India Lockdown: PM Modi has announced lockdown for 21 days to contain coronavirus spread. (File)
The government today asked states to ensure the 21-day lockdown, asking them to help curb the exodus of migrant workers from cities, as the overall number of COVID-19 positive people crossed the 1000 mark.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who declared a 21-day lockdown last week, warned against violation of the restrictions, saying those doing so were "playing with their own lives'. He also apologized for the lockdown decision inconveniencing the poor, but made it clear that it was the need of the hour.
Today, in his radio address at Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi talked extensively about COVID-19.
People who are infected with the disease are being discriminated and they are looked down upon. PM Modi urged people to be more sympathetic towards them and told to maintain social distancing and not emotional distancing.
After PM Modi's address, President Ram Nath Kovind, today pledged to contribute his one month salary to PM-CARES Fund to help fight the coronavirus battle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked President Ram Nath Kovind for his generous contribution and said that this will be inspiring for the nation.
A vaccine is still at least 12 to 18 months away, the World Health Organization said, urging the countries to "unite to fight the pandemic together".
Here are the updates on Coronavirus:
Railways starts converting train coaches into isolation wards in Guwahati
The Indian Railways is converting train coaches into isolation wards to prepare for a fight against coronavirus to meet the increasing demand for beds.
As part of this initiative, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has started converting coaches into isolation wards at the Coach Maintenance Depot in Kamakhya and Guwahati after consulting medical professionals at its NF Railway Central Hospital, Maligaon. Non-AC sleeper coaches are being converted into isolation wards for patients.
Peak US death rate likely to hit in two weeks: Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the peak death rate in the United States from the coronavirus pandemic was likely to hit in two weeks.
Trump, during a briefing at the White House, also said that he was extending the government's "social distancing" guidelines until April 30.
"The modelling estimates that the peak in death rate is likely to hit in two weeks," the president said.
Goa allows food delivery services to function during lockdown
The government of Goa on Sunday issued a notice, whereby, it authorised Swiggy, Zomato and other home delivery platforms to operate and deliver food, groceries and other essential items at doorsteps during the lockdown due to COVID-19.
Yogi Adityanath reviews arrangement for migrants at Agra Expressway
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday visited Agra Expressway to review the situation of the migrants, who were waiting for the bus amid lockdown in the country due to coronavirus pandemic.
He took stock of the status of the transport and food facility having been made for the people sitting there.
35 MPs approve allocation of money from MPLADS fund to fight COVID-19
Following Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's appeal, nearly three dozen MPs have allocated Rs 1 crore from their MPLADS fund to local authorities to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
In a letter to all Lok Sabha members on Saturday, Mr Birla said the country is passing through a tough phase due to COVID-19 and "as public representatives it is our duty to stand with the people".
14 Medical Staff Of Delhi Hospital Under Quarantine After Exposure To COVID-19 Patient
A team of 14 medical staffers, including doctors and nurses, which was treating COVID-19 patients at RML Hospital has been sent into home quarantine and their samples are being tested, official sources said.
The sources said one of the nurses got fever on Sunday evening, so the entire team has been asked to quarantine themselves at their homes.
Smriti Irani sends over 100 food grain packets to Amethi
More than 100 packets containing essential edible items were distributed in different parts of Amethi on Sunday.
The packets were sent by local MP Smriti Irani, who is also the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, and distributed among the needy people while also respecting the social distancing norms.
Cargo flights will be used to transport medical equipment, essential goods to NE: Jitendra SinghCargo flights will be used exclusively for transporting medical equipment and emergency goods, besides other essential items to the northeastern states, in the wake of the countrywide lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Sunday.
This will go a long way in reassuring the people of the North-East region that even in this hour of trial, they are receiving as much attention as any other part of the country, he said.
The contact details and roadmap for the cargo operation will be provided soon, said Singh, the minister of state for the development of the northeastern region (DoNER).
Goa: 2 more test positive for coronavirus, count reaches 5
As two more persons tested positive for coronavirus in Goa, the tally of such patients in the state reached five on Sunday.
Three fresh COVID-19 cases in Telangana; total rises to 70
The number of coronavirus cases in Telangana reached 70 on Sunday after three fresh cases were reported, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said.
He also said 11 COVID-19 patients have tested negative and would be discharged on Monday.
France reports 292 new coronavirus deaths, total now 2,606
France today reported 292 new coronavirus deaths.
RSS gives food packets, grocery kits to poor in NagpurIn view of the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of COVID-19, RSS volunteers here are working round the clock to help the poor people of the city by providing food packets and grocery kits to them.
