Coronavirus Cases India: The total number of cases across the country is 2069.
Sixty-two people have died after being infected by the novel coronavirus, the centre said today. Three of those deaths were reported in the past 24 hours. Across the country the number of confirmed coronavirus cases is now 2,547, with 478 new cases detected in the past 24 hours - biggest spike so far. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged people across India to light candles, lamps or mobile flashlights at 9 pm on Sunday, April 5, for 9 minutes to "raise the great power of 130 crore Indians" and make everyone feel that no one is alone during the coronavirus lockdown. "Please switch off your lights at homes on Sunday, light up candles, torch or mobile flashlights on your balconies for 9 minutes,' PM Modi said. He asserted that no one must gather on roads. "The only way to break the chain of coronavirus is to maintain social distancing," he said. He said amid the nationwide lockdown to fight coronavirus, no one should feel alone, the massive collective power of 130 crore people was with everyone.
Here Are The Live updates On The Coronavirus Outbreak In India:
Puducherry Chief Minister urges people to respond to PM's call
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy appealed to the people of the union territory to respond to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for lighting a candle or lamp on April 5 to demonstrate the country's collective will to fight coronovirus, PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: Chattisgarh's First COVID-19 Patient Recovers, Discharged From AIIMS In Raipur
A 24-year-old woman, who was the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Chhattisgarh, was discharged on Friday evening from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur, a senior official said.
She was the fourth person to be discharged in the state, leaving the number of active COVID-19 cases at five, they said.
"The woman had returned from London on March 15 and got admitted in AIIMS on March 19 after she tested positive for the virus. Her two tests were negative after which a decision was taken to discharge her. She will have to follow mandatory quarantine," PTI quoted AIIMS Director Nitin Nagarkar as saying.
Coronavirus News: Maharashtra Village Scrambles To Trace Contacts Of Man Who Tested Positive For VirusThe residents of a village in Osmanabad district of Maharashtra are scrambling to trace those who came in contact with a 27-year-old villager who tested positive for coronavirus.
The man works at a leading hotel in Mumbai.
The man, whose swab sample was collected at a hospital in Mumbai, allegedly flouted the quarantine protocol and returned to Dhanuri, his native village around two days back.
However, he received a call from the hospital authorities in Mumbai that his samples have tested positive.
"That person came to know about his report through a phone call on Thursday night. He immediately conveyed it to the village panchayat and steps were initiated to take him to a hospital in Lohara. Our entire Thursday night was spent in finding out who had come in his contact ever since he arrived in the village," Ganesh Jadhav, a resident of Dhanori told PTI.
"The village has a population of around 4,000 people. When the residents came to know about his coronavirus positive status, they went in a state of shock," he said.
"After we alerted the officials of the health department and the police, their teams reached the village and he was quarantined at a government hospital in Lohara," he added.
"We immediately sealed our village after that to stop the entry or exit of people. Before his report came, the COVID-19 patient had visited different places in the village. He had also gone to the nearby villages to buy necessary things for farming," Mr Jadhav said.
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Coronavirus PPE kits: Former Chief Justice of India RC Lahoti donates Rs 1 lakh
Former Chief Justice of India RC Lahoti donated Rs 1 lakh to the Indore district administration for personal protection equipment kits in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak, officials said.
He deposited the amount in the Indore account of the Indian Red Cross Society after an appeal was made by the district administration, PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: BJP Sets Up 35 Control Rooms Across States, Union Territories To Combat Coronavirus
BJP has set up 35 control rooms across 35 states and Union Territories to help the needy amid nationwide lockdown over coronavirus.
Meanwhile, BJP president JP Nadda on Friday held interaction with party leaders in Uttar Pradesh and reviewed the actions being taken in combating the coronavirus, reported ANI.
Mr Nadda said that in this hour of crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government has taken several steps for the welfare of the villages, poor, farmers and women of the country.
"To strengthen the economic condition of the country, the central government has taken many decisions which everyone is appreciating but the Congress party does not see it because they are blindfolded," Mr Nadda said.
UP govt to set up Rs 1000 crore corona care fund
The Uttar Pradesh government will create a corona care fund of Rs 1000 crore which will help in setting up testing facilities and procuring ventilators, masks and sanitisers, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said.
Not only will the government help with this fund, but help will also be taken from corporate houses under the Corporate Social Responsibility, he said at a meeting with senior officials, PTI reported.
Coronavirus Uttarakhand: 6 New Cases In State Take Total Count To 16
Six more have tested positive for the coronavirus in Uttarakhand on Friday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 16, officials said.
This is the first time so many people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the state in a single day, reported PTI.
Five of the positive cases were reported from Dehradun and one from Udham Singh Nagar district, officials at the COVID-19 control room said.
Coronavirus News: 15 Admitted To Hospitals In Nashik Over Suspected Coronavirus Infection
Fifteen people were admitted in various hospitals in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Friday over suspected exposure to novel coronavirus, health officials said.
Their throat samples have been sent for testing to NIV in Pune and results are awaited, reported PTI. The district has one COVID-19 patient as on Friday, they said.
Coronavirus News: Eastern, South-Eastern Railways Convert Over 650 Coaches Into Quarantine Units
The Eastern Railway and South Eastern Railway are converting more than 650 coaches into quarantine units amid the coronavirus
outbreak, officials said on Friday.
While the Eastern Railway is modifying 338 coaches as part of its COVID-19 preparedness, the South Eastern Railway is converting 329 coaches at various workshops, they said, reported PTI.
Coronavirus News: Poll Body Further Defers Rajya Sabha Elections To 18 Seats Over Pandemic
The Election Commission on Friday said it is using its constitutional powers to defer Rajya Sabha polls to 18 seats beyond the terms of the retiring members, keeping in mind the health hazard involved amid the coronavirus pandemic and the 21-day nationwide lockdown.
Last month, the poll panel had deferred the March 26 Rajya Sabha elections citing threat of coronavirus, saying a decision will be taken after reviewing the situation.
While 17 members from six states are retiring on April 9, one from Meghalaya is retiring on April 12.
The 18 seats are spread across Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Meghalaya, reported PTI.
Coronavirus News: 53 Oman Nationals Stranded In Kerala Airlifted Today
53 Oman nationals, stranded in Kerala due to COVID-19 lockdown in the country, were airlifted today from Cochin International Airport by Oman Air.
