Coronavirus India Live Updates: Tripura has become COVID-19 free
Coronavirus India Live Updates: The number of deaths due to COVID-19 rose to 1,075 and the number of cases climbed to 33,610 in the country on Thursday, registering an increase of 67 deaths and 1,823 cases since Wednesday evening, according to the Union Health Ministry.
The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 24,162, while 8,372 people have recovered, and one patient has migrated, the ministry said. "Thus, 24.90 per cent patients have recovered so far," a senior Health Ministry official said. The total number of cases include 111 foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, with at least six lakhs migrants expected to return home in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked officials to prepare an action plan for the return of stranded migrants. Yogi Adityanath tweeted that officials have been directed to keep ready quarantine centres, shelter homes and community kitchens for about six lakh people.
Meanwhile, Karnataka and Delhi have said that they are working on bringing back their residents back home. The Karnataka government has decided to allow one time inter-state movement for students and migrant workers who wish to return to their home, while the Delhi government is making arrangements to soon bring students back home from Kota in Rajasthan, the respective government said today.
Sixty six people have died across India in 24 hours due to COVID-19 related illness, taking the total deaths due to the virus to 1,074, the government data shows. The total number of cases has risen to 33,050 in the country, according to the Union Health Ministry. The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 23,651, while 8,324 people have recovered and one patient has migrated.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government on Thursday declared 10 of the state's 11 districts as "'green zones" and allowed inter-district movement there, an official said. All the 12 COVID-19 cases in the state, including one death, have been reported in the state capital that falls under East Khasi Hills district.
Migrant labourers, students, pilgrims or tourists who do not have symptoms of coronavirus can return to their home states now, the Centre has said today, issuing a set of guidelines nearly five weeks after the announcement of the countrywide lockdown that left thousands stranded. The order comes a day after the Centre was asked to respond to issue by the Supreme Court, which was hearing a set of petitions asking that migrant labourers who do not have COVID-19 be allowed to go home.
There have been no new coronavirus case in 90 per cent of the containment zones recently in the national capital, Delhi Health minister Satyendar Jain said on Wednesday. He said earlier the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases was four or five days but the current doubling rate is 13 days in Delhi, which is more than the national average. "There are 3,314 cases in Delhi currently including 206 from Tuesday. Thirty-two per cent of the patients, which means 1,000 patients have recovered so far," he told reporters.
The government on Tuesday said plasma therapy for coronavirus is still in an experimental stage and can even prove "life threatening" for a patient, amid a surge of hope brought in by the first successful test in Delhi.
Here are the Coronavirus Outbreak Highlights:
COVID-19: Over 300 arrested in Rajasthan so far for misbehaving with frontline workers
Over 300 people have been arrested in Rajasthan so far for allegedly misbehaving with people who are at the frontline of the battle against coronavirus, an official said on Thursday.
Additional Director General of Police (Crime) BL Soni said the incidents of assault on frontline workers are being dealt with strictly. "Medical and police personnel are working with promptness to protect the public from the coronavirus pandemic. Misbehaviour or attack on them cannot be tolerated," he said.
"The Rajasthan Police has arrested more than 300 people for misbehaving with the warriors," M Soni said.
Coronavirus cases in Delhi rise to 3515The number of coronavirus cases in Delhi increased to 3,515 on Thursday, with three fresh deaths being reported, according to data shared by Delhi government. Till Wednesday, the national capital recorded 3,439 cases and 56 fatalities.
On Thursday, 76 fresh cases were reported while three people succumbed to the virus.
As many as 1,094 patients have recovered while there are 2,362 active cases.
Delhi government to screen all people living in COVID-19 containment zones
The Delhi government on Thursday ordered screening of all people living in COVID-19 containment zones at least thrice within 14 days of identifying such areas. At present, there are 100 containment zones in the national capital.
According to an order issued by Chief Secretary Vijay Dev, every person living in containment zones will be encouraged to download ''Aarogya Setu'' app.
"Screening of all residents of containment zones must be carried out at least three times within 14 days of issuance of notification of the containment zones," the order stated.
"The first screening of all residents within the containment zone, if not completed, should be concluded within three days of issuance of this order," it added.
Hospitals need no approval for testing individuals for Covid- 19: West Bengal
The West Bengal government on Thursday said no approval is required by any hospital for testing an individual for Covid-19 as per the protocol of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
In an advisory, the government asked all hospitals in the state not to deny healthcare services to any patient "for any reason whatsoever".
The advisory was issued a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged private hospitals not to refuse any patient approaching them for treatment of coronavirus infection. The chief minister's appeal came after allegations were raised that some private facilities are refusing to treat patients with symptoms of coronavirus.
Coronavirus Lockdown: BJP's Good Governance Cell provides food, ration to Delhi's Chilla Khadar residents
BJP's Good Governance Cell is providing cooked food and ration to the people of Chilla Khadar village, who have been hit hard by the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Around 80 people in the village are getting foods and other help regularly.
Sonu Pandit, a BJP worker, collects food packets prepared at ''Sewa Rasoi'' in Mayur Vihar Phase --I, the community kitchen initiated by the BJP''s Good Governance Cell.
He along with others travels around 10 km including 3 km muddy road by car and 15 minutes boat ride daily to provide food items to the residents of Chilla Khadar.
People in the area are living with no electricity and toilets. Some of them have bought solar lights to charge their mobile phones.
COVID-19: Punjab issues advisory for petrol pump operators
The Punjab government has asked petrol pump managers to maintain hygiene and sanitisation in filling stations and deploy only essential staffers to avoid crowding.
According to an advisory issued by the government, if any worker has fever, cold or difficulty in breathing, he should voluntarily report to his manager and seek immediate medical advice.