"The RSS is working as a team here. Its ''Lok Kalyan Samiti'' is here at the city level. In Nagpur, there are 12 divisions (Bhag) and 38 ''Nagar.'' A centre has been established in every ''Nagar'' where through workers and other volunteers, rice and pulses are being collected and packed. We are trying to send these packets to the needy," said Abhishek Mishra, Pracharak, Sewa Vibhag.
New York state coronavirus deaths increase by 237 in past day
The number of deaths from the coronavirus in New York state increased by 237 in the past day, reaching a total of 965 since the outbreak began, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Sunday. The state also reported 7,195 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the past day for a total of 59,513, Cuomo told a news conference.
Italy coronavirus deaths rise by 756, lifting total death toll to 10,779
The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy climbed by 756 to 10,779, the Civil Protection Agency said on Sunday, the second successive fall in the daily rate.
The number of fatalities, by far the highest of any country in the world, account for more than a third of all deaths from the infectious virus worldwide.
4 fresh COVID-19 cases in Bihar, number rises to 15Four more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Bihar on Sunday, taking the number of coronavirus cases in the state to 15, an official said.
These four samples were tested at the IGIMS Hospital, run by the state government, where testing facilities became functional recently.
Five fresh COVID-19 cases in J-KFive people tested positive for coronavirus in Kashmir on Sunday, taking the total number of cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 38.
Of the five cases, two each were reported from Srinagar and Budgam districts, while another from north Kashmir''s Baramulla district.
"Five more positive cases confirmed in Kashmir," government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said in a tweet.
Vaishno Devi Shrine Board employees contribute part of salaries to J-K Relief FundEmployees and gazetted officers of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board have donated part of their salaries to the Jammu and Kashmir Relief Fund to contribute towards efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, a senior official said on Sunday.
While the board employees have contributed their one day's salary, the gazetted officers have donated their two days'' salary, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Ramesh Kumar said.
On the directions of Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu, who is also the chairman of SMVDSB, the board on Sunday distributed ration kits among slum dwellers and other stranded workers in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, he said.
Syria reports first death from coronavirus
Syria's health ministry said that a woman who died after being rushed to hospital for emergency treatment was found to have been infected by coronavirus in the first officially-reported death from the disease. Syria has so far confirmed only five cases, but medics and witnesses say there are more.
Officials deny a cover-up but have imposed a lockdown and draconian measures to stem the pandemic
JJP donates Rs 51 lakh to Haryana COVID-19 Relief FundThe Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), BJP's coalition partner in Haryana, donated Rs 51 lakh to the Haryana COVID-19 Relief Fund on Sunday.
JJP founder member Digvijay Singh Chautala and other senior leaders of the party met Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and handed over a cheque for the amount, a party statement said.
Mr Khattar, who announced setting up the fund to mitigate the hardships of those affected by the coronavirus outbreak, has contributed Rs 5 lakh from his personal savings.
Mr Chautala apprised the CM that his party was working shoulder-to shoulder with the government in its fight to check the spread of coronavirus.
2 more test positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan; number of cases now 56Two people tested positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan on Sunday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 56, an official said.
One of them is a 53-year-old woman with a heart problem who visited a private hospital in Bhilwara where some doctors and nursing staff had tested positive. The other person is a 21-year-old man, a resident of Jhunjhunu district, he said.
The Jhunjhunu resident had returned from Philippines on March 18. He first arrived in Delhi and hired a taxi from there, the official said.
7 new COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, CM briefs oppositionSeven new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Karnataka taking the total number of infections to 83, the state Health Department said on Sunday.
The number includes thee deaths and five patients who were discharged after treatment earlier.
Seventy-five COVID-19 positive patients are in isolation at designated hospitals and are stable, it said in an update.
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Sunday held an all-party meeting and apprised the leaders about the measures taken by the government to contain the coronavirus in the state.
Non-Essential Goods Can Be Transported During Lockdown: CentreThe
centre has asked states and union territories to allow transportation of goods without the essential and non-essential distinction during the 21-day coronavirus lockdown, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. The delivery of newspapers, supply chain of milk collection and distribution, and supply of groceries including hygiene products are to be allowed, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said in a letter to the state and UT governments.
"Entire supply chain of milk collection and distribution, including its packaging material is allowed," Mr Bhalla said in the letter.
"Newspaper delivery supply chain is also allowed under print media," he added.
23 fresh cases in Delhi, total rises to 72
The number of novel coronavirus cases in Delhi climbed to 72 on Sunday after 23 fresh cases were reported in a day, the Health Department said.