India has curtailed all international flights and later extended that suspension on domestic flights as well to curb the spread of coronavirus, reported ANI.
Coronavirus Telangana: State Reports 75 New Cases, 2 Deaths
75 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Telangana. 2 more have died from the contagious virus.
Coronavirus Maharashtra: 67 New Cases In State
67 test positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra taking the state's total to 490, reported PTI.
Coronavirus News: Over 4 Crore Women With Jan Dhan Account Receive First Installment Of Rs 500
The centre has credited the first installment of Rs 500 to over four crore Jan Dhan accounts of poor women on Friday as part of a relief package in view of the lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Rural Development Ministry said.
The amount is being released by the ministry and will be credited to more than 20.39 crore Jan Dhan accounts of women by the end of April first week, PTI quoted officials as saying.
Coronavirus Update: BS Yediyurappa Directs Officials To Deposit Addition Rs 1,000 Into Accounts Of 15 Lakh Construction Workers
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Friday directed the labour department to deposit an additional Rs 1,000 into the bank accounts of 15 lakh construction labourers in the state, who have been hit by the 21-day national lockdown to check COVID-19 spread.
He gave the direction during a high-level meeting of ministers and officials to review the measures taken to control the spread of COVID-19 and implementation of lockdown in the state, reported PTI.
The government has already deposited Rs 1,000 into the accounts of 15 lakh construction labourers and the chief minister asked the Labour department to deposit additional Rs 1,000 to their accounts, an official statement said.
Coronavirus News: 335 Parliamentarians Contribute Rs 365 Crore From MPLADS Funds To Fight COVID-19
339 MPs from both houses of the parliament have so far contributed Rs 365 crore from their MPLADS funds to the central pool for use in measures to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Rajya Sabha Secretary PPK Ramacharyulu said, among the 339 MPs, 74 are from the Rajya Sabha and 265 from Lok Sabha, reported PTI.
While the Rajya Sabha MPs have made a total contributions of Rs 100 crore, the Lok Sabha members have contributed Rs 265 crore, he said.
Coronavirus News: Dr RML Hospital, Safdarjung's Super Speciality Block Converted Into COVID-19 Isolation Wards
The trauma centre at the Dr RML Hospital will function as a dedicated COVID-19 isolation ward while the Safdarjung Hospital's super specialty block has been converted into a state-of-the-art isolation management centre in Delhi, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Friday.
He made these announcements after visiting the Dr RML Hospital and the Safdarjung Hospital. The minister was at the health facilities to review their COVID-19 preparedness, reported PTI.
Coronavirus cases in national capital spirals to 386Coronavirus cases in the national capital spirals to 386 and two more deaths were recorded, Delhi health department said, PTI reported.
J&K Lieutenant Governor asks Red Cross to scale up activities
Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu asked the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Jammu Region, on Friday to collaborate with municipalities and identify mentally unsound and destitute people on priority and take effective steps to provide them with means of sustenance.
The LG chaired a meeting with functionaries of the IRCS, Jammu Region, at the Raj Bhavan to take stock of activities being carried out by the society in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak in the region, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: Take Help From Retired Doctors, Medical Students If Cases Rise Sharply: Anil Baijal Tells Delhi Government
Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Friday asked the Delhi government to take help from retired doctors and medical students if the national capital witnesses a steep rise in COVID-19 cases in coming days, officials said.
The Lieutenant Governor (LG) held meetings with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Police Commissioner SN Srivastava and district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police via video conference, reported PTI.
A total of 91 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours in Delhi, taking the total number to 384.
Coronavirus News: 60 People Attended Tablighi Event From Odisha, 1 Tests Positive
Odisha government on Friday said 60 people from the state had attended the religious congregation at Nizamuddin in Delhi last month and one of them has tested positive, reported PTI.
Twenty seven of the Tablighi Jamaat participants, including seven foreign nationals, have returned to Odisha after attending the congregation at Nizamuddin, an official said.
"Of the 27 people back in Odisha, 21 have tested negative while a resident of Cuttack was detected as positive to COVID-19," said the state governments COVID-19 Chief Spokesperson Subroto Bagchi.
Coronavirus News: COVID-19 Cases Rise To 75 In Jammu And Kashmir
The positive cases of COVID-19 rose to 75 in Jammu and Kashmir out of which 70 are active cases, Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Planning, J&K UT administration, said on Friday.
Five new cases were reported today, reported ANI.
Mr Kansal, who was addressing a press meet, said: "A total of 75 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir, with five cases being reported today out of which 70 are active. Four of the new cases are from Kashmir while one is from Jammu."
UP's coronavirus count spikes to 174 after 47 Jamaat members test positive
Uttar Pradesh on Friday reported a spike in coronavirus cases with 47 of those who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi testing positive, taking the state's count to 174.
"There is a steep rise in the number of coronavirus positive cases in the state with 47 samples of the Jamaatis testing positive in 14 districts, " Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said.
Cops shift 18 pregnant women to hospitals in Delhi amid lockdown
Delhi Police personnel shifted 18 pregnant women to different hospitals in the national capital amid the ongoing lockdown enforced to combat the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.
Coronavirus News: India's Oldest Coronavirus Survivors Walk Out Of Kerala Hospital After "Miracle Cure"
India's oldest COVID-19 patient, a 93-year old man and his wife were discharged from the government Medical College Hospital in Kerala's Kottayam on Friday, days after they fully recovered, in what is being dubbed by the medical community as a "miracle cure", officials said.
Thomas Abraham and 88-year old Mariyamma have recovered after days of life-and-death battle against the deadly coronavirus since their admission to the hospital on March 9, officials said.
"They are fine now. The decision to discharge them was taken after their latest sample test turned negative for coronavirus," a state government official said.
The couple had contracted the virus from their son, daughter-in-law and grandson who returned from Italy last month, reported PTI.
Maharashtra distributes 6.94 lakh quintals of food grains
The Maharashtra government has distributed around 6.94 lakh quintals of food grains to 28.61 lakh ration card holders through the public distribution system since Wednesday, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Friday.
Delhi Police receives over 1,000 calls regarding lockdown in 24 hrs
The Delhi Police received 1,011 calls on its 24x7 helpline number between 2 pm on Thursday and the same time on Friday, seeking assistance on issues being faced due to the lockdown, officials said.
