5 years ago
New Delhi:
The health ministry on Saturday said a positive trend was emerging with no positive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the 47 districts in the last 28 days. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reviewed the functioning of the control room and the situation prevailing in the country during the ongoing nationwide lockdown. He was also briefed about the supply chain of essential commodities. The meeting was also attended by his two junior ministers -- G Kishan Reddy and Nityanand Rai along with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla. The lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days -- till April 14 -- in a bid to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak. The lockdown was then further extended till May 3.
The number of coronavirus cases in India has climbed to 16,116 which includes 519 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases in India Highlights:
Jabalpur: SHO, 4 Guards Suspended After COVID-19 Patient Flees Hospital
After a COVID-19 patient fled from a hospital here on Sunday, Station House Officer (SHO) and four guards who were on duty have been suspended.
"The concerned Station House Officer and 4 guards who were on duty have been suspended. All aspects of the case are being investigated. We are putting all efforts from our side to nab the person and also request people to be alert and inform us," said Jabalpur District Magistrate Bharat Yadav, news agency ANI reported.
Andra Pradesh Doctors Set Record By Conducting 5,508 COVID-19 Tests Per Day
Doctors in Andhra Pradesh have set a record by conducting 5,508 COVID -19 tests per day, occupying the second place among states conducting maximum number of COVID-19 tests per million.
This was revealed at a review meeting held by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in Amaravati on Saturday on the progress of tests being taken up by the government for the containment of coronavirus.
"The doctors could achieve the record on Friday even without using the rapid test kits by completely concentrating on the tests," said an official, news agency ANI reported. Read here.
Keeping The Call Of Duty Above All, Pregnant Police Officer Enforces Lockdown In Raipur
Keeping the call of duty above all else in this hour of crisis, a woman police officer who is 7-months pregnant is standing firmly with her colleagues and subordinates for enforcing the lockdown.
Additional SP, IUCAW, Amrita Sori, set an example for the others who are battling COVID-19 pandemic.
"The health workers and the administration are frontline warriors who are working hard in this fight against COVID-19. The police administration is working with other authorities in enforcing the lockdown. Police personnel gets motivated when I stand with them at checkpoints. Senior and juniors police officers are very supportive," she told ANI.
#WATCH Karnataka: Ruckus erupted in Padarayanapura, allegedly over shifting of #COVID19 possibly infected persons to quarantine by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) officials. Police reached the spot and the situation was brought under control. (19.04.2020) pic.twitter.com/pluqa8Mxxj
- ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2020
Over 4 lakh Samples Tested For COVID-19: Top Medical Body ICMR
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Sunday informed that a total of 4,01,586 samples from 3,83,985 individuals have been tested for COVID-19 till April 19.
"Received 4,01,586 samples from 3,83,985 individuals have been tested as on 9 pm on Sunday," the IMCR said.
17,615 individuals confirmed positive among suspected cases and contacts of known positive cases.
The ICMR will conduct a study to identify the effectiveness of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine against COVID-19, as per the Union Health Ministry officials.It may be noted that it is administered against tuberculosis immediately after the birth of an infant, news agency ANI reported.
Delhi:Patients from different states who came to AIIMS for treatment are stranded,along with their relatives amid lockdown."I came on March 13&my operation was scheduled for March 30,but doctors deferred it till lockdown was lifted",one of the patients from Bihar,Jaiprakash said. pic.twitter.com/Bsxcqfl8OS
- ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2020
Bengal Imams Ask Muslims To Offer Namaz At Home During Ramadan
The organisation of imams in West Bengal on Sunday urged Muslims to offer namaz at home during the month of Ramadan, beginning next week, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Please don't gather at the local mosque to offer namaz in the month-long Ramadan period, instead perform namaz at home, follow the government's instructions till the lockdown continues," the head of Bengal Imams Association, Mohammad Yahiya, said in a statement.
At the mosque, not more than five people, including the imam, can offer namaz, he said.
The statement also said those who wish to extend financial help to the needy sitting outside mosques during the Ramadan month should deposit the money to the mosque committee, which will distribute the amount among the poor, news agency PTI reported.
One-And-A-Half Month Old Baby Dies Of COVID-19 At Delhi Hospital
A one-and-a-half-month-old baby has died of coronavirus infection at a hospital in Delhi, making him the country's youngest victim of the deadly disease.
This is also perhaps the first fatality of an infant due to COVID-19 in the national capital.
The baby died at Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital attached to Centre-run Lady Hardinge Medical College on Saturday morning, officials said.
"The baby was brought to the hospital a few days ago. He had tested positive for COVID-19. The child was admitted in SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Illness) ward and died yesterday morning," a doctor at the hospital said on the condition of anonymity, news agency PTI reported. Read here.
US coronavirus deaths top 40,000, news agency AFP reported quoting Johns Hopkins University
4 new COVID-19 positive cases from Kashmir- 3 from Bandipora, 1 from Baramulla. Total positive cases now stand at 354 (55 in Jammu and 299 in Kashmir): Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary (Planning), Jammu & Kashmir Government.