To beat price rise amid lockdown, Bengal govt starts selling fish online
People living in Kolkata will now be able to order raw fish online as the West Bengal government launched an app to tackle rising prices amid the nationwide lockdown imposed in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, a senior official said.
The West Bengal Fisheries Development Corporation Limited will also be selling fish in the districts from its vehicles, he said.
IRCTC serves 11,000 meals to poor, keeps local tastes in mindFrom lemon rice in the south to khichdi-chokha in the east and kadi chawal in the north, railways' catering and tourism arm IRCTC on Sunday provided not just 11,030 meals to the poor and needy but did so keeping in mind their local taste buds.
The meals provided to police officials, officials of the Delhi administration, migrant labourers, old-age homes across the country have been cooked at base kitchens of the railways.
It has provided 2,030 meals of kadi-chawal to the Delhi administration, 1,500 to Delhi police and 1,500 to the Railway Protection Force in the national capital.
Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India cross 1,000-mark, 27 dead
The total number of positive coronavirus cases in India has risen to 1,024; 27 have died, the Health Ministry said.
8 dead in Maharashtra due to coronavirus A 40-year-old woman who died in Mumbai was admitted to a civic hospital on Saturday after she complained of severe respiratory distress, an official said. "She died on Saturday and her sample was sent for testing. The report came out positive for coronavirus," the official said.
"The woman was complaining of breathlessness and chest pain since last three-four days. She was also suffering from hypertension," the official added.
Italy to extend lockdown beyond April 3
Italy's government will "inevitably" extend beyond April 3 the containment measures it had approved to stem the coronavirus outbreak in the country, the regional affairs minister said on Sunday.
Italy has suffered the most deaths from the virus epidemic and was the first Western country to introduce severe restrictions on movement after uncovering the outbreak just over five weeks ago. The government has since increasingly tightened them and these were initially expected to be softened from next Friday.
UP has reported 68 COVID-19 cases so far: govt officialUttar Pradesh has reported a total of 68 coronavirus cases with around half of them from Gautam Buddh Nagar district which includes Noida, officials said on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration said five new cases were reported taking the total cases to 31.
Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Principal Secretary, Medical and Health, Amit Mohan Prasad said, "A total of 68 coronavirus positive cases have been reported so far from UP of which 14 patients have been discharged so far. The condition of the patients in the state is that they do not require intensive care or be kept on ventilators. Most of the cases are mild. The condition of the rest of the patients undergoing treatment is stable."
Netherlands tops 10,000 coronavirus cases
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the Netherlands passed the 10,000 mark on Sunday, the authorities said, as the country focuses on building up herd immunity rather than confining the population of 17 million.
A total of 771 people have died from the COVID-19 epidemic in the Netherlands and 10,866 have tested positive, the country's institute for public health and environment (RIVM) said.
Assam Police launches district-wise COVID-19 helplinesAssam Police on Sunday announced a series of helpline numbers across all districts, in addition to a central control room facility to address issues arising out of the prevalent situation.
For 34 districts and sub-divisions across the state the Assam Police released a batch of landline, mobile, WhatsApp and toll-free numbers, besides that of the district disaster management authorities.
"To ensure uninterrupted services, the Government & Police have launched District & State Level Helpline Numbers. Everyone is requested to kindly reach out to these numbers for any assistance. Together, we shall overcome," the Assam Police tweeted.
The WhatsApp number of the state-level central control room is 9435215029, it added.
Twenty more COVID-19 cases in KeralaTwenty more people were detected with coronavirus in Kerala on Saturday, taking the total number of those undergoing treatment for the deadly infection to 181, Health Minister KK Shailaja said.
While Kannur reported eight cases, Kasaragod 7, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernkulam, Thrissur, Palakad and Malappuram reported one case each, Shailaja said in a statement here.
Of the 20 people, 18 had come from abroad and two others had been infected through contact.
UK coronavirus death toll rises to 1,228 people
The number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the United Kingdom rose to 1,228, according to figures released on Sunday, an increase of 209.
15-year-old shooter donates Rs 30k to PM-CARES fund to fight coronavirusFifteen-year-old shooter Esha Singh on Sunday pledged to donate Rs 30,000 to PM-CARES Fund to aid the battle against COVID-19.
"I pledge to contribute 30 thousand Rupees from my savings to PM CARE FUND to Fight Covid 19," Esha Singh tweeted.
Earlier, cricketer Suresh Raina donated Rs 31 lakhs to PM-CARES Fund and Rs 21 lakhs to UP CM's Disaster Relief Fund to combat coronavirus.