Out of these, 199 calls were related to areas outside Delhi which were referred to the respective state police, they said.
S African vegetable market shuts down after India-returned cashier infected with COVID-19
The South African government shut down an entire municipal fruit and vegetable market after a woman cashier, who recently returned from India, tested positive for coronavirus.
The market serves the huge provincial capital city of Pietermaritzburg. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) ordered the closure of the market for two days.
Meghalaya sounds alert after rise of COVID-19 cases in Assam
Meghalaya government sounded an health alert in the state, as the number of COVID-19 cases in neighbouring Assam rose to 20, Health and Family Welfare Minister AL Hek said.
6 fresh COVID-19 cases in Punjab, 2 of them attended Tablighi Jamaat
Two persons, who had attended Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi last month, are among six people who tested positive for coronavirus in Punjab on Friday, officials said.
With this, the total count of coronavirus cases in the state rose to 53, they said.
BEST shuts one department after employee tests coronavirus positive
After an employee of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) was found coronavirus positive on Thursday, it has shut the department where he worked and asked its other staffers to remain home quarantined.
No spraying of disinfectants inside buildings, UP Fire Service chief tells staff
The Fire Service headquarters issued guidelines for sanitization in the light of coronavirus outbreak in the country and said no spraying will be done on humans and animals.
Coronavirus New: 4 More Test Positive In Assam, Total Cases In State Rise To 20
Four people tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 20, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
All the patients are linked to a religious congregation in Tablighi Jammat Markaz in Delhi's Nizamuddin West last month, he said, reported PTI.
Of the four new cases, three were reported from Nalbari and one is from South Salmara, the minister said.
The first positive case in the state was reported from Silchar on March 31. Twelve cases were reported the next day -- four in Guwahati and eight Jorhat -- and later three people tested positive in Goalpara.
All the eight patients testing positive in Jorhat are from Golaghat district and include four women who accompanied their family members to Delhi. They are undergoing treatment at the Golaghat Civil Hospital.
The patients who tested positive here are being treated at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital.
Coronavirus News: 11 New Cases In Pune Takes Total Number To 71 In District
The number of COVID-19 cases in Pune grew by 11 on Friday to 71, Collector Naval Kishore Ram said.
Of the total, 57 are from Pune city limits and 14 from neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad area, he added, reported PTI.
"The 11 new cases are from two private hospitals, state-run Sassoon Hospital and Pune Municipal Corporation's Naidu Hospital," he said.
Coronavirus News: No Shortage Of Medical Supplies To Fight Coronavirus, Says Centre
The government on Friday said there is no shortage of medical supplies across the country to fight the contagious coronavirus.
"Government of India is making sure that all the essential medical supplies are in place to fight COVID-19. 62 lifeline UDAN flights transported over 15.4 tons of essential medical supplies in last five days," Union Minister for Chemical and Fertilizers DV Sadanada Gowda said in a tweet.
The government is also paying full attention to the manufacturing activities of essential items like pharmaceuticals and hospital devices, reported PTI.
For this, over 200 units in SEZs are operational, he added.
"A Central Control Room has also been set up for close monitoring of the distribution of essential medical items and to address logistic related issues," Mr Gowda said.
Coronavirus News: RSS Workers Distribute 250 Ration Kits Among Sex Workers In Delhi
RSS workers have distributed ration to the sex workers in Delhi's GB Road area amid the countrywide lockdown enforced to combat COVID-19.
The RSS workers wore protective gear to prevent themselves from getting infected and distributed ration to the sex workers and their families, reported ANI.
Speaking to ANI, Joint General Secretary, Delhi RSS, Anil Gupta said, "We have launched a helpline and have been getting 10,000 calls everyday. So one of our workers got a call about the conditions of these women here."
"We did a survey and accordingly prepared a list of 986 sex workers living here and categorised them into 250 joints (groups of workers living together). Today, we distributed 250 kits," he said.
Coronavirus News: 5,500 km International Borders In Northeast Sealed Amid Lockdown
The 5,500 km-long international borders in the northeastern region has been effectively closed during the 21-day lockdown imposed to check the spread of coronavirus, Union Minister Jitendra Singh was told on Friday.
During a video conference with officials of the Ministry of the Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), North Eastern Council and others, Mr Singh was informed that the lockdown is being effectively enforced in the entire northeastern region, reported PTI.
Coronavirus News: Madhya Pradesh Cops Dress Up As Ghost To Scare Lockdown Violators
The police in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on Friday adopted a unique approach to stop people from violating the COVID-19 lockdown, by using "ghosts" to scare the violators back indoors.
The Vijay Nagar police enlisted the help of some social workers, who wore black masks and clothes with images of lungs, and walked around slums and crowded colonies to frighten residents into staying home, an official said.
The police filmed the "ghost" drive and posted videos of it on social media, reported PTI.
"We have formed a special group of six social workers, who are reaching out to people living in slums and educating them about COVID-19," the official said.
Coronavirus News: 10 Tablighi Jamaat Members Jump Home Quarantine In Pune
10 people, who were put under home quarantine in Pune's Shirur, ran away today morning. Pune rural police have registered an FIR against all of them and have started a search operation to find them, Pune Rural Police said, reported ANI. They were put under home quarantine by the administration on 1 April as a precautionary measure. All of them belong to the Tablighi Jamaat but they didn't attend the event in Delhi. It's suspected that they've moved to Delhi so information has been shared with Delhi Police, they said.
Coronavirus News: Man, Son Test Positive For Coronavirus In Noida, Taking Total Cases To 50
A 55-year-old man and his son tested positive for coronavirus in Noida on Friday, taking the total number of cases in Gautam Buddh Nagar to 50, officials said.
"The two new patients are a man (55) and his son (25) from Sector 93B in Noida," a Health Department official said.
Two other people, who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, were discharged from the hospitals after treatment, taking the total number of cured patients to 8, the officials said.
They added that the total number of active cases now stands at 42 in the district, reported PTI.
Gautam Buddh Nagar, adjoining Delhi in western Uttar Pradesh, is one of the hotspots of coronavirus in India and in the state.
