5 years ago
New Delhi:
Seventy-five people have died in India after being infected with novel coronavirus, the Union Health Ministry said today, as the country recorded the biggest spike in cases with over 600 cases in the last 24 hours. The fresh cases take the total to 3,072.
India saw a steep rise in the numner of cases in the last week as hundreds tested positive after attending a religious gathering held by the Tablighi Jamaat in south Delhi's Nizamuddin last month. From 900 cases last Saturday, the case count has now breached the 3,000-mark in a week's time.
With nearly 30% of the overall cases linked to the Tablighi Jamaat event, Delhi's Nizamuddin mosque has become India's biggest hotspot for the deadly virus.
Coronavirus cases have crossed the 1 million-mark globally and nearly 60,000 have died. The United States registered nearly 1,500 deaths from COVID-19 between Thursday and Friday, the highest any country has recorded in 24 hours.
Here are the LIVE updates on the coronavirus outbreak:
Coronavirus News: BMC Denies Reports Of Employees Being Infected With Coronavirus
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday denied reports of its employees at Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali being infected with coronavirus, reported ANI.
"All the employees have tested negative and are on duty," said BMC.
Several reports had surfaced about authorities quarantining all employees after a BEST bus staff tested positive for the coronavirus in Mumbai.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday denied reports of its employees at Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali being infected with coronavirus, reported ANI.
"All the employees have tested negative and are on duty," said BMC.
Several reports had surfaced about authorities quarantining all employees after a BEST bus staff tested positive for the coronavirus in Mumbai.
Coronavirus News: 2 Gujarat Cops Suspended For Praying At Mosque Amid Lockdown
Gujarat Police on Saturday suspended two cops for offering prayers at a mosque in Dang district amid lockdown, reported ANI.
"A Police Inspector and a Police Sub-Inspector have been suspended for offering prayers at a mosque in Dang district amid coronavirus lockdown," Superintendent of Police Shweta Shrimal said.
Earlier in the day, a COVID-19 patient passed away in Ahmedabad. The death toll in Gujarat has risen to 10 now.
Meanwhile, 10 more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in the state, taking the total number of cases to 105.
Gujarat Police on Saturday suspended two cops for offering prayers at a mosque in Dang district amid lockdown, reported ANI.
"A Police Inspector and a Police Sub-Inspector have been suspended for offering prayers at a mosque in Dang district amid coronavirus lockdown," Superintendent of Police Shweta Shrimal said.
Earlier in the day, a COVID-19 patient passed away in Ahmedabad. The death toll in Gujarat has risen to 10 now.
Meanwhile, 10 more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in the state, taking the total number of cases to 105.
Jammu And Kashmir Administration Launches Website To Counter Fake News
A website to counter fake news and misinformation regarding COVID-19 pandemic was launched by the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday.
The department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) started the website which will also spread awareness amid the pandemic.
"Our initiative is to help you counter fake news," the DIPR said.
The website link, www.diprjkfactcheck.in, was shared on twitter by DIPPR director Syed Shehrish Asgar.
The DIPR said spreading fake news, misinformation and fearmongering can land a person in jail besides it is a punishable offense and knowingly or unknowingly forwarding any fake news is a crime, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: J&K Paramedical Council Donates Rs 2 Crore To COVID Relief Fund
The Jammu and Kashmir Paramedical Council donated Rs two crore to the J&K Relief Fund on Saturday to help fight the coronavirus outbreak in the state, an official spokesperson said, reported PTI.
A cheque was handed over to Lt Governor GC Murmu by Sunanda Raina, Dean of the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu and president of the Paramedical Council, he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Paramedical Council donated Rs two crore to the J&K Relief Fund on Saturday to help fight the coronavirus outbreak in the state, an official spokesperson said, reported PTI.
A cheque was handed over to Lt Governor GC Murmu by Sunanda Raina, Dean of the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu and president of the Paramedical Council, he said.
Chirag Paswan Condemns Attacks On Medical Staff, Policemen
Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan on Saturday condemned the incidents where medical staff and policemen were attacked by people amid lockdown in the wake of coronavirus.
"Not just in the country, the information coming from the world is that the only precaution is to stay at homes and not come out. The more strictly we follow this, the more successfully we will be able to fight coronavirus," Mr Paswan told ANI in New Delhi.
CRPF Chief Goes Into Self-Quarantine After Indirect Contact With COVID-19 Positive Doctor
CRPF chief A P Maheshwari has undertaken self quarantine after he had an indirect contact with a doctor in the paramilitary who had tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Saturday.
"A CRPF officer had tested positive for COVID-19. All personnel in contact with the officer have been quarantined. The DG CRPF had an indirect contact with the officer and as per protocol, he is observing quarantine," CRPF spokesperson DIG Moses Dhinakaran said, new agency PTI reported.
Madhya Pradesh: 2 Senior Health Department Officials Test Positive For COVID-19
Two top women health officials including an IAS officer tested positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday.
Both were posted in Bhopal, said a health official.
On Thursday, another IAS officer associated with the health department had tested positive for COVID-19.
So far 17 persons have tested positive for the infection in Bhopal, news agency PTI reported.
Family Member Of Former Golden Temple Hazoori Ragi Tests Positive For Coronavirus
A family member of Giani Nirmal Singh, former Hazoori Ragi of Golden Temple, has tested positive for coronavirus.
"A close family member of Giani Nirmal Singh, former Hazoori Ragi of Golden Temple, has also tested positive for the COVID19," said TP Singh, Assistant Health Officer, Jalandhar on Saturday.
Giani Nirmal Singh, a bronchial asthma patient, had tested positive for COVID19 and passed away on April 2. He was a recipient of Padma Shri.
Punjab has reported 57 confirmed cases of coronavirus of which one person has been cured and five died, news agency PTI reported.
Maharashtra Lockdown: Liquor, Vehicles Worth Rs 2.82 Crore Seized
The Maharashtra government has seized illicit liquor and vehicles worth Rs 2.82 crore during the lockdown in the state for the novel coronavirus outbreak, Excise Minister Dilip Walse-Patil said on Saturday.
According to an official statement, the nationwide lockdown is effective since March 24 and issuance of license for selling liquor has also been stopped.
The government has registered 1221 offences, seized 36 vehicles and arrested 472 accused for producing, transporting and selling illicit liquor during this period, the statement said. Items worth Rs 2,82,102 have been seized, it quoted Walse-Patil as saying, news agency PTI reported.
Kerala Receives 2,000 Rapid Test Kits: Health Minister
Kerala Health Ministry KK Shailaja on Saturday said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has granted permission to the State to conduct rapid tests and till now about 2,000 rapid test kits have been received.
"As of now, 9 labs are conducting polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests in Kerala. We have received 2,000 rapid test kits and will start rapid tests from April 5. However, even if a person tests positive in the rapid test, we need to confirm it with the PCR test," Ms Shailaja told ANI.
"Similarly, even if a person is found negative for the COVID-19 in the rapid test, they need to complete the 14 days mandatory quarantine period," she said. She further said that till now there are 295 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the State, out of which 251 cases are active, news agency ANI reported.
Indian Army Boost Strength Of Medical Team At Delhi's Narela Quarantine Centre
The Indian Army is boosting the strength of the medical team at Delhi''s Narela quarantine centre to four doctors and eight nursing staff members, Army sources said on Saturday.
Earlier there were two doctors and two nursing staff members to assist Delhi Government.
Dedicated COVID-19 facilities including High Dependency Units and ICUs are being prepared in approximately 51 Armed Forces hospitals across the country, according to an official statement by the Indian Army on Friday.
