: State Chief Secretary
Asserting that coronavirus patients in West Bengal were getting "better treatment" than several other places, Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha today said the COVID-19 fatality rate in the state is 2.6 per cent, less than the national average of 3.1 per cent.

A total of 43 fresh cases have been reported in the state in the last 24 hours, he said, news agency PTI reported.

Apr 27, 2020 23:16 (IST)
Supreme Court staffer tests positive for COVID-19

A staffer of the Supreme Court tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, triggering alarm bells in the highest court of the country.

The employee, working with the judicial section of the apex court, was on duty on April 16 and had come in contact with two apex court registrars, who have been advised self-quarantine as a precautionary measure, a source said.

He suffered fever for two days after coming for work on April 16 and tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.

He has been admitted to a government hospital and is undergoing treatment, the source said, adding that as per the standard protocol, contact tracing of the staffer will be done.
Apr 27, 2020 23:02 (IST)
Delhi Police Volunteers Wears Coronavirus Shape Helmets To Spread Awareness
If you venture out of your home without a justified reason in Dwarka area, there are high chances you may face Delhi Police volunteers wearing modified helmets resembling the deadly coronavirus.

As part of its campaign to spread awareness among public about the infection, police in Dwarka district have modified a few helmets into the shape of coronaviurs and with the help of few public volunteers, they are appealing people to take necessary precautions in the wake of the pandemic, the police said.

The awareness campaign, which kick-started today, was conducted in Delhi's Dwarka area, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 22:58 (IST)
Coronavirus News: Tamil Nadu To Return 24,000 COVID-19 Rapid Testing Kits To China
The Tamil Nadu government today announced returning 24,000 rapid test kits imported from China, hours after the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) asked states to stop using the COVID-19 rapid antibody kits procured from two companies in the Asian country to be sent back to the suppliers.

The government and opposition DMK clashed over the pricing of the kits, with the latter demanding "transparency" while the ruling dispensation asserted that the procurement was done based on rates fixed by the centre.

The ICMR, the country's top health research body, had told states it "evaluated the kits of Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livson Diagnostics in field conditions. The results have shown wide variation in their sensitivity, despite earlypromise of good performance for surveillance purpose," it said, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 22:45 (IST)
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa holds review meeting on COVID-19

With fresh guidelines on the COVID-19 lockdown expected soon, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday chaired a meeting with key ministers, officials and Deputy Commissioners of districts and discussed about re-starting economic activities in the state, as he took stock about of the pandemic.

"At the video conference with DCs, CM took stock of COVID-19 situation and measures taken to control its spread. Discussions also happened regarding starting of certain economic activities in parts of the state," official sources said.
Apr 27, 2020 22:30 (IST)
COVID-19 Lockdown: Students preparing for competitive exams in Prayagraj to be sent back to their homes

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered for making necessary arrangements to send students preparing for competitive exams in Prayagraj to their homes in 300 UPSRTC buses, said Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Awanish K Awasthi today. 

Mr Awasthi said that these students will be sent back in two rounds. "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered for making necessary arrangements to send students preparing for competitive exams in Prayagraj to their homes in 300 UPSRTC buses in two rounds," he said.
Apr 27, 2020 22:30 (IST)
COVID-19 News: With 68 Coronavirus Cases Bihar Sees Biggest Spike, Total Reaches 345
Bihar saw its biggest ever spike in COVID-19 cases in a single day when 68 people tested positive on Monday and the states total jumped to 345, a top official said.

Principal Secretary, Health, Sanjay Kumar also pointed out that the day marked Madhubani (five), Darbhanga and Purnea (one each) registering their first COVID-19 cases, bringing the number of districts affected by the outbreak to 25, out of a total of 38.

The number of cases reported during the day surpassed the previous highest of 53 last Friday, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 22:14 (IST)
Coronavirus News: Railways COVID-19 Helplines Get 13,000 Queries A Day Amid Lockdown
Railway helplines set up to deal with customer grievances during the coronavirus-triggered lockdown received 13,000 queries, requests and suggestions a day on an average, the national transporter said in a statement today.

