COVID-19 Cases India Updates: The novel coronavirus has killed at least 254,532 people worldwide. (File)
Coronavirus India Live Updates: INS Jalashwa, the Indian Navy's amphibious warship, has reached Maldives to bring back Indian citizens who have been stranded in the island nation. The warship was sent to Maldives capital Male by the Indian Navy as part of the first phase under operation "Samudra Setu" ( Sea Bridge). Apart from the three Navy ships, the Indian government has sent 64 repatriation flights for a week from May 7 as part of the massive evacuation plan to bring around 15,000 Indian nationals from 12 countries. The coronavirus cases in India crossed the 50,000-mark as the country registered 3561 new cases in 24 hours, taking the total to 52, 952 cases, including 1,783 deaths, according to the latest figures from the Union Health Ministry.
Delhi -- among the worst-hit states -- has confirmed over 5,000 coronavirus positive cases, Health Minister Satyendar Jain confirmed. "In Delhi, the situation is under control. There are 5,532 numbers of patients, who are getting treatment for the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Around 15 patients are on a ventilator," Mr Jain said while speaking to reporters. He said the doubling rate of coronavirus cases in the city is currently at 11 days.
The number of novel coronavirus cases in Delhi mounted to 5,980 on Thursday as it reported the highest single-day jump for the second consecutive day with 448 more people testing positive, the government said. One more person died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the total fatalities to 66.
Two weeks after Tripura was declared of the novel coronavirus, the Northeartern state witnessed a major spike in infections on Wedneaday after 62 people tested positive for the virus. All the cases have been linked to a battalion of the Border Security Force prompting the state government to ask the for an inquiry into the matter.
The Tamil Nadu government has prepared a list of of stranded people from Bihar and West Bengal and said they will be sent home by a special train in a day or two.
"We have gathered the particulars of all those hailing from Bihar and West Bengal including patients at CMC Vellore and migrant guests. They will be sent by a special train today or tomorrow," Mangat Ram Sharma, the nodal officer appointed by Tamil Nadu government to oversee the movement of persons stranded due to the lockdown to and from the States and Union Territories told PTI.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases in India Highlights:
COVID-19: Kerala sets up a quarantine centre in Guruvayur of Thrissur district
No New COVID-19 Case Reported From 13 States, Union Territories In Last 24 Hours: Harsh VardhanThirteen states and Union Territories, including Kerala, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir, have not reported any new case of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Thursday.
Informing reporters that 3,561 new coronavirus cases have been reported and 1,084 patients have recovered in 24 hours since Wednesday morning, he asserted that "in comparison with other countries, India is in a better state as the fatality rate is 3.3 per cent and recovery rate is 28.83 per cent." Read Here.
COVID-19: Shramik special train to leave from Delhi to Bihar''s Muzaffarpur today
A ''shramik special train'' will leave from Delhi for Muzaffarpur in Bihar today, said Northern Railway officials.
"The shramik special train will leave for Muzaffarpur from Delhi on May 8. There will be no commercial halt enroute to the destination and no passengers will board the train on enroute," said the Railway officials.
The development comes after, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) granted the permission for movement of the stranded people, including migrants labourers, workers, students, tourists, and provided the procedure for the same.
The lockdown, which was scheduled to end on May 3, has been extended by another two weeks.
COVID-19: Women in Indore drive e-rickshaws to help corona warriors to reach workplaces
As a goodwill gesture, some women in Indore are driving e-rickshaws to provide pick and drop facility to coronavirus warriors from their home to their workplaces at the time when the cases of COVID-19 are growing across the country with each passing day.
These women drivers are also receiving money from the district health department for providing their services in these testing times. They are being given Rs 400 everyday and a free ration from the state government.
21 e-rickshaws are being operated by women drivers right now: Indore
Special flight airlifts 32 Kenyans stranded in Hyderabad
A special flight on Thursday airlifted 32 Kenyan citizens stranded in Hyderabad due to nation-wide coronavirus lockdown.
A special passenger relief flight of Indigo Airlines operated to repatriate a few Kenyan citizens from Hyderabad City. The aircraft took the passengers to Mumbai from there they were to be further airlifted by the Kenyan Airways from Mumbai to Kenya.
An IndiGo flight, which operated as a purely domestic flight - 6E 9104 - arrived from Chennai via Bangalore landing at Hyderabad International Airport today at 9.20 am. This aircraft departed to Mumbai at 11.02 am with 83 Kenyan nationals, out which 32 passengers boarded from Hyderabad and 51 transit passengers had joined from Chennai and Bangalore.
24 BSF personnel test positive for COVID-19 in Tripura
A total of 24 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura on Thursday, taking the number of novel coronavirus cases in the state to 88, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said.
All the fresh cases were reported in the 86th battalion headquarters of the BSF located at Ambassa in Dhalai district, he said.
"ALERT! 24 persons from 86th-Bn #BSF Ambassa found #COVID19 POSITIVE today. Total #COVID19 patients in Tripura now stands: 88 Active cases: 86 Discharged: 02 There is no POSITIVE case among civilians. Stay Safe," Deb tweeted on Thursday night.