Military, defence ministry employees to donate one day's salary to PM's COVID-19 fundThe Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force as well as employees of the defence ministry have decided to donate one day''s salary totalling around Rs 500 crore to the relief fund announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
Separately, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that he will donate one month''s salary to the fund.
"I have decided to donate my one month's salary to the PM-CARES Fund. You can also contribute in this fund and strengthen India''s resolve to fight against the menace of COVID-19," the defence minister said.
CBI officials to donate one-day salary to PM CARES fund to fight coronavirusCBI officials have decided to donate their one-day salary to Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) to help the Center in its efforts to fight coronavirus in the country.
This is a dedicated national fund with the primary objective of dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation like posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister is the Chairman of this trust and its Members include Defence Minister, Home Minister and Finance Minister. The citizens and organisations can go to the website pmindia.gov.in and donate to PM CARES Fund.
Uddhav Thackeray assures all help to migrant workers, asks them not to leaveMaharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday assured that his government will take care of all migrant labourers and provide them basic necessities like food and water.
The ''Shiv Bhojan'' scheme offering meal at Rs 10 will now be available at Rs 5 from April 1, he said in a webcast.
Mr Thackeray said the state has already set up 163 centres across the state to provide food and water to the migrant labourers.
"The state will protect them and provide food, but they should not leave their place. I understand that they are anxious but they should not leave. They should avoid increasing the risk of infection, he said.
Centre sends 10,000 COVID-19 testing kits to Bengal: Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Sunday that the Centre has provided 10,000 coronavirus testing kits to West Bengal. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are working together to fight the pandemic and this is the time to "avoid politics in conduct".
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra appeals telecom companies to help poor
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has appealed the telecom companies to help poor and needy people and allow one month free connection for those who have no balance.
116 samples have turned out negative for COVID-19 in LucknowAbout 116 samples that were tested for coronavirus in Lucknow on Sunday have turned out negative for the virus.
The 78 samples processedon Saturday and 38 samples which were tested on Sunday all have come negative, said Dr. Sudhir Singh, Isolation Ward incharge, King George''s Medical University, Lucknow.
"The seven people admitted here are stable and healthy," he added.
Total number of COVID-19 patients rises to 21 in HaryanaThe total number of coronavirus cases in Haryana rose to 21, with a fresh case reported from Ambala, officials said on Sunday.
The total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Haryana stand at 21, as per the bulletin of state''s health department.
The northern state has reported 10 cases from Gurgaon, four from Panipat, three from Faridabad and one each from Palwal, Panchkula and Sonipat.
IIT Bombay develops mobile app for tracking COVID-19 quarantine patientsA team at IIT Bombay along with some professional and experienced alumni claimed to have built a mobile app named ''CORONTINE'' that will help in tracking the potential or suspected asymptomatic carriers (AC) of coronavirus if they leave their quarantine zone.
"The CORONTINE app is installed on the mobile of asymptomatic carriers (AC) by an authorized agency (AA). The app sends GPS coordinates of the mobiles periodically to a server under the supervision of AA. If a user leaves a specified quarantined zone marked by a geo-fence, it will be auto-detected," read the official website of the platform ''CORONTINE''.
3 more test coronavirus positive in Maha, tally rises to 196With three more persons testing positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra, the number of such patients in the state has gone up to 196, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Sunday.
However, he did not specify the places where these three new patients belong to.
"Three more people have tested positive, taking the tally to 196. However, 34 people have been discharged so far in the state. So the number of active COVID-19 patients in the state is 155," Mr Tope said.
Over 3,000 migrant labourers stranded in Andhra PradeshThe 21-day lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease has left over 3,000 migrant labourers in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh stranded.
The Prakasam district police refused to let the stranded labourers at the check post on Kurnool-Guntur highway to enter the district as per the lockdown instructions.
The migrant labourers were seen waiting in their respective vehicles following queue of trucks. These labourers usually migrate to Guntur district during the red chilly harvest season.
Iran warns of lengthy "new way of life" as virus deaths rise
Hassan Rouhani warned that "the new way of life" in Iran was likely to be prolonged, as its declared death toll from the novel coronavirus rose to 2,640.
The Islamic republic is one of the countries worst-hit by the virus, which first originated in China.
Delhi government pulls up socks to accommodate migrants during lockdown
The Delhi government has converted several schools into shelter homes to accommodate migrant workers to stop their exodus in the face of the nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Vinay Kumar, a caretaker of one of the many newly set up shelter homes in Paharganj area, says that the Delhi government is working tirelessly to provide food and accommodation facilities to the migrants hit by the lockdown.