"The workers shall be advised not to indulge in any handshakes or hugs to greet/see-off each other. Petrol pump owners are advised to install foot-operated hand-washing stations for staff/workers and visiting customers," the instructions read.
The staffers have been advised to wear cloth mask. They have also been asked to avoid touching surfaces, equipment etc. at the filling stations.
"The worker should not smoke or chew tobacco-based products such as gutka, pan masala etc. In case of cough/sneeze, the staff/worker should use handkerchief," the spokesperson said.
25 more COVID-19 cases in Mumbai's Dharavi
With 25 more persons testing coronavirus positive in Dharavi in Mumbai on Thursday, the tally of such patients in the densely-populated slum area grew to 369, a civic official said.
The new cases were found in Shiv Shakti Nagar, Shastri Nagar, PMGP Colony, Dhorwada, Transit camp, Indira Nagar, Muslim Nagar, Chaugule Chawl and some other localities in Dharavi, the official of he Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
So far, 18 persons have died due to the infection in Dharavi, he said.
COVID-19: Six more CRPF personnel of Delhi-based battalion test positive
Six more personnel from a Delhi-based CRPF battalion tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, taking the number of cases to 52 in the unit, officials said.
They belong to the 31st battalion of the paramilitary force, based in Mayur Vihar Phase-III, which was sealed after 46 personnel were infected with the novel coronavirus and one succumbed to it earlier. Six more out of 89 samples taken have tested positive for COVID-19, a senior official said.
The total infected troops in this unit stand at 52 now.
Coronavirus India: Congress asks Himachal Pradesh Government not to reopen schools in haste in state
The Congress on Thursday asked the Himachal Pradesh government not to rush in opening schools in the state as there is a risk of local transmission of COVID-19.
Congress spokesperson Jitendra Sharma said online classes for students should continue at least for the month of May. "Majority of scientists in the world are advising that at the moment COVID-19 can be avoided only through social distancing. In schools, it will be impossible to follow social distancing norms," he said.
Mr Sharma said it would not be easy for the state government to monitor things on such a large scale and because of this all efforts being made so far to prevent the spread of coronavirus would be of no use.
Kangra in Himachal Pradesh becomes coronavirus free as two patients recover
Two more COVID-19 patients recovered in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, taking the total number of those cured in the state to 27, a senior health official said.
One patient from Jawali subdivision in Kangra district and one from Sihunta tehsil in Chamba district have recovered from the disease on Thursday, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said.
Kangra district, where the first two cases in the state surfaced on March 20, has become coronavirus free. A total of five cases were reported from Kangra district. Four of them recovered whereas a 69-year-old man who had travelled from USA died of coronavirus on March 23.
Southern Railway sends milk, medicines to Assam Rifles
Southern Railway sent milk and medicines on a special parcel train to Nagaland on Thursday to meet the demand of Assam Rifles in view of the COVID-19 lockdown.
The train from the Salem division left from that city, carrying 1.15 lakh litres of milk (in tetra packs) and eight tonnes of medicines to Dimapur, Nagaland. The parcel loading area which has been remaining dormant was revived by Southern Railway to take up the initiative on transport of essentials.
Coronavirus: Fear of COVID-19 infection always in mind, says hospital staffer
Dhondiba Sangle, who has spent 16 years working at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), says he never felt any kind of fear while serving the patients in the past.
"I have seen every type of patient till date and never felt any kind of fear. But this is not the case now. I have a fear in my mind when I work in the COVID-19 wards, although we are provided with all kinds of safety gears," Mr Sangle told news agency PTI.
"During the six hours of duty at the hospital everyday, I clean the floors of the wards at least thrice. We clean dustbins, give food to patients from a certain distance. We get co-operation from these patients, but the fear of contracting infection always exists in mind. This fear helps us to take extra care," he said.
Coronavirus Lockdown: 75 cases registered, over 2,200 people detained for defying lockdown norms in Delhi
Over 70 cases were registered and 2,283 people detained in the national capital on Thursday for violating government orders during the lockdown imposed to control the coronavirus outbreak, police said.
According to the data shared by the police, 75 cases were registered under section 188 (for disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code till 5 pm.
A total of 2,283 people were detained under section 65 (persons bound to comply with reasonable directions of police officers) and 157 vehicles impounded under section 66 of the Delhi Police Act, they stated.
Delhi government identifies 2 more private hospitals for treatment of COVID-19 patients
The Delhi government on Thursday identified two more private hospitals for treatment of coronavirus patients in case of "shortage of isolation beds".
In an order issued on April 30, Delhi Health Secretary Padmini Singla declared two private hospitals -- Maha Durga Charitable Trust Hospital and Sir Gangaram City Hospital -- as COVID-19 hospitals for admitting confirmed or suspected cases.
The order cited "the shortage of isolation beds in private hospitals" as the reason for the decision.
The Maha Durga Charitable Trust Hospital will have 100 isolation beds, while Sir Gangaram City Hospital will have 120 beds.
PM Modi discusses coronavirus situation with Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the evolving COVID-19 situation with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and agreed to work together to address the challenges posed by the highly dangerous and fast spreading infection.
COVID-19 Updates: Gujarat to launch web portal to aid travel of stranded people
The Gujarat government on Thursday appointed 16 bureaucrats as nodal officers to facilitate the movement of stranded migrant workers, students and tourists across borders. Of these 16 officers, eight are from IAS and an equal number from IPS.
The state government will also launch a web portal to allow persons stranded due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown to apply online to get travel permission from respective district collectors, said secretary in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Ashwani Kumar.
"We have appointed eight IAS and eight IPS officers as nodal officers to coordinate with officials of other states and Union territories to facilitate movement of persons. Gujaratis stranded in other states can call 1070 state helpline number to get themselves registered," said Mr Kumar.
