This Article is From Jun 30, 2020

Coronavirus Highlights: Unlock 2 Guidelines Out, Lockdown In Containment Zones Extended Till July 31

COVID-19 Highlights: The government said Metro Rail service, cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places continue to remain shut.

Coronavirus Highlights: Unlock 2 Guidelines Out, Lockdown In Containment Zones Extended Till July 31

COVID-19 India Highlights: The number of active cases stands at 2,10,120

New Delhi:

More domestic flights and passenger trains will be allowed in a calibrated manner, as the government on Monday issued guidelines for the month-long ''Unlock 2'' beginning July 1, while educational institutions, Metro Rail services, cinema halls and gyms will remain shut.

The government said Metro Rail service, cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places continue to remain shut.

Lockdown shall remain implemented strictly in the containment zones till July 31.

Containment zones are required to be carefully demarcated by state and union territory governments with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19, after taking into consideration the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities allowed, the MHA said.

India is the fourth worst-hit country in the world by the pandemic after the United States, Brazil and Russia.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases In Highlights:

Jun 30, 2020 05:09 (IST)
Number of COVID-19 cases rises to 942 in Himachal Pradesh out of which 366 cases are active: State Health Department
Jun 30, 2020 04:07 (IST)
The total number of containment zones in Delhi is now 440; total 91 zones have been de-contained till date: Delhi Government
Jun 30, 2020 02:59 (IST)
Jun 30, 2020 02:04 (IST)
In the last 24 hours, 685 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the state. There are 6,650 active cases, 15,506 patients have been discharged so far and 672 patients have died due to the infection: Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad
Jun 30, 2020 01:05 (IST)
302 new COVID-19 positive cases detected in Assam on 29th June. Out of these, 172 cases were reported from Guwahati City in last 24 hours. Total cases 7794, recovered 5,333, active cases 2,447, deaths 11: State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Jun 30, 2020 00:10 (IST)
Coronavirus: Pandemic "is not even close to being over", says WHO chief
The COVID-19 pandemic is not even close to being over, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing on Monday.

Tedros noted that, six months after China first alerted the WHO to a novel respiratory infection, the grim milestones of 10 million confirmed infections and 500,000 deaths had been reached.

"Most people remain susceptible, the virus still has a lot of room to move," he said.

"We all want this to be over. We all want to get on with our lives. But the hard reality is that this is not even close to being over. Although many countries have made some progress globally, the pandemic is actually speeding up."
Jun 30, 2020 00:03 (IST)
Coornavirus: Delhi's COVID tally crosses 85,000 with 2,084 fresh cases
Delhi recorded 2,084 fresh coronavirus cases on Monday taking the infection tally in the city to over 85,000, while the death count from the disease mounted to 2,680, authorities said.

The number of containment zones in the city also jumped to 435 on Monday, according to a Delhi health department bulletin.

The national capital had reported the highest single-day spike of 3,947 cases on June 23. Recently, Delhi had eclipsed Mumbai as the city worst-hit by the pandemic in the country.
Jun 29, 2020 23:52 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Maharashtra COVID-19 Cases Up By 5,257; Tally At 1,69,883
Maharashtra on Monday reported 5,257 new COVID-19 cases, taking the number of the infected patients in the state to 1,69,883 while fatalities rose by 181, including 21 in Mumbai, to 7,610, a Health official said.

Monday is the fourth consecutive day when Maharashtra has reported more than 5,000 cases in a single day.

The state has added more than 20,000 patients in the last four days.

"Of the 181 deaths, 76 had occurred in the last 48 hours and the rest earlier, but they were not reported as COVID-19 fatalities," the official said.

With 2,385 patients being discharged in the day, the number of the recovered patients has mounted to 88,960, he said.
Jun 29, 2020 23:44 (IST)
Coronavirus: Odisha's COVID-19 deaths mount to 23; cases rise to 6,859
Odisha's coronavirus deaths mounted to 23 with two more persons succumbing to the disease on Monday, as the total number of cases in the state reached 6,859, a health department official said.

A total of 245 people, including two NDRF personnel, tested positive for the disease on Monday, he said.

The latest fatalities were reported from the state''s worst-hit Ganjam district, which alone accounts for 12 of the 23 deaths so far, a health department statement said.
Jun 29, 2020 23:27 (IST)
Coronavirus: 685 new COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh
A total of 685 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, taking the total number of active cases to 6,650 in the state, state Principal Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said.