Lockdown: Mumbai Civic Body To Allow Certain Public Works From Today
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a fresh set of directives as per which, it will give relaxation from Monday to carry out certain public works during the lockdown, including filling of potholes on roads and laying of water supply lines.
In the directives issued on Sunday, the civic body said that arrangements will be made in each ward office to issue passes for movement of staff and contractual labour for operation of railways, airport, ships and land ports, among other things, from Monday.
It, however, also made it clear that no one will be allowed to move in and out of the COVID-19 containment zones declared within the city, news agency PTI reported.
Timely Action By Assam Government On COVID-19 Instilled Confidence Among People: Sarbananda Sonowal
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday said that timely and swift action taken by the state's health department has instilled a sense of belief and confidence among the people in the fight against coronavirus.
Mr Sonowal also hailed the role of Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Minister of State for Health Pijush Hazarika in combating the spread of the disease.
"The health department has shown exemplary performance by setting up infrastructure, arranging logistics among other measures in a record time...," he said.
Mr Sonowal later told reporters that the government is concerned about people from Assam stuck in different states of the country and abroad, and has taken several steps to mitigate their difficulties.
"I have talked to the chief ministers of different states and requested them to provide food and medical facilities to people from the state stranded in those places due to the lockdown," he said, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: Uttar Pradesh becomes first state to geotag community kitchens
Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in the country to geotag its 7,368 community kitchens and community shelters across 75 districts which produce 12 lakh food packets a day, a senior official.
The state government has also tied up with Google to ''Geo-map'' the locations of all these establishments on the Google Maps app for ease of beneficiaries, PTI reported.
Coronavirus update: As New York ramps up coronavirus testing, governors tell Trump it's too soon to reopen America
Governors in US states hardest hit by the novel coronavirus sparred with President Donald Trump over his claims they have enough tests and should quickly reopen their economies as more protests are planned over the extension of stay-at-home orders.
New York continued to see hospitalizations decline to 16,000 from a high of 18,000, and the number of patients being kept alive by ventilators also fell.
There were 507 new deaths, down from a high of more than 700 a day, Reuters reported.
COVID-19 news: 3,800 vehicles challaned in Ghaziabad for violating lockdown
As many as 3,800 vehicles were challaned and 117 impounded in Ghaziabad for violating lockdown norms, an official said. Senior Superintendent of Police Kalanidhi Naithani said Rs 80,000 has been collected by police after imposing challans or fines on 3,800 vehicles, PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: Zimbabwe extends COVID-19 lockdown by two weeks
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday extended by two weeks a lockdown imposed on March 30 to curb the spread of COVID-19 which has killed three in the country, AFP reported.
Coronavirus news: One-and-a-half-month-old baby dies of coronavirus in Delhi hospital
A one-and-a-half-month-old baby boy in Delhi has died of coronavirus becoming the country's youngest victim of the infection which also affected a 12-day-old infant girl in Bhopal, as COVID-19 cases jumped by over one thousand for the sixth straight day on Sunday prompting authorities to scale up rapid antibody based blood tests, according to PTI.
Coronavirus News: Andhra Pradesh Doctors Conduct 5508 COVID-19 Tests Per Day, Sets Record
Doctors in Andhra Pradesh have set a record by conducting 5,508 COVID -19 tests per day, occupying the second place among states conducting maximum number of COVID-19 tests per million.
This was revealed at a review meeting held by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said in Amaravati on Saturday on the progress of tests being taken up by the government for the containment of coronavirus.
"The doctors could achieve the record on Friday even without using the rapid test kits by completely concentrating on the tests," said an official, ANI reported.
Doctors in Andhra Pradesh have set a record by conducting 5,508 COVID -19 tests per day, occupying the second place among states conducting maximum number of COVID-19 tests per million.
This was revealed at a review meeting held by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said in Amaravati on Saturday on the progress of tests being taken up by the government for the containment of coronavirus.
"The doctors could achieve the record on Friday even without using the rapid test kits by completely concentrating on the tests," said an official, ANI reported.
Coronavirus News: Nearly 4 Lakh COVID-19 Tests Conducted In India: Top Medical Body ICMR
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) today said that a total of 3,86,791 COVID-19 tests have been conducted so far in the country.
Out of these tests, over 37,000 tests were conducted on April 18 out of which 29,287 tests were done in the labs of the ICMR network.
During a press briefing here, Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, head scientist of ICMR, said: "We have done 3,86,791 tests so far. Yesterday 37,173 tests were done, out of which 29,287 tests were done in the labs of the ICMR network. 7,886 tests were conducted in private sector labs," PTI reported.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) today said that a total of 3,86,791 COVID-19 tests have been conducted so far in the country.
Out of these tests, over 37,000 tests were conducted on April 18 out of which 29,287 tests were done in the labs of the ICMR network.
During a press briefing here, Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, head scientist of ICMR, said: "We have done 3,86,791 tests so far. Yesterday 37,173 tests were done, out of which 29,287 tests were done in the labs of the ICMR network. 7,886 tests were conducted in private sector labs," PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: Inquiry Ordered After Migrant Worker Dies In Uttarakhand Relief Camp
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the death of a migrant worker at a relief camp in Uttarakhand's Roorkee, an official said today.