COVID-19: IIT-Delhi women invent N Safe anti-microbial masks that can be washed, reused upto 50 times
Face masks, which have become a ubiquity since the outbreak of the COVID-19, may continue to be opted for by people, even after an easing of lockdown restrictions imposed to stem the curb of the virus.
For this, a technology startup that has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) has developed a new affordable and efficient face mask named N-Safe.
"The N-Safe mask is special as it has antimicrobial properties and is washable up to 50 times," said Dr Anusuya Roy, an IIT Delhi Alumnus and Founder and CEO of the startup, Nano safe Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Coronavirus: 8 new COVID-19 cases in Assam; total 53
Eight people, four each in Guwahati and Silchar, tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam on Thursday, taking the number of cases in the state to 53, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
There are 18 active cases of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the state, while 34 people have recovered so far, Mr Sarma said.
"Four persons in Guwahati test #COVID19+ One of them had come from outside Assam, and is in home quarantine, while 3 are from Guwahati," he tweeted.
"Four persons, who took the same bus from Rajasthan in which the Cachar dist #COVID19+ person travelled, have tested positive too," Mr Sarma added.
Coronavirus Lockdown: 160 migrants found traveling to UP in three trucks
The Mumbai police on Thursday intercepted three trucks carrying 160 migrant labourers from the city to Utttar Pradesh, an official said. Drivers of the three trucks and another person were charged for violation of lockdown, said an official of the RAK Marg police station.
The trucks, which were covered with black tarpaulin, were stopped at Gyaneshwar Nagar Junction at Sewri in the morning, he said. When the black covers were removed, the police found in all 160 daily wage workers packed inside three trucks.
They told police that they had paid Rs 3,000 per head to the truck drivers for taking them to Uttar Pradesh, their native state, the official said.
Asia's coronavirus death toll passes 10,000: Report
The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic in Asia passed 10,000 on Thursday, with just under half of the fatalities in China, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources at 1900 GMT.
With a total of 10,001 deaths and 269,025 infections, Asia has a far lower toll than Europe, which has recorded 151,576 deaths, or the United States and Canada with 79,328.
China, which has officially recorded 4,633 deaths, has registered only one new death in the past three weeks, while the next hardest-hit Asian countries are India with 1,783 fatalities and Indonesia with 930. The virus has killed 266,919 people worldwide.
COVID-19: Fifteen fresh coronavirus cases in Telangana on Thursday
Three people, who returned to Telangana from Mumbai, were among 15 people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the state on Thursday.
The state government is testing all those returning from other states and the three were found positive as part of such tests, official sources said. The remaining 12 cases are from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area from where major chunk of the total cases in the state are reported.
The GHMC has been a focus area for the government for COVID-19 containment and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday asked officials to implement strict measures in the city and its surrounding areas to check the virus spread.
Coronavirus India: 6 more COVID-19 deaths, 110 new cases in Rajasthan
The novel coronavirus toll in Rajasthan rose to 99 on Thursday with six more deaths, while the number of cases climbed to 3,427 after 110 people tested positive in the last 24 hours, the Health Department said.
There are 1,439 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the state and 1,523 people have been discharged from hospitals so far after recovery, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.
Out of the six new deaths, 2 were in Jaipur, which has reported 53 fatalities so far. A COVID-19 patient each died in Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Kota and Ajmer districts in the past 24 hours, taking the toll to 99, Singh said.
7 more COVID-19 deaths, 92 new cases in West Bengal
At least seven people died of COVID-19 in West Bengal in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll in the state to 79 on Thursday, the state health department said. Of the seven, five are from Kolkata and two from North 24 Parganas district, it said.
The number of active cases in the state rose of 1,101, after 92 more people tested positive for the infection during the period.
Two pregnant women admitted to KPC Medical College and Hospital here were found to have contracted the disease, health department sources said.
77 inmates, 26 staff of Mumbai jail test positive for COVID-19
As many as 77 inmates and 26 staff members from Arthur Road jail in Mumbai have contracted coronavirus, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil
Deshmukh said on Thursday. After the coronavirus epidemic broke out, the state government had isolated eight prisons in the state including
the Arthur Road prison, and ordered that no new person will be allowed to enter and those inside, including jail staff, will not be allowed to leave prison during lockdown.
Odisha cancels 3 trains from Surat after HC suggestion to allow only corona negative returnees
The government on Thursday cancelled three trains which were to bring stranded people from Surat in Gujarat after the Orissa High Court suggested that the state ensure that only those tested negative for COVID-19 are allowed to return.
Three trains were scheduled to bring over 3,000 people from Surat to Odisha on Friday.
"However, we have asked the district magistrate of Surat to cancel the three Odisha bound trains tomorrow," a senior official said. So far 13 trains including 12 from Surat have brought people to Odisha and four others are on their way to the state.
Coronavirus News: 13 Private Labs To Conduct RT-PCR Tests In Delhi
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has expanded the list of private laboratories performing real-time RT-PCR test for coronavirus in the national capital from eight to thirteen labs, said Delhi's Directorate of Health Services on Thursday.
Earlier on May 3, the ICMR officials had told ANI that it has crossed over one million RT-PCR tests on Saturday evening, marking a big milestone.
The ICMR has always emphasised that the confirmatory test for diagnosis of COVID-19 is the RT-PCR test of the throat and/or nasal swab, which detects virus at an early stage.