He said that the state has reported 22,828 COVID-19 cases including 6650 active cases, 15,506 discharged and 672 deaths, reported news agency ANI.

"In the last 24 hours, 685 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the state. There are 6,650 active cases, 15,506 patients have been discharged so far and 672 patients have succumbed to the infection," Mr Prasad said.
Jun 29, 2020 22:18 (IST)
Unlock2: 5-People Limit On Shops Removed, No Metro To Run
Night curfew timings have been relaxed, shops large enough to do so can accommodate more than five people and schools, colleges and educational institutions will stay closed till July 31, the government said Monday night" itemprop="description
Jun 29, 2020 21:46 (IST)
Tamil Nadu extends lockdown till July 31, strict curbs to continue in Chennai, Madurai and surrounding areas
Tamil Nadu extends lockdown till July 31, strict curbs to continue in Chennai, Madurai and surrounding areas" itemprop="description
Jun 29, 2020 20:18 (IST)
Coronavirus: Kerala records 121 fresh COVID-19 cases
Kerala reported 121 COVID-19 positive cases on Monday, with as many as 2057 people undergoing treatment for the infection and the death count rose to 23 as the sample of a deceased man tested positive.

Of the positive cases, 78 had come from abroad and 26 from other states and five had been infected through contact.

Nine CISF personnel and three health workers were among those who were infected, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

This is the 11th consecutive day that the state has reported over 100 cases, reported news agency PTI.

Seventy-nine people have recovered from the disease, Mr Vijayan told reporters.
Jun 29, 2020 19:58 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Bihar reports 282 COVID-19 cases, tally at 9506
A total of 282 more COVID-19 cases were reported in Bihar on Monday, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 9,506.

"282 new COVID-19 positive cases in Bihar. Total count of cases stands at 9506," said the state health department.

According to the Union Health Ministry, India has reported 5,48,318 COVID-19 cases including 16,475 deaths, 3,21,723 cured and 2,10,120 active cases as of Monday.
Jun 29, 2020 19:41 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Himachal Pradesh's COVID-19 count at 919
The count of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh stands at 919, according to the Department of Health and Family Welfare of the state government on Monday.

These cases include 536 cured and discharged patients and 363 active cases. The state has witnessed 7 fatalities to date, reported news agency ANI.

The department in its media bulletin said that the results of 515 samples are awaited.

India recorded 19,459 new coronavirus cases and 380 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday.
Jun 29, 2020 19:29 (IST)
COVID-19: Karnataka Chief Minister directs private hospitals in Bengaluru to arrange 2,500 additional beds by Tuesday
Private hospitals and nursing homes in the city have been directed to set apart an additional 2,500 beds for treatment of COVID-19 patients, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said on Monday.

He also said there was no need for any panic in view of spurt in cases in Bengaluru and the government has made arrangements for good treatment and food in hospitals.

"Today we had a discussion with the owners of private hospitals. We have arrived at a conclusion that they need to arrange 2,500 beds by tomorrow," Mr Yediyurappa told reporters after chairing a meeting with the hospital authorities.

The direction has been given in view of shortage of beds in hospitals, he said.
Jun 29, 2020 19:03 (IST)
COVID-19: Tamil Nadu reports 3,949 fresh coronavirus cases
Tamil Nadu reported 3,949 fresh coronavirus cases and 62 deaths propelling tally to 86,224 and fatalities to 1,141, showed government data Monday.
Jun 29, 2020 18:38 (IST)
Coronavirus: Rights Body's recommendations for improving COVID management at Delhi hospital
From monitoring of quality of food served to patients to providing psychological counselling to medical and paramedical staff on COVID-19 duty, the NHRC has made a slew of recommendations to LNJP Hospital for improving overall management at the dedicated coronavirus facility of the Delhi government.

The recommendations have been made in a report sent by the the National Humans Rights Commission (NHRC) to the the Delhi government, the rights panel tweeted.

The report is based on the visit of a team of the NHRC, led by its member Jyotika Kalra, to the LNJP Hospital on June 11 for an on-spot inspection of the facility in the wake of allegations of mismanagement in handling the COVID-19 situation in the city.

LNJP Hospital is a dedicated COVID-19 facility under the Delhi government, reported news agency PTI.
Jun 29, 2020 18:26 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Bengal government preparing app to store data on migrant labourers
The West Bengal government is preparing a mobile app to store detailed information about migrant labourers who have returned to the state during the lockdown period, as well as their families, officials said on Monday.

