India remains at Stage 2 of the outbreak, which means the spread is through local transmission.
India has reported a sharp increase in total number of coronavirus or COVID-19 cases, which crossed the 200-mark this morning with nearly 30 fresh cases. Four people from Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra have died in the last two weeks. The government banned landing of all international commercial passenger flights from March 22 for a week, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to stay indoors and called for ''janata curfew'' on Sunday.
The fourth fatality in the country, the Union health ministry said, was an elderly from Punjab and had co-morbid conditions like diabetes, cardiac ailments. More than 20 fresh cases have been reported in last 24 hours with Chhattisgarh and Chandigarh reporting their first COVID-19 patients on early Thursday.
PM Modi, in a televised address yesterday, asked appealed to citizens to observe Sunday (March 22) as a test run for social distancing over the next few days to fight the spread of coronavirus. As part of the self-curfew, the Prime Minister said everyone must stay home from 7 am to 9 pm that day and abide by it.
"Under this Janata (public) curfew, no one should leave their home or gather in their neighbourhoods. Only those related to essential services should go out," said PM Modi.
India remains at Stage 2 of the outbreak, which means the spread is through local transmission, which can be traced. The health ministry said there is no evidence of community transmission yet, in which it is hard to tell how the patient contracted the virus.
Schools, colleges, theatres, malls and shopping areas have been shut down in large parts of the country. Religious gatherings and weddings have been put off.
Here are the Latest Updates on Coronavirus developments in India:
Sanjay Singh, ND Gupta on self-quarantine
Rajya Sabha AAP MP Sanjay Singh and ND Gupta on Friday announced they will go in for self-quarantine after they came in contact with MPs in Parliament who also went for the same. While Sanjay Singh said he had been meeting Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien who had also announced the same, Gupta said he will be following suit as he had been in touch with Sanjay Singh. In a tweet, Sanjay Singh said he had been meeting Derek in Parliament. "My friend and Rajya Sabha MP Derek has kept himself in self-quarantine. We have been meeting in Parliament. As a preventive measure, I am also going for self-quarantine," Sanjay Singh tweeted in Hindi. ND Gupta too tweeted in Hindi saying although he steps out of the house daily, the situation is critical right now. "I have been in touch with Sanjay Singh everyday. I have also been meeting the other members. I have decided to go for self-quarantine. Being too stubborn is also not good," Gupta tweeted.
COVID-19: Kashi Vishwanath Temple to remain closed for devotees till March 24
In the wake of surging cases of COVID-19 in the country, Kashi Vishwanath Temple to remain closed for devotees from March 21 till March 24. However, routine prayers by priests would continue. "Kashi Vishwanath Temple to remain closed for devotees from tomorrow till March 24, in the wake of Coronavirus outbreak. However, routine prayers by priests would continue," said Kaushal Raj Sharma, Varanasi District Magistrate. The total number of COVID-19 cases in India has now climbed up to 223, including 32 foreigners, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.
We are in golden hour of battle with virus epidemic: Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said the state was currently in the "golden hour" of its battle against the coronavirus as it can stop the epidemic's progress to stage 3. Uddhav Thackeray held video-conference with divisional commissioners, district collectors, and police officials on Friday evening about the measures to stop the spread of the virus. "We are in the golden hour (at a point where the disease can still be cured). The need of the hour is to break the chain of virus infection so that its spread is stopped," the Chief Minister said.
Worldwide coronavirus deaths exceed 10,000
More than 252,700 people have been infected by the novel coronavirus across the world and 10,451 have died, with deaths in Italy surpassing the toll in China, where the outbreak began, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported by 183 countries outside China.Interactive graphic tracking global spread of coronavirus: open https://tmsnrt.rs/3aIRuz7 in an external browser.Source: Reuters tally based on statements from health ministries and government officials.
Worldwide coronavirus deaths exceed 10,000
More than 252,700 people have been infected by the novel coronavirus across the world and 10,451 have died, with deaths in Italy surpassing the toll in China, where the outbreak began, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported by 183 countries outside China.Interactive graphic tracking global spread of coronavirus: open https://tmsnrt.rs/3aIRuz7 in an external browser.Source: Reuters tally based on statements from health ministries and government officials.