Recently, Dr GS Toteja, Additional Director General of ICMR, had said that to contain coronavirus infection, RT-PCR tests must be continued vigorously as the principal diagnostic test.
Coronavirus News: Maharashtra Reports 1,216 New COVID Cases Taking Total To 17,974
Maharashtra on Thursday reported 1,216 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number to 17,974 in the state, a health official said, reported PTI. This is the second largest single-day figure of positive cases, the official said. The state also reported 43 deaths, of which 24 were in Mumbai, taking the state's death count to 694, he said. 3,301 have recovered from the infection in the state which now has 13,979 active cases. 2,02,105 have been tested so far.
Coronavirus News: Ahmedabad COVID Cases Near 5,000-Mark
Ahmedabad reports 275 new COVID-19 cases, taking total to 4,991, health officials said, reported PTI. 321 have died so far in the city.
Coronavirus News: COVID Cases In Madhya Pradesh Rise To 3,252
Madhya Pradesh reported 114 fresh coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the total to 3,252 in the state, officials said, reported PTI. The death count rose to 193 with 8 new fatalities, they said.
Coronavirus News: Telangana Reports 15 Fresh COVID Cases Taking Total To 1,122
Telangana reported 15 fresh cases of coronavirus on Thursday, taking the number of positive cases in the state to 1,122, reported PTI. No death occurred on Thursday, a COVID-19 bulletin issued by the state government said. As many as 45 people have been cured/discharged from hospitals today. The number of people cured/discharged till date stood at 693. The number of active cases as on date was 400, the bulletin said. Out of the 15 fresh cases, 12 are from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area, while the other three are migrants, it added.
Coronavirus News: 5 Additional Flights From Amritsar, Ahmedabad To Carry UK Citizens Stranded In India
The UK government on Thursday announced five additional flights to bring home British travellers stranded in India due to the coronavirus lockdown, with four flights scheduled between Amritsar and London and one from Ahmedabad to London next week, reported PTI. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said that once these flights are completed, over 16,500 travellers will have been brought back from India on 64 special flights chartered as part of the government's 75-million pound repatriation programme during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
Coronavirus News: Over 51,000 Stranded Migrants Returned To UP In 43 Shramik Special Trains
Over 51,000 stranded migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh have reached the state in 43 special "Shramik" Special trains since the service was launched amid the nationwide COVID lockdown, officials said on Thusrday, reported PTI. 43 trains carried migrants to the state and arrived at Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jaunpur, Gorakhpur, Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli, Kannauj, Banda, Azamgarh, Barabanki, Sitapur and Unnao. There were 51,371 workers and labourers on these 43 trains, Additional Chief Secretary Awanish Awasthi said. By midnight, 13 more trains will bring another 15,500 migrant workers, he said. As many as 43 more trains with about 53,000 migrants will arrive Friday onward, he said. So far, Uttar Pradesh has made arrangements for 99 trains to bring migrants stranded in different states, Mr Awasthi said. These trains have brought back migrant workers from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana and Karnataka, he said
Coronavirus News: 26 Employees Of Cadilla Pharmaceuticals Test Coronavirus Positive In Gujarat
As many as 26 employees of Cadila Pharmaceuticals have tested positive for coronavirus in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district, an official said on Thursday, reported PTI. At least 26 employees of the company's manufacturing unit at Dholka in the district tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, district development officer Arun Mahesh Babu said. Following the development, 95 employees of that unit, who may have come in contact with the infected personnel, have been put under home quarantine, he said.
Coronavirus News: Gujarat Coronavirus Cases Cross 7,000
With 388 new patients, coronavirus cases in Gujarat reaches 7,013. Death count rises to 425 with 29 new fatalities, state health official said, reported PTI.
Coronavirus News: J&K Reports 18 New COVID Cases Taking Total Number To 793
Jammu and Kashmir reported 18 fresh coronavirus cases on Thursday, nine of them from three tertiary care hospitals in Srinagar, ringing alarm bells in the union territory. "18 fresh positive cases have been detected in the last 24 hours. Total positives in the union territory now at 793," officials said. They said while Jammu now has a total of 68 cases, 725 were positive in total in the Kashmir valley, reported PTI.
Coronavirus News: Bengal Reports 92 New Cases, 7 Deaths In 24 Hours
Seven more COVID patients died in Bengal today taking the state's death count to 79. 92 fresh cases were reported in the last 24 hours, the state's health bulletin stated. Total active cases in the state stand at 1,101.
Coronavirus News: Asymptomatic COVID Patients To Be Shifted To Civic Facilities In Maharashtra's Aurangabad
Asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district will be shifted from the dedicated COVID-19 hospital to civic-run facilities, an official said on Thursday, reported PTI. The COVID-19 hospital in Aurangabad has only 140 beds and at present 148 patients are recuperating there, a senior official from the hospital said. Hospital authorities are trying to make arrangements in keeping with the norms of social distancing, he said. When contacted, health officer of the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation Dr Neeta Padalkar said, "We have decided to shift asymptomatic patients to our facilities, which have a capacity of 300 beds." As many as 150 patients are being treated at the civic-run facilities, she said. So far, Aurangabad has reported 378 coronavirus cases, of which 29 patients have recovered, while 12 have died due to the infection, she added.