Madhya Pradesh teen girl 4th in family to get infected
A 17-year-old girl who tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Sunday in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is from a family in which three others were also infected, one of whom died, health officials said.
The state, as on Sunday, has 37 active COVID-19 cases, while two have died of the infection.
Railway extends its medical services to all central government employees
Indian Railways has extended services of all its hospitals and dispensaries to all central government employees and their families in view of the spread of coronavirus, a Railway Board order said.
The services include those of all 128 hospitals and 586 dispensaries of the Indian Railways all over the country.
Industries shut due to coronavirus to give salary to their employees: Yogi Adityanath
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday ordered industries to give salaries to their employees even if they have been shut due to countrywide lockdown in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
"The companies, which have been closed during the lockdown period, will have to pay their employees salary," said Yogi Adityanath.
COVID-19 positive cases rises to 11 in Bihar
The total number of positive coronavirus cases reached 11 in the state, said Bihar Health Department on Sunday.
"Number of COVID-19 positive cases in Bihar rises to 11. A total of 5 new cases were reported from Patna and 1 each in Nalanda, Siwan and Lakhisarai", Bihar Health Department said.
PM interacts with over 200 people daily to get first-hand updates on coronavirus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with over 200 people on a daily basis to get first-hand feedback on India's fight against the coronavirus, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.
It said the prime minister's interactions include phone calls to governors, chief ministers and state health ministers.
Swiss government says 257 dead from coronavirus, 14,336 tested positive
The Swiss death toll from coronavirus has reached 257, the country's public health agency said on Sunday, up from 235 people the previous day.The number of confirmed cases also increased to 14,336 from 13,213 on Saturday, it said.
CBI officials to donate one-day salary to PM CARES fund to fight coronavirus
CBI officials have decided to donate their one-day salary to Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) to help the Center in its efforts to fight coronavirus in the country.
Provide free ration to people immediately: Congress to Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu has appealed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to provide free ration immediately to people in the state, including those who do not have access to Aadhaar and ration cards amid the nationwide lockdown.
"In this difficult phase, it is my suggestion to provide free ration to people immediately. As per reports, ration will be provided from April 5, if this is the scenario then it would be too late," Lallu said in a letter to Adityanath.
Iran's death toll from coronavirus reaches 2,640
Iran's death toll from the coronavirus has risen to 2,640 and the number of infected people has reached 38,309, a health ministry official tweeted on Sunday, as the Middle East's worst-hit country grapples with the fast-spreading outbreak.
"In the past 24 hours we had 123 deaths and 2,901 people have been infected, bringing the total number of infected people to 38,309," tweeted Alireza Vahabzadeh, an adviser to Iran's health minister.
Kazakhstan widens lockdown as coronavirus cases rise
Kazakhstan locked down its fifth major city on Sunday as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, authorities in the mining and metals hub of Karaganda said. The Central Asian nation has confirmed 265 coronavirus cases and has already locked down its capital, Nur-Sultan, the biggest city, Almaty, as well as Shymkent, a large city in the south, and Aktau, a Caspian Seaport. It added Karaganda and four of its satellite towns to the list on Sunday after seven cases of the disease were diagnosed in the city.
UK lockdown will last "significant" period
The British government admitted on Sunday that the coronavirus lockdown could last a "significant" time as a leading expert warned it could be in place until June.
"I can't make an accurate prediction but everyone I think does have to prepare for a significant period when these measures are still in place," cabinet minister Michael Gove told the BBC.
Banks in Punjab to remain open on March 30-31 amid lockdown
The Punjab Government has issued an advisory to all the banks in the state to function on March 30 and March 31 in view of the problems faced by the public due to the countrywide lockdown. It has also ordered the officials to provide passes to the bank staff for the days on which banks will function.
Spain announces record 838 virus deaths in 24 hours
Spain confirmed another 838 deaths in 24 hours from coronavirus on Sunday, a new daily record bringing the total number of deaths to 6,528, according to health ministry figures.
The number of confirmed cases in Spain has now reached 78,797 -- after an increase of 9.1 percent in one day -- as the country battles the world's second most deadly outbreak, AFP reported.
Uruguay reports first coronavirus-linked death
Uruguay reported its first death linked to the novel coronavirus on Saturday, a former minister and ally of the ruling party, the government said.
"With deep sadness we announce the first death due to coronavirus in Uruguay," Secretary of the Presidency Alvaro Delgado told a press conference, naming the victim as Rodolfo Gonzalez Rissotto.