IndiGo, India's largest airline, has reduced its domestic schedule to match market demand over the next few weeks. On Sunday 22nd March, in line with the Janata Curfew announced by the Prime Minister on 19th March, the airline will be operating approximately 60% of its normal domestic schedule, in order to accommodate those with urgent travel requirements on that day. Going forward, responding to the various travel restrictions imposed worldwide, most of our international flights are suspended and additionally, given the reduction in domestic demand, we are trimming our domestic India operations by approximately 25% for now.
Maharashtra government providing 3-month ration to people under BPL: Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday informed that the state government is providing three months ration to people under Below Poverty Line (BPL) category amid coronavirus scare. "We are providing three months ration to people under BPL (Below Poverty Line) category. We are doing whatever is required," said Pawar in a press conference. Maharashtra remains the worst-hit state from coronavirus with 52 people, including 3 foreign nationals, confirmed positive for the highly contagious virus. The total number of COVID-19 cases in India has now climbed up to 223, including 32 foreigners, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday. As many as 23 people have been cured of the infection in India.The disease has claimed over 10,000 lives globally.
Passengers arriving in India from all countries are being scanned universally. Post this procedure, decisions on quarantine and further medical examination are taken. For updated information, please refer to the circulars herein. All international passengers to India are being screened at airports. Based on their risk profiling, they are advised for facility/home quarantine.
Four test positive for coronavirus in MP's Jabalpur city
Madhya Pradesh on Friday recorded its first cases of coronavirus with four persons testing positive in the state's Jabalpur city. Three members of a family who had returned from Dubai and another person who returned from Germany were found to have contracted the infection, Jabalpur District Collector Bharat Yadav told PTI. All four had returned to India two days ago, and after the state administration learnt about their overseas travel, officials contacted them and collected their samples, Bharat Yadav said.
COVID-19: AIIMS doctors' forum concerned over ''lackadaisical'' approach of Centre, Delhi government
A forum of faculty members, resident doctors, scientists and undergraduate students of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has expressed concern over the "lackadaisical" approach of the Central and Delhi governments to the COVID-19 outbreak in the national capital. The Progressive Medicos and Scientists Forum (PMSF) has said that while other coronavirus-affected nations like Spain, France and China have taken steps to provide sanitizers, masks and health care to its citizens, India was "still in a quandary over how to expand the testing facilities". "Unlike Spain, which nationalised all private hospitals to effectively fight against coronavirus, the Indian government has still not been able to finalize arrangements with private labs for testing of the virus," a statement issued by the forum said. It also said that while the Indian government has made "some appreciable efforts" in bringing home its stranded citizens from some coronavirus affected nations, the arrangements within the country to protect the people from this virus "hardly inspire confidence".
Coronavirus: Kolkata's iconic Coffee House shuts doors for first time in over 60 years
The iconic Coffee House in Kolkata's College Street area on Friday announced closure till March 31 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. A spokesperson of the decades-old joint told PTI that the management had no option but to close down for the first time since 1958 in view of the prevailing situation as public gatherings will endanger the health of patrons and staff. There has been no advisory from the government but in view of the statements of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging to taking certain precautions and avoid large gatherings and maintain social distancing, the decision was taken, he said.
Jamia asks students to vacate hostels amid Coronavirus
Jamia Millia Islamia has directed its students to vacate hostels by Monday in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak but has exempted those from abroad. All the teaching staff of the various faculties and department have been asked to work from their homes and have been directed to provide reading materials etc. for the assignment of each unit on time, the varsity said. This arrangement is up to March 31. "All the teaching staff will be considered on duty and may be called in their respective department in case of exigency," the varsity said. The deployment of non-teaching staff will be done by the respective office heads and they will chalk out the roster for duties for which at least 50 percent staff will remain present on each day, it added. The staff under essential categories like water, electricity, sanitation, security and medical will be deployed as per exigencies and daily requirements and will be rotated accordingly.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs fixed Rs 100 as MRP for 200 ml of hand sanitizers and prices for face masks fixed at Rs10 and Rs 8 for 2 types of masks
Coronavirus: Haryana imposes Section 144 to prevent gatherings
Haryana government has imposed sec 144 of CrPc in both urban as well as rural areas of the state under which gathering of 20 or more people at a place will be restricted. However, in Gurugram and Faridabad, the permissible gathering shall be up to 5 persons only.