Coronavirus News: 17-Year-Old Entrepreneur Contributes 3 Months' Salary To PM CARES
Arjun Deshpande, 17-year0old founder and CEO of Generic Aadhaar, an innovative venture in the Pharmaceutical Industry has donated his three-months' salary to the PM CARES fund. He made this contribution to be a force multiplier in the fight against COVID-19, reported ANI.
Coronavirus News: Pinarayi Vijayan Thanks Shashi Tharoor For Rapid Test Kits
Kerala Chief Minsiter Pinarayi Vijayan said, "Shashi Tharoor has provided the first batch of 1000 rapid test kit and 2000 more will come by Sunday. 250 flash thermometers and 9,000 PPEs are yet to come. We thank Mr Tharoor for his support."
BSNL, under a new initiative, have decided to grant one month free broadband service to all BSNL customers. The package will include 5GB/day, he said.
Coronavirus Updates: Total Number of Coronavirus Cases In Kerala Rises To 295
3 people with links to the Nizamuddin Markaz gathering have tested positive for coronavirus in Kerala today, taking the toltal number of cases linked to the event to 5 in the state.
9 new cases have been reported today from across the state: 7 from Kasaragod, 1 from Thrissur and 1 from Kannur, taking the total number of cases in the state to 295.
Of the 295 cases, 206 had come from abroad, 7 are foreigners and 78 were infected through primary contact.
Coronavirus News: 11 CISF Jawans, Posted At Mumbai Airport, Test Positive
11 CISF jawans posted at Mumbai airport have tested positive for coronavirus, reported ANI. 142 jawans were under quarantine for the last few days. Of them 4 tested positive yesterday and others tested positive today, the force, in charge of providing security to over 60 airports across country, said.
Coronavirus News: Two Sisters In UP Break Their Piggy Banks, Donate Rs 10,000 To COVID Fund
Two sisters, aged 6 and 10, broke their piggy banks and donated their savings to help those hit by the lockdown imposed to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
Maysha Arora (6) and Alia Arora (10), daughters of businessman Gaurav Arora and students of La Martiniere Girls' College in Lucknow, have contributed Rs 5,000 each which they had saved over a period of time.
Maysha said they were inspired by their grandfather Kulbhushan Arora, who is the president of the Bahraich Udyog Vyapar Mandal, to donate their savings and help the needy.
District Magistrate Shambhu Kumar too lauded the girls' contribution and said they have set an example by donating their small savings.
"In these difficult times, the young children have opened the locks of their treasure and have contributed their small savings to the Prime Minister's relief fund. By doing so, they have proved that age has nothing to do with compassion," Mr Kumar said, reported PTI.
Coronavirus News: 259 Markaz Attendees Test Positive For Coronavirus In Delhi, Says Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addressed the media with details of cornavirus cases in the national capital. He said, out of the total 384 cases in the city, 58 have a history of foreign travel. These 58 had further infected 38 people when they came in contact.
259 people who were taken out from the Nizamuddin Markaz have tested positive, the chief minsiter said.
"With all our efforts - the efforts of the centre, state and the citizens of Delhi - we have stopped the spread inside Delhi. So far, 5 people have died with one death in the last 24 hours. The man who died yesterday was from the Markaz," Mr Kejriwal said.
"Two patients are on ventilator and they are a little critical. All others are stable. There's no reason to worry. But we need to follow social distancing and lockdown. And, if god forbid, the virus spreads and there is an increase in the number of cases in the city, we are ready, he said.
"71 lakh people with ration-card are being given 7.5 kg ration for free. 60% of them have already received. We will also give free ration to those without a ration-card," Mr Kejriwal said.
8 lakh senior citizens, widows and people with disbilities have been given Rs 5,000 in their accounts. We will credit an additional Rs 5,000 in the next few days. Auto, E-Rickshaw, taxi, RTV drivers will also be given Rs 5,000 each, the chief minister said.
1,780 centres across Delhi have been set up to provide lunch and dinner. 6,52,850 people were served lunch yesterday and 6,30,000 were served dinner. There is provision for 10 lakh people per day.
328 places have been set up across the city for the homeless - including migrants who wanted to leave the city. These places can accommodate 57,270 people but only 11,443 are currently staying.
The chief minsiter further said that there are almost 44 lakh students in schools across Delhi who are currently at home. They have questions about the current situation. He, along with Manish Sisodia and a panel of experts, will speak to the children and parents at 3pm on Saturday in a programme named "Parenting In Times Of Corona".
Coronavirus News: Local Firms To Manufacture Protective Gear, N-95 Masks, Low-Cost Ventilators In Punjab
Several companies in Punjab have come forward to manufacture protective gear and low cost-ventilators for medical professionals and patients to combat the contagious coronavirus.
More than 20 companies including technical textile makers in Punjab are in the process of developing and producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bodysuits, N-95 masks, three ply masks and low-cost ventilators, officials said.
At least three companies have even managed to secure necessary approvals for producing PPE body suits from the SITRA (South India Textile Research Association), Coimbatore and several others are in the process of sending their samples for nod, they said.
"Three companies - JCT Mills, Phagwara; Evershine, Ludhiana and Navyug Laminates, Ludhiana have got approvals for making PPE suits and a few others have got their samples ready for testing," Punjab Additional Chief Secretary (Industry & Commerce) Vini Mahajan told PTI on Friday.
The state industry department is actively engaged with industry players for extending all help including arranging low-cost finance to them for making life saving products in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus News: 166 Cases In Rajasthan
The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the state reached 166, Rajasthan Health Department said on Friday, reported ANI.
The latest tally includes 21 evacuees at Army camps in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, 29 Tableeghi Jamaat attendees and 2 Italians who tested positive for coronavirus. The highest number of cases in the state were reported from Jaipur where 53 people tested COVID-19 positive.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare earlier today informed that there are 2,301 cases in the country and 56 deaths.
Coronavirus News: Palghar, Near Mumbai, Reports 2nd Coronavirus Death
The COVID-19 death toll in Palghar district near Mumbai rose to two after a patient died late Thursday night, officials said.
The district, part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, has 11 positive cases of novel coronavirus while the reports of 109 samples sent for testing are awaited, said a release from the Palghar district administration, reported PTI.
Close contacts of COVID-19 patients who have been quarantined stood at 111, it said.
406 people have completed their 14-day observation period, the release said.