The Railway Emergency Cell for COVID, a comprehensive nationwide unit, comprises about 400 officers and staff from the Railway Board to Railway Divisions, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 21:55 (IST)
Coronavirus News: Madhya Pradesh Government Forms Panel To Revive Coronavirus-Hit Economy
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said his government has started taking measures to bring the state's coronavirus-crippled economy back on track but all precautions will be taken to halt the spread of the viral infection.

While starting economic activities in select areas, social distancing norms and other preventive steps will have to be adhered to, he said.

"We have formed a state-level committee to take measures to reorganisse the state''s economy and provide it a momentum at the end of the coronavirus crisis," Mr Chouhan said, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 21:37 (IST)
Coronavirus News: 13 New COVID-19 Cases In Kerala, Total Count Reaches 481
Kerala continued to witness a spike in COVID-19 cases with 13 people, including a US returned teenaged girl testing positive today, taking the total number of cases in the state so far to 481.

The new cases were from Kottayam 6, Idukki 4, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kannur one each,Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

With cases from Kottayam and Idukki rising in the past two days,the government has included the two districts in the Red zone.

The government on Monday informed the centre that the state would adopt a cautious approach on lifting the lockdown after May 3 and favours having a partial lockdown till May 15, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 21:25 (IST)
14 arrested, 156 vehicles penalised for defying lockdown: Noida police

Fourteen people were arrested and challans issued to 156 vehicle owners across Noida and Greater Noida on Monday for allegedly defying curbs during the lockdown imposed to control the spread of coronavirus, police said.

So far 46 coronavirus hotspots (areas that have recorded multiple COVID-19 positive cases) have been completely sealed off in Gautam Buddh Nagar near Delhi, while restrictions under CrPC section 144 are also in place due to the pandemic.
Apr 27, 2020 21:07 (IST)
COVID 19 Lockdown: Air Force transports 600 tonnes of medical equipment, other essential supplies

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has transported approximately 600 tonnes of medical equipment and other essential supplies till date since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown, the Defence Ministry said today. 

On April 25, the IAF's transport aircraft landed at the Lengpui airport in Aizawl with 22 tonnes of medical supplies for combating COVID-19, the ministry said in a statement.

The items were airlifted for the governments of Mizoram and Meghalaya, it added.

Apr 27, 2020 20:46 (IST)
Mizoram distributes free seeds among farmers to boost local production amid lockdown

The Mizoram government has begun distribution of free seeds of fruits and vegetables among farmers to boost local production amid the ongoing lockdown, an official of the horticulture department said on Monday.

The process of distributing the seeds began on April 17 and is aimed at easing the difficulties of farmers, she said.

The horticulture department has so far disbursed free seeds worth Rs 33 lakh among farmers across the state, the department''s director Elizabeth Saipari told news agency PTI.

Apr 27, 2020 20:28 (IST)
UP brings back over 12,000 stranded labourers from Haryana amid lockdown

More than 12,000 labourers from Uttar Pradesh who were stranded in Haryana due to the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus have been brought back to the state, a senior official said on Monday.

"Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already issued directions that labourers belonging to UP, who are working in other states and have completed 14 days of quarantine, should be brought back," Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Information) Awanish Awasthi told reporters. 

A total of 12,216 labourers were brought back from Haryana in 410 buses by Sunday evening, he said.
Apr 27, 2020 20:11 (IST)
2,831 people detained in Delhi for lockdown violations

Over 100 cases were registered and 2,832 people briefly detained in Delhi on Monday for violating government orders on the ongoing lockdown to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak, police said.

According to the data shared by the police, 101 cases were registered under section 188 (for disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code till 5 pm on Monday.

A total of 2,832 people were detained under section 65 (persons bound to comply with reasonable directions of police officers) and 215 vehicles have been impounded under section 66 of the Delhi Police Act, they stated.
Apr 27, 2020 19:51 (IST)
COVID-19: Jammu admin begins week-long exercise to screen its entire population

The Jammu district administration on Monday began a massive door-to-door survey for "COVID-19 health audit" to screen its over 15 lakh population within a week's time, a senior official said.

Hundreds of teams spread to distant areas of the city to carry out the extensive health audit to break the chain of virus.