Venkaiah Naidu urges Rajya Sabha MPs to contribute to combat coronavirus
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday appealed to the Rajya Sabha MPs to contribute at least Rs 1 crore initially from their Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds to supplement the Centre's efforts in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.
No words enough to thank individuals working hard to combat COVID-19: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her gratitude to all doctors, nurses, policemen, sanitation workers and others who have been working hard to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Taking to Twitter, Ms Banerjee said no words were enough to thank these individuals who were selflessly carrying out their duties and inspiring fellow countrymen.
Manipur focuses on sanitisation, strict enforcement of curfew to combat COVID-19
Apart from taking strict action against those violating curfew imposed across the state after the detection of first COVID-19 case in Manipur, the government has undertaken an extensive sanitisation programme to contain the spread of the deadly virus, an official said.
The move came after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, in a video message, assured people that "every constituency will be sanitised with the assistance of elected representatives and local clubs".
Amid lockdown, over 60 people found holed up in goods vehicles
Amid the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Navi Mumbai police found over 60 people, mostly labourers, being ferried in a container truck.
NRI under home quarantine in Kannur dies of heart attack
A non-resident Keralite (NRK) under home quarantine in Kannur since he returned from Sharjah recently died on Sunday, officials said.
According to health authorities, Abdul Khader (65), a resident of Kannariparamba, was kept under home quarantine after he returned from abroad on March 21.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Parties Step Up Efforts To Help Maharashtra Government Fight Coronavirus
Political parties in Maharashtra have swung into action to assist the state government in its effort to control the spread of coronavirus.
The BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena have announced that one month's salary of their legislators and MPs will be donated to the relief fund to tackle coronavirus.
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Devendra Fadnavis has asked the state BJP unit leaders and workers to assist the poor and needy in their respective areas.
The former Chief Minister, who held discussions with Maharashtra BJP leaders through audio conference on Saturday, said the party will reach out to 10 lakh poor and needy persons and provide them food and medicines. The Congress has said it will set uphelplines in every Assembly constituency of Maharashtra.
State Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat interacted with party MLAs, ministers, district unit presidents and other office-bearers through audio conference on Saturday and asked them to extend all help to those stranded,daily wagers and labourers during these difficult times. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Railways To Donate Rs 151 Crore To Fight Coronavirus Infection
The Railway ministry will donate Rs 151 crore to PM-CARES fund to help in combating the coronavirus threat, Union minister Piyush Goyal said today.
"Following PM's call, I, Suresh Angadi, will donate one month's salary, 13 lakh rly, PSU employees will donate one day's salary, equal to Rs 151 cr to PM-CARES fund," Mr Goyal, who is the Railway minister, tweeted.
The centre has set up a public charitable trust under the name of Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. (PTI)
COVID-19 Outbreak: Tripura Chief Ministers Appeals To Wealthy Businessmen To Donate Essential Items
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb today appealed to all wealthy businessmen in the state, including brick kiln and tea garden owners, to donate food and other essentials for the destitute, amid the lockdownimposed by centre to check the spread of COVID-19.
In his address from Doordarshan Kendra, Agartala, Mr Deb said his government was striving hard to ensure everyone in the state was safe and healthy.
"I appeal to tea garden owners, brick kiln owners, businessmen, traders and government employees who can afford to help others to donate food to the poor and the needy in their respective areas," he said in his televised appeal. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Bihar Woman Tests Positive For COVID-19, State's Total Count Now 11
A woman tested positive for COVID-19 in Bihar today, taking the total number of cases in the state to 11, an official said in Patna.
Among those who have tested positive, as many as six had come into contact with a dead patient, hailing from Munger district, who died at AIIMS, Patna, today last week, a day before his test reports confirmed he had COVID 19.
A female relative of his, who attended his funeral and then returned to her home in Lakhisarai district, has tested positive, state epidemiologist Ragini Mishra said, adding that she is currently admitted to a Patna hospital.
Altogether 11 people have tested positive for COVID 19 in Bihar till today, the health department official said. (PTI)
COVID-19: Goa Allows E-Commerce Firms To Home Deliver Essential Items
The Goa government today allowed e-commerce platforms providing home delivery of essential items to operate during the 21-day lockdown in place for the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The decision to allow firms like Swiggy and Zomato to deliver food to people's doorsteps was announced by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: BS Yediyurappa Lauds Opposition For Their Measures To Contain COVID-19
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa today convened an all-party meeting and apprised the opposition leaders about the measures taken by the government to contain the coronavirus in the state.
"I have been regularly holding meeting since March 13 regarding the measures taken to contain the transmission ofCOVID-19," the Chief Minister said at the meeting at the Vidhana Soudha.