The labour department is collecting data on nearly 11 lakh workers who have come back from other states, they said.

"The data collection process is in the final stage of completion. The information will be fed to the app. Once that is concluded, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate it," state Labour Minister Moloy Ghatak said.

According to the officials, the app will have personal and professional information of a labourer, reported news agency PTI.
Jun 29, 2020 18:04 (IST)
COVID-19 news: 30 more coronavirus patients cured in Ladakh, active cases drop to 347
Thirty coronavirus infected patients were discharged on Monday after they were declared cured in Ladakh, bringing down the number of active cases in the Union Territory to 347, officials said.

The active cases included a new patient who was tested positive for COVID-19 in Kargil district on Sunday evening, the officials said.

The officials said 18 patients from the COVID designated hospital in Kargil and three patients from a COVID Care Centre in Kargil were discharged on Monday after they were tested negative for the virus twice as per the set protocol, reported news agency PTI.

Similarly, nine more patients, who were in home isolation in Leh district, were also tested negative twice and subsequently discharged, they said.

With this, the number of active cases in Ladakh has dropped to 347 -- 98 in Leh district and 249 in Kargil district, the officials said adding that the condition of all the 347 patients is "stable".
Jun 29, 2020 17:55 (IST)
Coronavirus news: West Bengal to procure 3 Crore masks, says Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

Jun 29, 2020 17:40 (IST)
COVID-19 news: Odisha receives first consignment of Remdesivir and Favipiravir medicines
The Odisha government on Monday received the first consignment of Remdesivir and Favipiravir medicines for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the state.

Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Health and Family Welfare, P K Mohapatra said Remdesivir medicine will be used only in the treatment of moderate to severely ill COVID-19 patients, reported news agency PTI.

"The Remdesivir medicines have been sent to all COVID hospitals across the state", he said.
Jun 29, 2020 17:35 (IST)
Coronavirus: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requests Centre to declare Doctor's day as national holiday

Jun 29, 2020 16:58 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy inspects containment zone in Kunichampet area

Jun 29, 2020 16:48 (IST)
COVID-19: 12 more fatalities reported in Uttar Pradesh
The COVID-19 death count in Uttar Pradesh increased to 672 after 12 more fatalities were reported, a senior state government official said on Monday.

With 685 people testing positive for the novel coronavirus, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state now stands at 22,828, officials said.

"So far, as many as 672 COVID-19 patients have died in the state," Additional Chief Secretary Medical and Health Amit Mohan Prasad said.

"As many as 685 fresh COVID-19 cases have been reported from the state," he told reporters.
Jun 29, 2020 16:41 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Punjab to be short of Rs 30,000 crore in revenue this fiscal , says Chief Minister Amarinder Singh
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday said that the state is estimated to be short of Rs 30,000 crore in revenue this financial year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"I have just sent to the Prime Minister a memorandum of the Government of India seeking fiscal and non-fiscal assistance from the government. We have covered all our areas. We estimate, that by the end of this financial year, we will be short of about Rs 30,000 crore in revenue," Mr Singh said in a press conference.

He observed that trade is going down and added that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be reduced, reported news agency ANI.
Jun 29, 2020 16:13 (IST)
Coronavirus: Increase COVID-19 testing facilities in UP, says Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to officers
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday directed officers to increase COVID-19 testing facilities in the state and operate available TrueNat machines at full capacity.

Use of TrueNat machines should be promoted in private hospitals, he said addressing an unlock review meeting with senior officers and ministers.

"The testing capacity for COVID-19 should be increased. Available TrueNat and rapid antigen machines should be operated at full capacity for doing maximum tests in the state," an official release said quoting the chief minister.

As part of its efforts to ramp up the testing capacity, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had approved the use of TrueNat, a diagnostic machine for tuberculosis, for conducting coronavirus tests.
Jun 29, 2020 16:04 (IST)
Coronavirus: Haryana to start plasma therapy for treatment of COVID-19 patients, says Health Minister Anil Vij
Haryana will soon start convalescent plasma therapy for treatment of COVID-19 patients in all its medical colleges, Health Minister Anil Vij said on Monday.

"Haryana to start Plasma Therapy for treatment of Covid-19 patients in all its medical colleges after approval from ICMR," Mr Vij said in a tweet.

Coronavirus cases in Haryana have touched 14,000 with 223 fatalities, reported news agency PTI.