"People wanting to move to other states from Gujarat need not rush to respective collectors'' office for registration. We are launching a web portal for online registration," he said in a video message.
Coronavirus Lockdown: Indian Mission in UK initiates registration process of citizens stranded due to restrictions
The Indian High Commission in London initiated the registration process of citizens stranded due to COVID-19 restrictions from Thursday.
"All Indian citizens stranded in the UK may please register themselves with the High Commission through google sheet available at https://forms.gle/nnWCw2arfpNxguhM7
Or through website http://hcilondon.gov.in You may ignore if already registered. @RuchiGhanashyam @CGI_Bghm @IndiaInScotland" the High Commission said in a tweet.
Uttrakhand Chief Minister virtually inaugurates COVID-19 PCR testing laboratory
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Wednesday virtually inaugurates COVID-19 PCR testing laboratory at Vir Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Institute of Medical Science and Research in Srinagar of Pauri Garhwal district.
The Doubling Rate of Uttarakhand is 30.3 Days, which is better than the National Average of 11 days, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) informed.
According to Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) there are a total of 55 confirmed cases in the state, including 36 recovered.
Gurugram administration issues order regarding vehicular movement from May 1
The district administration of Gurugram has issued a notification to enforce stricter measures through curbs on cross-movement across all borders of the district from 10 am on May 1 in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
The order dated April 29 reads that based on the revised guidelines of Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) which allow certain additional activities to be opened in the country, the movement for any additional purposes (not already allowed under exemptions) shall not take place without specific exemptions granted by the DM's office, which shall be determined on the basis of objectives of essential nature of the activity, the mitigation of hardship to the public and ensuring continuity of government business.
"The list of consolidated exemptions include authorised government officers/staff of government offices, those specially issued a restricted movement pass by authorised officers of Central government/Haryana government in this behalf, ambulances, ATM cash vans, LPG, oil containers/tankers, vehicles supplying essential items like PPEs, sanitisers, fruits, vegetable, etc," reads the district administration order.'
Coronavirus Uttar Pradesh: COVID-19 positive patient delivers baby via C-section in Agra
A woman who tested positive for COVID-19 safely delivered a baby in Agra, the district magistrate said on Thursday.
Both the mother and baby are reported to be in stable condition.
"The cesarean section of a pregnant woman who tested positive for coronavirus was conducted successfully by a team of gynaecologists at the Sarojini Naidu Medical College," said Agra District Magistrate Prabhu N Singh.
Coronavirus: 22 new COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka, total 557 cases in state
22 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Karnataka on Thursday, taking the state tally to 557.
"21 people have died due to coronavirus in the state. 223 people have been discharged after treatment," the government of Karnataka said in a release.
A total of 33,050 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in India. 8,325 persons have recovered or migrated, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Thursday.
There are 23,651 active cases of COVID-19 in the country at present. 1,074 people have lost their lives due to coronavirus in the country to date.
Coronavirus Pandemic: Spain daily virus death number drops below 300
Spain on Thursday counted another 268 people who have died from the coronavirus, the lowest daily number since March 20 as the country prepares to ease its tough lockdown measures.
The figures from the health ministry bring the total number of deaths from the pandemic in Spain to 24,543 -- the fourth-highest after the United States, Italy and Britain.
This is the fifth straight day that the number of daily deaths has hovered around 300 and it is the lowest daily figure since March 20 when 235 fatalities were reported.
PM Modi discusses coronavirus situation with Myanmar leader Suu Kyi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the evolving COVID-19 situation with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday. "Had a good discussion with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," the prime minister said in a tweet.
They discussed the evolving COVID-19 scenario and "agreed to work together to address the challenges in the spirit of our excellent bilateral ties and India''s neighbourhood first policy", he added.
Coronavirus cases: 71 new cases in Andhra Pradesh, state tally reaches 1403
Seventy-one people tested positive for COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours taking the state tally to 1,403, according to the state health department's Thursday morning bulletin.
According to the bulletin, as many as 6,497 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.
Forty-three new cases were reported in Kurnool district, 10 cases in Krishna, four each in Guntur and Kadapa, three each in Anantapur and Chittoor and two each in East Godavari and Nellore, the bulletin said.
Coronavirus Pandemic: COVID-19 infections rise above 10,000 in Indonesia
Indonesia confirmed on Thursday 347 new coronavirus infections, taking the total in the Southeast Asian country above 10,000 for the first time with 10,118 infections, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.
Yurianto reported eight new deaths, taking the total of fatalities to 792, while 1,522 have recovered.More than 72,300 people have been tested
Coronavirus India Lockdown news: Karnataka to allow inter-state movement for students and migrant workers
The Karnataka government has decided to allow one time interstate movement for students and migrant workers who wish to return to their home, state Law Minister Madhuswamy said today. The minister, however, added that the entry to the state will be subject to tests.
"We have agreed in principal to allow a one time interstate movement. Exit will be free. Entry into Karnataka will be subject to tests. This covers both students and labour. Inter district movement of labour groups is also allowed," Mr Madhuswamy said after a cabinet meeting. (Read more
here)
Coronavirus Delhi news: 4 traders associated with Delhi's Azadpur Sabzi Mandi test positive
Four more traders associated with Delhi''s Azadpur Sabzi Mandi have tested positive for COVID-19, news agency ANI reported.
"They did not commute to and fro from the vegetable market. A total of 15 positive cases in the vegetable market have been reported so far," the report said quoting an official.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had earlier said that the Azadpur Mandi was being disinfected and other preventive measures were being taken.