Coronavirus News: 2 COVID Hospitals In Delhi To Shut Out-Patient Department From April 4
The Out-Patient Department (OPD) services at the LNJP Hospital and the GB Pant Hospital in Delhi will be closed from April 4, the state government authorities said on Friday.
Both these hospitals are among the five facilities in Delhi designated for treatment of COVID-19 patients, reported ANI.
The decision was taken during a meeting held on Thursday by the Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
It was decided that OPD services at the LNJP and GB Pant hospitals will be closed, the order issued on Friday said. The order will come into effect from April 4, it said.
Coronavirus News: Cuttack Stops Essential Services For 48 Hours After Man Tests Positive
Odisha reported its sixth COVID-19 positive case from Cuttack, Odisha Health Department said. The man had recently travelled to Delhi, they said.
"In view of the fact that one resident of Cuttack has been found positive for COVID-19, Cuttack city is also being included under the complete lockdown for 48 hours from 8 PM from today till 8 PM of Sunday, along with Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak," said Asit Tripathy, Odisha Chief Secretary, reported ANI.
"Grocery and other essential services will not be allowed for these 48 hours starting from 8pm tonight in these towns. Currently issued passes will not be valid for these 48 hours," said DGP Abhay.
The lockdown period will be used for aggressive contact tracing of the patient, he added.
Coronavirus News: No New Cases Reported From Gautam Buddh Nagar In Last 48 Hours
No new case has been reported from Gautam Buddh Nagar of Uttar Pradesh over the last two days, said Suhas LY, District Magistrate (DM) of Gautam Buddh Nagar.
So far, the district has recorded 48 cases, out of which six have recovered.
"No positive COVID-19 cases reported in Gautam Buddh Nagar in the last 24 hours. A total number of cases in Gautam Buddh Nagar is 48 till now, of which 6 have been cured and discharged," the DM said while speaking to ANI.
The total number of coronavirus positive cases has risen to 2,301 in India on Friday and 56 have died.
Coronavirus News: Delhi Sanitises City Areas With Drones To Curb Spread Of Coronavirus
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi conducted a sanitisation drive in the city's Narela area with the help of drones on Friday, reported ANI.
Sanitisation drives and various other initiatives have been organised by the government in order to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Today is the 10th day of the 21-day lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 as a precautionary measure against the spread of the deadly virus.
He had appealed to all Indian citizens to stay inside their homes and maintain social distancing. He also asked all people to take necessary precautions in order to stay safe.
Coronavirus New: 8 New Cases In Haryana
Eight more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Haryana on Friday. Out of the eight new cases, five are from Gurugram while the rest are from Nuh.
The Haryana State Department said that these eight new cases take the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the state to 43, including 13 cured or discharged cases, reported ANI.
The total number of COVID-19 positive cases on Friday rose to 2,301 in India.
Coronavirus News: Karanataka Mosques Urge People To Offer Friday Prayers At Home
Messages were put up outside mosques in Bengaluru requesting people to offer Friday prayers at home during the lockdown.
In light of the coronavirus outbreak, several Muslim organisations and mosques across various states have temporarily halted the congregational prayers.
The usually bustling Jama Masjid area, today, wore a deserted look, reported ANI.
Coronavirus cases rise to 43 in Haryana
Cases of coronavirus rose to 43 in Haryana on Friday, with Nuh and Gurugram being among the districts to report fresh cases, officials said. As per the Health Department''s bulletin, three persons who reported COVID-19 positive are natives of Kerala while two others who tested positive in Gurugram hail from Maharashtra. One more person who tested positive in Gurugram belongs to Uttar Pradesh. Addressing media via a digital link, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajiv Arora said, "Total number of positive cases as of Friday morning was 43. Out of a total number of positive cases, 13 have been discharged". Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Vijai Vardhan and DGP Manoj Yadava were also present. "Among the 30 active cases, six are from Gurugram, five from Faridabad, three from Ambala, one from Hisar, three from Nuh, three from Palwal, two from Panipat, two from Panchkula, one from Rohtak, three from Sirsa and one from Sonipat," he said. Haryana recorded its first COVID-19 death on Thursday when a 67-year-old man from Ambala, who as per doctors had multiple underlying health conditions, passed away at the PGIMER. Arora detailed the steps which the health department is taking to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state. "We have already set up a round-the-clock helpline cum control room which has been attached with telemedicine services for people who are not able to avail of services of doctors," Arora said. He said in the government sector, one laboratory is functional at PGIMS at Rohtak and another one in Sonipat. "We are also in the process of setting up labs in Nuh, Hisar, Karnal, Rohtak, and Panchkula," he said and added that the government has already given permission to five private laboratories in Gurugram for testing. The state, he said, has 7,346 isolation beds for COVID patients.
COVID-19: ECoR to convert 261 coaches into quarantine facilities
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) will convert 261 coaches to serve as isolation and quarantine facilities to help fight COVID-19 pandemic, a senior official said. This conversion work is being carried out at different coaching depots and workshops situated across ECoR jurisdiction, the official said. Apart from the transportation of essential commodities, supplying food to the needy, manufacturing of masks and sanitizers, ECoR has started converting its coaches into isolation/quarantine facilities. While the Mancheswar workshop in Bhubaneswar is doing conversion of 51 coaches, the coaching depot at Puri will convert 39 coaches. Similarly, the depot in Bhubaneswar will undertake the conversion of 46 coaches, while 32 coaches will be converted
in Sambalpur, 60 in Vishakhapatnam and 33 at Khurda Road station, an ECoR statement said.
Singapore sets new closures to curb virus spread
Singapore will close schools and most workplaces for a month, as it moves to curb the increase of COVID-19 transmissions in the country. Most workplaces, except for essential services and key economic sectors, will be closed from next Tuesday, and schools will be closed from Wednesday. Essential services such as food establishments, markets and supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, utilities, transport and banking services will remain open. "Looking at the trend, I am worried that unless we take further steps, things will gradually get worse, or another big cluster may push things over the edge," said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Lee urged residents to stay home and only leave to buy essential items. The country has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks and has routinely reported more than 50 new cases daily. As of Thursday, Singapore had 1,049 cases and five deaths. Singapore has also reversed its recommendations that people should wear masks only if they are feeling unwell. "We will no longer discourage people from masks. Wearing a mask may help to protect others in case you have the virus but don''t know it," said Lee. The Singapore government will distribute reusable masks to all households from this Sunday for "some added protection", Lee said.