Six quarantine facilities in Mumbai, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Hindon, Manesar, and Chennai are being run by Armed Forces amid coronavirus outbreak, news agency ANI reported.
Coronavirus News: 60-Year-Old Coronavirus Patient Dies In Rajasthan
A 60-year-old coronavirus infected woman, with no recent travel history, died at a hospital in Rajasthan's Bikaner district on Saturday as the state reported 21 fresh cases, taking the tally to 200, an official said.
Of the new cases, 10 can be linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi, he said.
"A 60-year-old woman admitted at a government hospital (PBM Hospital) at Bikaner died today. She had no (recent) travel history. She was living with disabilities and was on ventilator," Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.
He said that out of the 10 Tablighi Jamaat-linked cases, six are from Jhunjhunu and two each from Churu and Bharatpur district, reported PTI.
A 60-year-old coronavirus infected woman, with no recent travel history, died at a hospital in Rajasthan's Bikaner district on Saturday as the state reported 21 fresh cases, taking the tally to 200, an official said.
Of the new cases, 10 can be linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi, he said.
"A 60-year-old woman admitted at a government hospital (PBM Hospital) at Bikaner died today. She had no (recent) travel history. She was living with disabilities and was on ventilator," Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.
He said that out of the 10 Tablighi Jamaat-linked cases, six are from Jhunjhunu and two each from Churu and Bharatpur district, reported PTI.
Coronavirus News: Farmers In Amritsar Grapples With Harvest Due To Non-Availibility Of Labour
Farmers in Amritsar are facing trouble harvesting their crops this season due to the non-availability of labour and required machines amid the nationwide lockdown.
"We are facing difficulties now. The wheat crop is ready and a lot of the work has fallen on the farmer - from getting fodder for buffalos to harvesting and selling vegetables. There is always a need for labour," a farmer told ANI.
He said migrant labour largely comes from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Another farmer said that solution to all problems will have to be provided by the government and "only then will the country get grains".
"Labour and agri-medicine will also be needed to sow of new crops," he said.
The Punjab government has extended the crop procurement date by a month to June 15 in order to help farmers sell their farm produce.
The state government has also said that farmers should not gather in the market to sell their crops and follow social distancing norms.
Farmers in Amritsar are facing trouble harvesting their crops this season due to the non-availability of labour and required machines amid the nationwide lockdown.
"We are facing difficulties now. The wheat crop is ready and a lot of the work has fallen on the farmer - from getting fodder for buffalos to harvesting and selling vegetables. There is always a need for labour," a farmer told ANI.
He said migrant labour largely comes from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Another farmer said that solution to all problems will have to be provided by the government and "only then will the country get grains".
"Labour and agri-medicine will also be needed to sow of new crops," he said.
The Punjab government has extended the crop procurement date by a month to June 15 in order to help farmers sell their farm produce.
The state government has also said that farmers should not gather in the market to sell their crops and follow social distancing norms.
Coronavirus News: 2 Top Health Officials Test Positive In Madhya Pradesh
Indian Administrative Services officer is among 2 health officials who tested positive today in Madhya Pradesh, reported PTI.
Indian Administrative Services officer is among 2 health officials who tested positive today in Madhya Pradesh, reported PTI.
Coronavirus News: IRCTC Served Over 1.8 Lakh Meals To Poor, Needy In Last 7 Days
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has served over 1.86 lakh meals to the poor and needy in the last seven days amid the coronavirus lockdown.
They served lemon rice in the south, khichdi-chokha in the east and kadi chawal in the north.
The railways' catering and tourism arm has served a variety of meals keeping in mind the local food preference of the people since the lockdown was announced, PTI reported.
"Starting March 28, we have served 1,86,140 meals to those who need it. It is being prepared at our base kitchens," an IRCTC spokesperson said.
IRCTC's thirteen base kitchens across the country have become the nodal points for such distribution. It has provided bulk cooked food in paper plates, from the locations where the base kitchens are situated.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has served over 1.86 lakh meals to the poor and needy in the last seven days amid the coronavirus lockdown.
They served lemon rice in the south, khichdi-chokha in the east and kadi chawal in the north.
The railways' catering and tourism arm has served a variety of meals keeping in mind the local food preference of the people since the lockdown was announced, PTI reported.
"Starting March 28, we have served 1,86,140 meals to those who need it. It is being prepared at our base kitchens," an IRCTC spokesperson said.
IRCTC's thirteen base kitchens across the country have become the nodal points for such distribution. It has provided bulk cooked food in paper plates, from the locations where the base kitchens are situated.
Coronavirus News: Himachal Pradesh Bans Sale Of Chewing Gums
Himachal Pradesh has prohibited the sale and use of chewing gum for three months to prevent COVID-19 transmission through spitting, an official said on Saturday.
COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets and there is a possibility of transmission by spitting chewing gums, said Food Safety commissioner and additional chief secretary (Health) RD Dhiman.
The sale and use of chewing gum, bubble gum and similar products would remain prohibited till June 30 in public interest, Mr Dhiman added, reported PTI.
Himachal Pradesh has prohibited the sale and use of chewing gum for three months to prevent COVID-19 transmission through spitting, an official said on Saturday.
COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets and there is a possibility of transmission by spitting chewing gums, said Food Safety commissioner and additional chief secretary (Health) RD Dhiman.
The sale and use of chewing gum, bubble gum and similar products would remain prohibited till June 30 in public interest, Mr Dhiman added, reported PTI.
Had a productive telephone conversation with President @jairbolsonaro about how India and Brazil can join forces against the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2020
Punjab: Police have deployed 15 drone cameras in Ludhiana to monitor the situation amid lockdown due to #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/U1N3b2IRlG
- ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2020
Coronavirus News: Mumbai Reports 52 Fresh Cases, 4 New Deaths
Fifty-two new coronavirus cases were detected in Mumbai on Friday while four COVID-19 patients died in the city during the day, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
The number of coronavirus cases in the country's financial capital thus rose to 330 and the number of those who have died has reached 22, the BMC said in a statement, reported PTI.
Fifty-two new coronavirus cases were detected in Mumbai on Friday while four COVID-19 patients died in the city during the day, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
The number of coronavirus cases in the country's financial capital thus rose to 330 and the number of those who have died has reached 22, the BMC said in a statement, reported PTI.
Coronavirus Lockdown: Drones Help Ahmedabad Cops In Tracking Down Violators
In a bid to ensure strict implementation of the lockdown in Ahmedabad, police are taking the help of drones to track down people who violate norms, a senior police officer said on Saturday.
Drones are also coming handy for the police in alerting ciizens about the importance of compliance to the ongoing three-week lockdown.
At least eight drones have been pressed into service which have so far helped police in tracking down and arresting 48 people for violating various notifications issued by the state government, Ahmedabad police commissioner Ashish Bhatia said, adding that 13 FIRs have been registered, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: Italian Physicist Write Book On Coronavirus While In Quarantine
Italian physicist and novelist Paolo Giordano has written a book while in self-isolation. In the book he focuses on other forms of contagion linked to COVID-19 - fake news, environmental crisis, nationalism and xenophobia, and lack of solidarity in an increasingly complex world.
In "How Contagion Works: Science, Awareness and Community in Times of Global Crises", translated from the Italian version by Alex Valente and published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, Mr Giordano explains how disease spreads in our interconnected world, why it matters, how it impacts us and how we must react.