Coronavirus India Lockdown news: Section 144 in Karnataka's Kalaburagi extended till May 7
The restrictions imposed in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district have been extended till May 7, news agency ANI reported quoting Deputy Commissioner Sharat B.
Although, the Deputy Commissioner said that there are no restrictions on the movement of people rendering essential services.
"The imposition of Section 144 Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been extended till May 7, 2020. There is no restriction on the movement of people rendering or availing essential services," Sharat B told ANI here.
Coronavirus cases: 27 more COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh
Twenty seven new COVID-19 cases have been reported from Uttar Pradesh, King George''s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow said in a release.
"Out of the 646 samples tested yesterday for COVID-19, results of 27 are positive," the KGMU added.
Coronavirus news: Meghalaya declares 10 of 11 districts as "green zones''
The Meghalaya government has declared 10 of the state's 11 districts as "'green zones" after no COVID-19 case was reported from these districts, news agency PTI reported quoting an official. The state government has now allowed inter-district movement in these districts
All the 12 COVID-19 cases in the state, including one death, have been reported in the state capital that falls under East Khasi Hills district. "Barring East Khasi Hills district, all other 10 districts in the state are in the green zone as they have not reported any COVID-19 cases. All deputy commissioners in the green zones may allow inter-district movement," Political Department secretary Cyril V D Diengdoh said in a letter to the district magistrates. (Read more
here)
Coronavirus news: 10 more fresh cases in Haryana's Jhajjar
Ten more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Jhajjar, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the district to 18, said Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Randeep Puniya.
Out of these 10 cases, nine are vegetable vendors who have a history of travelling to Delhi and one is a nurse at a hospital.
Coronavirus cases: 3 more test positive for COVID-19 in Odisha, count rises to 128
Three more persons tested positive for novel coronavirus in Jajpur district of Odisha on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 128, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.
Two of the patients, an 18-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man, are from Katikata containment area in Jajpur district while the third patient is an asymptomatic 65-year-old man, they said.
Coronavirus India lockdown: Varanasi to observe complete lockdown till May 3
Varanasi will observe complete lockdown till May 3 in the wake coronavirus, news agency ANi reported quoting District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma.
"There will be a complete lockdown within the limits of Varanasi Municipal Corporation till May 3. Home delivery of essentials will be done for people. They will only be allowed to move out on health and medical grounds," Mr Sharma said.
The decision was taken after the District Magistrate's meeting with other officials on Wednesday.
Three new coronavirus cases were reported in Varanasi yesterday after which three new hotspots were created. Currently, there are 16 hotspot areas in the district.
Coronavirus cases: 11 new cases reported in Mohali
At least 11 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported from Mohali, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the district to 84, news agency ANI reported quoting Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan.
Out of the 11 new cases, 10 are Nanded pilgrims and one is PGI employee from Mullanpur.
Dayalan further informed that out of the total number of cases in Mohali, 30 have been cured, 52 are active cases and two persons have died due to COVID-19.
COVID-19: India coronavirus cases latest update
In India, the coronavirus cases have reached 33,050. The recoveries are at 8,324 and deaths at 1,074, according to the Health Ministry's latest update.
Rare inflammatory syndrome seen in children with COVID-19
Children have largely been spared the worst of COVID-19, but there may be a rare complication -- an inflammatory syndrome that one doctor described as causing patients to feel like "every blood vessel in the body is on fire."
Britain's National Health Service first sounded the alarm over the weekend, warning about a small rise in children infected with the coronavirus that have "overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki disease."
"All of the pediatricians and critical care medics are working together to see whether it's connected to COVID-19," France's health minister Olivier Veran said Wednesday.
Data shows that children are overall not at high risk from the virus and accounted for just 0.4 percent of hospitalized cases in the US, according to official data released earlier this month.
But reports of autoimmune complications arising across Europe and the United States highlight the need for parents to be vigilant, doctors say, even as much more research is needed to definitively tie the virus to these symptoms.
After Centre, Delhi Halts Dearness Allowance Hike Till July 2021 To Fight COVID-19After the Centre, the Delhi government has now put on hold the hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief for government employees and pensioners, in view of the country's financial situation amid the coronavirus pandemic. Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief, however, will continue to be paid at the current rate of 17 per cent.
Coronavirus: Police perform ''parikarma'' of AIIMS in DelhiAs a sign of respect for healthcare professionals, the Delhi Police on Wednesday undertook a "parikarma'' of the All-India Institute of Medical Science, officials said.
Police personnel from south Delhi rode 51 COVID patrol bikes on the occasion to thank the healthcare professionals for their selfless service.
"A parikrama of the AIIMS hospital was conducted as a mark of gratitude. This is in continuation to the ongoing visits to various hospitals and medical professionals by the staff of south district to thank them in this campaign to safeguard citizens of our country," said Atul Kumar Thakur, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South).
Senior officers also met doctors, medical workers and the security staff at AIIMS, assuring of all help, he said.
Telangana Government hiding COVID-19 cases: BJP State President
President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Telangana unit, Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday alleged that the state government is hiding the number of COVID-19 positive cases to provide "facilities" to the Muslims amid Ramzan and tests are also not being conducted in the State.
"Today I have taken the charge as the state president. In Telangana, BJP is supporting the state government in curbing the COVID-19 cases and will support them in future too. Since the last three-four days, the cases of COVID-19 are decreasing in the state but the government's behaviour is suspicious," said Mr Kumar.
"Today the cases have decreased in the state because the authorities have stopped testing and they are trying to hide the COVID-19 positive cases. Telangana state DME has issued a circular to not test the dead bodies. In other states, they have increased testing and here the government is decreasing it. This government is working for records and rewards. Telangana Chief Minister is cheating the poor people once again," he added.