Will publicise notification to control prices of masks and sanitizers, Centre tells Top Court
The Centre told the Supreme Court on Friday that it would publicise helpline numbers for effective implementation of its notification meant to control prices of face masks and sanitizers amid the coronavirus pandemic The top court, through video conferencing, was hearing the plea of NGO ''Justice For Rights Foundation'' and others seeking direction to ensure fair and equitable distribution of masks and also the sale and distribution of hand sanitizers and liquid soap among the public to deal with the pandemic, also called COVID-19. A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and Deepak Gupta, which had earlier issued notices to the Centre and the Delhi government on the PIL, was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the Centre is looking into the matter and will publish and publicize helpline numbers for effective implementation of its notification to control prices of said masks and sanitizers. Lawyer Amit Kumar Sharma, appearing for the NGO, has sought the court''s intervention to ensure that sale of masks and sanitizers take place at controlled and prescribed price. The NGO said though steps have been taken, their implementation has not been timely and effective and the same is required to be done for controlling the spread of this pandemic. It also said government officials including policemen be advised to take immediate and strict action in this regard of black-marketing and hoarding of masks and sanitizers.
One more tests positive for coronavirus in Karnataka
One new positive case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the total number of the affected in the state to 125, the Health Department said on Friday. "One new case has reported from since last evening to this morning... till date 125 COVID-19 positive cases have
been confirmed. This includes 3 deaths and 11 discharges," the department said in its midday situation update. The only case reported since last evening is a 75-year- old man, who is a resident of Bagalkote. A detailed investigation is underway to ascertain how he got infected, the department said adding the case was isolated in a designated hospital in Bagalkote. The department has also appealed to any person who has attended Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz Masjid in New Delhi, to kindly contact 080-29711171 Arogya Sayavaani.
First coronavirus death confirmed in Andhra Pradesh
Days after a 55-year-old man died in a government hospital in Vijayawada, the Andhra Pradesh government on Friday confirmed that coronavirus was the cause of the death. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the state, where a total number of positive cases rose to 161, out of which three have recovered. The man contracted the disease from his son, who returned from New Delhi after attending the Tablighi Jamaat congregation on March 17. "The man came to the government hospital at 11.30 am on March 30 for a health checkup. His blood swab was sent for examination and in the meantime, he died around 12.30 pm. He was suffering from hypertension and cardiac problems besides being diabetic.
UNGA adopts resolution calling for global solidarity, cooperation to fight COVID-19
The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by 188 nations including India, on COVID-19, calling for intensified international cooperation to defeat the pandemic that is causing "severe disruption to societies and economies." The resolution titled 'Global solidarity to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)'' was the first such document on the global pandemic to be adopted by the world organisation. The UN Security Council is yet to discuss the coronavirus outbreak, even as the total number of coronavirus cases across the world crossed one million. The resolution said the 193-member General Assembly notes "with great concern" the threat to human health, safety and well-being caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which continues to spread globally. It recognises the "unprecedented effects of the pandemic, including the severe disruption to societies and economies, as well as to global travel and commerce, and the devastating impact on the livelihood of people." The resolution called for "intensified international cooperation to contain, mitigate and defeat the pandemic, including by exchanging information, scientific knowledge and best practices and by applying the relevant guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization."
Arvind Kejriwal holds video conference meeting with party MLAs
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday held a meeting via video conference with all party MLAs to discuss the relief work carried out by them in their respective assemblies in view of the coronavirus outbreak. Arvind Kejriwal was joined by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain in addressing the party MLAs. AAP has 62 MLAs in the 70-seat assembly. "The chief minister has asked all MLAs about the progress of all the relief work going on in their areas and how effectively the relief work is being done," Rajinder Nagar MLA Raghav Chadha told PTI. He also said that all MLAs have been told ways to further improve. "The MLAs also shared their experiences. They clarified their doubts. The CM has explained all the schemes (related to relief work) of the Delhi government in detail to them and about its implementation. They were also told what all needs to be done and how it could be done," Chadha said. The number of coronavirus cases climbed to nearly 300 in the national capital on Thursday, with 141 fresh cases and two deaths reported in a day, according to the Delhi Health Department.
21 case in Dwarka for home-quarantine violations
Twenty-one FIRs have been registered against people in Dwarka for flouting home-quarantine rules, police said on Friday. The violators have been booked under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3 of Epidemic Diseases Act, they said. Delhi's Dwarka district has strictly enforced the home-quarantine guidelines during the ongoing lockdown for public safety and health, a senior police official said. It is ensured through regular surveillance by way of physical verification and technical monitoring, he said.
China to observe April 4 as mourning day for coronavirus victims
China will observe a national day of mourning on Saturday for martyrs, including the "whistleblower" Dr Li Wenliang, who sacrificed their lives in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak and the over 3,300 people who died of the infection in the country. During the commemoration, national flags will fly at half-mast across the country and in all Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, and public recreational activities will be suspended across the country, official media reported on Friday. At 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Chinese people nationwide will observe three minutes of silence to mourn the deceased, while air raid sirens and horns of automobiles, trains and ships will wail in grief. Fourteen frontline workers in Central China''s Hubei Province, including "whistleblower" Dr Li Wenliang, were identified as martyrs on Thursday for sacrificing their lives in combating the COVID-19 outbreak. The first group of martyrs includes 12 medics, one police officer and one community worker who fought on the frontlines. According to the list, eight martyrs were members of the Communist Party of China. The oldest one was a 73-year-old while the youngest was 30 years old. Li Wenliang, 34, an ophthalmologist was one of the eight "whistleblowers" who tried to warn other medical workers of the novel coronavirus outbreak but was reprimanded by the local police. He died on February 7 after contracting COVID-19.
PM Modi's ''light up lamps'' message disappointing, says NCP
The NCP on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his message asking people to light up lamps to exhibit collective spirit to defeat coronavirus, saying it left citizens quite disappointed. Maharashtra minister and NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik said it was expected Modi would speak about measures being taken to combat COVID 19, but people were instead told to light up lamps. People were left quite disappointed after Modi jis speech delivered at 9 AM (on Friday), the Minority Affairs Minister said. People were expecting he would talk about what measures the Centre has taken for combating the COVID-19 the outbreak, steps being taken to give relief to the affected people. But were instead told to light up lamps, he added. In his 9 AM video message to the nation, the prime minister urged people to switch off lights of their homes at 9 pm for nine minutes on April 5 and light up lamps, candles and mobile flashlights to display the nation's collective spirit to defeat coronavirus.