"An extensive coronavirus health survey has been started in the entire district to break the chain of virus. It is unique because we are going to screen over 15 lakh population of the district," Jammu Deputy Commissioner Sushma Chauhan told news agency PTI.
Apr 27, 2020 19:35 (IST)
COVID-19 India: Increasing labs, need more testing kits: Maharashtra minister

Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Amit Deshmukh on Monday stressed on the need for extra testing kits as the state has the highest number of COVID-19 patients in the country.

Incidentally, the number of cases in the state jumped from 4,666 on April 21 to 8,068 six days later.

Responding to a query on the spike, Mr Deshmukh said, "It is true that the numbers are rising steeply. We want more kits to test as many people as possible for coronavirus. There are 40 labs in the state and we are increasing it to 60. Then we can increase the number of tests from the 7,000 we do on an average daily."
Apr 27, 2020 19:06 (IST)
Combating COVID-19: India gifts medical gloves to Sri Lanka

India on Monday gifted a consignment of medical gloves to Sri Lanka. The consignment was handed over by Indian High Commission in Colombo to the Sri Lankan government, the high commission said in the statement. The island nation has so far reported over 550 coronavirus cases and seven deaths from the deadly virus.

Earlier this month, India had sent about 13 tonnes consignment of essential life-saving medicines to the Government of Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, the Ministry of External Affairs of India is conducting e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID Management Strategies and related aspects.
Apr 27, 2020 18:53 (IST)
Assam decides to open shops in rural areas

Shops in rural areas of Assam will open from tomorrow in green zone while in red zone strict lock down measures to be followed.  Assam has five districts in red zone. 
Apr 27, 2020 18:41 (IST)
PM Modi lauds Sikkim for preventing COVID-19 outbreak: Prem Singh Tamang

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the Sikkim government for preventing an outbreak of COVID-19 in the state, according to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

Mr Tamang, who attended the video conference with PM Modi, said in a Facebook post that the prime minister lauded the efforts of the state government for preventing an outbreak of coronavirus in Sikkim.

He also encouraged the state to continue with the good work and said that the inputs provided by the Sikkim government were useful to the Centre in tackling the disease in certain areas of the country, Mr Tamang said.
Apr 27, 2020 18:25 (IST)
Coronavirus India Updates: Delhi Police receives 750 calls on its helpline regarding lockdown in 24 hours

The Delhi Police received over 700 calls on its 24x7 helpline number from 2 pm on Sunday and the same time on Monday, seeking assistance on issues faced during the lockdown, officials said.

A total of 30,899 calls were received by the police till Friday on its helpline (011-23469526), they said. The police received 750 calls from 2 pm on Sunday to 2 pm on Monday.

Out of the 750, fifty-two were related to areas outside Delhi, which were referred to the respective state helpline numbers.

Four calls were related to no food or no money, which were forwarded to NGOs.

Apr 27, 2020 18:11 (IST)
46 shelter homes, relief camps set up in Arunachal Pradesh for migrants: Official

The Arunachal Pradesh government has set up 46 shelter homes and relief camps in different parts of the state for stranded migrant labourers and the needy people during the nationwide lockdown, a senior official said on Monday.

West Kameng and Changlang districts have the highest numbers of such camps with six each, while Tawang and Kamle districts have five camps each, Disaster Management Secretary Dani Sulu said.

Lohit district has three such camps, followed by the state capital, Anjaw, Kra Daadi and Papum Pare with two each, the secretary said.

Apr 27, 2020 18:06 (IST)
Coronavirus News: 1,463 New COVID-19 Cases Reported In India, 60 Deaths In Last 24 Hours
The number of coronavirus cases in India reached to 28,380 after 1,463 fresh cases were reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of deaths from the infection became 886 after 60 new deaths were reported today. The number of deaths were the highest so far. The total number of people cured from the infection is 6,362.
Apr 27, 2020 17:57 (IST)
Coronavirus News: 13 Fresh COVID-19 Cases in Kerala, Total Becomes 481
Thirteen fresh COVID-19 cases were detected in Kerala today taking the total cases to 481, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

The new cases were from Kottayam which reported six cases, Idukki four, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kannur one case each.