The Chief Minister said a task force comprising ministers and officials has been formed to oversee the implementation of the government orders. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: 40-Year-Old Dies Of Coronavirus In Maharashtra, Death Count Reaches To 7
The test reports of a 40-year-old woman who died in Mumbai on Saturday have come out positive for coronavirus, taking the death count of COVID-19 patients in Maharashtra to seven, a civic official said today.
The woman was admitted to a civic hospital here on Saturday after she complained of severe respiratory distress, the official said.
"She died on Saturday and her sample was sent for testing. The report came out positive for coronavirus. She is the seventh person who died of COVID-19 in the state," the official said.
"The woman was complaining of breathlessness and chest pain since last three-four days. She was also suffering from hypertension," the official added. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: CBSE Donates Rs 21 Lakh To Fight Against Coronavirus
The employees of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) today collectively decided to contribute Rs 21 lakh to Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) Fund to combat the spread of coronavirus.
"The Central Board of Secondary Education as in past has decided to contribute 21,00,000 from all employees who have voluntarily come forward to donate their salary to the PM CARES Fund to aid the government's efforts to fight against the coronavirus," said Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) secretary Anurag Tripathi.
Accordingly, Group- A employees have donated two-day salaries and Group- B and C employees, one day salary to PM-CARES Fund.
PM Modi had created Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) Fund and appealed all the countrymen to show their support for the cause. (ANI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: "Rashtrapati Ji Is Leading The Way": PM After President's Donation AnnouncementAfter President Ram Nath Kovind's announcement that he will be donating one month's salary to PM-CARES Fund, to help fight against coronavirus, PM Modi thanked him for his generous contribution. He also tweeted saying that "Rashtrapati Ji is leading the way and inspiring the nation."
COVID-19: Madhya Pradesh Promotes Students Without Exams, Except 10th And 12th
With the increasing coronavirus cases and all India lockdown, Madhya Pradesh government decides to promote students without any examination. Although, exams for classes 10th and 12th will be conducte. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: 275 Indians Brought Back From COoronavirus-Hit Iran, Landed In Jodhpur
A batch of 275 Indians evacuated from coronavirus-hit Iran arrived at the Jodhpur airport on Sunday morning, an official said.
He said a preliminary screening of the passengers was conducted at the airport and thereafter, they were shifted to the Army Wellness Facility set up at the Jodhpur Military Station.
Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said of the 275 passengers, 133 were female and 142 male, including two infants and four children. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: 5 More Positive COVID-19 Cases In Kashmir
Five more people test positive in Kashmir- two from Srinagar, two from Budgam and one from Baramulla, Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary said. (ANI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: President Kovind To Donate A Month's Salary To Fight Against COVID-19As the nation is witnessing a severe coronavirus outbreak, President Ram Nath Kovind today pledged to donate one-month salary to PM-CARES Fund to help the nation tide over the crisis of COVID-19. He also appealed to fellow citizens to donate generously to PM-CARES Fund to help defeat COVID-19.
Coronavirus Outbreak: In Odisha, 2 Special COVID-19 Hospitals With 950 Beds
Amid fear of community spread of the coronavirus looming large following a man with no history of travelling abroad testing positive for COVID-19 in the state, the Odisha government has taken a series of measures including augmentation of hospitals' capacity to
combat the crisis, officials said.
With financial assistance from the Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) and the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), an elaborate arrangement has been made to set up two dedicated hospitals for COVID-19 patients with a total of 950 beds in the state capital, he said.
A similar facility with 700 beds will also be established in Cuttack for people suspected to be infected with coronavirus.
This apart, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, is all set to make available an exclusive unit with 206 beds in its campus for treatment of such patients. Around 20 ventilators are kept ready while orders have been placed for 40 more which will be delivered by next month, AIIMS-Bhubaneswar Director B Gitanjali said. (PTI)
PM Thanks People For Contribution To Contain COVID-19 In Mann Ki BaatPrime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Large number of people working with e-retailers, those working to keep electricity running, your TV running... are putting their own life to risk... Today, i thank them on behalf of the whole nation"
PM Modi also thanked people for their monetary contribution contribution for COVID-19. He apologized to people for taking strict lockdown measures, although he mentioned that there is no other way to contain the virus.
People who are infected with the disease are being discriminated and they are looked down upon. PM Modi urged people to be more sympathetic towards them and told to maintain social distancing and not emotional distancing.
Coronavirus Outbreak: 3 New COVID-19 Cases In Gujarat, Total Count Reaches 58-Mark
Three more coronavirus cases were reported in Gujarat today, taking the total number of COVID-19 patients in the state to 58, an official said.