Coronavirus News: Arunachal Pradesh, With 1 Case, Spent Rs 9.49 Crore On COVID-19 Management, Says Official
Arunachal Pradesh has spent Rs 9.49 crore on COVID-19 management so far, an official said on Thursday. The amount was spent from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMFR) on capacity building, procurement of essential equipment, providing relief to stranded persons and logistics, Secretary to the chief minister, Ameya Abhyankar said. Chief Minister Pema Khandu had on Wednesday said Rs 19.89 crore was donated to the CMRF till date. "My gratitude to all those generous persons who have contributed to the Chief Minister''s Relief Fund towards our battle against #COVID 19. So far we have received a sum of Rs 19,89,08,644," Mr Khandu had tweeted. Only one COVID-19 case has been reported in the state so far.
Coronavirus News: 70-Year-Old Man From Rohtas District Is Bihar's Fifth COVID-19 Casualty
A 70-year-old man died in Bihar's Rohtas district on Thursday, minutes before his test reports confirmed that he had contracted the coronavirus infection, a top official said, reported PTI. Principal Secretary, Health, Sanjay Kumar confirmed the death of the patient, which marks the fifth coronavirus casualty in the state. The man, a resident of Sasaram in Rohtas district, was admitted to Narayan Medical College and Hospital with acute breathing difficulty. His sample was brought to the state capital for testing. He died shortly before test reports confirmed that he was a COVID-19 positive, the official said. Officials in Rohtas said the man's travel history and infection trail were being ascertained.
Coronavirus News: Odisha To Issue E-Passes To Stranded Workers In State Wanting To Return HomeThe Odisha government has launched an online initiative for issuing e-passes to stranded people and migrant workers who wish to return to home states, reported PTI. Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said those willing to move out of Odisha can log on to covid.odisha.gov.in and apply for the pass. "Happy to share that #Odisha has launched #ePass for people who are stranded here & need to travel to other states," Mr Patnaik wrote on Twitter.
The applications made online will be reviewed by respective district authorities. Once the applicant receives the approval, e-pass can be downloaded and printed for reference. The initiative will be of immense help to those who wish to travel to other states, an official said, adding that around 90,000 migrant workers still stranded in Odisha.
Coronavirus News: ICMR Partners With India Post For Delivery Of COVID Testing Kits
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has joined hands with the India Post for the delivery of COVID kits from its 16 regional depots to 200 additional labs designated for coronavirus tests across the country, reported ANI. "While continuing to deliver money to the doorsteps through Aadhaar enabled payment system, the India Post has entered into a tie-up with ICMR on April 20 this year for the delivery of its COVID kits from its 16 regional depots to the 200 additional labs designated for COVID testing across the length and breadth of the country," said an official statement. As per the official statement, the ICMR has set a target of carrying out around one lakh tests across the country per day. "For this crucial work, India Post with its vast network of 1,56,000 post offices has once again turned into a COVID warrior." Once the kits are received at these 16 depots -- located in 14 postal circles / states -- these have to be distributed to different labs in the same or neighbouring states.
Coronavirus Update: 2 More COVID-19 Patients Recover In Chhattisgarh, Discharged
Two more COVID-19 patients, including a health personnel, were discharged from a government-run hospital at Raipur in Chhattisgarh on Thursday after they recovered from the infection, officials said, reported PTI. With this, the total number of discharged patients has reached 38 in the state, which now has 21 active cases, they said. "A 35-year-old nursing officer of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur and a 25-year-old migrant labourer, both men, were discharged this afternoon after their two consecutive tests came out negative for the infection," a public relations officer of the AIIMS told PTI.
Coronavirus News: NGO In J&K Home Delivers Essentials To 1,700 Families In 5 Districts Amid Lockdown
NGO "Serving Nations" based in Srinagar is providing rations to the needy in the Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam and Bandipora districts during the coronavirus lockdown, reported ANI. "Through the door-to-door delivery, we provide ration to the needy and poor people in the union territory. We are distributing rations in five districts - Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam and Bandipora. We have also started the sanitisation in these districts," one of the volunteers told ANI. He added: "We have helped close to 1,700 families that include around 300 non-locals as well. In these packets, we are providing 5kg wheat, 1-litre oil, 250 grams sugar, mirchi, turmeric and salt. We are providing essentials that will last 10 days." After 10 days, the ration is replenished. The NGO provides help through its 4 teams involved in verification, supply of ration and packaging of ration among other things.
Coronavirus News: Armed Forces Ready 6 Quarantine Facilities For 2,100 Evacuated Indians
The Ministry of Defence on Thursday informed that the Armed Forces have readied 6 quarantine facilities that can accommodate up to 2,100 Indians, who are being evacuated from several countries across the world in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, reported ANI. Amid coronavirus-triggerered restrictions across the globe, hundreds of Indians are stranded abroad. Evacuees from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Malaysia will be housed in the quarantine facilities maintained by the three services. The Army quarantine facilities are located at Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bhopal while the Navy has set up facilities at Kochi and Visakhapatnam. Quarantine facility of the Air Force is located at Chennai, which can accommodate 350 people.