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) orders closure of all food plazas, refreshment rooms, Jan Aahars and cell kitchens until further notice in view of COVID-19.
Procure sufficient number of masks and ventilators: Health Ministry to hospitals
Amid rising coronavirus cases in India, the Union Health Ministry has asked hospitals and medical education institutes to procure a sufficient number of ventilators and high flow oxygen masks and advised them to decrease gatherings on their respective premises. Stating that the medical infrastructure in the country needs to be prepared for any possible influx of patients, the ministry issued an advisory outlining interventions for indoor facilities, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities and administrative issues. According to the advisory, non-essential elective surgeries should be postponed. The advisory said some beds should be kept apart for creating isolation facilities in a public and private hospital and ensuring that stable patients are discharged as early as possible while adding that further new admissions (of stable patients) are also restricted. It said all doctors, nurses and support staff in different specialties, including pre and para clinical departments, should be mobilized and trained in infection prevention and control practices. "Hospitals must procure sufficient numbers of ventilators and high flow oxygen masks in preparation for future requirements. "All hospitals must ensure that they have adequate trained manpower and resource pools for ventilator/ ICU care," the advisory stated.
UP Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh undergoes coronavirus test; 3 BJP MLAs who met him on Thursday go into self-isolation
Indian Railways has cancelled all passenger trains starting midnight Saturday to 10 pm on Sunday "keeping in view that demand for train travel will be vastly reduced during janata curfew" called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night. Trains that are already running will be allowed to reach their destinations, a notification issued by the Railways late Friday evening said. In addition, suburban services in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi and Secunderabad will be reduced to a "bare minimum" to cater only to "essential travel", the Railways said.
Covid-19: Nirmala Sitharaman takes stock of the situation, holds meeting with four ministries
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday met ministers and officials of civil aviation, animal husbandry, tourism and MSME ministries to take stock of the situation following the coronavirus outbreak. The finance ministry is compiling various demands of these sectors which are severely impacted by Covid-19, Sitharaman told reporters. The ministry will hold an internal meeting on Saturday to firm up the action plan to deal with the crisis, she added. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation had said the government is setting up a ''Covid-19 Economic Response Task Force'' to decide on relief package for sectors hit by the coronavirus outbreak.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: Spoke to the US Secretary of Defence, Dr. Mark T. Esper this evening.
CBSE has decided to start a helpline for students to create awareness on the coronavirus
Central Board of Secondary Education: CBSE has decided to start a helpline for students to create awareness on the coronavirus. The facility is available on 1800 11 8004 from 8 AM to 8 PM, initially up to 31st March
Markets in Delhi to remain shut for 3 days from Saturday: CAIT
Markets in Delhi will remain closed for three days beginning Saturday in view of the coronavirus outbreak, traders'' body CAIT said on Friday. However, pharmaceuticals, dairy, and general consumables have been exempted from the shutdown for the convenience of citizens for meeting their daily requirements, the traders'' body said. "The markets in Delhi will remain closed on March 21, 22 and 23. Trade leaders will review the situation on the evening of March 23 and decide actions for the future," Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said. In his address to the nation on Thursday, Modi made a fervent appeal to all Indians to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid getting infected by a coronavirus, saying the world has never seen a danger as grave as this. He called for a ''Janata Curfew'' on Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm, saying no citizen, barring those in essential services, should go out of the house. "Even World War I and II did not affect as many countries as coronavirus has done," Modi said in a national broadcast. Asking people to sacrifice "some weeks of yours, some time of yours", Modi said given that coronavirus has no cure yet, the only way to stay safe is to stay indoors. "I request all people in the country to get out of the house only when it is extremely necessary, try and do all work from home," he said.
"It may kindly be noted that in wake of Jantha Curfew on Sunday 22/ 03/ 2020 , BMRCL has decided to keep its services closed. This is to encourage the public stay indoors to maintain social distancing and is essential to counter the spread of Covid 19," Bengaluru Metro tweeted.