State Police Personnel have been deployed at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, following the incident of 1st April when some patients in the coronavirus isolation ward allegedly attacked doctors.
PM holds meeting with 40 sportspersons including Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a meeting via video conference with 40 elite sportspersons of the country including Indian captain Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Mary Kom on the ongoing situation in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first time that the PM has interacted with sports personalities since the 21-day lockdown was enforced on March 24 to contain the spread of the virus.
IAS officer among nine test positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh
An IAS officer is among nine persons who have tested positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh since Thursday night, taking the state''s tally to 120, a senior health official said on Friday. The 2011-batch IAS officer is posted in the health department in Bhopal and has a history of travelling outside Madhya Pradesh in recent times, he said. He developed symptoms similar to those found in COVID-19 patients and was tested for the viral infection, the official said. His first report came positive, the official confirmed but added, "We are waiting for his second test report." Among the other new cases, seven were reported from Indore and one from Chhindwara.
Google to publish user location data to help government tackle virus
Google will publish location data from its users around the world from Friday to allow governments to gauge the effectiveness of social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the tech giant said. The reports on users'' movements in 131 countries will be made available on a special website and will "chart movement trends over time by geography," according to a post on one of the company's blogs. Trends will display "a percentage point increase or decrease in visits" to locations like parks, shops, homes and places of work, not "the absolute number of visits," said the post, signed by Jen Fitzpatrick, who leads Google Maps, and the company's chief health officer Karen DeSalvo. "We hope these reports will help support decisions about how to manage the COVID-19 pandemic," they said. "This information could help officials understand changes in essential trips that can shape recommendations on business hours or inform delivery service offerings." Like the detection of traffic jams or the measurement of traffic on Google Maps, the new reports will use "aggregated, anonymised" data from users who have activated their location history. No "personally identifiable information," such as a person's location, contacts or movements, will be made available, the post said.
2 minors among 7 test coronavirus positive in Gujarat
Seven more persons, two of them minors, have tested positive for coronavirus in Gujarat, taking the number of infections in the state to 95, said officials on Friday. All the new cases, recorded during the last 24 hours, were reported from Ahmedabad. They included a seven-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, said Jayanti Ravi, Principal Secretary, Health. She said out of the 1,944 tests for coronavirus conducted so far, 95 came positive, 1,847 came negative while two results were pending.
COVID-19: Maids barred entry at Mumbai's housing societies
The COVID-19 lockdown has thrown the daily routines of Mumbaikars out of gear, with many housing colonies and residential complexes restricting entry to maids and domestic help. A 65-year-old house helps testing positive for COVID-19 last week could have triggered the move to bar entry to maids in housing complexes. The domestic help had reportedly worked at the home of a man, who tested positive for the infection 10 days after his return from the United States. "After the outbreak and lockdown, housing societies, bungalows, and even chawls have restricted entry to maids," said Manisha Khot, a domestic help from Santacruz. While some employers have paid their house staff salaries in advance, others like Khot don't have money to buy essentials to survive the lockdown.
COVID-19 cases rise to 134 in UP
The number of COVID-19 cases has risen to 134 in Uttar Pradesh with a total of eight fresh cases reported in Agra and Jaunpur, officials said on Friday. While six cases were found to be positive in Agra, two positive cases were found in Jaunpur, they said. "Six more COVID-19 positive cases have found here. The total number of cases in the district are 18 now," Agra District Magistrate Prabhu Narain Singh said. "Two more case have been found to be coronavirus positive in Jaunpur. Now the total positive cases in the district are three," Jaunpur District Magistrate Dinesh Kumar Singh said. The two fresh cases are of those who attended the Tablighi Jamat congregation in New Delhi, he said. According to officials, the district-wise tally of coronavirus cases in UP is Gautambudh Nagar, 48, Meerut, 24, Agra, 18, Lucknow, 10, Ghaziabad, 9, Bareilly, 6, Bulandshahr and Jaunpur, 3 each, Basti, Varanasi, and Pilibhit (2 each), Ghazipur, Hapur, Baghpat, Shamli, Moradabad, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri (1 each). Of these 134 cases, 17 have been fully cured and discharged while two have died -- one each in Meerut and Basti.
COVID-19: SBI warns employees of action over social media posts against bank
The State Bank of India has warned its employees against posting content on social media that is critical of the country's largest lender over its functioning in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. In a recent letter to chief general managers of all circles, SBI also said action will be taken against employees who take to social media platforms to write messages disparaging the bank, its management and policies, sources said on Friday. "We have seen a spurt in social media posts pertaining to the functioning of the bank''s branches and offices... There have been many such posts critical of the bank not closing down operations in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, little appreciating the role of the bank at such a critical time," the sources said, quoting a circular.
Scott Morrison warns Australians not to travel during Easter holidays as COVID19 cases cross 5,300
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday warned Australians not to travel during Easter and follow social distancing policies to contain the spread of the coronavirus that has killed 28 people and infected over 5,300 others in the country. The number of known COVID-19 cases has reached one million worldwide and more than 51,000 deaths have been reported across more than 175 countries and territories, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally. There are 5,315 known infections in Australia, with 2,389 in New South Wales (NSW). The death toll stands at 28, after the death of a Victorian man in his 80s, a 74-year-old woman from Albury in NSW, a German passenger from the Artania cruise ship and a Wollongong man who was a passenger on the Ovation of the Seas, health authorities said.
First COVID-19 positive patient in Odisha recovers
The first COVID-19 positive case in Odisha, belonging to Bhubaneswar has recovered and tested negative, said State Health Department. The patient is being discharged. There are three active cases of coronavirus in the State now. Meanwhile, the Odisha government has set up two COVID-19 dedicated hospitals in the state with a total capacity of 650 beds. These hospitals, both named as Odisha COVID Hospital, are set up in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack with 500 and 150-bed capacity respectively. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases on Friday rose to 2,301 in India, including 156 cured/discharged, 56 deaths and one migrated, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
A meeting of Group of Ministers (GoM) on coronavirus underway at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's residence. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other Ministers also present.