Coronavirus News: 10 More Test Positive In Gautam Buddh Nagar Taking UP's Total Count To 2,998
Ten more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddha Nagar adjoining Delhi, taking the total number of cases to 202 in the district on Thursday, reported ANI. "10 people tested positive in Gautam Buddha Nagar today. The total number of cases in the district is now at 202, including 93 active cases," said an official statement. According to data, 124 sample reports were collected today out of which 114 were found negative. A total of 3,854 samples have been collected so far. 2,998 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Uttar Pradesh with 60 deaths while the total count of patients in the country has risen to 52,952 including 1,783 deaths so far, according to the Union Health Ministry website.
Coronavirus News: Mumbai Police Turns Empty Residential Apartments Into Temporary COVID Hospital For Cops
Mumbai Police has converted unoccupied apartments, originally constructed for housing police personnel in the city, into a temporary COVID-19 hospital for the police, reported ANI. The temporary hospital in Mumbai's Kalina area will have all the necessary facilities for the treatment of coronavirus patients. Mumbai Commissioner of Police Param Bir Singh visited the hospital today for an inspection. "This hospital was made with the help of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and some NGOs. Patients will be admitted to the hospital starting today evening. I am thankful to everyone for this," Mr Singh told ANI. Around 250 police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai but no one's condition is critical, he said.
Coronavirus Update: Dean Of Mumbai Hospital Where Corpses Were Placed Next To COVID Patients Clarifies
The Dean of Sion Hospital in Mumbai where corpses wrapped in body bags were placed next to coronavirus patients said, "A committee has been formed to look into the incident and it has been asked to submit a report within 24 hours. Most of the times it happens that relatives are not available to collect the bodies and some times they don't claim so we have to inform the police about it. And legal formalities take time. But still such an incident should not happen in future and hospital will take precautions."
Coronavirus News: Dalai Lama Says World Must Unit As "One Human Family" In Fight Against Pandemic
In his Buddha Purnima message on Thursday, the Dalai Lama said the world must focus on what unites it as "one human family" and meet challenges through a global, coordinated effort, reported PTI.
The Tibetan spiritual leader urged everyone to promote inter-religious understanding, underlining that all religions promote happiness of all people.
"Also, in this time of serious crisis confronting the world, when we face threats to our health and we feel saddened for the family and friends we have lost, we must focus on what unites us as members of one human family," he said in an apparent reference to the pandemic.
"Accordingly, we need to reach out to each other with compassion, for it is only by coming together in a coordinated, global effort that we will meet the unprecedented challenges we face," he said.
Coronavirus News: Kirana Stores Registered 40% Increase In Sale Of Essentials Amid Lockdown, Says Report
There has been a 40% increase in consumer expenditure on essential goods at kirana stores since the imposition of the countrywide lockdown, said a study by SnapBizz.
SnapBizz is a Bengaluru-based company which provides new-age solutions to convert the neighbourhood retail and grocery stores.
According to the report, there was a major spike in sales in Mid-March as an indication of panic buying that took place followed by a low spell till Easter weekend, post which, sales improved, reported ANI.
Coronavirus cases: 31 cops test positive for COVID-19 in Indore
Around 31 police personnel have tested positive for coronavirus in Indore, news agency ANI reported quoting a police official.
"While 31 police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, 22 of them are admitted at hospitals. Eight were discharged after making full recovery and one lost his life," said Mohammad Yusuf Qureshi, SP (East) Indore.
He said that personal protection equipment (PPE) kits have been provided to police personnel who are coming in contact with coronavirus patients in COVID-19 hospitals.
The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has reached 52,952, including 15,267 recovered/migrated and 1,694 deaths, as per the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Coronavirus cases: After Jharkhand, more special trains to be run for Bihar, West Bengal people stranded in Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu government has prepared a list of patients and stranded guests from Bihar and West Bengal and said they will be sent home by a special train in a day or two.
"We have gathered the particulars of all those hailing from Bihar and West Bengal including patients at CMC Vellore and migrant guests. They will be sent by a special train today or tomorrow," Mangat Ram Sharma, the nodal officer appointed by Tamil Nadu government to oversee the movement of persons stranded due to the lockdown to and from the States and Union Territories told PTI.
Coronavirus cases - 5,532 coronavirus cases in Delhi, 15 patients on ventilator: Satyendar Jain
Delhi has confirmed over 5,000 coronavirus positive cases, Health Minister Satyendar Jain confirmed. "In Delhi, the situation is under control. There are 5,532 numbers of patients, who are getting treatment for the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Around 15 patients are on a ventilator," Mr Jain said while speaking to reporters. He said the doubling rate of coronavirus cases in the city is currently at 11 days.
Coronavirus news: Prisoners in UP's Agra Jail test positive for COVID-19
A prisoner serving a murder sentence at the Central Jail in Agra has tested positive for COVID-19. The prisoner was transferred from a jail in UP's Jhansi to Agra in December 2019.
The prisoner was tested positive on May 6.
Jail authorities say this prisoner has had no outside contact for 45 days. 14 of the inmates who were in close contact with this prisoner have been quarantined.
Coronavirus news: 56 more COVID-19 cases in Andhra Pradesh
As many as 56 new positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in Andhra Pradesh, taking the total count in the state to 1833.