Writing from his home in Rome amid lockdown, the author explores the mathematical structures of contagion and also investigates how the virus itself is a manifestation of an interconnected world struggling to build a sustainable global community, reported PTI.
Italian physicist and novelist Paolo Giordano has written a book while in self-isolation. In the book he focuses on other forms of contagion linked to COVID-19 - fake news, environmental crisis, nationalism and xenophobia, and lack of solidarity in an increasingly complex world.
In "How Contagion Works: Science, Awareness and Community in Times of Global Crises", translated from the Italian version by Alex Valente and published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, Mr Giordano explains how disease spreads in our interconnected world, why it matters, how it impacts us and how we must react.
Writing from his home in Rome amid lockdown, the author explores the mathematical structures of contagion and also investigates how the virus itself is a manifestation of an interconnected world struggling to build a sustainable global community, reported PTI.
Coronavirus News: One More Tests Positive For Coronavirus In Bihar, Count At 31
A 37-year-old man from Bihar's Gaya district, whose wife had recently tested positive for COVID-19, has contracted the disease, taking the total number of cases in Bihar to 31, officials said on Saturday, reported PTI.
The test reports of the man, who was placed under quarantine with his wife at a hospital in Bihar, arrived on Friday night, according to Gaya District Magistrate Abhishek Singh.
Samples of other members of the man's family were also sent for examination, and results of these turned out to be negative.
Of the 31 cases reported from the state so far, one person has died and three have recovered.
A 37-year-old man from Bihar's Gaya district, whose wife had recently tested positive for COVID-19, has contracted the disease, taking the total number of cases in Bihar to 31, officials said on Saturday, reported PTI.
The test reports of the man, who was placed under quarantine with his wife at a hospital in Bihar, arrived on Friday night, according to Gaya District Magistrate Abhishek Singh.
Samples of other members of the man's family were also sent for examination, and results of these turned out to be negative.
Of the 31 cases reported from the state so far, one person has died and three have recovered.
Students Stuck in Kolkata's College Hostel Due To Lockdown Help Raise Fund For Wage Earners
A group of students, stuck in Presidency University's Hindu hostel due to the ongoing lockdown, are taking part in an initiative of the students' union of the institute to help daily wage earners.
Around 10 students are now in the Hindu Hostel for men in north Kolkata, while there is no boarder in the women's unit in Salt Lake, a varsity official said, adding that they are all okay.
"The few boarders, who are stuck in the two wards of the men's hostel, are facing hardship due to closure of the canteens within the university campus. But still they have come forward to raise fund as a part of the Presidency Students' Union initiative, urging people to contribute," Debnil Paul, a boarder of the Hindu hostel, who is currently residing at his home, told PTI.
Nurses Volunteer To Serve At AIIMS' COVID-19 Ward, Set Example
Setting an example for many, a few nurses have voluntarily come forward to provide their services at newly set COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) ward in the wake of coronavirus cases.
These nurses will be helping the medical teams in treating the COVID-19 infected patients at ICU ward as well as motivating them, news agency ANI reported.
Coronavirus Cases India: Coronavirus Cases Cross 3,000 After Biggest Spike In 24 HoursSeventy-five people have died in India after being infected with novel coronavirus or COVID-19, the Union Health Ministry said today, as the country recorded the highest number of cases (601). The fresh cases take the total to 3,072. India has seen an unprecedented increase in COVID-19 count over the last week after more than 1,000 people who had attended a controversial religious gathering held by Islamic group Tablighi Jamaat in south Delhi in March tested positive. Seventeen states have so far reported cases linked to the controversial gathering, the Union Health Ministry said this evening. Worldwide, COVID-19 count has crossed 1 million-mark, nearly 60,000 have died. The United States registered nearly 1,500 deaths from COVID-19 between Thursday and Friday, the highest any country has recorded in 24 hours.
Coronavirus Cases: 4 Tablighi Event Attendeed Among Bhopal's 14 Positive Cases
Out of the 14 coronavirus positive cases in Bhopal, four attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, while one is a police constable, Bhopal Chief Medical Health Officer, Sudhir Dehariya said on Saturday.
"There are 14 Cocid-19 positive cases in Bhopal till now. We have traced close contacts of these cases and are collecting their samples," Mr Dehariya told ANI.
Out of the 14 coronavirus positive cases in Bhopal, four attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, while one is a police constable, Bhopal Chief Medical Health Officer, Sudhir Dehariya said on Saturday.
"There are 14 Cocid-19 positive cases in Bhopal till now. We have traced close contacts of these cases and are collecting their samples," Mr Dehariya told ANI.
Coronavirus News: Railways Design "Doctor's Booth" For Zero-Contact Check-Ups
The West Central Railway's Coach Rehabilitation Workshop (CRWS) has designed a mobile "doctor's booth", using a toilet from one of its old coaches, to facilitate zero-contact check-ups for coronavirus.
The CRWS in Bhopal repurposed the toilet from an old bogey, by converting it into a cabin, which can be used by doctors to examine patients without directly coming into contact with them.
"As medical staff, especially doctors, are facing a threat to their lives due to shortage of PPE kits, engineers at the CRWS converted toilets of unused rail coaches into mobile booths, which can be placed anywhere," a senior CRWS official told PTI.
The booth will have a back entrance and a glass exterior in front, while doctors can sit comfortably on a specially designed chair and examine patients from two openings covered with protective gears, he said.
The cabin will also have a wall-mounted side table for doctors to write prescriptions, study x-rays and test reports, the official added.
This booth will enable doctors to examine patients without any direct physical contact or interaction, thereby protecting them from dangers of viral exposure without any PPE kit, he said.
The West Central Railway's Coach Rehabilitation Workshop (CRWS) has designed a mobile "doctor's booth", using a toilet from one of its old coaches, to facilitate zero-contact check-ups for coronavirus.
The CRWS in Bhopal repurposed the toilet from an old bogey, by converting it into a cabin, which can be used by doctors to examine patients without directly coming into contact with them.
"As medical staff, especially doctors, are facing a threat to their lives due to shortage of PPE kits, engineers at the CRWS converted toilets of unused rail coaches into mobile booths, which can be placed anywhere," a senior CRWS official told PTI.
The booth will have a back entrance and a glass exterior in front, while doctors can sit comfortably on a specially designed chair and examine patients from two openings covered with protective gears, he said.
The cabin will also have a wall-mounted side table for doctors to write prescriptions, study x-rays and test reports, the official added.
This booth will enable doctors to examine patients without any direct physical contact or interaction, thereby protecting them from dangers of viral exposure without any PPE kit, he said.
11 Test Positive In Kerala, 1.71 Lakh Under Surveillance
Eleven more persons in Kerala tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, taking the active cases to 254 and 1.71 lakh people are under surveillance in the state.
Of the affected, six are from Kasaragod, Kollam, and one each from Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Kannur districts, Health minister, K K Shailaja said.
While five of the positive cases had come from Dubai, three are Tablighi Jamaat event participants and one person had returned from Nagpur, a government press release quoting the minister said.
Kerala has so far reported 306 positive cases. The samples of 50 people have returned negative and two persons succumbed to the virus, news agency PTI reported.
Tamil Nadu Reports 74 COVID-19 Cases, Total Goes Up To 485
Seventy four people, most of whom attended the Tablighi Jamat meet in Delhi, tested positive for coronavirus in Tamil Nadu on Saturday, taking the total number of cases to 485, health secretary Beela Rajesh said.
"Of the total number, 73 people took part in the Tablighi Jamat congregation at Nizamuddin West in Delhi," she told reporters.