Puducherry to decide stand on lockdown on May 2: Chief MinisterChief Minister V Narayanasamy on Wednesday said his cabinet would meet on May 2 to decide its stand on whether the ongoing lockdown should be extended or not in the union territory.
"With the Centre's stand on extension or otherwise of the lockdown not being very clear, the territorial administration was now considering all pros and cons of the extension of the lockdown when it ends on May 3," he told reporters late on Wednesday night after a cabinet meeting.
The cabinet would meet again on May 2 to take a decision on the matter, he said.
Coronavirus News: With 74 new COVID-19 positive cases, Rajasthan records 2438 total cases
Rajasthan Health Department on Wednesday confirmed that 74 new cases of COVID-19 and three new deaths have been reported in the State, taking the total number of cases to 2438 including 55 deaths.
As many as 814 patients have recovered from the disease till date. Out of the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the State, Jaipur has reported the maximum number of cases standing at 22.
Coronavirus: No new COVID-19 containment zone added in Delhi, total zones stand at 100
The Delhi Government on Wednesday confirmed that no new locations were added in the list of COVID-19 containment zones here as till Tuesday 100 containment zones were declared across the national capital.
A part of Shaheen Bagh was added into the list of containment zones on Tuesday.
The step of declaring containment zones is aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus, which has swept across continents- from China to USA, killing thousands and crippling economies besides putting millions under lockdown and in quarantine.
The containment zones are the areas where cases of COVID-19 have been detected. The containment operation includes sealing off the area with police barricades and shutting the entry and exit with tin walls.
Kerala: Kasaragod collector advised to go into quarantine as scribe tests positive for COVID-19After a television journalist in Kerala's Kasaragod tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, the health authorities here advised the district collector, his driver and gunman to go into self-quarantine.
The district collector had given an interview to the journalist a few days ago.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday had said that 10 people, including three health workers and a journalist, were found infected with the virus.
The journalist who works for a prominent television channel in the state is the first positive case from the media fraternity.
"I had given an interview to the journalist on April 19. He has tested positive for coronavirus. Along with me, my driver and gunman have been advised to go into self-quarantine," District Collector D Sajith Babu told PTI.
A cameraman, driver and two other staff members of the media organisation have also been asked to remain quarantined.
The media organisation later issued instructions to its staff to maintain social distancing and other precautions.
Coronavirus cases in Delhi nears 3,500; 125 fresh cases, two deaths in a dayDelhi on Wednesday reported 125 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the city's tally to 3,439, with two fatalities being reported in a day, authorities said.
According to a bulletin by the Delhi's Health Department, the death toll due to coronavirus in the city reached 56. However, the last three days saw no deaths due to COVID-19 in the national capital.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi rose to 3,500, of which 2, 291 are active cases, the bulletin said.
Fourteen people were discharged from hospitals on Wednesday after being cured.
Among the fresh cases include a first-year postgraduate student of the North MCD-run Kasturba Hospital.
Ninety people at a Sikkim government guest house in south Delhi's Green Park have also been quarantined after a patient staying there was found positive, officials said.
The guest house serves as a facility for patients from Sikkim referred to Delhi for medical treatment.
Coronavirus Mumbai: 26 COVID-19 deaths in Mumbai, 475 new cases, tally 6,457Twenty-six coronavirus patients -- highest in a day -- died in Mumbai and 475 tested positive
for the infection on Wednesday, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Those who died on Wednesday included a BMC official, which led to unions demanding that all corporation employees be tested for coronavirus.
It took the death toll in the country's financial capital to 270 and the tally of patients jumped to 6,457 crossing the 6,000-mark.
A BMC release said that 377 new suspected patients were admitted at various hospitals and 193 recovered patients were discharged.
Till now, 1,427 patients have been discharged from hospitals on recovery. 108 of them were not city residents but were treated here, the BMC said.
Of the 26 COVID-19 patients who died in the city on Wednesday, 16 patients had co-morbidities, said the BMC. 21 of them were male and five female.
Andhra Deputy Chief Minister's personal attendant tests COVID-19 positive
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister (Health) A K K Srinivas on Wednesday said his personal attendant has tested positive for coronavirus infection in the TruNat machine test (normally used for TB testing).
The Deputy Chief Minister, however, tested negative apart from 13 other members of his office at the State Secretariat.
Mr Srinivas revealed this at a press conference on Wednesday night.
"My attendant tested positive in the TruNat test (normally used for TB testing) and we have sent the samples for further RT-PCR test. Myself and 13 of the staff members also underwent the test and all of us tested negative for coronavirus," Mr Srinivas said.
Coronavirus: 3 COVID-19 patients of Mizoram recovered in MumbaiA total of three COVID-19 patients, out of the eight linked to Mumbai's Mizoram House, have recovered and discharged from hospitals, Mizoram Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana said on Wednesday.
He said seven people from Mizoram and a local employee of the Mizoram House had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier. They included three who had gone to the western metropolis for treatment of cancer and two attendants.
A 22-year-old woman, who tested positive on April 13, has been discharged from Mumbai's St George Hospital on April 22 while two others patients were released from the Seven Hills Hospital and the Nair Hospital on Tuesday, the minister said.
Coronavirus: Three people die of COVID-19 in Rajasthan; 2,438 cases in stateThree people died of coronavirus in Rajasthan on Wednesday even as the state recorded 74 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking its tally to 2,438, an official said.
The state has so far witnessed 55 deaths due to the virus, with Jaipur alone accounting for 30 deaths.
"Three deaths due to COVID-19 occurred in Jaipur," Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.
"As many as 74 fresh cases were reported in the state, including 22 in Jaipur," he added.