The victim's family in Aligarh alleged that Netrapal, 42, died as he had stopped eating because he was given barely boiled rice which he was unable to eat. AICC secretary Vivek Bansal, in a letter to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, called for urgent financial assistance to the man's family PTI reported.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the death of a migrant worker at a relief camp in Uttarakhand's Roorkee, an official said today.
The victim's family in Aligarh alleged that Netrapal, 42, died as he had stopped eating because he was given barely boiled rice which he was unable to eat. AICC secretary Vivek Bansal, in a letter to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, called for urgent financial assistance to the man's family PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: Continue Testing Asymptomatic People For COVID-19: Devendra Fadnavis Tells Uddhav Thackeray
Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis today questioned Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on the decision to stop testing of asymptomatic coronavirus patients, as 63 per cent fall in this category.
Mr Fadnavis, leader of opposition in the state Assembly and former chief minister, wrote to Thackeray and expressed concern over the way the state was tackling the outbreak.
"Despite the fact that 63 per cent COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic, the BMC, on April 15, decided to discontinue testing those who are asymptomatic," he said, PTI reported.
Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis today questioned Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on the decision to stop testing of asymptomatic coronavirus patients, as 63 per cent fall in this category.
Mr Fadnavis, leader of opposition in the state Assembly and former chief minister, wrote to Thackeray and expressed concern over the way the state was tackling the outbreak.
"Despite the fact that 63 per cent COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic, the BMC, on April 15, decided to discontinue testing those who are asymptomatic," he said, PTI reported.
Coronavirus: Naveen Patnaik assures safe return of Odias stranded in other states
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday said steps will be taken by his government for the safe return of lakhs of Odias stranded across the country due to the nationwide lockdown, after restrictions are withdrawn, PTI reported.
COVID-19 news: Delhi lawyer offers property to be used for quarantine centre for doctors, nurses
A noted lawyer of the Delhi High Court has offered his property in the posh Nizamuddin area to be used as a quarantine centre for doctors and medical professionals in the forefront of the COVID-19 fight, PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: 38 Patients From Same Place In Third-Biggest COVID-19 Hotspot In Delhi
The third-biggest COVID-19 hotspot in Delhi has been found in the southern end of the national capital, with 38 residents testing positive.
The first three people who tested positive in Tughlakabad Extension in south Delhi include a grocer, officials said, adding they are tracing everyone who could have come in contact with him.
COVID-19 data in India improving with each passing day: Harsh Vardhan
During his visit to Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital on Sunday, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the data of the coronavirus is "improving" with each passing day, ANI reported.
Coronavirus update: India's curing rate has gone up to 14.1 per cent
"Our curing rate has gone up to 14.1 per cent," Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry said.
Coronavirus India News: 1334 new cases and 27 deaths have been reported in last 24 hours
"1334 new COVID19 cases and 27 deaths have been reported in last 24 hours, taking total cases to 15712 and deaths to 507 in India. No new case reported in Mahe in Puducherry and Karnataka's Kodagu in the last 28 days," said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry.
COVID-19 news: Spain sees sharp drop in daily virus death count
Spain has registered a sharp drop in the daily death count from coronavirus, with the number falling to 410 from 565.
COVID-19 news: 32 more prisoners released in J&K
Thirty-two prisoners, including 16 arrested under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA), were released to decongest jails across Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, officials said on Sunday.
A total of 236 prisoners have been released this month by the Jammu and Kashmir administration on the directions of the Supreme Court, PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces Rs 50 lakh aid to family of Indore Police Inspector who died of COVID-19
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday paid tribute to Police Inspector Devendra Kumar who died of COVID-19 the previous day and announced Rs 50 lakh as financial aid to the police officer's family, ANI reported.
COVID-19 news: 228 more COVID-19 cases in Gujarat
228 more COVID-19 cases were reported from Gujarat, taking the number of coronavirus positive cases in the state to 1,604 on Sunday, ANI reported.
Delhi Civic Body To Impose Rs 1,000 Fine For Spitting, Urinating In Public
Those found spitting or urinating in public in the areas under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will have to pay Rs 1,000 fine, the civic body said, aiming to contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
The order comes in compliance with a three-day old directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which made spitting in public spaces a punishable offence.
Coronavirus - Amid Lockdown, What Opens Tomorrow, What Won't. See Complete List
The government has revised the list of economic activities and services to be allowed from Monday in parts of the country least affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak.
As per a Home Ministry order released today, the supply of non-essential goods by e-commerce companies has now been prohibited during the lockdown period. The supply of such goods - like mobile phones, laptops, television sets and refrigerators - had been permitted by the government last week.
Coronavirus News: Punjab Allows Sand Mining, Stone Crushing From April 20
Sand and gravel mining and stone crushing have been permitted as part of the construction-related activities in Punjab from Monday, according to the state home department.
Also in view of the new academic session, shops dealing in distribution of books to school and college students have also been allowed to operate, as per an official release here.
In view of approaching summer season, the sale of air-conditioners, air-coolers, fans and their repair shops have also been brought under ambit of essential goods or services and have been allowed to remain open and operate.