The other COVID-19 patient was from Chennai who had been in contact with a person with an overseas travel history, she said, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: Sikh Community In Australia Delivers Food, Groceries Amid Pandemic
The Sikh community in Australia is working tirelessly to deliver free meals daily and groceries to people struggling with self-isolation and financial hardship amid the coronavirus crisis, reported PTI.
In a recent Facebook post, the Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA) has called upon families in Victoria to reach out to the group for free meal deliveries.
From soup and pasta to rice and curries on the menu, the group, with over a dozen of delivery vans and only 20 volunteers, delivers more than 800 meals a day.
"The initiative was started three years ago in South East part of Melbourne and we have been serving free food packs to those in need, like elderly, single parent or people in self isolation," SVA member Manpreet Singh said on Saturday.
"We have also started a new service for international students now and we are expecting the deliveries to go up," he said, adding that the group follows all the rules, put in place in the wake of the pandemic, while preparing the food, packing and loading it in vans.
Another organisation named the United Sikhs has also come forward to help the needy by providing free meals and basic food supplies.
The Sikh community in Australia is working tirelessly to deliver free meals daily and groceries to people struggling with self-isolation and financial hardship amid the coronavirus crisis, reported PTI.
In a recent Facebook post, the Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA) has called upon families in Victoria to reach out to the group for free meal deliveries.
From soup and pasta to rice and curries on the menu, the group, with over a dozen of delivery vans and only 20 volunteers, delivers more than 800 meals a day.
"The initiative was started three years ago in South East part of Melbourne and we have been serving free food packs to those in need, like elderly, single parent or people in self isolation," SVA member Manpreet Singh said on Saturday.
"We have also started a new service for international students now and we are expecting the deliveries to go up," he said, adding that the group follows all the rules, put in place in the wake of the pandemic, while preparing the food, packing and loading it in vans.
Another organisation named the United Sikhs has also come forward to help the needy by providing free meals and basic food supplies.
Had an extensive telephone conversation with President @realDonaldTrump. We had a good discussion, and agreed to deploy the full strength of the India-US partnership to fight COVID-19.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2020
Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor's fifth COVID-19 test result comes negative. However, she will have to stay at PGI Hospital Lucknow until one more test result comes as negative, news agency ANI reported.
Delhi's Lok Nayak Prakash Hospital Will Function As Dedicated COVID-19 Hospital: Harsh Vardhan
The Delhi government-run Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP) Hospital will function as a dedicated COVID-19 hospital, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Saturday.
Mr Vardhan visited the hospital to take stock of its preparedness to deal with the deadly disease.
"Keeping in view the emerging requirement of isolation beds, the LNJP Hospital will function as a dedicated COVID-19 hospital consisting of adequate isolation wards and beds," the health minister said.
He said the government has identified 1,500 beds in LNJP and 500 in GB Pant hospital for COVID-19 patients.
The health minister visited the fever ward, new surgical ward block, dietary department, special ward, coronavirus screening centre, corona care unit and ICU in the hospital, news agency PTI reported.
Haryana Police: 38 FIRs have been registered against 36 people for allegedly spreading fake news about COVID-19 in social media in the State.
Karanataka: Violators Of Coronavirus Lockdown Made To Perform Yoga As Punishment
Karnataka Police made violators of #CoronavirusLockdown perform Yoga, do sit-up & push-up as punishment in Kalaburagi today. Police later distributed candles among the violators to light them at 9 pm tomorrow as requested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/QEohypV6HT
- ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2020
Coronavirus: No Community Transmission In Goa, Says Pramod Sawant
There is no community transmission of novel coronavirus in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Saturday, adding that six of the seven COVID-19 patients had foreign travel history while one was an infected person's brother.
He said the lockdown in force must be adhered to strictly to effectively combat the virus outbreak.
"There is no community transmission of coronavirus in Goa. Six patients had come from abroad and one is the brother of an infected person," he told reporters.
"We have not progressed to community transmission stage because of lockdown and social distancing measures put in place," he said, news agency PTI reported.
2 more COVID- 19 positive cases reported in Dharavi, Mumbai today, taking total number of positive coronavirus cases in the area to 5, news agency ANI reported.
COVID-19: Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) Produces 20,000 Masks, 800 Litres Of Hand Sanitisers
The Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) has produced nearly 20,000 masks and over 800 litres of hand sanitisers for use by on-duty staff in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, a release by the railway zone said.
The masks are being made by employees who are working from home while the hand sanitisers are being manufactured at various depots of the NFR, the release issued by its Chief Public Relations Officer Subhanan Chanda on Saturday said.
The masks are being manufactured at Agartala, Alipurduar, Lumding, Silchar, Katihar, Tinsukia and Rangiya, it said, news agency PTI reported.
74 COVID-19 positive cases reported in Tamil Nadu today out of which 73 had attended the Tablighi Jamaat event at Markaz Nizamuddin, Delhi, said Beela Rajesh Tamil Nadu Health Secretary, news agency ANI reported.
Uttar Pradesh's Coronavirus Count Rises To 227 With 94 Linked To Delhi Mosque Event
The number of coronavirus cases in Uttar Pradesh rose to 227 on Saturday with 94 cases linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi.
Of these, 21 have fully recovered while others are undergoing treatment at hospitals, Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said.
The state's count on Friday was 174 and two people - one each in Basti and Meerut - have died.
There has been a steep rise in the cases in the past two days, primarily because of a number of those linked to the Jamaat testing positive, Prasad said, adding that the number of districts affected by the virus has also gone up to 27, news agency PTI reported.
Haryana: 16 Test Positive For COVID-19 In Palwal
Sixteen people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the Palwal District, according to Dr. Brahmdeep Singh, Chief Medical Officer, Palwal.
"Sixteen people, out of 56, have tested positive for coronavirus in the district. All these people are linked to the Markaz Nizamuddin," he said.
Earlier, five village heads were suspended in Palwal District after they failed to notify the authorities about the presence of those who had returned after attending the Markaz Nizamuddin congregation in Delhi, news agency ANI reported.
Rajasthan: Single Room Accommodations Help Kota Coaching Students Combat Spread Of COVID-19
A long-standing practice of students staying in single rooms across hostels and paying guest (PG) accommodations in the coaching hub of Kota has largely helped them tackle the spread of COVID-19.
Around 35,000 to 40,000 students from across the country are currently living in the town amid the nationwide lockdown, according to the district administration.
Most of the students live in hostels and PG rooms and do not find it unusual as the single rooms help them live in isolation and also helps in social distancing.
Notably, no positive case of coronavirus has been detected so far in Kota, news agency PTI reported.
In Uttarakhand, six more COVID-19 cases have been reported today, taking total number of cases to 22, according to the State Health Department, news agency ANI reported.
COVID-19: Since March, 75,000 Masks Stitched By Tihar, Mandoli Jail Inmates
Prisoners at the Tihar and Mandoli jails here have stitched 75,000 face masks since March for the traffic police, the prisons' inmates and for organisations that placed orders in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic, prison department officials said.
The department has also produced 750 litres of sanitiser, they said.
"The masks are being prepared at the Tihar and Mandoli jails. These masks are also being supplied to the Rohini jail. We are preparing masks majorly for our own use and are also supplying them to different organisations as per their requirement," Director General for Prisons Sandeep Goel said, news agency PTI reported.