Haryana suspends bus service on Sunday
In response to the ''Janata Curfew'' call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Haryana government on Friday announced to suspend the bus service in the state from 7 am to 9 pm on March 22. Confirming it, state Transport Minister Mool Chand Sharma said, "The state government is working at every level to tackle the spread of coronavirus and in view of the same, a decision has been taken to suspend the public bus service from 7 am to 9 pm on March 22." The minister said a priority should be given to the cleanliness of offices, bus stands and workshops in view of the pandemic. He also instructed to make masks available to all employees, drivers and operators in offices.
China holds video conference on coronavirus; Indian officials participate
Indian officials participated in a video conference being hosted by China on Friday during which representatives from some countries of the Eurasian and the South Asian region deliberated on prevention and control of the novel coronavirus pandemic. China stands ready to cooperate with India in fighting COVID-19 and provide support and assistance within its capacity, Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong wrote on Twitter. China held a video conference on prevention and control of coronavirus with the Eurasian and South Asia region, he said. "Senior Indian officials and scientists from the MOHFW (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) and the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) discussed the efforts in combating the epidemic with the Chinese counterparts," Sun said.
Novel coronavirus cases climb to 223 in India
Novel coronavirus cases in India rose to 223 on Friday after 50 more people were infected with the fast-spreading virus in various parts of the country, according to Health Ministry data. Among those found positive for coronavirus are 32 foreign nationals, including 17 from Italy, three from the Philippines, two from the UK, one each belonging to Canada, Indonesia and Singapore. The figure also includes four deaths reported from Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra so far. "The total number of active COVID-19 cases across India stands at 196 so far," the ministry said, adding that 23 others have been cured/discharged/migrated while four have died. Delhi has, so far, reported 17 positive cases, which includes one foreigner, while Uttar Pradesh has recorded 23 cases, including one foreigner. Maharashtra has 52 cases, including three foreigners, while Kerala has recorded 28 cases which include two foreign nationals.
Prohibitory orders imposed in Rajasthan's Bhilwara after doctor tests positive for COVID-19
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC were imposed in Rajasthan's Bhilwara district from Friday onwards after a doctor at a private hospital was tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 10 in the state. Markets were shut down post-noon to implement the prohibitory orders in the wake of the coronavirus threat. It has come into my notice that there is a danger to the life of the common people and their health due to the possible spread of the coronavirus infection in the district so prohibitory orders are necessitated, Bhilwara Collector Rajendra Bhatt said in the order.
Indians Embassy in Beijing issues travel advisory for Indians travelling to China
The Indian Embassy in Beijing on Friday issued a travel advisory for Indians travelling to China, highlighting strict screening and quarantine measures for the incoming travellers amid an increase in the number of imported coronavirus cases in the country. The Indian Embassy's advisory came as China''s health authorities said on Friday that it received reports of 39 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Chinese mainland on Thursday, all of which were imported. China reported zero cases of new domestic coronavirus cases on Wednesday and Thursday including at the virus epicentre Wuhan following which foreigners'' arrivals into Beijing and other cities have gone up. Several Indians working in China began to return to re-join their jobs as the number of coronavirus cases decreased in the country.
Popular restaurant chains shut down across the country. Speciality Restaurants Ltd shuts 145 restaurants. Mainland China, O Calcutta, Hoppipola shut.
4 more test positive for coronavirus in Chandigarh
Four more people tested positive for coronavirus in Chandigarh on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the state to five. Among the four cases were the mother, brother and the cook of a 23-year-old woman who had earlier tested positive for coronavirus in Chandigarh, an official statement said. Besides, a 26-year-old woman who recently returned from the UK has also tested positive for the deadly disease. Till now, five individuals have been tested positive for COVID-19 in Chandigarh, the statement said. The health authorities confirmed that the condition of all the five people was stable, it said. As a preventive measure, an order has been issued that the guidelines of home quarantine shall be strictly followed, the statement added.