Coronavirus Updates: One-And-A-Half-Month-Old Baby Dies Of COVID-19 Infection In Delhi Hospital
A one-and-a-half-month-old baby has died of coronavirus infection at a hospital in Delhi, officials said on Sunday, in perhaps the first fatality of an infant due to COVID-19 in the national capital.
The baby died at Kalawati Saran Children''s Hospital attached to the Centre-run Lady Hardinge Medical College.
"The baby was brought to the hospital a few days ago. He tested positive for COVID-19. The child was admitted to SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Illness) ward and died yesterday," a doctor at the hospital said on the condition of anonymity.
Coronavirus Updates: 300 US Nationals Evacuated From Ludhiana, Board Special Flight Home From New Delhi
A total of 300 US nationals, who had been stuck in different parts of Punjab and had gathered in Ludhiana, left for their country on Saturday on a special flight from New Delhi arranged by the US embassy.
The US nationals were stranded here due to the countrywide lockdown imposed by the government to contain coronavirus.
JustIn| Mandatory 14-day quarantine being enforced for all personnel coming from outside any station, irrespective of rank: Defence Minister to PTI.
Special precautions being taken on ships, submarines where it is difficult to strictly follow social distancing norms: Defence Minister to PTI.
JustIn| Expertise of armed forces in communications, supply chain management, medical support and engineering being used: Rajnath Singh on COVID-19.
Government directed leading DPSUs to produce medical equipment like ventilators, masks, PPEs and other equipment: Defence Minister to PTI.
Three services are strictly adhering to instructions by PMO, Health Ministry and their own medical bodies: Defence Minister on COVID-19.
Armed forces taking steps like curtailing troop movement, restricting leave, enforcing work from home to check coronavirus: Rajnath Singh.
Coronavirus Updates: People Violate Social Distancing Norms At Nagpur Market Amid COVID-19 Lockdown
A large number of people gathered at a vegetable market in Nagpur to buy essential commodities without following social distancing norms amid the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.
Even though people were violating the social distancing norms, most of them were seen using masks and handkerchiefs to cover their faces.
JustIn| India is fighting COVID-19 crisis on war footing; all govt agencies working in close coordination: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to PTI.
COVID-19: Relief Flight Carrying Hydroxychloroquine From India To Reach Nepal On Tuesday
A special flight from India, carrying hydroxychloroquine and other medical equipment to combat COVID-19, will reach Nepal on Tuesday, according to sources within the Indian Embassy in Nepal.
"A consignment of medical assistance for Nepal to fight against COVID-19 pandemic will arrive in Kathmandu on Tuesday via a special flight. It will also include 2 lakhs capsules of hydroxychloroquine apart from other medical essentials," sources told ANI.
#Watch | "No relaxation of lockdown in Delhi, review after a week": Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. #CoronavirusOutbreakIndia pic.twitter.com/slJAqUUrxg
- NDTV (@ndtv) April 19, 2020
Coronavirus News: Government To Take Decision On Resuming Train, Airline Services, Any Discussion Futile, Says Union Minister Prakash Javadekar
Union minister Prakash Javadekar made it clear on Sunday that the central government has so far not taken any decision on starting train or airline services, asserting that any discussion on the issue is futile.
Asked if the government is looking at any timeline to start passenger transport services like trains or airlines, he told PTI, "It has to start one day but which is that one day you don't know at this moment. Discussion about it is futile because we are examining the situation every day and drawing new lessons."
Coronavirus Updates: Odisha Uses Rapid, Pool Tests To Detect COVID-19 Cases
With the Odisha capital being identified as one of the coronavirus hotspots in the country, the state government has stepped up its measures to fight the disease by adopting rapid and pool testing methods to detect COVID-19 cases, Health and Family Welfare Minister N K Das said on Sunday.
The rapid and pool tests will be conducted apart from regular sample tests, he said.
Coronavirus Pandemic: No Relaxation Of Lockdown In Delhi, Review After A Week, Says Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
The Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi has decided not to permit any relaxation of the lockdown, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today, adding that the situation would be reviewed again after a week. The nationwide lockdown, which began on March 25 to check the spread of the highly infectious novel coronavirus or COVID-19, was extended till May 3 earlier this week.
COVID-19: NDMC To Slap Rs 1,000 Fine For Spitting, Urinating In Public Places
Those found spitting or urinating in public in the areas under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will have to pay Rs 1,000 fine, the civic body said, aiming to contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
The order comes in compliance with a three-day old directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which made spitting in public spaces a punishable offence.
"In view to ensure strict compliance of directives to contain spread of coronavirus, it is directed that there shall be no spitting or urinating in public places. Persons responsible for violation shall be punished with a fine of Rs 1000," NMDC Secretary Amit Singla said.
India Sends Anti-Malarial Drug To UAE To Fight Coronavirus
India has agreed to send hydroxychloroquine tablets to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to be used for treating COVID-19 patients, the Gulf Arab state's embassy in New Delhi said.
Last month, the Centre put a ban on exports as sales soared to secure supplies for itself as US President Donald Trump touted the drug as a potential effective treatment for the deadly coronavirus. It said this month it would send supplies to some countries.