12 more test positive in Andhra Pradesh
Coronavirus cases shot up further in Andhra Pradesh by 12 overnight, touching an overall 161, while the third COVID-19 patient in Kakinada recovered on Friday. SPS Nellore district is turning out to be the hotbed with the number of cases climbing to 32, adding eight overnight. SPS Nellore district saw the fastest spread of COVID-19 from three to 32 in a span of just two days. Krishna district too witnessed a significant rise in Coronavirus cases to 23, with Vijayawada city alone reporting 18. Three major hotspots have been identified in the city where the prevalence of the disease was high and, accordingly, the authorities have clamped further restrictions on people's movement besides sanitising those areas.
Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, visited Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, today.
56 COVID-19 deaths in India, 2,301 cases with 336 reported in 24 hours
Fifty-six people have died after being infected by the novel coronavirus, the Union Health Ministry said today. Three of those deaths were reported in the past 24 hours. Across the country the number of confirmed cases is now 2,301, with 336 new cases detected in the past 24 hours. A total of 157 people have been discharged from hospitals after receiving treatment.
US coronavirus deaths hit new daily high of 1,169 in 24 hours: Report
The United States recorded 1,169 COVID-19 fatalities in the past 24 hours, the Johns Hopkins University tracker showed Thursday, the highest one-day death toll recorded in any country since the global pandemic began. The toll reflected figures reported by the university between 8:30 pm Wednesday (0030 GMT) and the same time Thursday. The grim record was previously held by Italy, where 969 people died on March 27. The US has now recorded 5,926 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Light up a candle at 9 pm on Sunday: PM Modi
We must all go through this darkness together... those who are most affected by this are the poor and marginalised. To overcome this darkness, we must all unite to spread the light... make this darkness of Coronavirus meet the light we all spread. On April 5, at 9 pm, turn off all the lights in your house and each person should stand with a candle or our mobile torch in our hands. By doing so, we will stand united... we will show that no one is alone in this... we are all one... we are all together in this. But the most important thing in all this is to do so within the confinement of our homes and balconies. No one should come out on the streets... At no point of time in this exercise should we come out on the streets.... maintaining social distancing is the most important thing to do? There is no force in the world that is greater than the human spirit. Come, let us all unite to defeat the Coronavirus. April 5 - At 9 pm - For 9 minutes - A gesture of unity and solidarity.
Lots of people must sit at home and think about how I can help sitting at home.... how many more days will I sit alone. I want to tell you all that nobody is alone in this... all of us are together in this: PM Modi to citizens.
PM Modi Begins Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his address by congratulating the people of India for their "unprecedented discipline" during the first ten days of the 21-day coronavirus lockdown. The lockdown against COVID-19 pandemic completes 9 days today... the way you all have come together in this time of crisis is commendable. The way Indians have shown how to stay indoors have inspired the entire world. What you all have done shows how we can all unite. Other nations too are following India.
PM Modi to share video message shortly
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted this morning that he would share a video message for the people of India shortly. "In a short while from now, at 9 AM, will be sharing a video message for the people of India. Do watch," PM Modi tweeted. PM Modi had first declared last evening that he would share a video message this morning but did not specify the subject.
One more coronavirus case confirmed in Mumbai's Dharavi
One more coronavirus case confirmed in Dharavi, Mumbai. A 35-year-old doctor has tested positive. His family has been put in quarantine, they will be tested today for Coronavirus. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation tracing his contacts. The building in Dharavi where he lives sealed by the BMC, news agency ANI quoted as saying.
UK Health Minister back after COVID-19 recovery
The UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who had been self-isolating after his COVID-19 diagnosis last week, returned to the frontline to address the daily Downing Street briefing on Thursday, during which he set out the government's strategy to boost testing for the deadly virus. Under a new step-by-step plan, the minister said the government's new goal is to have 100,000 COVID-19 tests a day by the end of April. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who continues to be in self-isolation after he tested positive for coronavirus last Friday, had posted a video message on Twitter pledging the government would "massively ramp up" testing because that would "unlock the coronavirus puzzle".
Global coronavirus cases top 1 million as pandemic spreads
The number of officially reported coronavirus cases worldwide topped the one million mark on Thursday, signifying a sharp acceleration in the number of infections and deaths over the past few weeks as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads exponentially.
Donald Trump tested negative for coronavirus
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has taken his second coronavirus test at the White House since the outbreak began and it was again found to be negative. "I just took it this morning," he told a news conference. "It said the president tested negative for COVID-19." This was Trump's second test. This time he used a new rapid method that he said took a minute to complete and barely 15 minutes to return a result.
Need plan for "staggered" movement of people after lockdown: PM to States
The centre and states must have a common plan to ensure staggered movement of people after the national lockdown ends, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday at a video-conference with Chief Ministers on coronavirus which, he remarked, was threatening our way of life. "It is important to formulate a common exit strategy to ensure staggered re-emergence of the population once the lockdown ends," PM Modi emphasised, according to a statement giving details of the interaction. He asked states to send their suggestions for such an exit strategy.
World Bank approves $1 billion emergency financing for India
The World Bank on Thursday approved USD 1-billion emergency financing for India to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed 53 lives and infected over 2,000 others in the country. The World Bank's first set of aid projects, amounting to USD 1.9 billion, will assist 25 countries, and new operations are moving forward in over 40 nations using the fast-track process, the bank said. The largest chunk of the emergency financial assistance has gone to India -- USD 1 billion.
Coronavirus cases cross 2,000 in India, 53 have died
The number of COVID-19 cases in the country crossed 2,000 today - with 235 fresh cases being detected within the last 24 hours. The total number of cases across the country is 2069. Of them, 53 people are dead. Much of the spike has come from the religious event held in Delhi last month. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed concern that the numbers may go further up as the countrywide contact tracing of the people who attended the event, progresses further.
PM Modi to share a video message at 9 am today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that he would share a video message on Friday morning, but did not specify. "At 9 AM tomorrow morning, I'll share a small video message with my fellow Indians," PM Modi tweeted in Hindi and English. Many believe his message could be related to the coronavirus crisis. The PM has addressed the nation twice since the pandemic became a cause for serious concern in India.