Five people, who were found positive, are from Tamil Nadu, one person had come from abroad and remaining had been infected through contact, he said.

It was not yet clear from where one person had been infected, Mr Vijayan told reporters. He said the number of those who tested negative for the virus were also 13 in the state, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 17:50 (IST)
Haryana prepared to deal with any eventuality, all families being screened: Manohar Lal Khattar

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today said the state has begun screening all households to stop the spread of coronavirus and is also trying to revive its economy in a safe and phased manner.

According to a statement, the chief minister said the state government has made arrangements to handle up to 19,000 COVID-19 patients and set aside 9,444 isolation beds.

As many as 1,101 ventilators are in place and there is no shortage of surgical masks or personal protection equipment (PPE), Mr Khattar said.

He urged the Centre to take quick steps to remove the uncertainty over the dates for competitive examinations like those for the defense services, the JEE exam for engineering colleges and the NEET for medical courses.
Apr 27, 2020 17:29 (IST)
Coronavirus News: Bengal Hospital Allows Video Calls In COVID-19 Wards As Phones Banned
With mobile phones having been banned at COVID-19 wards of all hospitals, a city-based private facility has decided to allow "virtual visitations" between patients and family members.

A West Benagl hospital had on Sunday facilitated video calls for 17 patients, a senior official at the facility said.

"Every day, nurses at the isolation wards will approach the patients and connect them with their families over video call. The virtual visits will take place between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm, and each patient will get around three minutes to interact with their family members," he said, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 17:12 (IST)
Delhi Police creates awareness using COVID-19 themed helmets in city

Volunteers wearing COVID-19 themed helmets appealed to residents of Dwarka to stay at home, as part of an awareness drive about COVID-19 threat initiated by Delhi Police.

As part of the initiative, masks were also distributed and efforts made to sensitise people about the COVID-19 situation to ensure that they stay indoors, maintain social distancing, and take other precautionary measures when stepping out.

"The Government has taken various steps to create awareness among the citizens about the virus, and has appealed to all the people to follow the advisories. We selected four volunteers to create awareness about the same," said RP Meena, DCP, Dwarka.
Apr 27, 2020 17:00 (IST)
Coronavirus News: Gujarat Chief Minister Favours Gradual Lifting Of Lockdown At PM Meeting
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani favoured a gradual lifting of the coronavirus-enforced lockdown during interaction of Chief Ministers with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today through video-conferencing, said an official.

Mr Rupani maintained that interests of daily wagelabourers, small as well as big shop owners and self-earning people should be kept in mind if the lockdown is extended beyond May 3, he said.

Gujarat, with 3,301 novel coronavirus cases and 151 deaths so far, is second only to Maharashtra on both counts in the country, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 16:40 (IST)
Coronavirus News: UP Chief Minister Briefs PM Modi Of Coronavirus Situation In State
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation in the state in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic today.

"All of us are waging a battle against COVID-19 under the able leadership of the prime minister," Yogi Adityanath said in a tweet Hindi.

"During today's interaction with the prime minister and Home Minister Amit Shah through video-conferencing, I apprised them of the situation in Uttar Pradesh and also took necessary guidance from them," he said in his tweet, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 16:20 (IST)
Number of deaths in Iran from COVID-19 rises by 96 to 5,806: Health Ministry
The number of deaths from the outbreak of new coronavirus in Iran rose by 96 in the past twenty four hours to 5,806, Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said.

The total number of diagnosed cases of new coronavirus in Iran, one of the countries hardest hit by the outbreak in the Middle East, has reached 91,472, he said
Apr 27, 2020 16:04 (IST)
Coronavirus India: Central team visits Hyderabad containment zone to review COVID-19 situation
A 5-member Central team led by Arun Baroka, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, visited the containment zone at Masab Tank in Hyderabad to review the measures being taken to contain the spread of coronavirus.

"The Central team visited the containment zone at Masab Tank to review measures to control the spread of coronavirus," an official said.