All the three new cases were reported from Ahmedabad, principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi said.
Of these three, a 45-year-old man died at a hospital in Ahmedabad today morning, she said, adding that the patient was also suffering from diabetes.
Two other new patients included a 67-year-old woman, whose husband had earlier tested coronavirus positive, and a 34-year-old man who recently visited Mumbai, she said. (PTI)
Five New COVID-19 Cases In Madhya Pradesh; State Tally Rises To 39The number of COVID-19 casesin Madhya Pradesh rose to 39 on Sunday morning with five more persons testing positive for coronavirus, officials said.
The five new patients include a 17-year-girl from Ujjain and four men - aged 21, 38, 40 and 48 all residents of Indore, a bulletin issued by the Government Mahatma GandhiMedical College in Indore said.
The girl is undergoing treated at a hospital in Ujjainnwhile the four men were being provided medical care in Indore.
These patients do not have any foreign travel history,nthe bulletin said, news agency PTI reported.
7 more COVID-19 cases reported in the state(4 from Mumbai, 1 from Pune and 1 each from Sangli and Nagpur). Total number of cases in the Maharashtra rises to 193, news agency ANI reported.
COVID-19 Patient Dies In Ahmedabad, Total Number Of Deaths In Gujarat Reaches 5A 45-year-old COVID-19 patient died in Ahmedabad on Sunday morning, taking the total number of deaths due to coronavirus in the state to five, the health department said.
The man was also suffering from diabetes, it said.
With this, the number of deaths due to coronavirus in Ahmedabad has gone up to three.
Earlier, one death each was reported from Bhavnagar and Surat.
Till Saturday evening,the number of coronavirus cases in the state stood at 55, news agency PTI reported.
Man suffering from COVID-19 dies at Srinagar hospital; number of deaths in Jammu and Kashmir rise to 2, news agency PTI reported quoting officials
5 COVID-19 patients from Pune have tested negative in repeat samples and will be discharged today: Shravan Hardikar, Municipal Commissioner, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation
Kiren Rijiju Donates One-Month Salary For Fight Against COVID-19 PandemicSports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday donated his one month salary over and above Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive to all BJP MPs to contribute Rs one crore from MPLAD funds in the country''s fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
"PM Narendra Modi ji announced #PMCares Fund to strengthen disaster management capacities and to encourage research on protecting citizens. It accepts micro-donations too. Let us contribute to make India healthier and more prosperous for our future generations. I've donated my one month salary," Mr Rijiju wrote on his Facebook page, news agency PTI reported.
Indian Students Stranded In UK Due to COVID-19 Travel Ban Urge PM Modi For Rescue FlightHundreds of Indian students stranded in the UK have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to organise a rescue flight amid the ongoing travel ban enforced by India to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
A group of at least 380 students from India has started a data chain with their passport details to create a collective voice to lobby the Indian government for action.
Among them is a group of marine engineers from Kerala enrolled at the South Tyneside College in Tyne and Wear in north-east England, who were due to fly
"Our exams were supposed to happen on 23rd and 24th of March, but got cancelled on the 23rd after getting the question paper at the exam centre, by which time India's travel ban was in place," said Akhil Dharmaraj, First Engineer with NYK Ship Management who would be promoted to Chief Engineer once he clears his UK exams, news agency PTI reported.
14-Day Mandatory Quarantine For Lakhs Of Migrants Returning To UP, BiharA 14-day quarantine is mandatory for lakhs of migrant labourers who are returning to their native towns and villages in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar after special buses were arranged for them on Saturday amid a nationwide lockdown over coronavirus or COVID-19. Read
here.
FIR to be registered against Managing Director of a company for hiding his travel history. 13 people from his company had tested positive for Coronavirus: Gautam Buddh Nagar Chief Medical Officer, Anurag Bhargav
COVID-19 Patients, Possibly Infected People To Get 28-Day Paid Leaves: Noida DMCOVID-19 patients and possibly infected people who are in quarantine will get 28-day paid leaves from their employers, District Magistrate BN Singh said.
Employees of shops and factories which are shut due to orders from the state government or district magistrate will get paid for the period they are closed, an order from the District Magistrate read.
"In Gautam Buddh Nagar district, salaries under certain circumstances must be paid to the labours/employees during the lockdown. Else law will take its own course under the National Disaster Management Act 2005," Mr Singh tweeted, news agency ANI reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today give his first Mann Ki Baat radio address during the three-week shutdown necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic that has crippled several nations.