"The first shipment of medicine, currently on its way to the UAE, includes 5.5 million pills for treatment of patients with COVID-19," the embassy tweeted late on Saturday.
Railway Trackman Tests Positive For COVID-19 In Jharkhand
A railway trackman has tested positive for coronavirus in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, taking the total count in the state to 34, an official said on Sunday.
The total number of confirmed cases in the state includes two deaths, one each in Ranchi and Bokaro districts, he said.
Coronavirus Updates: Yogi Adityanath Reviews COVID-19 Situation In Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday chaired a meeting with senior officials of various departments to review the coronavirus situation in Uttar Pradesh.
"During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to ensure that workers of exempted industries maintain social distancing so that the purpose of the lockdown is not affected," an official statement said.
"The officials have been instructed to generate employment opportunities in villages for migrant labourers who are stuck in the state due to the lockdown," the statement further read.
The Chief Minister will be issuing orders to field officers through video conferencing at 5 pm on Sunday. "Every district has received stock of nutritious food. The Chief Minister has ordered doorstep delivery of food to houses with children and pregnant women," the statement read.
Change In E-Commerce Rules Again, Only Essentials To Be Delivered. Here's Why
The supply of non-essential goods by e-commerce companies like Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal will remain banned during the lockdown period, the Home Ministry said today, days after permitting the sale of mobile phones, refrigerators, clothes, television sets and laptops through e-commerce platforms.
Coronavirus Updates: WHO Thanks Shah Rukh Khan For Joining ''One World'' Concert
Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom on Sunday thanked Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for joining the star-studded virtual concert ''One World: Together At Home.''
"Thank you @iamsrk for standing in solidarity with @WHO & @GlblCtzn, & for joining the One world, #TogetherAtHome programme tonight. In solidarity, we can keep the world safe! #COVID19," he tweeted.
During the show, Mr Khan urged the viewers to take action to support the ones that are at risk by staying home.
Coronavirus Updates: 186 More COVID-19 Cases In Delhi, Government To Test 42,000 People In Week, State Health Minister
186 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Delhi on Saturday, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the city to 1,893, Satyendar Jain state Health Minister told ANI.
He said the Delhi government targets to examine 42,000 people for coronavirus in a week.
"There are a total of 1893 positive cases in Delhi including 186 cases from yesterday. We have got 42,000 rapid testing kits. A trial run is being done at LNJP hospital. Our target is to complete 42,000 tests within a week," he said.
Coronavirus Updates: Australia Calls For Independent Probe Into Global Virus Response
Australia on Sunday called for an independent investigation into the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, including the World Health Organization's handling of the crisis.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the country would "insist" on a review that would probe, in part, China's early response to the outbreak in Wuhan, the city where COVID-19 emerged late last year.
"We need to know the sorts of details that an independent review would identify for us about the genesis of the virus, about the approaches to dealing with it (and) addressing the openness with which information was shared," she told public broadcaster ABC.
JustIn| Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says no relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown for now
Coronavirus News: Hungry, Jobless Americans Turning To Food Banks To Survive Pandemic
American families slammed by the coronavirus pandemic are turning more and more to food banks to get by, waiting hours for donations in lines of cars stretching as far as the eye can see.
And with 22 million people out of work seemingly overnight as business after business closes under the Great Lockdown, these charities feeding hungry and scared people fear the day will come when they cannot cope with the tsunami of demand.
"Felt Safer In Hospital": Actress Zoa Morani On Defeating Coronavirus
Actress Zoa Morani who battled COVID-19 and was admitted to a Mumbai hospital has recovered now and is back home. She shared her experience of the hospital after testing positive for the novel coronavirus, her symptoms and the way the medical staff and the municipal authorities took extra care to make the patients comfortable.
"It started with a fever, and a weird kind of tiredness. I didn't give it any importance for two to three days, but then I developed a cough and chest congestion. It didn't feel like a normal flu, so I went to my doctor," Ms Morani told NDTV.
Trains, Flights Unlikely To Resume After May 3, Say Sources
Rail and air travel are unlikely to resume after May 3 as social distancing remains a concern in the fight against the highly infectious novel coronavirus or COVID-19, which has infected more than 15,000 people in India, killed more than 500, sources have told NDTV. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier this week extended the nationwide lockdown, which began on March 25 to check the spread of COVID-19, to May 3.
All the airlines have been told not to take bookings after May 3, sources said.
Trump Says Social Distancing Rules Should Be Same For Ramadan As Easter
US President Donald Trump said Saturday he hopes US Muslims will be held to the same social distancing standards during Ramadan as Christians at Easter, when a number of faithful chafed against coronavirus-related restrictions on large gatherings.
The US president made the comments after being asked to defend a retweet of a conservative commentator who seemed to question whether Muslims would be treated with the same severity as Christians who broke social distancing rules.
"I would say that there could be a difference," Trump said during his daily coronavirus press conference. "And we'll have to see what will happen. Because I've seen a great disparity in this country."
Coronavirus Updates: Ahmedabad's First COVID-19 Patient Cured, Discharged From Hospital
Niomi Shah, the first COVID-19 patient from Ahmedabad, was cured and discharged from hospital on Saturday after completely recovering and testing negative for novel coronavirus, twice.