Singh said besides Jaipur, 11 cases were reported in Ajmer, 13 in Jodhpur, nine in Pali, eight in Chittorgarh, three in Kota, two each in Bhilwara and Dholpur and one each in Banswara, Dholpur, Bharatpur and Udaipur.
A total of 2,438 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the state so far.
Coronavirus Lockdown: Stranded Migrants, Students, Tourists Can Go Home During Lockdown: 10 PointsMigrant labourers, students, pilgrims or tourists who do not have symptoms of coronavirus can return to their home states now, the Centre has said, issuing a set of guidelines nearly five weeks after the announcement of the countrywide lockdown that left thousands stranded. The order comes a day after the Centre was asked to respond to issue by the Supreme Court, which was hearing a set of petitions asking that migrant labourers who do not have COVID-19 be allowed to go home. The Centre has already allowed Uttar Pradesh to ferry back its migrants from Haryana a move that led states like Bihar and Jharkhand to question its lockdown guidelines that that froze road, rail and air transport and asked states not allow homebound migrants laboures across their borders."
Mamata Banerjee asks private hospitals not to refuse treatment to Covid-19 patients
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged private hospitals of the state not to refuse any patient approaching them for treatment of coronavirus infection.
The chief minister's appeal came after allegations were raised that some private facilities are refusing to treat patients with symptoms of coronavirus.
"We have collaborated with 51 private hospitals (to treat Covid-19 patients). Do not forget that the state government is bearing all the expenses of their treatment. But other hospitals also can treat coronavirus cases by taking necessary precautionary measures. I appeal to everybody to provide treatment to them," she told reporters at the state secretariat.
Conditional permissions being given to some industries to operate: Haryana Chief Minister
Haryana has begun granting conditional permission to some industries outside containments zones to start operating with requisite precautions, Chief Minister ML Khattar said on Wednesday. Permissions are being given to industries to start their operation in a phased manner so that the economic activities in the state can be spurred as per the Centre's guidelines, said Khattar.
He said nearly 2.07 lakh workers have already started working in brick kilns.
Industrial activities are being re-started in a phased manner with due adherence to all the guidelines and "our estimate is that nearly 5.5 lakh employees and other workforce have started to work in various units," said the chief minister.
Mr Khattar said the state has been divided state in two parts for economic activity with 15 districts being those where impact of coronavirus is less, he said.
Coronavirus Updates: 13 healthcare workers test COVID-19 positive at Safdarjung Hospital in last 2 months
Thirteen healthcare workers, including seven resident doctors, nurses and a faculty member, have tested positive for COVID-19 so far over the past two months at the Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital, sources said on Wednesday.
Also, around 10 healthcare workers, including a resident doctor and five nurses, have contracted the disease so far at the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Besides, some security guards have also been infected in the premier hospital.
The latest healthcare staff to get infected by coronavirus at the Safdarjung Hospital is a sanitation worker who was tested positive for the infection on Tuesday.
According to the sources, five resident doctors from the medicine department of the Safdarjung Hospital are currently undergoing treatment at the facility.
Odisha has lowest rate of COVID-19 positivity in India: Official
Odisha government on Wednesday claimed that the state has the lowest rate of COVID-19 positivity in the country as it has registered only 0.4 per cent per 100 corona tests.
This was stated by National Health Mission, Odisha director Shalini Pandit. "We have only 0.4 per cent COVID-19 positivity against Indias average of 4.3 per cent," she said.
Further elaborating the fact, Ms Pandit said while the rate of positivity in Delhi was highest at 8.4 followed by Maharastra at 7 per cent, Odishas positivity rate is only 0.4 per cent.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomes revised central guidelines on movement of stranded people
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday thanked the centre for revising its guidelines whereby movement of people away from their homes during the ongoing lockdown has been allowed with certain conditions.
In a statement issued Mr Kumar said revised guidelines will provide relief to students, tourists, pilgrims and migrant workers hailing from Bihar, who are stuck in far-off places across the country.
"We had made a request to this effect and we are glad that the centre has come up with a positive response," the chief minister said referring to Monday's video conference in which he took part, along with counterparts of other states, and interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
5 Karnataka Ministers Take Test After Coming In Contact With Virus Infected Journalist
Five Karnataka ministers are undergoing tests for coronavirus infection after they reportedly came in contact with the video journalist of a Kannada news channel who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, a senior minister said on Wednesday.
"As far as our journalist friend who has supposedly met five ministers is concerned- the ministers are also getting tested and one of them said, he had tested negative," Minister S Suresh Kumar, who is spokesperson for COVID-19 in Karnataka, told reporters.
However, reports allege that the ministers had flouted mandated quarantining and are going about with routine work.
The journalist, who had visited containment zones demarcated by BBMP (city civic body), was confirmed positive on April 24.
COVID-19 Lockdown: Uttar Pradesh to bring ordinance against attacks on healthcare workers, policemen
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to bring an ordinance specifying stiff penalties for attacking doctors and other frontline COVID-19 workers, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Wednesday
The move comes days after the Centre promulgated a similar ordinance to deter attacks on medical personnel as they try to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
The UP ordinance is expected to allow up to seven years in prison for those found guilty of attacking doctors, paramedics, police personnel and sanitation workers.
COVID-19 cases cross 4,000-mark in Gujarat, 16 deaths
The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 4,082 after 308 new patients were reported on Wednesday, 234 of them in Ahmedabad alone.
The number of deaths rose to 197 with 16 COVID-19 patients dying during the day, a senior health official said.
Ahmedabad reported 234 new cases, taking the total in the district to 2,777. In Surat, number of coronavirus positive cases rose to 601 with 31 new cases. In Vadodara too, number of cases rose to 270, said Principal Secretary (Health) Jayanti Ravi.