Coronavirus news: 5,532 coronavirus cases in Delhi, says Satyendar Jain
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that there are 5,532 coronavirus positive cases in the national capital and added that 15 patients are currently on ventilators.
Watch: Navy Warship Enters Maldives To Bring Back Stranded Indians
INS Jalashwa, the Indian Navy's amphibious warship, has reached Maldives to bring back Indian citizens who have been stranded in the island nation. The warship was sent to Male by the Indian Navy as part of the first phase under "Operation Samudra Setu".
INS Jalashwa is joined by INS Magar in the mission to bring back 1,000 Indian citizens.
Coronavirus news: 20 new cases in Karnataka
Twenty people have contracted the novel coronavirus in Karnataka, taking the total to 693. 29 people have died due to COVID-19 illness, 354 have recovered from COVID-19 so far.
Coronavirus news: 3,561 COVID-19 Cases In India In 24 Hours, 89 Deaths
India reported 3,561 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 52,952, government data shows. The highly infectious virus has claimed 89 lives during the same period, the Health Ministry said. The total number of deaths due to COVID-19 in India is 1,783. The rise in cases has come from Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. So far 15,267 people recovered. Maharashtra remains the worst-hit state with 16,758 cases. It is followed by Gujarat with 6,625 cases and Delhi 5,532 cases. (Read full story here)
Coronavirus cases: Chennai Shop Owners Remain Wary As City Sees Spike In Virus Case
Most of the standalone shops in Chennai remained closed for the second day despite government order on relaxation of lockdown that was put in place to control the spread of coronavirus. The shopkeeprs say that the spike in number of COVID-19-related infections in the city have forced them to remain shut despite facing hardship during the 45-day lockdown.
Chennai has around 2,328 positive cases. A majority of these cases have been reported in Koyambedu, where 1,700 people have contracted the virus. (Read full story
here)
Just In: 3,561 Cases In India In 24 Hours, Over 52,900 Total Cases, 1,783 Deaths
Coronavirus cases: Tripura wants probe into infection source of 62 cases in BSF camp
Two weeks after Tripura was declared of the novel coronavirus, the Northeartern state witnessed a major spike in infections on Wedneaday after 62 people tested positive for the virus.
All the cases have been linked to a battalion of the Border Security Force prompting the state government to ask the for an inquiry into the matter. (Read full story
here)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases in India Live Updates: 20 new cases reported in Odisha
Twenty new people were tested positive for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) in Odisha, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 205, news agency ANI reported. The state has 142 active cases and two deaths due to the virus. 61 people have recovered from their illness.
Coronavirus India Lockdown news: Air India flight from Abu Dhabi to reach Kerala today
The Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi will reach Cochin International Airport in Kochi, Kerala, at 9:40 pm today with 179 expatriates.
In this flight, there are 73 people from Thrissur district, 25 from Ernakulam, 23 from Malappuram, 15 from Alappuzha, 13 from Palakkad, 13 from Kottayam and 8 from Pathanamthitta. (Read full story
here)
Pandemic leading to illegal drug shortages: UN report
The wide-ranging disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic and its associated lockdowns are leading to shortages of illegal drugs in some countries, according to a UN report released Thursday.
The report warns that particularly in the case of heroin, shortages could lead to the use of "harmful domestically-produced substances" instead. The report particularly mentions of heroin shortage cases in Europe, South-West Asia and North America.
Hyderabad reports 11 new COVID-19 cases
As many as 11 more people in Telangana confirmed positive of coronavirus, said State Director of Public Health and Family Welfare.
"With 11 new COVID-19 cases, the total number of cases in the state stands at 1,107, including 648 discharged/cured, 430 active cases and 29 deaths," the official statement read on Wednesday.
It said that all of the 11 cases have been reported from Hyderabad.
Universities, colleges in J&K reopen with 30% staff, no classes
Universities, colleges and professional courses' institutes in Jammu and Kashmir reopened for administrative works with 30 percent staff, a day after the Higher Education Department allowed them to reopen, but not run any classes till May 30.
A government order issued here said that offices of Vice Chancellors, head of departments, and those of principals of government degree colleges, polytechnic colleges and ITI shall start functioning with minimum 30 percent staff on rotation basis "in the interest of administration".
2,300 cases reported in Pune, more than 100 killed
A total of 99 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Pune, Maharashtra, said a city health official. With 99 new COVID-19 cases the total number of cases has hiked to 2,300.
Seven people died due to coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the total count to 127 in Pune.
Rajasthan decides to seal interstate boundaries
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has decided to seal all interstate boundaries of Rajasthan to prevent any unauthorised entry of people.
Holding a high-level meeting late on Wednesday night, Mr Gehlot directed the officials to seal the border with immediate effect and regulate the interstate boundaries so that those who have permission from the state government could enter.
Mr Gehlot said there had been an unprecedented increase in the number of novel coronavirus cases in many states of the country in the past few days.
Delhi Up By 428 Coronavirus Cases, Highest In A Day. Total Over 5,500Delhi saw then biggest single day spike in coronavirus cases today -- 428 -- as the national figure crossed 50,000 today. The national capital, which crossed the 5,000 mark yesterday, now stands at 5,532. Over the last 24 hours, 74 persons have recovered, taking the total to 1,542. Another person has died, pushing the number of fatalities to 65."