Delhi had to bear the responsibility of those coming from abroad and also of Markaz. The personal protective equipment (PPE) kits are getting over fast. We have asked Centre for PPE kits on an immediate basis yesterday: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
We have provided 7.5 kg free ration to 71 lakh card holders. There is a form on our website for those who don't have cards. They can register there. Nearly 50 lakh have registered. We will then give them free 5 kg ration from Wednesday-Thursday: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
We are trying to stop infections. And if one is infected, our main aim is recovery and to ensure minimum deaths. We had served 6,63,928 lunch and 6,78,544 dinner yesterday. Social and religious organisations are also feeding the needy. This is the time to do dharam ka kaam: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Around 2,300 from Nizamuddin Markaz were taken out in Delhi and we are testing all of them. Of 2,300 people, 500 are in hospital while 1,800 others are in quarantine. Test results are awaited. When the results come, the number of positive cases might shoot up. Total six people have died in Delhi- 3 were from Nizamuddin Markaz: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Kerala: Medical Staff, Patients Clap As COVID-19 Patient Leaves After Being Cured
#WATCH Kerala: Medical staff & patients clap as the Kasargod's first #COVID19 patient leaves the hospital after being cured of the disease. pic.twitter.com/u8B18P2uag
- ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2020
Maharashtra Home Minister Distributes Masks, Sanitizers To Police
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Saturday distributed face masks and hand sanitizers to police personnel who are on the streets enforcing the lockdown for coronavirus.
Mr Deshmukh shared a video which showed him handing out masks and sanitizers to policemen in Mumbai on Twitter, news agency PTI reported.
कोरोना चे होम क्वाॅरंटिन केलेले काही संभाव्य रुग्ण पळून जात असून, त्यांना पकडण्यासाठी जाणाऱ्या मुंबई पोलिसांना आज शासनाकडून "पर्सनल प्रोटेक्शन इक्विपमेंट" चे वाटप करण्यात आले. pic.twitter.com/28hj8NH8Wr
- ANIL DESHMUKH (@AnilDeshmukhNCP) April 4, 2020
Home Guard In Uttar Pradesh Names Son "Corona''
As the COVID-19 fear grips the entire country with more people falling prey to the deadly disease, a home guard posted at Bilthara Road police outpost here has named his newborn son "Corona''.
Riyazuddin, whose son was born on Friday night, said he named his son after the disease to create awareness about coronavirus.
"In present times, the entire world is battling the menace of coronavirus. Naming my son Corona will send out the message to the people to protect themselves from the disease and stay alert," he told reporters on Saturday, news agency PTI reported.
Two more men, who attended Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, have been found COVID-19 positive in Bharatpur. 21 people have tested positive in Rajasthan today out which 10 are linked to Tablighi Jamaat. Total cases stand at 200, according to the State Health Department, news agency ANI reported.
8 more COVID-19 cases detected in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddha Nagar district, total rises to 55, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.
CRPF, Assam Police Spreading Coronavirus Lockdown Message Through Songs
CRPF personnel were singing a song from a popular Hindi film in neighbouring areas of Guwahati on Saturday urging people to stay indoors during coronavirus lockdown.
Some policemen were also doing so to keep their morale up during night patrol in the empty streets of the state capital.
The CRPF men distributing food packets containing raw rice, pulses, oil to the residents of Dharapur and its adjoining areas were singing to the tune of Hindi song ''Sandese Aate Hain'' from Bollywood film ''Border''.
While some of them were distributing the food packets, a CRPF man was singing with background music from his mobile phone, requesting people not to step out of their homes during the lockdown period, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: BS Yediyurappa Urges Employers To Pay Maids, Helps, Drivers Amid Lockdown
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has appealed to employers not to cut salaries of their maids, servants and drivers who are unable to attend work due to lockdown that has been enforced to check the spread of COVID-19, reported PTI.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has appealed to employers not to cut salaries of their maids, servants and drivers who are unable to attend work due to lockdown that has been enforced to check the spread of COVID-19, reported PTI.
He said compassionate gesture of employers will support the poor and needy.
In a tweet, the Chief Minister said, "I request all the employers not to cut salaries of their maids, servants, drivers etc., who are not able to work due to social distancing. Your compassionate gesture will support the poor and needy to overcome this hard time.#FightBackKarnataka #CoronavirusPandemic."I request all the employers not to cut salaries of their maids, servants, drivers etc., who are not able to work due to social distancing. Your compassionate gesture will support the poor and needy to overcome this hard time.#FightBackKarnataka #CoronavirusPandemic
- B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) April 4, 2020
Coronavirus News: Odisha Launches Online Quiz Competition Amid Lockdown; 5 Winners To Get Rs 1,000 Everyday
The Odisha transport department on Saturday introduced an online quiz competition on road safety in an effort to keep people engaged during the ongoing nationwide lockdown and the state-imposed total shutdown in three cities, PTI reported.
The initiative by the State Transport Authority (STA) will continue till the end of the 21-day lockdown and 48-hour shutdown in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Bhadrak.
The names of five winners will be announced every day and they will get Rs 1,000 each, Transport Commissioner Sanjeev Panda said.
"As most of the citizens remain indoors, we are introducing few activities relating to road safety to have a meaningful and enriching experience," Mr Panda said, adding, participants can also get latest updates regarding motor vehicle rules.
He hoped that with enhanced knowledge, citizens will be more responsible on the road and help the society in improving traffic culture.
The quiz will feature 20 questions.
The Odisha transport department on Saturday introduced an online quiz competition on road safety in an effort to keep people engaged during the ongoing nationwide lockdown and the state-imposed total shutdown in three cities, PTI reported.
The initiative by the State Transport Authority (STA) will continue till the end of the 21-day lockdown and 48-hour shutdown in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Bhadrak.
The names of five winners will be announced every day and they will get Rs 1,000 each, Transport Commissioner Sanjeev Panda said.
"As most of the citizens remain indoors, we are introducing few activities relating to road safety to have a meaningful and enriching experience," Mr Panda said, adding, participants can also get latest updates regarding motor vehicle rules.
He hoped that with enhanced knowledge, citizens will be more responsible on the road and help the society in improving traffic culture.
The quiz will feature 20 questions.
Lockdown in Maharashtra might be lifted in phases: Health Minister Rajesh Tope
Iran's coronavirus death count rises to 3,452, news agency Reuters reported.
COVID-19 cases surge to 537 in Maharashtra, 50 patients have been discharged from the hospitals: State Health Minister Rajesh Tope
Kerala Police Uses Drones To Ensure Lockdown And Social Distancing
This is how drones are used by the Police for ensuring lockdown and social distancing...#keralapolice pic.twitter.com/TCFlHg7Mkv
- Kerala Police (@TheKeralaPolice) April 3, 2020
Rate of rise in COVID-19 cases in India less than other countries, news agency PTI reported quoting Health Ministry official.
Nearly 22,000 Tablighi Jamaat members and their contacts quarantined so far, news agency PTI reported quoting Ministry of Home Affairs official
Maharashtra: Pune Municipal Corporation has set up a sanitising chamber for disinfecting people at the entrance of Naidu Hospital, a dedicated hospital for viral diseases in Pune. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/b3IHv4eLGO
- ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2020
According to Health Ministry, Condition of 58 COVID-19 patients is critical and they are in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi, news agency PTI reported.
"1,023 #coronavirus cases linked to Delhi mosque event reported across 17 states in country": Health Ministry.#COVID19 #CoronavirusOutbreak pic.twitter.com/CkY845mVlD
- NDTV (@ndtv) April 4, 2020
601 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths reported since Friday, according to Health Ministry, news agency PTI reported.