16 Mumbaikars fined Rs 1k each for spitting amid coronavirus scare
Amid the novel coronavirus outbreak in Maharashtra, 16 people were penalised for spitting in public in south Mumbai in a single day, police said on Friday. All of them were fined Rs 1,000 each under Maharashtra Police Act, an official said. "These people were caught spitting at Marine Drive, Colaba, MRA Marg and JJ Marg areas," he said. Three new cases of coronavirus infection were detected in Maharashtra on Friday, taking the number of confirmed cases in the state to 52.
Indian Army issues fresh advisory reiterating enhanced measures to fight COVID-19
COAS reviewed Indian Army's preparation to contain COVID-19 with important functionaries at AHQ. Instructions to adhere to enhanced measures issued to all stake holders.
Awareness Campaigns are being run on precautions to be taken within the Army and also for communities in near vicinity to Army establishments.
Conferences/SeminarsAll conferences and seminars postponed till 15 April 2020.
Temporary Duty of all ranks rescheduled/cancelled till 15 April 2020.
Leave of personnel already on leave to be extended till 15 April 2020 at the discretion of Competent Authority.
Courses - All service personnel (less Army Medical Corps) attending courses terminating prior to 15 April 2020 to be retained at respective training institution for which additional training programme to be issued.
Foreign Assignments - NO move of officers to/from country of foreign assignment whether on leave or completion of tenure till 15 April 2020.
All Annual Medical Examination(AME)/Periodic Medical Examination (PME) postponed till 15 April 2020.
CSD Entry to CSD to be regulated and crowding/bunching to be avoided.
Posting of all personnel to be deferred.
Army appeals to Veterans and Civilians living within and in the vicinity of Army Cantontments/Stations to adhere to Social Distancing norms and to support additional/enhanced measures instituted to prevent spread of COVID -19.
Measures to be instituted at IHQ of MoD( Army)/ (Army HQ)
Reduce attendance in offices with effect from 23 March 2020 (less personnel engaged in essential / emergency services directly involved in taking measures to control spread of COVID-19)
35 % officers and 50 % JCO/OR to work from home adhering to home quarantine for one week starting 23 March 2020. Second group to proceed on home quarantine on 30 March 2020. Intermixing of groups to be avoided. It shall be ensured personnel are available on telephone and electronic means at all times for exigencies of work.
In order to avoid crowding/bunching at entry/exit points, personnel attending office to adhere to staggered timings (0900 hours - 1730 hours; 0945 hours - 1815 hours)
Bigbasket, Grofers urge people not to panic as orders surge
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal not to get into panic buying or hoarding owing to the coronavirus pandemic, leading online grocery platforms Bigbasket and Grofers on Friday requested customers to restrain from excessive buying or placing multiple orders. Bigbasket saw its online traffic and revenue grow two times and basket value increase by 15-20 per cent in the last three days as people went into frantic buying of daily use staples like atta, dal and vegetables. Several users reported essential items immediately going out of stock for certain hours during the last three days on both Bigbasket and Grofers (Grofers has seen a 45 per cent rise in orders as well as 18 per cent hike in order value). "Although we faced some disruption in the last 3 days, we have taken corrective action and have geared up for supplies to meet the increased demand. Increased demand is in essentials such as staples, atta and dal, fruits and vegetables. We are in control because the predominant share is from our private label products," a Bigbasket spokesperson told IANS.
After singer Kanika Kapoor shared on social media today that she had tested positive for coronavirus, a dinner she attended in Lucknow has caused a scare among politicians all the way to Delhi, including for parliament and the President's House. President Ram Nath Kovind has cancelled all his appointments after it emerged that he had met with an MP who was possibly exposed to coronavirus at the dinner attended by Kanika Kapoor on Sunday.
PM Modi will announce economic measures in next few days: Chidambaram
Congress MP and former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said that that Prime Minister would have ''no option but to again address the nation and announce tougher social and economic measures'' to contain the spread of COVID-19. While supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi''s initiative to observe a ''Janta curfew'', Chidambaram told reporters, "I think the Prime Minister was testing the waters. He would be compelled to come back in a few days to announce tougher social and economic measures which I also tweeted on Thursday." "I have the feeling that the PM will come back in the next few days to announce tougher social and economic measures," he tweeted. "I am duty bound to support the PM. In effect, the PM has asked the people to wage the war against COVID with moral armaments. We shall do so on Sunday and in the following days, he said.