Nearly 10,000 of the total cases are from three worst-hit districts of Gurgaon, Faridabad and Sonipat, which fall in the National Capital Region. Most of the fatalities are also from these three districts, according to state health department data.
Jun 29, 2020 15:53 (IST)
Coronavirus news: 77 police personnel found positive for COVID-19 in Maharashtra in last 24 hours

Jun 29, 2020 15:45 (IST)
Maharashtra Extends Lockdown Till July 31 Day After Urging Caution
The Maharashtra government has extended the coronavirus lockdown till July 31 amid a steady growth in the COVID-19 numbers in the state." itemprop="description
Jun 29, 2020 15:41 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Uttarakhand government to begin Chardham Yatra for pilgrims from the state from July 1
Uttarakhand government will begin the Char Dham Yatra for residents of the state from July 1, Uttarakhand Chardham Devasthanam Board Chief Executive officer said on Monday.

"Uttarakhand government will begin Char Dham Yatra for the residents of the state from July 1, following standard operating procedure (SOPs) issued by the government in view of COVID-19," the board said.

It said that people from containment zones and quarantine centres within the state will also not be allowed to take part in the pilgrimage, reported news agency ANI.
Jun 29, 2020 15:31 (IST)
Coronavirus: India's COVID-19 recovery rate reaches 58.67 %
India's coronavirus recovery rate has reached 58.67 per cent as the gap between recoveries and active cases stands at 1,11,602, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

A total of 12,010 COVID-19 patients have been cured in the last 24 hours.

According to the Ministry on Monday, the total coronavirus cases in the country stands at 5,48,318 including 2,10,120 active cases, 3,21,723 cured/discharged/migrated and 16,475 deaths.
Jun 29, 2020 15:23 (IST)
COVID-19: Gujarat's Ahmedabad gets 7 new micro-containment areas
Seven new micro-containment zones have been added to the 37 existing ones in Ahmedabad city in Gujarat, taking the total number of people placed under restriction in civic limits to 27,509, an official said.

While six of the new areas are in the western zone of the city, one is in the south-west, he added.

The western part accounts for 643 or 22 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in Gujarat's largest city, the highest among all six zones in Ahmedabad, reported news agency PTI.

The new micro containment zones are in Chandlodia, Chandkheda, Bodakdev, Vasna, Sabarmati, Naranpura and Sarkhej localities, covering 270 houses with 1,080 residents.
Jun 29, 2020 15:14 (IST)
Odisha Reports 245 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, 2 More Deaths

Odisha's COVID-19 tally climbed to 6,859 on Monday as 245 people, including two NDRF personnel, tested positive for the disease, while the number of deaths rose to 23 with two more fatalities, a health official said.

The latest fatalities were reported from the state's worst-hit Ganjam district, which alone accounts for 12 of the 23 deaths so far, a health department statement said.

The number of COVID-19 deaths in Khorda stood at five, followed by four in Cuttack, and one each in Bargarh and Puri districts, the official said.

Jun 29, 2020 15:13 (IST)
COVID-19: Ahmedabad Gets 7 New Micro-Containment Areas
 
Seven new micro-containment zones have been added to the 37 existing ones in Ahmedabad city in Gujarat, taking the total number of people placed under restriction in civic limits to 27,509, an official said.

While six of the new areas are in the western zone of the city, one is in the south-west, he added.

The western part accounts for 643 or 22 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in Gujarat's largest city, the highest among all six zones.
Jun 29, 2020 15:10 (IST)
"Boosting Make In India": Centre Allows 50 Lakh PPE Suits' Monthly Export
Fifty lakh coronavirus protective suits - PPE (personal protection equipment) medical coveralls - can be exported every month, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said this afternoon, stressing that the government's latest move will give a "boost to 'Make in India' exports". Read more

'Boosting Make In India': Centre Allows 50 Lakh PPE Suits' Monthly Export
Jun 29, 2020 14:52 (IST)
Delhi Government Announces Rs 1 Crore For Family Of Doctor Who Died Fighting COVID
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced Rs 1 crore for the family of a senior doctor of the city government-run LNJP Hospital who died battling COVID-19, and said the society has "lost a very valuable fighter". Read more

Delhi Government Announces Rs 1 Crore For Family Of Doctor Who Died Fighting COVID
Jun 29, 2020 14:38 (IST)
12 Fresh COVID-19 Cases In Tripura; Count Rises To 1,352

Twelve more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has said.