Domestic Cargo Flights Strengthens India's Fight Against COVID-19, Says Aviation Ministry
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said that domestic cargo flights are supplying medical equipments, testing kits, masks, gloves etc across the country since March 26 in order to strengthen India''s fight against COVID-19.
"The cargo delivered to various parts of the country includes COVID-19 related reagents, enzymes, medical equipment, testing kits and PPE, masks, gloves and other accessories of HLL and cargo requisitioned by State/UT Governments and also postal packets," the ministry said in a statement, news agency ANI reported.
812 tests have been conducted of those who attended the Nizamuddin Markaz event. Of these, 24 have tested positive for COVID-19, 636 tested negative, and 152 results are awaited, said Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Health Minister, news agency ANI reported.
Coronavirus News: COVID-19 Patient Dies In Ahmedabad
A COVID-19 patient died in Ahmedabad today, informed the State Health Department. The death toll in Gujarat has risen to 10 now, reported ANI.
Ten more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in the state, taking the total number of cases to 105.
A COVID-19 patient died in Ahmedabad today, informed the State Health Department. The death toll in Gujarat has risen to 10 now, reported ANI.
Ten more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in the state, taking the total number of cases to 105.
One More Test Positive For COVID-19 In Assam, State Tally Climbs To 25
One more COVID-19 positive case was reported from North Lakhimpur District, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 25, according to Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Health Minister.
"One more #Covid_19 positive case from North Lakhimpur District has been confirmed, taking the total number in Assam to 25. This patient is also related to #NizamuddinMarkaz event in Delhi," he tweeted.
Earlier on Friday, four novel coronavirus positive cases were confirmed from Kamrup (Metropolitan), Kamrup and Marigaon. Three out of these four cases were of patients who are also related to Delhi's Nizamuddin Markaz event.
The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India climbed to 2902 on Saturday, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This includes 2650 active cases with 183 patients cured or discharged, news agency ANI reported.
Jawaharlal Nehru University administration files FIR over violation of lockdown by students at university premises on 1st April. FIR details mention that a student violated lockdown and misbehaved with security personnel, & later gathered a crowd, violating lockdown, news agency ANI reported.
16 Coronavirus Cases In Andhra Pradesh, Tally Jumps To 180
Another 16 Covid-19 positive cases were reported in Andhra Pradesh overnight, taking the total number of infected in the state to 180.
The Medical and Health Department on Saturday said in its latest bulletin that four fresh cases were reported each in Kadapa and Krishna districts, three each in Guntur and Kurnool and one each in Chittoor and Prakasam districts.
Of the 180 cases reported since March 12 in the state, the first four patients had since recovered and been discharged from hospital.
A 55-year-old man, father of a Jamaat participant who too tested positive, died, making his the first and only Corona-related death in the state, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: Panic Buying Can Impact Global Food Supply Chain, Says World Food Programme
The unfolding COVID-19 pandemic is so far having little impact on the global food supply chain but that could change for the worse if anxiety-driven panic by major food importers takes hold, the World Food Programme (WFP) has said, reported ANI.
In a new report titled "COVID-19: Potential impact on the world's poorest people", the United Nations agency said that global markets for basic cereals are well-supplied and prices are generally low.
However, it said, given the highly globalised nature of food production and supply, commodities need to move from the world's breadbaskets to where they are consumed and COVID-19-related containment measures are starting to make this more challenging.
The unfolding COVID-19 pandemic is so far having little impact on the global food supply chain but that could change for the worse if anxiety-driven panic by major food importers takes hold, the World Food Programme (WFP) has said, reported ANI.
In a new report titled "COVID-19: Potential impact on the world's poorest people", the United Nations agency said that global markets for basic cereals are well-supplied and prices are generally low.
However, it said, given the highly globalised nature of food production and supply, commodities need to move from the world's breadbaskets to where they are consumed and COVID-19-related containment measures are starting to make this more challenging.
COVID-19: PM directs officials to ensure sufficient availability of essential medical equipment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired a meeting of various empowered groups set up to respond to the coronavirus threat and directed officials to ensure sufficient availability of all essential medical equipment such as personal protective equipment, masks, gloves, and ventilators. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister's Office said Modi reviewed the countrywide preparedness regarding the availability of hospitals, proper isolation and quarantine facilities as well as disease surveillance, testing and critical care training.
UP government urges MLAs to donate one month's salary to COVID Care Fund
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday appealed to the members of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council to donate their one month's salary and Rs 1 crore each to the COVID Care Fund. The state government has also urged industries to provide financial assistance under the Corporate Social Responsibility, according to an official statement. The chief minister on Saturday thanked BSP chief Mayawati for instructing her party legislators to extend help to the state government in its fight against coronavirus, it said. "MLAs and MLCs have been requested to donate Rs 1 crore each and their one month's salary to the fund," the statement said. At present, the state has 400 MLAs and 99 MLCs.
Another COVID-19 case reported in Bengal, count rises to 58
A person working at the Haldia Dock Complex of the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has tested positive for novel coronavirus after returning from the Tablighi Jamaat gathering in Delhi, the KoPT said in a statement on Saturday. The latest case has taken the total count of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal to 58. "A person who is an employee of one of our contractors has tested positive for coronavirus in Haldia on April 2. He had returned from Nizamuddin on March 24. He might have visited the docks. "After the Nizamuddin episode came to light, the man was tested by the Haldia Municipality. Due to the case, contract labourers have not come to the docks," the statement said. Officers who might have come in contact with the COVID-19 patient have been quarantined and a massive sanitisation drive has been initiated in the dock complex, it said.
Two more COVID-19 deaths in Madhya Pradesh; state death toll now 10
With two more persons dying due to COVID-19 in Madhya Pradesh, the death toll in the state reached 10 on Saturday, officials said. While one of the men died in Chhindwara, another one succumbed to the infection in Indore, they said. "A 36-year-old government employee, who had tested positive for coronavirus in Chhindwara town of Madhya Pradesh two days back, died on Saturday morning," an official said. His father has also tested coronavirus positive in Chhindwara. Talking about the deceased from Indore, a health official said, "The man, 42, died due to COVID-19. A resident of North Hathipala area, he was undergoing treatment at government-run MRTB hospital. He breathed his last in the morning." "He was obese. Apart from breathing problems, he was also suffering from high BP and had a fever," the official added.
No final decision on resumption of services yet
Railways on Saturday said no final decision has been taken yet on the restoration of train services and that a call on it would be taken in a few days. The statement comes amidst railway zones preparing action plans to resume services from April 15 after passenger trains remained suspended for 21 days during the lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. "Train services will have to be resumed only on specific approval of each train from Railway Board. Suggestions for phase-wise planning should be given to Railway Board," an official said Saturday. This decision was taken in a video conference meeting of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal with the Chairman, Railway Board on Friday, officials said. Trains, however, will begin operations only after receiving a green signal from the government which had formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) on the issue. All 17 zones are preparing plans to identify trains and resume their services taking into account the availability of rakes. Sources said the railways is likely to also conduct thermal screening on all passengers and follow all protocols as advised by the government. Senior officials, however, said no fresh orders have been issued and since cancellations were only upto April 14 "no fresh orders required for starting with effect from April 15."
PM Modi appeal to switch off lights: Bengal power department keeps backup supply ready
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the people to switch off the lights for nine minutes on April 5, the state Power department has decided to keep a backup supply system ready following apprehensions of grid failure due to fluctuations in consumption. PM Modi on Friday urged people to switch off the lights at their homes and light up lamps, candles or mobile phone torches for nine minutes at 9 pm on April 5 to display the country's "collective resolve" to defeat coronavirus.