"It's been a long journey, but I would like to thank everybody, from doctors to housekeeping staff, and support staff who has looked after me at the hospital," she said. Shah was admitted to the hospital on March 17 and took almost a month to recover from the infection.
"I request everyone to please stay inside your homes, I know people are complaining about boredom but I think all of us are very privileged that we don't have to worry about food and shelter," she added.India's tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 15,712, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday.
Coronavirus News: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Holds COVID-19 Review Meeting With Officials
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a review meeting with officials of various departments on the measures taken in wake of the situation arising out of the COVID-19 crisis.
The Chief Minister, during the meeting on Saturday, emphasised that practising social distancing during lockdown will help everyone stay safe, as per an official statement.
He also asked officials to ensure the availability of the treatment for other diseases, apart from coronavirus, at hospitals so people do not face difficulties.
JustIn| Supply of non-essential goods by E-Commerce companies to remain prohibited during lockdown : Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Coronavirus Updates: Doctors, Nurses, Toddler Tested Corona Positive In Delhi Hospital
Two doctors, six nurses and a 10-month-old baby at Delhi's Lady Hardinge Hospital have been tested positive for coronavirus, informed the hospital officials on Sunday.
The eight frontline healthcare workers have been quarantined, and their contact tracing is being done. The hospital authorities are holding a meeting for a containment plan, the officials added.
Coronavirus News: Spraying Of Disinfectant On People Physically, Psychologically Harmful, Says Health Ministry
The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory against spraying of disinfectant on people for COVID-19 management, saying it was physically and psychologically harmful.
Even if a person is potentially exposed to the COVID-19 virus, spraying the external part of the body does not kill the virus that has entered the body, it said, adding there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they are effective even in disinfecting the outer clothing/body in an effective manner.
Coronavirus India: Tripura Has Arranged 70 Beds For COVID-19 Cases, Says Minister
The Tripura government has readied 70 beds for COVID-19 patients in two hospitals here and would continue to ramp up its efforts against the pandemic, a state minister said.
Tripura has reported two COVID-19 cases so far. Of them one has recovered.
"We have made accommodation arrangements for 70 patients in Agartala. We do not want to take any risk," state law minister and cabinet spokesperson Ratan Lal Nath said.
Coronavirus News: Agartala Municipal Corporation Sanitises Streets Of City
In wake of coronavirus outbreak, Agartala Municipal Corporation has sanitised streets in the city by spraying disinfectants on Saturday.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as of 9:30 AM on Sunday, Tripura has reported two cases of coronavirus.
The total number of positive coronavirus cases across the country are 15,712, including 12,974 active cases of the virus. So far, 2,230 patients have either been cured or discharged while 507 deaths have been recorded in the country, as per data provided by the Ministry of Health.
Coronavirus India: Residents In Ranchi Slum Cheer Health Workers With Applause
Joining the fight against coronavirus, residents of Ranchi's Azad Basti welcomed healthcare workers, who had visited them to collect samples, with a huge round of applause.
The locals, with faces covered in masks, cheered from their doorsteps and balconies on Saturday, as the health workers, along with policemen, moved from house to another.
The incident comes days after medical professionals reportedly came under attack in Hindpiri locality, where the first COVID-19 case in the state had surfaced.
Coronavirus News: 6 From Family Test Positive For COVID-19 In Thane, Maharashtra
Six from a family have tested positive for COVID-19 in Kalyan, Thane district of Maharashtra on Saturday. As soon as the cases were reported, the area was turned into a containment zone.
After the new coronavirus cases were found at B-wing Balaji Residency near Kalyan Katemanivali Naka, the entire building was sealed by authorities.
Sanitisation of the building was initiated immediately as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus. Samples of people in the other wing of the building have also been taken for testing last night.
Coronavirus India: 45 More COVID-19 Cases In Agra, District Count Reaches 241
45 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Agra, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the district to 241, said District Magistrate Prabhu N Singh on Sunday.
"With 45 new positive cases of COVID-19 being reported in Agra, the total number of positive cases in the district has reached 241," said Mr Singh.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of positive cases of coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh is 969, of which 86 people have recovered/migrated and 14 deaths have been reported so far.
Coronavirus News: 50-Year-Old COVID-19 Patient Passes Away In Gurugram
A 50-year-old COVID-19 patient has passed away in Gurugram on Saturday night, according to District Administration."A 50-year-old person, who had tested positive for COVID-19, passed away at around 12 midnight," Gurugram District Administration told news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, India's count of COVID-19 cases has risen to 14,792, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Sunday.
A look at the rise in #coronavirus cases in 5 Indian states after touching 100-mark. pic.twitter.com/mRuoRnmBuI
- NDTV (@ndtv) April 19, 2020
Coronavirus News: East Coast Railway Converts 261 Coaches Into COVID-19 Isolation Wards
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has fulfilled its target of converting 261 sleeper and general coaches into "COVID-19 isolation coaches" amid the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.
Indian Railways is offering 5000 coaches to be used as quarantine or isolation facilities amidst the outbreak of COVID-19. The ECoR has converted 261 coaches to serve as quarantine or isolation facilities.