Eight of the new patients are from Sepahijala district, three from Khowai and one from Gomati, he said.

"Out of 1,063 samples tested for COVID-19, 12 people found positive. Among them 9 people have travel history & 3 people were in contact with COVID-19 patients," Mr Deb tweeted late on Sunday.

In another tweet on the previous day, he said eight more people have recovered from COVID-19.

Of the total 1,352 cases in the state, 273 are active while 1,079 people have recovered. 


Jun 29, 2020 14:12 (IST)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Lauds LNJP Doctor Who Died Fighting COVID-19

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday paid tribute to the senior doctor of city government-run LNJP Hospital who died battling COVID-19, saying the society has "lost a very valuable fighter".

The 52-year-old doctor served in the front line of the war against the pandemic at the government facility, and died of novel coronavirus infection in an ICU of a private hospital on Sunday.

"Dr Aseem Gupta, a senior doctor of LNJP Hospital succumbed to Covid yday. He was known for going out of his way to serve his patients. We have lost a very valuable fighter. Delhi salutes his spirit and sacrifice...,"Mr Kejriwal tweeted.

The chief minister also said in his tweet that he has spoken to Dr Gupta''s wife and "offered my condolences and support".
Jun 29, 2020 13:48 (IST)
21 More BSF Personnel Test Positive For COVID-19

As many as 21 more Border Security Force (BSF) personnel tested positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours, said BSF on Monday.

"In the last 24 hours, 21 more Border Security Force (BSF) personnel tested positive for COVID-19 and 18 have recovered," stated an official statement released by the BSF.

It further said that till date 655 personnel have recovered from coronavirus and have been discharged. The active cases as on Monday stand at 305.
Jun 29, 2020 13:31 (IST)
Coimbatore-Based Robotics Engineer Develops ''COVID-19 Smart Swab Robot''

A Coimbatore-based robotics engineer has claimed to develop a ''COVID-19 Smart Swab Robot'' that can collect samples for COVID-19 test.

With an increase in testing in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Karthi Velayutham claims to have developed a prototype at Rs 2,000. The robot can operate using an app, ensuring social distancing. It takes two minutes to collect samples, informed Velayutham.

"It can be operated through a smartphone with the help of an app. It's a prototype, developed at Rs 2,000. It will take 2 minutes to collect samples. Currently, swab is collected manually. It is dangerous and can spread COVID," said Karthi Velayutham.
Jun 29, 2020 12:46 (IST)
Delhi To Have Plasma Bank, Arvind Kejriwal Asks Covid Survivors To Donate
The Delhi government will create a plasma bank to fight coronavirus, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said this afternoon, urging those who have recovered from the infection to donate plasma to help other patients. Read more

Delhi To Have Plasma Bank, Arvind Kejriwal Asks Covid Survivors To Donate
Jun 29, 2020 12:22 (IST)

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Addresses Media:
  • A senior anesthesiologist died in Delhi. His friends tell me how dedicated he was.
  • His wife had also tested positive, she is now cured.
  • Dr Aseem Gupta is an inspiration to all of us.
  • Earlier, ppl complained of lack of beds in the hospital. We have taken various measures. 
  • There is lot of confusion over Plasma. We were one of the first states to  start trial for plasma. The results have been encouraging.
  • Plasma helps improve oxygen level and respiration level. 
  • We have got permission for plasma therapy. 
  • We have decided to create plasma bank in Delhi. This will be a first plasma bank to cure COVID patients.
  • We will complete all the formalities in 2-3 days. Private, government hospitals can avail this service.
  • Doctor/hospital recommendation must for service through plasma bank
  • I request all those people who have cured to provide plasma. 
  • There are very few chances one gets to save life of others - this is your chance
  • Pls don't be under misconception that plasma gives 100% results. It is beneficial for those in morbid stage. Of the 35 patients who got plasma at LNJP, 34 recovered.
  • Donors have misconception that they might contradict virus. You will have to visit ILBS, it is not a COVID-19 hospital.
  • All your transport arrangements will be taken care of by Delhi government.
Jun 29, 2020 12:13 (IST)
Haryana MLA Tests COVID-19 Positive After Attending Solar Eclipse Prayers
A BJP MLA in Haryana, who had attended a religious event in Kurkshetra about a week ago held to mark this year's first solar eclipse, has tested positive for coronavirus. Read more

Haryana MLA Tests COVID-19 Positive After Attending Solar Eclipse Prayers

Jun 29, 2020 11:46 (IST)
Cansino's COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Approved For Military Use In China
China's military has received the greenlight to use a COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by its research unit and CanSino Biologics after clinical trials proved it was safe and somewhat efficient, the company said on Monday. Read more 

Cansino's COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Approved For Military Use In China
Jun 29, 2020 11:28 (IST)
Reusable Upto 80 Washes, Coimbatore Based Textile Manufacturing Company Develops PPE Coveralls

A Coimbatore-based textile manufacturing company has claimed that they have developed personal protective equipment (PPE) coveralls which are reusable up to 80 washes.