Elderly citizens getting pension at doorsteps in J&K, Ladakh amid COVID-19 lockdown
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday informed that Post Office employees in Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are ensuring that elderly citizens get pensions at their doorsteps amid the COVID-19 lockdown. "As India fights corona, India Post Office employees are ensuring that elderly citizens get their pensions at their doorstep in different parts of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh. #21daysLockdown," Prasad tweeted along with pictures of the post office employees and locals. In the pictures, officials can be seen handing over the pension to elderly people. In his address to the nation on March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown in the country to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, which has infected over 2,900 people in the country.
Ram Vilas Paswan thanks Food Corporation workers for timely delivery of grains amid COVID-19 lockdown
Ram Vilas Paswan on Saturday thanked officials and workers of the Food Corporation (FCI) for ensuring the availability of food grains in the country amid the nationwide lockdown. Taking to Twitter, he thanked 80 thousand workers and the district and block level officials of the FCI. Ram Vilas Paswan said that FCI has so far supplied a total of 13.36 lakh tonnes of foodgrains through 477 rail racks. "Thanks to 80,000 laborers, including FCI officers and staff of district and block level, who work hard to ensure timely supply of food grains across the country, due to which grains are reaching 81 crore beneficiaries," he wrote on Twitter. "Committed to timely delivery of food grains to the beneficiaries, the FCI has supplied a total of 13.36 lakh tonnes of foodgrains since March 24 through 477 rail racks. On April 3, a total of 1.93 lakh tonnes of food grains were loaded through 69 rail racks and sent to different parts of the country," he said. In his address to the nation on March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown in the country to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.
3 more test positive in Jammu and Kashmir, cases rise to 78
Three people tested positive for coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, taking the number of cases in the Union Territory to 78, a government official said. The fresh cases were reported from Narsoo village in Udhampur district of Jammu region, government spokesperson Rohil Kansal said. "Three more positive cases reported today from Narsoo, Udhampur. All contacts of a positive patient from Udhampur with travel history abroad," Kansal, Principal Secretary (Planning and Information), tweeted. With this, the total number of coronavirus patients in Jammu and Kashmir increases to 78 -- 57 in Kashmir division and 21 in Jammu division. Two patients, both in Kashmir, have died of the disease while over 23,000 people are under surveillance. Over 1,218 tests have been conducted in the Union Territory so far, officials said. A total of 34 hotspots have been identified in J&K. These include seven in Pulwama, five in Srinagar and four each in Bandipora and Budgam, two in Shopian and one each in Ganderbal and Baramulla in Kashmir division, and five in Rajouri, four in Jammu and one in Udhampur district of Jammu division.
At least 200 people evacuated from Bareilly dargah, ordered home-quarantine
At least 200 people were evacuated from the Shahdana Wali Dargah here and sent homes after medical screening and instruction to remain in self-quarantine, officials said on Saturday. Dargah's (caretaker) Wajid Ali said that these people were from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and other places and were present in the Dargah for more than 10 days. "A day after the Janta Curfew was observed (on March 22), a letter was sent to the Baradari Police Station (from the Dargah) to make arrangements for these people to go home. However, no one took cognisance of it," he said. The police have denied having received any such communication. Late on Friday night, the police and the district administration got the Dargah evacuated. Additional Superintendent of Police Abhishek Varma said, "People used to come to the Dargah for medical treatment. Over 200 people were present there. They have been screened by the health department officials and sent to their homes. They have been told to stay in quarantine at their homes." Varma also dismissed Wajid Ali's claim about a letter being sent by the Dargah administration to the police in this regard.
Sikh community in Australia works tirelessly to deliver free meals to needy people
The Sikh community in Australia is working tirelessly to deliver free meals daily and groceries to people struggling with self-isolation and financial hardship amid the coronavirus crisis. In a recent Facebook post, the Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA) has called upon families in Victoria to reach out to the group for free meal deliveries. From soup and pasta to rice and curries on the menu, the group, which has over a dozen of delivery vans and only 20 volunteers, deliver more than 800 meals a day. "The initiative was started three years ago in the southeast part of Melbourne and we have been serving free food packs to those in need, like elderly, single parent or people in self-isolation," SVA member Manpreet Singh said on Saturday. "We have also started a new service for international students now and we are expecting the deliveries to go up," he said, adding that the group follows all the rules, put in place in the wake of the pandemic, while preparing the food, packing and loading it in vans. Another organisation named the United Sikhs has also come forward to help the needy by providing free meals and basic food supplies.
Union Health Minister surveys COVID-19 dedicated facility at a Delhi hospital
Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan visited the COVID-19 dedicated facility at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan hospital here on Saturday and interacted with the hospital officials. After taking a survey, he said, "There are 1500 beds here at the hospital and so far 290 COVID-19 positive or suspected cases are admitted here." He added that the procurement of protective gears, masks and ventilators is at an advanced stage and there is no shortage of them as of now. "The procurement process for PEEs (Personal Protective Equipment) N95 masks, ventilators is at the advanced stage, and these will reach the States soon. There is no shortage as of today," he said. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India climbed to 2902 on Saturday, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This includes 2650 active cases with 183 patients cured or discharged.
COVID-19: Priyanka Gandhi calls for large scale testing
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said it is imperative for India to immediately ramp up its rate of testing for coronavirus and that the government must act now for the lockdown to yield results. The Congress general secretary asserted that extremely valuable information about the severity of the disease, disease clusters, and focal points is gained from testing. "It is imperative that India immediately ramps up its rate of testing. Extremely valuable information about the severity of the disease, disease clusters and focal points is gained from testing," she said in a tweet. "In order for this lockdown to yield results, it has to be backed up by large scale testing and other measures to support the medical infrastructure systems in this country. The government must act now," she said. Priyanka Gandhi also raised the issue of nurses and medical staff allegedly not getting protective equipment and cutting of their salaries.
COVID-19: Police to issue passes for inter-district travel
In a major relief during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Maharashtra police will now issue passes for inter-district travel to people in need. In an order issued on Friday, special Inspector General of Police (Spl IGP) Milind Bharambe directed all police units to issue inter-district travel passes to citizens who are in need. The order also directed officials not to intercept vehicles transporting commodities and ensuring their smooth movement. Bharambe issued the order after observing the high demand for online passes at the Director-General of Police's (DGP) office. Bharambe directed concerned superintendents of police (SPs) and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) to issue travel passes after verifying reasons cited in people's applications. Moreover, persons who wish to travel outside the state will have to contact the DGP's office in Mumbai, the order stated.
16 coronavirus cases in Andhra Pradesh
Another 16 COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Andhra Pradesh overnight, taking the total number of infected in the state to 180. The Medical and Health Department on Saturday said in its latest bulletin that four fresh cases were reported each in Kadapa and Krishna districts, three each in Guntur and Kurnool and one each in Chittoor and Prakasam districts. All these cases relate to the Tablighi Jamaat, though officially the government stopped mentioning about it. Of the 180 cases reported since March 12 in the state, the first four patients had since recovered and been discharged from hospital. A 55-year-old man, father of a Jamaat participant who too tested positive, died, making his the first and only Corona- related death in the state.