Coronavirus update: 2 test positive for COVID-19 in Jharkhand; cases rise to 127
Two more persons tested positive for novel coronavirus infection on Wednesday, taking the tally to 127 in Jharkhand, an official said.
Of the 167 samples tested, two were found positive for COVID-19, said Dr D K Singh, Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences.
The state now has 87 active cases. While 37 Covid-19 patients have recovered, three died, PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: Mumbai's COVID-19 Cases Cross 10,000-Mark
The number of COVID-19 cases in Mumbai crossed the 10,000-mark to 10,527 today with 769 more people testing positive for coronavirus and 25 others died to the viral infection, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
The overall death count now stands at 412, a release said.
A total of 159 patients were discharged from various hospitals after recovery, taking their number to 2,287, it said.
"443 new suspected coronavirus cases have been admitted in various hospitals," the release said, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: Ahmedabad Reports 291 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, Total Reaches 4,735-Mark
Ahmedabad reported 291 new coronavirus cases, taking the total to 4,735, while with the death of 25 more COVID-19 patients, the count rose to 298 today, a health department official said.
Ahmedabad also reported discharge of 74 COVID-19 patients, taking the number of such people to 778, the official said.
With the new cases, the tally in Ahmedabad, worst hit by COVID-19 in Gujarat, shot up to 4,735, while the death count inched towards the 300-mark, the official said.
Amid the mounting cases, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Wednesday took several decisions with an effort to contain the coronavirus spread, including ordering that no shops, other than those selling milk and medicines, will remain open in the city over the next one week, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: Turkey says coronavirus pandemic "under control"
The coronavirus pandemic is "under control" in Turkey, the country's health minister said on Wednesday, but warned citizens they still need to take the necessary precautions.
The number of deaths per day in Turkey has fallen in the past week, remaining under 100 within a 24-hour period since April 26.
And new infections are sharply down on the peak of over 5,000 in one day last month, AFP reported.
Coronavirus update: Shashi Tharoor raises concerns with PM over protocols for repatriation of stranded Indians from abroad
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has raised concerns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over certain protocols for repatriation of Indians from abroad such as the requirement of a COVID-19-free certificate and charging the expatriates, especially the blue collar workers, for the return journey, PTI reported.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Tharoor expressed appreciation for the central government for "finally deciding to address the plight" of stranded ''pravasis'' by commencing the process of repatriation from May 7 onwards.
Coronavirus update: Centre bans export of hand sanitisers
The Union Government on Wednesday banned the export of alcohol-based sanitisers amid coronavirus crisis, ANI reported.
"Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are prohibited for exports," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said in a notification.
Sanitisers are used as a disinfectant to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
Coronavirus update: Mandatory quarantine for Air India evacuation crew till COVID-19 test comes negative
National air carrier Air India, which is all set to bring back Indian nationals from the Gulf, Europe and the United States as part of a mammoth exercise beginning Thursday to repatriate lakhs of people, has advised all operating cockpit and cabin crew to stay in a hotel until their COVID-19 test turns out to be negative, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: One more positive COVID-19 case in Himachal Pradesh, count rises to 44
One more person tested positive for COVID-19 in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases to 44 in the state, officials said.
The patient is a resident of Jamanabad in Kangra district, Superintendent of Police Vimukt Ranjan said, PTI reported.
Coronavirus update: 3 special trains leave for different states from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
In continuing evacuation, around 14,000 migrant workers left Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for different states in 13 special trains, an official of the South Central Railway here said on Wednesday.
While 11 trains left Telangana, two originated in Andhra Pradesh during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday and were headed to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, the official said.
In Telagana, the departure of the trains was from six railway stations, most of them on the city outskirts. In the neighbouring state, the trains originated from Kurnool and Rayanapadu stations, PTI reported.
Coronavirus update: Nagpur man tests positive for COVID-19 after death
22-year-old youth from Parvati Nagar, who died on May 5, tested positive for COVID-19 post death, informed Tukaram Mundhe, Municipal Commissioner, Nagpur, on Wednesday.
Nagpur district has so far recorded three deaths due to coronavirus, ANI reported.
Mundhe informed reporters that Nagpur Municipal Corporation has started contact tracing of the deceased and is also making efforts to identify the containment zones.
Coronavirus news: No new positive cases, no new hotspots in Kerala
No new positive cases were reported in Kerala on Wednesday, while samples of seven people returned negative and only 30 COVID-19 patients are under treatment, PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: 29 BSF jawans test positive for coronavirus in Jodhpur
Twenty-nine BSF jawans, forming part of a company deployed earlier in the Walled City area in Delhi on internal security duty, tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, an official of the border guarding force said.
All these jawans had been shifted to the Subsidiary Training Center (STC) of BSF on Monday from Delhi for quarantine, PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: Total COVID-19 positive cases in Rajasthan reach 3240
With 47 new cases reported on Wednesday afternoon, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Rajasthan stands at 3240, while three died due to coronavirus today, said Rajasthan Health Department.
Out of the total 47 fresh cases, five have been reported from Jaipur, 32 from Jodhpur, two from Ajmer, one from Bharatpur, two from Dholpur, one from Sawaimadhopur, three from Jalore and one from Sikar.