The conversion has been done at different workshops and coaching depots of ECoR. These coaches have been kept at different stations across East Coast Railway.
Coronavirus News: East Coast Railway Converts 261 Coaches Into COVID-19 Isolation Wards
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has fulfilled its target of converting 261 sleeper and general coaches into "COVID-19 isolation coaches" amid the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.
Indian Railways is offering 5000 coaches to be used as quarantine or isolation facilities amidst the outbreak of COVID-19. The ECoR has converted 261 coaches to serve as quarantine or isolation facilities.
The conversion has been done at different workshops and coaching depots of ECoR. These coaches have been kept at different stations across East Coast Railway.
COVID-19 Lockdown: Over 24 Lakh Anganwadi Beneficiaries Served Food In Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Anila Bhendiya on Sunday said that over 24 lakh beneficiaries of 51,455 anganwadi centres across the state were delivered food at their doorstep, amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
"As all anganwadi and mini-anganwadi centres have been closed from March 13 to prevent and control the infection of coronavirus, about 24,38,000 beneficiaries of 51,455 anganwadi centres were distributed door-to-door nutritious food by the anganwadi workers," said Bhendiya during a video conference.
"The take-home ration distribution till March has been completed and the next slot for April is being distributed to the beneficiaries," she added.
Coronavirus News: Recovered COVID-19 Patient Tests Positive Again In Himachal Pradesh
A man, who had recovered from the novel coronavirus, was again found suffering from the infection in Himachal Pradesh, officials said.
The man, a Tablighi Jamaat member, tested positive for the infection on Saturday within a week of his two reports coming out negative, they said.
Residents of different places in Mandi district, the man along with two other Jamaatis had been staying in a mosque of Nakroh village in Una'a Amb tehsil and all tested positive on April 2.
Coronavirus Updates: One More Tests Positive For COVID-19 In UP's Shamli; Number Rises To 17
One more person tested positive for coronavirus in Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, raising the tally in the district to 17, officials said on Sunday.
Reports of 65 persons were received from a medical college in Meerut on Saturday, District Magistrate, Shamli, Jasjit Kaur said.
Coronavirus Cases In India Cross 15,000-Mark, 507 Have Died: 10 Points
The number of coronavirus cases in India has climbed to 15,712, which includes 507 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said today, adding that 1,329 cases and 27 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of a Group of Ministers (GoM) at his residence to discuss "ways to mitigate the hardships faced by the people and the role ministries can play in providing relief to people".
The number of coronavirus cases in India has climbed to 15,712, which includes 507 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said today, adding that 1,329 cases and 27 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of a Group of Ministers (GoM) at his residence to discuss "ways to mitigate the hardships faced by the people and the role ministries can play in providing relief to people".
Air India Airlifts 3 Lakh Rapid Anti-Body Test Kits From China
A special Air India (AI) flight to China's Guangzhou airlifted three lakh rapid antibody test kits on Saturday, which are headed to Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan.
Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri praised the Indian mission for its efforts.
"Nearly 3 Lakh Rapid Antibody Tests have just been airlifted by Air India from Guangzhou | Supplies are headed to Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Great work on the ground by our team at @cgiguangzhou," Mr Misri tweeted.
Spain To Extend Lockdown Till May 9 As COVID-19 Death Count Tops 20,043
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday announced the nationwide coronavirus lockdown would be extended two weeks to May 9, hours after the official death toll passed 20,000.
"We have done the hardest part through responsibility and social discipline... we are putting the most extreme moments behind us," Sanchez said. But Spaniards must not jeopardise the fragile gains made so far with hasty decisions.
The restrictions currently in place would however be loosened slightly to allow children time outside from April 27, said Sanchez.
28 Recovered COVID-19 People Get Water Cannon "Salute" In Madhya Pradesh
A total of 28 people who have recovered from COVID-19 disease were on Saturday received a water cannon "salute" and garlands for defeating coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, which has seen a surge in infections.
As soon as the 28 people were discharged from Chirayu Hospital and Medical College in the state Capital, a jet of water from a water cannon was sprayed on the ambulance moving them out to mark the occasion, a state government official said.
World War II Veteran, 99, To Help Open Hospital After Raising $29 Million
Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old British war veteran who has raised more than $29 million for the health service by walking 100 laps of his garden, will be a guest of honour at the opening of a new field hospital next week.
Moore will praise National Health Service (NHS) workers via video link at the opening of a new "Nightingale" hospital in Harrogate, northern England, which is being set up to help deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
US-Canada Border To Stay Closed Another Month, Says Justin Trudeau
The US-Canadian border will remain closed another month to fight the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Saturday.
Both countries agreed on the continued closure, said Trudeau.
"This is an important decision, and one that will keep people on both sides of the border safe," he said.
The border has been closed for more than three weeks, except for transport of goods that amount to $1.7 billion in two-way trade each day.
JustIn| Coronavirus cases in India cross 15,000-mark, 507 have died
1,329 new cases in 24 hours.
France Reports 642 New COVID-19 Deaths, Total Rises To 19,323
France on Saturday reported 642 more deaths from COVID-19 in hospitals and nursing homes over the last 24 hours, but registered new falls in the total numbers of coronavirus patients in hospitals and intensive care.