Delhi metro to be closed on Sunday
The Delhi Metro will not run any train on Sunday as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "janata curfew" to minimise the spread of the highly contagious Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19. "In the wake of 'Janta Curfew' to be observed this Sunday i.e, on 22nd March 2020, DMRC has decided to keep its services closed. The move is aimed at encouraging public to stay indoors and maintain social distancing, which is essential in the fight against Covid-19," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation or DMRC tweeted.
"We welcome the proposal to stay indoors; let us all work together to fight the coronavirus", says West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
COVID-19 pandemic: High Court extends restrictions on its functioning till April 3
The Delhi High Court on Friday decided to extend till April 3 the ongoing restrictions on its functioning in view of the coronavirus outbreak. A circular issued by the high court made public its decision. The circular also indicated the judges who would be conducting proceedings during the period of restricted functioning. "The Administrative and General Supervision Committee has resolved that in order to combat the impending threat of coronavirus, the functioning of this court continue to stand restricted till April 3," the circular said.
Allow employees to work from home: Delhi government to private sector employers
The Delhi government issued an advisory for the private sector to allow their employees to work from home till March 31 in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, an official said on Friday. In the advisory, the government also asked people, particularly senior citizens, pregnant women and those affected with hypertension and diabetes, to remain at home. "All private sector offices (including, multi-national companies, IT firms, industries, and corporate offices) situated in NCT of Delhi are advised to allow their officers/employees to work from home till March 31, 2020," the advisory stated. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has ordered the closure of all malls in the national capital with immediate effect but exempted grocery and pharmacy stores in them. Officials said all non-essential public dealing activities were stopped till March 31 while only essential public dealing activities will continue. All non-essential staff is being directed to work from home while all permanent and contractual employees will be paid for this period. On Thursday, the total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital rose to 14.
According to the Health Ministry data, the COVID-19 cases in India rose to 195 on Friday after 22 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country.
114 travelers from Dubai quarantined in Pune
As many as 114 passengers who arrived here from Dubai by a SpiceJet flight on Friday were put in mandatory quarantine though no passenger on the aircraft showed any major symptoms of coronavirus, a senior official said. Another passenger, who had a mild cough, was taken to the civic-run Naidu Hospital, the official said. All passengers coming from Dubai are kept under observation irrespective of their health condition. SpiceJet''s Dubai-Pune flight, carrying 115 Indians, landed at the Lohegaon Airport here in the early hours of Friday. Though 114 passengers did not show any symptoms of the infection after the screening, they were sent for mandatory quarantine at a facility in Saras Baug area, the official said.
Rajasthan chief minister directs officials to set up isolation wards in district hospitals
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot instructed officials on Friday to make arrangements for setting up isolation wards in hospitals in the districts and maintain supply of medicines for the patients. Chairing a review meeting on coronavirus situation in the state through video conferencing, he advised officials to ensure that social distancing is adhered to in the state and that gatherings of large number of people are not allowed.
2 test positive in Ladakh due to coronavirus, total cases 10
Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Ladakh, taking the number of such patients in the Union Territory to 10, a senior government official said on Friday. Commissioner Secretary (Health) Rigzin Samphel said both the latest cases were from Choshot village of Leh, which was already notified as a containment area by the district administration. "After the reports of the two patients came positive, they were immediately shifted to an isolation ward in a hospital by health officials," Samphel told reporters. He said the test reports of 55 more patients, including 11 taken on Friday, were sent to a laboratory in Delhi. Officials said the condition of all the coronavirus patients in the Union Territory was stable. Responding to a question on the government''s decision to shut a bank branch in Leh, Samphel said it was part of the preventive steps being taken to control the spread of coronavirus.
Mumbai Offices Shut Till March 31
As the outbreak of novel coronavirus is affecting both physical and mental health of individuals across the globe, United Nations International Day of Happiness on Friday launched the campaign theme for this year dedicated to uniting humanity and winning the fight against the global pandemic.
Through the campaign - ''Happiness For All, Together''- the organisation urges all 206 nations and territories on the planet to fight the tough times together by following the ''ten steps to global happiness.''