The official also said that the state authorities provided them with details of coronavirus prevention activities in the city.
Apr 27, 2020 15:46 (IST)
Coronavirus News: No 3rd Stage Spread Of COVID-19 In Kerala, Says State Health Minister
There has been no third stage spread or community transmission of COVID-19 infection so far in Kerala, but there is need to exercise vigil, Health minister KK Shailaja, said.

There is no third stage spread as of now because all those who have been infected with the virus lately have some or the other kind of contact with the affected, the minister said.

"We have not identified the exact contact in certain cases, but there are certain suspected points," she said.

"Community spread is the infection of the virus in a community as whole.We have been conducting random testing.We got a nurse infected with the virus in a random testing conducted at hospitals. There is sentinel surveillance, random testing and all this is being done to check the community spread and it has been found that as of now there is no community spread," she said, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 15:38 (IST)
Coronavirus News: 5 Of 8 North-East States Corona-Free Now, Says Minister
Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh today said that five out of the eight states in the North-East are corona-free now.

He said that those five states are - Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura.

"Three states in the region - Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram - are not corona-free but there have been no new positive cases in these states in the recent past," Mr Singh said. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the low rate of cases in the North-East region.

"The governments in all eight North-eastern states have worked hard and collaborated with the Centre during this crisis. The North-East Development Council which is headquartered in Shillong has done an excellent job of coordination during this period," he added, news agency ANI reported.
Apr 27, 2020 15:21 (IST)
First case of coronavirus reported in Gorakhpur
A 50-year-old man tested positive for coronavirus here, the first case of the virus in the district, officials said on Monday.

Principal of the BRD Medical College, Ganesh Kumar, said the man belonging to Hata Buzurg village was brought to the hospital on Sunday with breathing issues and chest pain.

The man was sent to an isolation ward and was tested for coronavirus. Reports on Sunday night confirmed that he was suffering from the virus, Kumar said.

As per reports, the man had returned on Sunday from Delhi where he was admitted in the Safdarjung Hospital for treatment of diabetes and blood pressure.

Apr 27, 2020 14:30 (IST)
Haryana Minister urges Delhi chief minister to not allow movement of people between states

Haryana Minister Anil Vij has appealed to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to make staying arrangements for Haryana residents who are employed in the national capital, stating that their daily movement increases the risk of COVID-19 spread.He appealed to the Delhi government not to issue passes to such workers and make arrangements for their stay in the national capital. The Minister said that many who work in Delhi and stay in Haryana, are "corona-carriers".
Apr 27, 2020 13:40 (IST)
PM hints lockdown to continue beyond May 3 in COVID-19 hotspots: Sources

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video meeting with state Chief Ministers, said today that the nationwide coronavirus lockdown may continue in the parts of the country worst affected by the infection. Five of nine Chief Ministers at the meeting said the lockdown should end, while the rest were in favour of extending it for the sake of controlling the spread of COVID-19. Read Here
Apr 27, 2020 12:22 (IST)
Coronavirus: Agra's COVID-19 count reaches 381

10 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Agra in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the district to 381, District Magistrate Prabhu N Singh said today. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of cases in Uttar Pradesh has climbed to 1,868 including 29 deaths.
Apr 27, 2020 12:03 (IST)
Will help people of state stranded in different parts of country to return home: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government is doing everything possible to bring back people from different parts of the country.
Apr 27, 2020 11:51 (IST)
Coronavirus: Government should lower the cost of living: HD Kumaraswamy

JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy today said that the government should work towards lowering the cost of living as the spending power of the consumer has weakened, and it should impose COVID cess on the ultra-rich.
Apr 27, 2020 11:46 (IST)
PM interacts with Chief Ministers on COVID-19 situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is interacting with Chief Ministers, via video conference, on the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country. Among those present at the meeting are, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Apr 27, 2020 11:26 (IST)
Coronavirus updates: Kerala chief minister not attending meeting with PM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan did not attend the video conference meet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with chief ministers on Monday on the prevailing COVID-19 situation. "In today's meeting, there was no time allotted for the Kerala CM to speak. Chief Secretary Tom Jose, will be attending the meeting, " said an official.
Apr 27, 2020 11:02 (IST)
''Migrants of Rajasthan will soon be returning home from other states'': Ashok Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday said that migrants workers of Rajasthan stranded in other states due to lockdown will soon be returning home and appealed to the people to provide them with all possible help.