As many as 82 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the State since morning, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: Over 95,000 cases, 18,000 arrests in Maharashtra for violations till date
Over 95,000 offenses have been registered under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and more than 18,000 people arrested in Maharashtra since March 22 for violation of lockdown norms in place for the coronavirus outbreak.
"As many as 95,678 offenses have registered under Section 188 (Disobedience to an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant) of IPC since the lockdown leading to 18,722 arrests and seizure of 53071vehicles," Maharashtra Home Ministry said in a press release.
Cumulatively, more than Rs 3 crore have been collected in fines from offenders, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: Maharashtra to ramp up ICU beds, seeks Central facilities in state
Maharashtra, which is battling surge in COVID-19 cases, has requested the hospitals under the Railways, the Army and other Central undertakings to make their facilities in the state available to the government which is planning to ramp up the number of ICU beds. A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Wednesday said CM Uddhav Thackeray was personally talking to the higher authorities concerned for getting more ICU beds for the treatment of the COVID-19 patients.
Coronavirus news: Kerala airports get ready to receive expats from Gulf, other countries
As India begins its biggest evacuation excercise to bring back its citizens stranded in the Gulf and various countries due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the three airports in Kerala are all set to receive around 2,700 expatriatesin the first five days, beginning Thursday.
Three naval ships, which have also joined in the evacuation process, left for Maldives and UAE on Tuesday to bring back Indian citizens, PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: Nepal extends lockdown till May 18, suspends cross-border movement until May 31
Nepal extended the nationwide lockdown till May 18 and suspended international flights and cross-border movement with the neighbouring countries like India and China until May 31 to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting held at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's residence at Baluwatar, the state-run Nepal Television reported.
The ongoing lockdown, which was first enforced on March 24 to stop the spread of the COVID-19, was to an end on Thursday. This is for the fourth time that the lockdown has been extended by the government, PTI reported.
Coronavirus news: In Aurangabad,odd-even formula for essential shops
In a bid to check the spread of coronavirus and avoid crowding of markets, police have implemented the alternate-day formula for functioning of the shops selling essential items till May 17 in Maharashtra's Aurangabad, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.
The extended coronavirus-induced lockdown is scheduled to remain in force till May 17, news agency PTI reported. As per the arrangement, fair price shops will now
remain open on odd dates and the shops selling grocery and other essential items will function on even dates, he said.
Coronavirus news: COVID-19 infects 548 doctors, nurses, paramedics across India
Coronavirus has infected around 548 doctors, nurses and paramedics across the country so far, according to data maintained by the Centre, official sources said on Wednesday.
The figure does not include field workers, ward boys, sanitation workers, security guards, lab attendants, peons, laundry and kitchen staff among others, PTI reported.
After following all protocols Border Security Force headquarters in Delhi has been made functional today. While performing operational and essential duties, 85 more personnel have tested positive for #COVID19: Border Security Force (BSF)
Bihar Government has asked Union Ministry of Health as to how Gaya can be classified as red zone where there is only one active case of COVID-19: State Principal Health Secretary Sanjay Kumar
COVID-19 Cases Reach 1,681 in Indore, Death Count Rises To 81The number of coronavirus cases in Indore rose to 1,681 after 27 more people tested positive for the disease in the Madhya Pradesh district in last 24 hours, an official said on Wednesday.
The death count also went up to 81 as two more patients died to the viral infection in the district, which is among the worst hit by COVID-19 in the country, Chief Medical and Health Officer Praveen Jadia said.
The two victims included a 36-year-old man, who was already suffering from diabetes and hypertension, and a 75- year-old man, who had a cardiac disorder.
Till now, 491 patients from Indore have been discharged after recovery.
As per an analysis of the data, the COVID-19 death rate in the district was 4.82 per cent till Wednesday morning.
For the last 10 days, the death rate in the district, which is under the COVID-19 red zone, has remained below five per cent.
Curfew is in force in the urban limits of Indore since March 25, after the first coronavirus patient was found in the district, news agency PTI reported.
No new positive case has been reported in Uttarakhand today till 2 pm. Total number of positive cases of COVID-19 stands at 61 with only 1 death. Active cases remain 21 in the state: State Health Department
Coronavirus India Lockdown: Taxi Business Suffers Without Tourists In GoaEven as the Goa government eased restrictions on tourist taxis amid the COVID-19 lockdown, operators claimed that the move was of no help, as tourism in the coastal state remains suspended.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, president of North Goa Tourist Taxi Association Vasudev Arlekar said despite the state government's decision to allow tourist taxis to resume operations, the business has not picked up.
"There are over 16 lakh four-wheelers in the state, which has a population of 15 lakh. Every household has a car. Our business is completely dependent on tourists and it cannot take off until tourism resumes," Mr Arlekar said.
The associations former president Laxman Korgaonkar had met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with several demands, he said.
"We had demanded that each taxi operator be paid Rs 12,000 per month for next six months as compensation. Our demand still stands," he said.
Taxi operators were not able to pay their bank instalments and the state government should take up the issue with financial institutions, he said, adding that the government should also postpone insurance renewals and waive off road tax, news agency PTI reported.