"Join us and lets #FlattenTheCurve and end the COVID 19 coronavirus threat to humanity by spreading and celebrating #happiness on the 2020 #InternationalDayOfHappiness," read a statement by the organisation.
United Nations launches coronavirus-themed campaign for International Day Of Happiness
As the outbreak of novel coronavirus is affecting both physical and mental health of individuals across the globe, United Nations International Day of Happiness on Friday launched the campaign theme for this year dedicated to uniting humanity and winning the fight against the global pandemic.
Through the campaign - ''Happiness For All, Together''- the organisation urges all 206 nations and territories on the planet to fight the tough times together by following the ''ten steps to global happiness.''
"Join us and lets #FlattenTheCurve and end the COVID 19 coronavirus threat to humanity by spreading and celebrating #happiness on the 2020 #InternationalDayOfHappiness," read a statement by the organisation.
"My thoughts are with all those battling the virus, with the families of all the victims around the world, and also with the doctors, paramedics and health officials and all others who have put their lives at risk for the rest of us."- President Kovind
The number of coronavirus cases in the country has crossed the 200-mark this mornin, includes more than 30 foreign nationals, including 17 from Italy, three from the Philippines, two from the UK, one each from Canada, Indonesia and Singapore.
18 companies, including International and Indian companies, have got the test licence from Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) to do diagnostic tests for coronavirus in the country, reports news agency ANI.
69-year-old Gurdev Kaur from Mohali returned from UK on 13th. On March 18, he went to hospital in Mohali when she had symptoms. She tested positive and was was forcefully taken from her residence to civil hospital. Her family created a ruckus and we will book her family members: DC Mohali
Italy Overtakes China As Nation With Most Virus Deaths
Italy passed a grim milestone today when it overtook China as the country with most reported deaths from the new coronavirus sweeping the planet.
The european nation announced another 427 fatalities on Thursday, taking its total to 3,405, according to an AFP tally. China, where the outbreak first emerged in December last year, has officially reported 3,245 deaths.
Globally, the death toll from the virus -- whose main symptoms are a dry cough and fever -- has risen to over 9,000.
Bengaluru Rail Official Allegedly Hid Son Who Had Coronavirus, Suspended
A railway official in Bengaluru has been suspended for hiding her son, who returned from abroad and later tested positive for coronavirus or COVID 19, officials said on Friday. The officer allegedly concealed the travel history of her son; the 25-year-old had returned from Germany and Italy.
The woman, an Assistant Personnel Officer, also booked her son into a room in the Guest House of the Railway Colony near the main Bangalore railway station, said South Western Railway.
She "endangered the lives of others" by lodging him in the railway rest house, railway spokesperson E Vijaya told the Press Trust of India.
"She virtually hid her son to protect her family but endangered all of us," a South Western Railway official said.
The son has been admitted to hospital.
Total number of cases rises to 195As per MOHFW.gov.in
Total Number of Confirmed Cases in India (including Deaths and Cured and Migrated): 195
Indian Nationals: 163
Foreign Nationals: 32
Under Treatment As of Now: 171
Deaths: 4
Cured: 19
Migrated during Treatment: 1
PM Modi, in a televised address yesterday, asked appealed to citizens to observe Sunday (March 22) as a test run for social distancing over the next few days to fight the spread of coronavirus. As part of the self-curfew, the Prime Minister said everyone must stay home from 7 am to 9 pm that day and abide by it.
"Under this Janata (public) curfew, no one should leave their home or gather in their neighbourhoods. Only those related to essential services should go out," said PM Modi.
The fourth fatality in the country, the Union health ministry said, was an elderly from Punjab and had co-morbid conditions like diabetes, cardiac ailments. More than 20 fresh cases have been reported in last 24 hours with Chhattisgarh and Chandigarh reporting their first COVID-19 patients on early Thursday.
India reported its fourth coronavirus death on Thursday while the total numberof people who tested positive for the highly contagious Novel Coronavirus rose to 173, as the government banned landing of all international commercial passenger flights from March 22 for a week, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to stay indoors and called for ''janata curfew'' on Sunday.