COVID-19: Yogi Adityanath orders 66 Crore masks made of 'Khadi'
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued orders for the manufacture of 66 crore triple-layer special masks made of 'khadi'.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued orders for the manufacture of 66 crore triple layer special masks made of 'khadi'. These masks will be washable&reusable. The poor will get it free of cost and for others it will be sold at a nominal price: Uttar Pradesh Govt
- ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 4, 2020
(file pic) pic.twitter.com/0hWZzzLE2f
PM Modi calls for 'Diya Jalaye' in video
Prime Minister in the latest video showed former prime minister and poet Atal Bihari Vajpayee reciting the verse "Aao Phirse Diya Jalaye" a day after urged people to light candles, lamps or mobile flashlights at 9 pm on Sunday, April 5, for 9 minutes to "raise the great power of 130 crore Indians" and make everyone feel that no one is alone during the coronavirus lockdown. "Please switch off your lights at homes on Sunday, light up candles, torch or mobile flashlights on your balconies for 9 minutes,' PM Modi said through a video message.
60-year-old corona positive woman dies; 17 new cases reported
A 60-year-old coronavirus positive woman having no travel history died at a hospital in Rajasthan''s Bikaner on Saturday as the state reported 17 fresh positive cases, taking the tally to 196, an official said. Of the new cases, eight can be linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi in mid-March, he said. "A 60-year-old woman admitted at a government hospital (PBM Hospital) at Bikaner for last four days died today. She had no travel history. She was handicapped and on ventilator," Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said. He said that out of eight Tablighi Jamaat-linked cases, six are from Jhunjhunu and two from Churu district. Of the rest nine, five are from Jodhpur, three from Banswara and one from Bhilwara. Of the three in Banswara, two had initially tested negative, but their test results returned positive on Saturday, he said. In Bhilwara, an OPD patient at a private hospital, where doctors and nursing staff were found coronavirus positive earlier, has been confirmed positive, Singh said.
One more dies of COVID-19 in Madhya Pradesh, state death count rises to 9
A 36-year-old government employee, who had tested positive for coronavirus in Chhindwara town of Madhya Pradesh two days back, died on Saturday morning, an official said. With his death, the number of persons who have so far died due to COVID-19 in the state has reached nine, the official said. This is the first death due to COVID-19 in the Chhindwara district. His father has also tested coronavirus positive in Chhindwara. "The victim was a government employee and posted at Indore, which has emerged as one of the hotspots of COVID-19 spread in Madhya Pradesh," Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Rajesh Batham said.
One more tests coronavirus positive in Goa
With one more person testing coronavirus positive in Goa, the number of such patients in the state has climbed to seven in the state, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said here on Saturday. The man from St Estevam village, 20 kms from Panaji, had recently returned from abroad, he said. "After he showed symptoms of COVID-19, he approached the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and a test was conducted on him. His reports, which came late Friday night, confirmed that he is coronavirus positive," Rane said. The patient has been admitted to a specially- designated COVID-19 hospital in South Goa, he added. "This is the seventh case in the state," the minister said. Five of the earlier six patients had worked on a ship abroad before returning to the state.
Case registered against 12 Bangladesh citizens who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation
An FIR has been registered against 12 Bangladesh citizens who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi last month and are now in administrative quarantine in UP's Shamli district, police said on Saturday. Two persons tested positive for COVID-19 Friday evening out of the dozen Bangladeshi nationals who have been quarantined in a college in Thana Bhawan town in Shamli district, they said. They have all been booked for violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946 by the Thana Bhawan police station in the district, officials said. Police said they have also booked two more persons who had sheltered them after the 12 people were found in a mosque at Bhasani village and were later shifted to the quarantine ward.
Odisha trains 500 MBBS students to treat COVID-19 patients
Apart from setting up of three special COVID hospitals, the Odisha government has also kept 500 MBBS students trained to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. As many as 500 MBBS students have been given COVID-19 online training as approved by Government of India, said. Odisha governments COVID spokesperson Subroto Bagchi on Friday. This apart, the state government has also kept in reserve some paramedics students like nurses to deal with the impending crisis due to sudden spike in COVID-19 cases. Fifteen persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 20, officials said.
US coronavirus deaths hit new daily high of 1,480 in 24 hours
The United States recorded nearly 1,500 deaths from COVID-19 between Thursday and Friday, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, the worst 24-hour death toll globally since the pandemic began. With 1,480 deaths counted between 8:30 pm (0030 GMT) Thursday and the same time Friday, according to the university''s continuously updated figures, the total number of people who have died since the start of the pandemic in the United States is now 7,406.
Trump expands role of US army in the fight against coronavirus
US President Donald Trump has expanded the role of the US Army in the fight against deadly coronavirus, saying that no one is better prepared to fight the current situation which is like a war. The US till Friday reported 7,380 deaths and at least 276,500 infections due to the deadly coronavirus, the highest for any country in the world. "We are expanding the role of the Armed Forces in our response effort because no one is better prepared to win a war of the United States military, and we are in a war. Invisible enemy," Trump told reporters during a press briefing as he described New York as the hotspot of this war. On Friday, the number of those infected by a coronavirus (COVID-19) in the New York state alone crossed 100,000 and the deaths touched 3,000. It's neighbouring New Jersey followed up with nearly 30,000 infections and 646 deaths.
Virus patients in Spain get five-star hotel quarantine
An ambulance driver wearing a white protective gown enters a Barcelona hotel and announces the arrival of three new "customers" -- a trio of coronavirus patients discharged from hospital into luxury quarantine. "Good morning! How are you? My name is Enrique Aranda and I am probably the first non-health care worker you see in several days," says the director of the five-star Melia Sarria hotel, peering into the ambulance. It took just three days to convert the hotel, which features contemporary decor and bathrooms with marble finishing, into a clinic. "Some patients arrive thinking that they were taken out of the hospital to be left to die, many people are frightened. I try to make them forget all that," said Aranda, wearing masks and gloves. "I don't let them out of the ambulance until I get a smile out of them. I want them to enter in another way, that they see that they aren't in a hospital anymore, it is a hotel." Instead of arriving with a suitcase, the hotel's new clients carry bags containing just a few personal belongings and their medical reports.
China pauses to commemorate virus victims
China came to a standstill on Saturday to mourn patients and medical staff killed by the coronavirus, with the world's most populous country observing a nationwide three-minute silence. People and traffic stopped in the street as air-raid sirens and car horns sounded in memory of the more than 3,300 lives claimed by the virus in China.
Americans urged to wear masks as virus toll mounts around world
The United States on Friday advised all Americans to wear masks in public to protect against the new coronavirus, fearing the illness that has infected more than one million people worldwide may be spreading by normal breathing. The recommendation came as the US set a new record for the number of COVID-19 deaths in one day with 1,480 dead, the most of any country since the pandemic began. That topped the record set by the US the previous day with 1,169 deaths. President Donald Trump said the government recommendation for all 330 million Americans to wear non-medical masks in places such as grocery stores would last "for a period of time."
IIT Roorkee develops low-cost gear for Covid-19 medics
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has developed low-cost face shields for frontline healthcare workers at AIIMS Rishikesh.
Spectacle-type design of protection shield provides ease of replacement as the transparent sheet is not bound to a reusable frame.Cost of the sheet is as low as Rs 5. Manufacturing cost per shield is approximately Rs 45&mass manufacturing cost will be less than Rs 25: IIT,Roorkee https://t.co/0mwN0pzCvG
- ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2020
Puducherry Chief Minister urges people to respond to PM's call
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy appealed to the people of the union territory to respond to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for lighting a candle or lamp on April 5 to demonstrate the country's collective will to fight coronavirus, PTI reported.
62 people have died after being infected by the novel coronavirus
Sixty-two people have died after being infected by the novel coronavirus, the government said on Monday. Across the country, the number of confirmed cases is now 2,547, with 478 new cases detected in the past 24 hours.