The new deaths -- 364 in hospitals and 278 in nursing homes -- brought the total count in the country from the epidemic to 19,323, the French health ministry said in a statement.
Pentagon Extend Travel Restrictions Till June 30 To Curb COVID-19 Spread
The US Defense Department said Saturday it would extend travel restrictions through June 30 in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus, but will allow for some redeployments and repatriation of troops serving abroad.
The new order will go into effect on Monday, Matthew Donovan, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, told reporters in a telephone briefing.
Bengaluru Dental Clinic Turns Into Labour Room Amid Lockdown
There was an unprecedented commotion at a dental clinic in north Bengaluru when a daily wage labourer recently made a visit to the clinic with his pregnant wife when she was in labour.
The couple had already traveled about 7 km from Gundenahalli when they reached the clinic in Doddabommasandra amid a nationwide lockdown, which began on March 25 to check the spread of coronavirus pandemic in India.
US Reports 1,891 COVID-19 Deaths In Last 24 Hours: Report
The coronavirus death count in the United States climbed by 1,891 in the past 24 hours to reach 38,664 on Saturday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
The US has seen a total of 732,197 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the global health crisis, according to the Baltimore-based university.
It is the highest number of virus cases and deaths of any country in the world.
Coronavirus: Senior Punjab Police Officer, Due For Plasma Therapy, Dies Of COVID-19
A senior police official from Punjab's Ludhiana, who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, died today at a hospital due to multiple organ failure.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Anil Kumar Kohli, 52, was scheduled for a plasma surgery but died before he could be operated on. He was admitted in SPS hospital, Ludhiana.
The officer was the first in the state to get a nod for plasma therapy from the Punjab government. He tested positive for the deadly virus just a few days ago.
China Could Face Consequences If "Knowingly Responsible" For Virus: Trump
US President Donald Trump warned on Saturday that China could face consequences if it was "knowingly responsible" for the coronavirus pandemic.
"It could have been stopped in China before it started and it wasn't," Trump told reporters at a White House briefing. "And now the whole world is suffering because of it."
Trump was asked whether China should suffer consequences over the pandemic which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December and has left more than 157,000 people dead around the world.
"If they were knowingly responsible, certainly," he said. "If it was a mistake, a mistake is a mistake.
In Warning To Lockdown Violators, Arvind Kejriwal Cites 26-Patient Case
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday warned people of the dangers of not following social distancing advice during the lockdown by citing the case of a neighbourhood in the national capital, where 26 people were found infected with COVID-19.
"In Jahangirpuri, 26 people of the same family tested positive. They lived next to each other and despite containment measures, they continued visiting each other. We are worried for you," Mr Kejriwal said in a briefing on video on Saturday.
After Air India Opens Bookings, Centre Says No Decision On Flight Ops Yet
The government on Saturday said no decision has been taken to allow domestic or international flights, hours after Air India on its website said it is taking bookings for travel from May 4 on some domestic routes and from June 1 for international routes.
"The Ministry of Civil Aviation clarifies that so far no decision has been taken to open domestic or international operations. Airlines are advised to open their bookings only after a decision in this regard has been taken by the Government," Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted.
"Live Free Or Die": Hundreds Protest Against US COVID-19 Lockdown Rules
Hundreds protested Saturday in cities across America against coronavirus-related lockdowns -- with encouragement from President Donald Trump -- as resentment grows against the crippling economic cost of confinement.
An estimated 400 people gathered under a cold rain in Concord, New Hampshire -- many on foot while others remained in their cars -- to send a message that extended quarantines were not necessary in a state with relatively few confirmed cases of COVID-19.
.@LRC_ NDTV | "A lot will depend on how things behave over the next 5-7 days and the strategy we will have once we lift #CoronavirusLockdown": AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria pic.twitter.com/6qqxFAIuya
- NDTV (@ndtv) April 18, 2020
"You Know It, I Know It": Trump Says China COVID-19 Deaths Way Ahead Of US
US President Donald Trump has expressed his doubts over the official Chinese figures on the number of deaths in their country due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, claiming that the fatalities were way ahead of the US.
US President Donald Trump has expressed his doubts over the official Chinese figures on the number of deaths in their country due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, claiming that the fatalities were way ahead of the US.
- The COVID-19 war room in the North Block of the Secretariat is buzzing with activity since the nationwide lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24.
- The ground floor room's prime purpose is to get feedback from states and various ministries based on which regular reports are sent to Prime Minister's Office.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reviewed the functioning of the control room and the situation prevailing in the country during the ongoing nationwide lockdown.
- He was also briefed about the supply chain of essential commodities.
- The meeting was also attended by his two junior ministers -- G Kishan Reddy and Nityanand Rai along with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla.
- Top officials apprised him about the migrant situation in various states as well.
- Migrant workers have been provided shelters by various state governments, they informed Mr Shah. He was also briefed about steps taken by the Home Ministry to enhance the capacity of these shelters.
- The COVID-19 war room is of much significance.
- A senior functionary in the ministry discloses that there are 36 helplines operational via which anyone can call with their problem.