Apr 27, 2020 10:29 (IST)
Sixty young doctors and other health workers from across India have come together to put this dance video to mark one month of lockdown.
Apr 27, 2020 10:25 (IST)
Coronavirus: 3 more test positive for Covid-19 in Bihar

Three more persons tested positive for coronavirus infection in Bihar, taking the total number of COVID-19 patients to 277 in the state, a top health department of official said.

Apr 27, 2020 10:17 (IST)
Coronavirus: 36 more COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan

Three people have died due to COVID-19 and 36 more coronavirus cases have been reported from Rajasthan, the state Health Department said today.
Apr 27, 2020 10:13 (IST)
Coronavirus: India bought 'overpriced' Chinese COVID-19 test kits, court fight reveals

India paid double for Chinese Rapid Antibody Tests for coronavirus, which have been put on hold in many states because of faulty results. The COVID-19 test kits were sold to the government at an inflated price by the Indian distributor, Real Metabolics, it has emerged from a legal dispute between the distributor and the importer that went to the Delhi High Court. Read Here
Apr 27, 2020 09:47 (IST)
Coronavirus: PM Modi to interact with chief ministers at 10 am Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with all Chief Ministers via video conference today to discuss situation in states due to novel coronavirus
Apr 27, 2020 08:55 (IST)
Coronavirus: Odisha reports 5 new COVID-19 cases, total count reaches 108

Five new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Odisha, taking the total number of cases in the state to 108, said the State Health Health Department on Monday.
Apr 27, 2020 08:48 (IST)
COVID-19: 872 deaths in India, 48 in 24 hours, 27,892 cases so far

India recorded 1,396 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 27892, including 872 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said. 
Apr 27, 2020 08:42 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Assam students from Kota have reached Guwahati
Around 391 children, who were stuck in Rajasthan's Kota due to lockdown, were brought back to Assam. All of them quarantined at a government facility. 
Apr 27, 2020 08:30 (IST)
COVID-19 updates: 9 states likely to speak at today's video-conference with PM

At least nine Chief Ministers -- mostly from east and northeastern India --are expected to speak during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video-conference with Chief Ministers today. This is the fourth time the Prime Minister is interacting with the states since the countrywide lockdown started on March 14. The video-conference -- which begins at 11 am -- is expected to review the extension of the lockdown. A clear exit plan and how it should be implemented in a phased manner will also be discussed. Read More
Apr 27, 2020 08:16 (IST)
US records 1,330 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours: Report

The United States recorded 1,330 more novel coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, according to figures reported late Sunday by the Johns Hopkins University.
Apr 27, 2020 07:29 (IST)
COVID 19: In Delhi people at vegetable market to buy essentials

In Delhi people at Okhla vegetable market to buy essentials, amid coronavirus lockdown. The nationwide lockdown imposed to combat COVID19 will last till May 3, 2020.
Apr 27, 2020 07:24 (IST)
Coronavirus: COVID-19 cases top 500 in Sri Lanka

The number of COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka has risen to 505, according to the latest data from the country's health ministry. Out of all the confirmed cases, 95 are navy personnel who contracted the virus after a team of navy officers went in search of suspected patients and drug traffickers in Suduwella, Ja-Ela recently and got exposed to the virus.

Apr 27, 2020 06:39 (IST)
Coronavirus Update: PM Narendra Modi To Hold His 4th Interaction With CMs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a video conference with state Chief Ministers to disussion the situation. This is the fourth time the Prime Minister is interacting with the states since the countrywide lockdown started on March 14.

Apr 27, 2020 06:14 (IST)
Coronavirus Update: Latest Numbers
The total number of coronavirus cases in the country stand at 26,917, including 826 deaths, as per the data released by Union Health Ministry. Forty-seven deaths linked to the highly contagious illness were reported between Saturday and Sunday, the ministry said. The country saw its biggest jump coronavirus cases on Sunday with 1,975 new patients testing positive for the highly contagious virus.
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