Speaking to ANI, KG Denim, the company''s Managing Director said, "It has the ability to recharge chlorine in fabric for nearly 80 washes. It has antimicrobial certification from SITRA."

"Disinfecting properties of chlorine is built in our fabric and is active on its surface for two weeks. On washing, chlorine is absorbed again by fabric giving it antimicrobial facility. Property available in the fabric in first wash is available even after 80 wash," he added.
Jun 29, 2020 11:11 (IST)
Vande Bharat Flight With 195 Indians Departs From Washington DC

A special flight under Vande Bharat Mission departed from Washington DC with 195 stranded Indians for Delhi on Sunday.

"#VandeBharatMission Phase III @airindiain with 195 pax left Washington, DC for Delhi," Indian embassy in the US tweeted.

Vande Bharat Mission, which started from May 7, is in its third phase. The recent phase commenced on June 11.

As of Thursday, 3,64,209 people have returned under this mission., the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Jun 29, 2020 10:36 (IST)
Australia Sees Biggest Daily Rise In COVID-19 Cases In Two Months 

Australia's second most populous state said on Monday it is considering reimposing social distancing restrictions after the country reported its biggest one-day rise in new coronavirus infections in more than two months.

While many states and territories have yet to report their latest numbers, Victoria said it has detected 75 cases in the past 24 hours - enough to make it Australia's biggest daily outbreak since April 11.

The growing figures have stoked fears of a second wave in Australia after several weeks of fewer than 20 new cases a day.

As cases have mounted, Victoria has embarked on a massive testing regime and the state's chief health officer said the state is considering reimposing social distancing restrictions.
Jun 29, 2020 09:51 (IST)
Bengal Ready To Market Immunity-Boosting Sandesh Sweets: Official
Sweet-loving Bengalis have something to cheer about in COVID-19 time as the West Bengal government decided to come out with a "sandesh" which will contain honey from Sundarbans and increase immunity, an official said on Sunday. Read more

Bengal Ready To Market Immunity-Boosting Sandesh Sweets: Official
Jun 29, 2020 09:33 (IST)
JustIn| 19,459 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours, 5.48 lakh total cases so far, 16,475 deaths

Jun 29, 2020 09:07 (IST)
Nobel Laureates Call On International Community To Make COVID-19 Vaccines Free, Globally Available

More than 100 global leaders, including 18 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, have signed a letter calling on the international community to make COVID-19 vaccines available worldwide as a "common good," the Dhaka-based Yunus Center, founded by the Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohammad Yunus, said.

Former presidents, politicians, as well as world-renown artists and international organisations, have joined the initiative. The list includes such names as Desmond Tutu, Mikhail Gorbachev, Malala Yousafzai, George Clooney, Thomas Bach and Andrea Bocelli among many others.

"We appeal to governments, foundations, philanthropists and social businesses to come forward to produce and/or distribute the vaccines all over the world for free. We invite all social, political, and health entities to re-affirm our collective responsibility for the protection of all vulnerable persons without any discrimination whatsoever," the statement published on Sunday read.
Jun 29, 2020 08:51 (IST)
288 COVID-19 Deaths In US In Last 24 Hours: Report
The United States added 288 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours, the Johns Hopkins University tally showed Sunday, with the infection rate remaining high as the country struggles to control a new surge of the disease. Read more

288 COVID-19 Deaths In US In Last 24 Hours: Report
Jun 29, 2020 08:28 (IST)
Vande Bharat Flight Departs With 222 Indians From San Francisco

A special flight under Vande Bharat Mission from San Francisco departed with 222 stranded Indians from Delhi and Bangalore."flight#21from San Francisco -AI 174 took off from @flySFO at 11.05 hrs (PDT) for DEL-BLR with 222 pax on board. Wishing them a safe flight!," Indian consulate in San Francisco tweeted.