Nine COVID-19 patients died in Ahmedabad, three in Vadodara and Surat each and one in Rajkot, she said.
No dearth of beds for COVID-19 patients in Kolkata hospitals : Mamata Banerjee
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that there are still as many as 790 beds ready for coronavirus patients in hospitals of Kolkata.
"There were some who tried to spread rumours that there are no beds in hospitals of Kolkata to get admitted. There are still 790 beds ready for COVID-19 in Kolkata," said Ms Banerjee in a video conference.
Speaking on further measures taken in view of controlling the spread of coronavirus, she said, "We have taken certain decisions that will be implemented from Monday if everything is alright. There will be relaxations in the green zone and the orange zone where standalone shops of essential items will remain open."
However, there will be no relaxation for containment areas, she added.
Uttarakhand Cabinet sanctions 2.48 Crores to buy resistance drugs for corona warriors
The Uttarakhand government on Wednesday sanctioned Rs 2.48 crore for buying some homeopathy and auyrvedic medicines that can boost corona warriors' immunity against infection.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, Cabinet Minister Madan Kaushik told reporters after the meeting.
The amount will be spent over buying medicines like Arsenic Album 30 of homeopathy, besides Giloy, Ashwagandha, Tulsi and Kadha in Ayurveda to build resistance among frontline healthcare workers engaged in the anti-COVID fight.
The minister said the Centre has given its nod to start COVID-19 testing at Srinagar Medical College from April 30 and is likely to give its clearance soon for carrying out COVID-19 tests at Almora and Haridwar also.
Army troops, paramilitary forces cautioned against fake "Aarogya Setu" app
Security agencies have warned Army troops and paramilitary forces against a malicious Pakistan-propped mobile app that masquerades as the anti-COVID-19 "Aarogya Setu" app to steal sensitive data, officials said on Wednesday.
An advisory issued said the fake app can be received by a user as a WhatsApp forward or through SMS, a phishing e-mail or other links and via Internet-based social media.
The advisory has recommended to the personnel that they should only download the "Aarogya Setu" app from authorised links from the "mygov.in" website.
No new coronavirus case in Himachal Pradesh in six days
Himachal Pradesh has not reported any fresh COVID-19 case in the past six days, a senior health official said on Wednesday. So far, 41 coronavirus cases have been reported and the number of active cases in the state is 10, the official said.
Two people have died of COVID-19 in the state. "Of the 389 samples sent for testing on Wednesday, 227 tested negative for the infection while reports of the rest are awaited," Additional Chief Secretary (Health) RD Dhiman said.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announces ''7 am to 11 am'' curfew relaxation in state
The Punjab government on Wednesday announced a four-hour relaxation in curfew in the state from 7 am daily.
"I had said that you (people) be given some sort of relaxation. We have today decided to give relaxation from 7 am to 11 am daily," Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said in his message to people.
Read here. Next few days crucial as Odia migrants will return from COVID-19 affected states: Odisha Chief Minister
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said that the next few days are going to be very crucial for the state government's efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 as Odia migrants will be coming back from other coronavirus affected states.
In a video message, Mr Patnaik said, "We have another challenge which is to take care of Odia people returning from West Bengal, as out of total 122 positive cases in the state, the number corona cases of West Bengal returnees are 50. Next few days are very crucial as more people will return from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi Rajasthan Karnataka and from neighbouring West Bengal."
"The return of Odia people from these most affected states in the country may cause the increase in positive cases in the State but if people coming from outside will register and everyone will cooperate with the Govt here, the situation in the state will continue to remain under control," he said.
Coronavirus: Uttar Pradesh government to add 52,000 beds in hospitals
The Uttar Pradesh government will add 52,000 beds in hospitals across the state to effectively deal with the COVID-19 situation, an official said on Wednesday. While 17,000 of these will be added by the Medical Health Department, 35,000 beds will be arranged by the Medical Education Department.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Information) Awanish Awasthi said, "Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the Medical Health Department and Medical Education Department to arrange additional beds so that patients do not face any problem."
The Medical Health Department will arrange 10,000 beds in L-1 hospitals (mainly community health centres), 5,000 in the L-2 hospitals (where oxygen facility is attached with the bed) and 2,000 in L-3 hospitals (where ventilators are available), he said.
COVID-19 cases in Jharkhand rise to 106
One more person tested positive for COVID-19 in the state's Jamtara district on Wednesday.
"The patient had returned from West Bengal. Total two cases reported in Jamtara and 106 cases in Jharkhand, till date," said Nitin Madan Kulkarni, State Health Secretary.
Gautam Buddh Nagar District Hospital sanitation workers protest to highlight their plight
Many health workers of the district hospital gathered at the District Magistrate office on Wednesday to complain about the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits at their workplace, where the coronavirus patients are being treated.
"We have requested the higher officials to provide us with proper equipment as our work is to clean the ward of the coronavirus patients. Our requests went unheard," said Neeraj, a sanitation worker at the district hospital to news agency ANI.
"There are no facilities for us in the hospital. We just get Rs 6,900 monthly. They have provided us with a local mask, gloves and shoes, which we are not able to wear in this weather," said Sachin Kumar, another health worker.
COVID-19 Lockdown: Stranded migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students will be allowed to move with conditions: Centre
All states to designate nodal authorities and develop standard protocols for receiving and sending such stranded persons
Nodal authorities shall register stranded persons within their states or union territories
In case group of stranded persons wish to move one state to another, states may consult each other, mutually agree to movement by road
Buses to be used for transporting persons, vehicles to be sanitised and shall follow safe social distancing norms in seating
Coronavirus: Uttar Pradesh has 2,115 COVID-19 positive cases, says Principal Health Secretary
As many as 2,115 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in Uttar Pradesh till date, according to Amit Mohan Prasad, Principal Secretary, Health.
Mr Prasad further said that the 2,115 cases include 1,602 active cases. While, 477 patients have been discharged after making complete recovery, 36 deaths have been reported due to the virus in the state so far.
The total number of positive coronavirus cases across the country is 31,332, including 22,629 active cases of the virus.
3 new COVID-19 cases in Varanasi, district count reaches 52
Three more coronavirus cases have been reported from Varanasi on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the district to 52.
According to Varanasi District Magistrate (DM) Kaushal Raj Sharma, three people have tested positive for coronavirus in Varanasi today. "They were in contact with a businessman who was the first person in ''Saptasagar Dawa Mandi'' to be tested with COVID-19," he said.
The first patient is a 43-years-old medicine supplier, the second case is of a 25-year-old shop owner while the third is a 29-year-old employee at a shop in ''Sapta Sagar Mandi'', Sharma added.
"The three had given their samples as they were contacts of coronavirus positive patient. All of them tested positive today. With this, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Varanasi stands at 52," the District Magistrate added.
COVID-19 Updates: Indian doctor in UAE overwhelmed as policeman salutes her for her service
An Indian doctor in the UAE was moved to tears after her car was stopped during curfew hours and a policeman, instead of checking her documents, gave a salute, acknowledging her service during the coronavirus pandemic, according to media reports.
Ayesha Sultana, from Hyderabad, was returning home on Tuesday night after completing her shift at the Al Ahli Screening centre in Dubai when she was stopped by a policeman at the Dubai-Sharjah highway, the Khaleej Times reported.
Ms Sultana said that she did panic initially but was focused on showing her work permit and other documents to prove that she was a doctor.
According to a report in the Gulf News, Ms Sultana said she was pulling her ID and papers to show to the policeman but "he saluted me, saying I don't need to show him anything."
Coronavirus Update: 325 new virus deaths in SpainAnother 325 people died of COVID-19 in Spain in a slight increase in the daily figure, pushing the overall toll past 24,000, the government said Wednesday.
Despite the rise from Tuesday's figure of 301, it was the sixth consecutive day that the number has been below 400 in Spain, which has now lost 24,275 lives as a result of the coronavirus.
The number of people who have recovered from the virus rose by 6,399 over the past 24 hours in what was a record daily high since the start of the epidemic, raising the overall number to 108,947.
Punjab Chief Minister announces to extend curfew for two more weeks in bid to combat COVID-19
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday announced to extend the curfew for two more weeks to check the spread of coronavirus in the State.
"Though the curfew has been extended by two more weeks, there will be relaxation from 7 am to 11 am every day. During this time, people can come out of their houses. Shops will also be allowed to open," said Mr Singh in a video address to the State.
Spread of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu "largely under control": K Palaniswami
The spread of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu is "largely under control" due to the implementation of various government guidelines, but the contagion is "easily" spreading in this city due to its large population, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said on Wednesday.
Mr Palaniswami, who indicated resuming manufacturing in the Green Zones, also rued people not strictly following social distancing norms and urged the respective district administrations to ensure this principle is adhered to.
Addressing a review meeting on Coronavirus with District Collectors, he also patted the officials for leading the fight against the pandemic and said government's measures in stemming its spread has largely borne fruit due to their efforts.
Coronavirus: 29 COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan, total number in the state reaches 2,393
29 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Rajasthan on Wednesday, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 2,393, state Health Department said.
781 patients have recovered from the disease and 52 have died due to the virus, the department said.
Among the new cases, 11 were reported from Ajmer and 8 from Jaipur.
Delhi High Court, District court judges, officials donate about Rs 2 cr to PM-CARES Fund
The judges, officials and staff of the Delhi High Court and all the district courts here have Rs 1.92 crore to the relief fund announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
According to information received from the High Court Registrar General''s office, "All the judges, officers, officials of this court and all the judicial officers, officers and officials of Delhi District Court have together contributed Rs 1,92,97,900 to PM CARES fund".
The donated amount also includes contributions from some former judges of the Delhi High Court, the RG's office said.
Daily Health Check On Aarogya Setu Compulsory For Government EmployeesGovernment employees must download the "Aarogya Setu" app - meant to contain coronavirus -- and go to work only if they receive a go-ahead from it. The order, which came from the Department of Personnel and Training today, applies to all staff members, including outsources staff, working with the Central government. All autonomous and statutory bodies and Public Sector Units must observe the rule, the government has said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami Announces Relaxation Of "Intensified Lockdown" In Three Cities From Tomorrow
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami on Wednesday announced that the "intensified lockdown" in three cities -- Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai -- will be relaxed from April 30.
The three cities have been under an "intensified lockdown" since April 26.
"On April 30, shops can open from 6 am to 5 pm for essential items, vegetables, and fruits. However, from May 1, shops will only be allowed to open from 6 am to 1 pm," Mr Palaniswami said in a meeting with district collectors from across the state via video conferencing.
Coronavirus Updates: Over 1,000 People Arrested For Lockdown Violations In Goa
As many as 1,058 persons were arrested and 588 FIRs were lodged by the Goa police for violation of the COVID-19 lockdown, an official said on Wednesday.
With 101 offences and 172 arrests, the Calangute police station in North Goa registered the highest number of cases till Tuesday, a release here stated.
Coronavirus News: IIT Guwahati Working On Developing COVID-19 VaccineIndian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati is collaborating with Hester Biosciences Ltd to work on vaccine development against COVID-19, both organisations said on Wednesday.
IIT Guwahati and Hester expect the vaccine to be ready by the year-end to start animal studies. The work is currently in its early stage of development.
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