Vande Bharat Mission, which started from May 7, is in its third phase. The recent phase commenced on June 11.As on Thursday, 3,64,209 people have returned under this mission., the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

In the first three phases of the Vande Bharat Mission, around 875 international flights were scheduled for operation from over 50 countries across 5 continents. 

So far more than 700 of these flights have reached India, repatriating around 150000 Indians. The Indian government has also approved additional flight services to bring back Indian nationals who are still stranded abroad.
Jun 29, 2020 08:15 (IST)
"Not Able To Breathe": Hyderabad Man's Message To Father Before He Dies Of COVID-19
A video by a dying 34-year-old man giving his last message to his father from a government hospital in Hyderabad has left people shocked amid the coronavirus pandemic. The man was finally admitted to Hyderabad Government Chest Hospital on Wednesday after at least 10 private hospitals refused admission, the man's father said. Read more

Jun 29, 2020 07:29 (IST)
Hyderabad Lockdown Recommended By Medical Experts, Decision In 3-4 Days
Hyderabad should be placed under lockdown once again to slow the spread of coronavirus, a team of medical experts have recommended and a decision will be taken in three to four days, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao said on Sunday. The Chief Minister, popularly known as KCR, said there was no need for panic about the rising number of COVID-19 cases and all arrangements are in place to offer treatment to the poor. Read more

Jun 29, 2020 06:50 (IST)
22 More Test COVID-19 Positive In Jharkhand, Total Rises To 2,364
Twenty-two more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jharkhand on Sunday, raising the state's tally to 2,364, a health department bulletin said.

According to it, 69 people recovered from the infection and were discharged from hospitals during the day.

The recovery rate in Jharkhand is at 75.84 per cent, it said, adding that overall 1,793 people have been cured of the disease.

At present, the state has 559 active cases.

Twelve people have died of COVID-19 in the state since March 31. Ranchi accounted for four fatalities followed by two each in Bokaro and Hazaribag and one each in Giridih, Gumla, Koderma and Simdega.

A total of 1,37,438 samples have been tested so far, it added.
Jun 29, 2020 06:13 (IST)
Jun 29, 2020 05:44 (IST)
Meghalaya Chief Minister Tests Negative For Coronavirus
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who travelled to Manipur and Delhi last week, tested negative for coronavirus infection, officials said on Sunday.

The chief minister has been under home quarantine for the past four days after his return from Delhi where he took disgruntled National People's Party (NPP) MLAs of Manipur from Imphal to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The first test was conducted on Mr Sangma, who is also the NPP president, on June 22 and the second one on Sunday, an official at the CMO said.

He had made a trip to Manipur capital Imphal on June 21 to meet the four party MLAs, who switched allegiance from the BJP-led ruling coalition to the Congress. He again went there on June 23, and travelled subsequently to Delhi along with them and returned on June 25.

As a precautionary measure, the chief minister will be under home quarantine for four more days before he resumes office, the official added.

The CMO official said the team of officials and police, who accompanied the Chief Minister to Guwahati were also tested negative and they are also under home quarantine.
Jun 29, 2020 05:32 (IST)
Jun 29, 2020 05:31 (IST)
Global Coronavirus Death Count Surpasses 5 Lakh Mark: Report
More than half a million people have been killed by the novel coronavirus, nearly two thirds of them in the United States and Europe, according to an AFP tally at 2200 GMT Sunday based on official sources.

The official death count for the disease now stands at 500,390 deaths from 10,099,576 cases recorded worldwide. The United States has suffered the highest death count (125,747), followed by Brazil (57,622) and the United Kingdom (43,550).

The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections.

Many countries are testing only the most serious cases.
Jun 29, 2020 05:30 (IST)
2,889 New COVID-19 Cases In Delhi, Total Cross 83,000-Mark
Delhi recorded 2,889 fresh coronavirus cases on Sunday, taking the tally in the city over the 83,000-mark, while the death toll from the disease mounted to 2,623, authorities said.

The number of containment zones in the city also jumped to 417 on Sunday from 315 on Saturday, according to a Delhi health department data.

The national capital had reported the highest single-day spike of 3,947 cases on June 23. Recently, Delhi had eclipsed Mumbai as the city worst-hit by the pandemic in the country.

Sixty-five fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, the Delhi health department bulletin said.

It said the death count due to coronavirus has risen to 2,623 and the total number of cases mounted to 83,077. 
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